When are the best days to go to Disney World? Look toward October, one analysis says (2024)

Walt Disney World is a joyous celebration of fun, happiness and childike wonder. It's the Happiest Place on Earth.

And, as every Disney fan knows, it's also one of the most crowded. Over 58 million people pass through those gates every year and they all seem to be standing in front of you at the Haunted Mansion.

Every day is likely to be thronged, but there are some times when it's easier to move around than others. MagicGuides, a Disney travel service, analyzed park attendance data, ride lines, crowd levels and temperatures to find the best days over the next year to visit Disney World, as well as Disney's other three Central Florida theme parks: Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Plan your vacations accordingly.

Please note: These are predictions based on past data and should be seen only as suggested guides. Events and weather both change fast in Florida.

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When is Disney World the least crowded?

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be slightly less crowded year-round. July and August can sometimes be good times, MagicGuides said, if you can handle the heat, but overall the summer is full of vacationing Disney fans. You also want to generally avoid times when kids are out of school. The times most likely to be less crowded for the Disney parks in Orlando are:

  • January 2nd until just before Presidents’ Day week (the third Monday in February)
  • The month or so after Labor Day
  • The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week before Christmas

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When is Disney World the most crowded?

Days with a y in them? "Unsurprisingly, weekends are typically more crowded than weekdays," the release from MagicGuides said, "and when it comes to weekdays, Mondays and Fridays tend to be slightly more crowded than Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays." Persistent rumors about Disney lowering its drinking age may contribute to teenage attendance.

The times with the highest attendance rates are:

  • Presidents’ Day week (the third week in February)
  • Spring Break period, from mid-March through to late April
  • Memorial Day weekend
  • Summer (mid-June through Labor Day)
  • Thanksgiving week
  • Christmas week, till January 1st

If you can't get in, you can still have fun outside. Here are ten things to do at Disney World outside the parks, and ten iconic Disney World snacks you can buy in the outside world. You can even get an official Disney license plate.

When are the best days to go to Disney World?

Based on MagicGuide's analysis, the best days to visit the Disney World Magic Kingdom are:

  • Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023
  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023

If you're 14 or over, though, skip the costume. Disney doesn't allow them to avoid confusion, with an exception for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

When are the best days to go to Epcot?

Based on MagicGuide's analysis, the best days to visit Epcot are:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023
  • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023
  • Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023
  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023
  • Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023

When are the best days to go to Hollywood Studios?

Based on MagicGuide's analysis, the best days to visit Hollywood Studios are:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023
  • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023
  • Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023
  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023

When are the best days to go to Animal Kingdom?

Based on MagicGuide's analysis, the best days to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom are:

  • Monday, Oct. 23, 2023
  • Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023
  • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023
  • Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023
  • Friday, Oct. 27, 2023
  • Monday, Oct. 30, 2023
  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023
  • Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023
  • Friday, Nov. 3, 2023
  • Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
  • Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
When are the best days to go to Disney World? Look toward October, one analysis says (2024)

FAQs

Is October a good time to visit Disney? ›

But while there is lots to enjoy about October at Disney World, there are a few other things you should know: October is busy. Like, really busy. If you have a good plan and are flexible, we are positive you will still have a great time.

What should you wear to Disney in October? ›

Comfortable clothes that you can layer: Similar to the fall season, you likely won't need heavy outerwear, but the mornings and evenings may be cool enough to need a light jacket or sweater. If you're visiting later in the season, you'll more than likely be fine without needing to layer clothing.

What is the cheapest month to go to Disney? ›

Disney World Ticket Cheapest Seasons

Those low seasons are in January, August, and September, with increases or spikes around major holidays. Historically, ticket prices somewhat follow hotel prices, so these patterns aren't surprising.

Why is Disney more expensive in October? ›

This is due to a combination of the secret getting out, people postponing summer vacations for better pricing, more schools having longer fall breaks, Walt Disney World doing more convention business, and other factors. Now, October is one of Walt Disney World's busier months.

Can you swim in Orlando in October? ›

As a general rule, the water anywhere in Florida will be warm enough to swim between April and October. During the cooler months, the farther south you go, the warmer it will be.

Is it warm enough to swim at Disney World in October? ›

Late September and early October are also great times to visit while it still warm and low crowds. It's just before the hype of Halloween gets here. All of the pools around Walt Disney World are heated, so the water won't be an issue of temperature.

How to dress in Florida in October? ›

As fall really kicks in, your wardrobe in October and November will be similar: cardigans, turtlenecks, booties, long-sleeved shirts, etc. The main difference lies in layering. In November, the weather is even more cold and dry in comparison to October, so layering will help keep the heat in.

Can I wear ripped jeans to Disney? ›

Inappropriate Attire

Masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older (unless they are for medical purposes) Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics. Excessively torn clothing or loose fitting clothing which may drag on the ground and create a potential trip hazard.

When not to visit Disney World? ›

More specifically, Walt Disney World is the most crowded when kids are out of school: over summer through later August, Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Years weeks, Presidents Day week, the spring break month of March; and the weeks before and after Easter.

What is the slowest day to go to Disney? ›

A: Tuesdays tend to be the slowest day at Magic Kingdom. This is mostly because many families will start a seven-day Disney World vacation on a Sunday or Monday with the Magic Kingdom park being the first park they visit.

What is the most crowded day at Disney? ›

Independence Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving bring in moderate to heavy crowd levels, and the weeks before and during Christmas and New Year's Eve bring significant crowds which frequently result in park closures due to the parks reaching maximum capacity.

What is the cheapest you can go to Disney for? ›

A Disney Cruise May Be the Cheapest Weeklong Disney Vacation. A Disney vacation at sea is often cheaper than at the theme parks given that most everything is included on board. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020.

What is the most expensive month to go to Disney? ›

Most Expensive Times to Visit Disney World

As previously mentioned, the winter holidays are one of the most expensive times of year to visit Disney World, and the week of Christmas and New Year's is typically the priciest period to visit.

How far in advance should I purchase Disney World tickets? ›

Theme park tickets can be purchased and reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of your visit. With many schools getting ready to end for summer soon, I recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as you can.

Does it rain a lot at Disney in October? ›

The rain chances also decrease, with October only seeing around 3 inches of rain per year. But even though the rain chances aren't as high, we still recommend that you come prepared with ponchos, multiple pairs of shoes (in case one pair gets wet), and umbrellas just in case.

Is October a good time to visit Orlando? ›

Average monthly temperatures

s, visit between June and September, however many holidaymakers think the best time to visit is between October and May when the weather is near perfect. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 34 C and an average low of 24 C.

Are Disney pools open in October? ›

You will often find us splashing around during a mid-day break, having an evening swim or even enjoying the attractions at the Disney Water Parks all year round. I am happy to let you know that all of the Disney Resort hotel pools are open year round.

Does Magic Kingdom close early in October? ›

Magic Kingdom will be open from 9AM to 10PM most days in October. On days when Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place in this park, it will close at 6PM to everyone who doesn't have a party ticket.

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