As a Vacation Specialist, I understand how important it is for my clients to have an unforgettable experience at Walt Disney World Resort. I also understand why so many people write to me to say they’re struggling with deciding when to visit Walt Disney World. This can be a real challenge!

Some families prioritize weather conditions, ensuring they beat the Florida heat, while others want to visit during a special holiday celebration. The key to figuring out when to visit Walt Disney World while avoiding those larger crowds may be to visit the park during the off-season.

When to Visit Walt Disney World During the Off-Season

The off-season at Walt Disney World Resort is typically from January to February or September to October. During these periods, the crowds can tend to be smaller (with a few exceptions), and guests may be able to enjoy shorter wait times and take advantage of promotional offers for accommodations.

By planning your visit to Walt Disney World Resort during the off-season, you can plan to make the most of your time in the theme parks without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. With fewer people around, you and your family can explore the parks at your own pace and truly appreciate all the shops, entertainment, character experiences it has to offer. And with the use of Disney Genie+, the lower crowd sizes can really allow you to experience more attractions and rides without having to worry about long wait times.

Promotional Offers

Another benefit of visiting the park during the off-season is that it’s sometimes easier to find more affordable accommodation options. Many of the resort hotels at Walt Disney World offer lower rates during this time, and ticket prices for Walt Disney World Resort may also be cheaper. When I combine these for you into a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package, this can help you save money.

Attraction Reburbishments

It’s important to keep in mind that some rides and attractions may be closed for maintenance during the off-season. It’s always a good idea to check your My Disney Experience app before heading on vacation to make sure that your favourite attractions will be open, and to avoid surprises.

For example, the Splash Mountain attraction at Magic Kingdom is closed for refubishment, and will be unavailable for guests to enjoy until it re-opens in 2024.

Early and Extended Theme Park Hours

If visiting during the off-season isn’t possible for you and your family due to work schedules or other commitments or job schedules, there are other ways to avoid crowds. Arriving early in the morning or staying late in the evening can help you beat the crowds, and visiting the park during the week can also be less busy than on weekends. Deluxe resort guests will have access to those Extended Theme Park Hours on select nights. It’s always a lot of fun to visit the parks late at night!

As a Vacation Specialist at Pure Magic Vacations who specializes in selling the Disney Destinations, I’m here to help you plan when to visit Walt Disney World Resort to have the most magical vacation. By carefully selecting the best timing for your vacation, and taking advantage of other strategies to avoid crowds, I can help you have a stress-free and memorable vacation with your family. So, let’s start planning your trip today and make your Disney dreams come true!