Since opening its doors to the public on October 1, 1971 it has been a vacation destination beloved by countless people. Since the weather in Orlando is warm throughout the year, Disney World is open year round. While there are times that are slower than others, there really isn't an "off season," according to frommers.com. Its various events draw crowds all through the year. Known as the place where dreams come true, Disney World has something for everyone.
If you want to avoid the crowds, avoid Spring Break. One of the busiest times at Walt Disney World is the two weeks before and after Easter. During those times, the crowds can be unbearable and the wait times for rides unreal. However, spring is a good time to visit for those looking to avoid the summer heat, so don't completely count it out. Parents can consider pulling their children out of school early or extending their spring break by a few days in order to have a more enjoyable vacation. Also, according to Kim Wright Wiley, author of "Walt Disney World with Kids 2009", the parks are open later in the spring than they are in the fall, but it's wise to check the park schedule before planning a trip.
Since the kids are out of school, summer is an extremely busy time of year at Walt Disney World. Avoiding the crowds is nearly impossible. However, the parks are open later throughout the summer months, so guests have more time to enjoy their stay. To avoid the crowds, Wright Wiley recommends the first two weeks in June and the last two weeks of August. The heat can be unbearable in Florida though, especially in August, so be prepared for the hot, humid weather.
According to frommers.com, the best time to visit Walt Disney World is after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving. In the fall, the crowds are lighter than any other time of year. The weather is also cooler than the summer months. However, the parks close early in the fall, some as early as 5 pm. This also means that some of the evening attractions, like the evening parade in Magic Kingdom, are scheduled only on the weekends. The plus side is that three of Walt Disney World's most popular events take place in the fall. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Pirates and Princess party in the Magic Kingdom, as well as Epcot's Food and Wine Festival are all fall activities designed to draw guests to the parks.
Winter is a mixed season. The operational hours of the parks are shortened as they are in the fall, so checking the scheduled hours before booking a trip is necessary. The Christmas and New Year's holidays pull in a huge crowd at Walt Disney World. As long as the holiday weeks are avoided, winter can be the ideal time to visit. In the first two weeks of December, the holiday decorations are already up, but the crowds haven't arrived yet. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is also held each year on several evenings throughout December. January and February are also not crowded, with the exception of the weekends around the Martin Luther King Jr. and President's Day holidays.
