Even though our family is based in SoCal (only 45 minutes from Disneyland), we have still trekked across the country 30+ times to visit the Disney World Resort Parks! We quickly learned the magic of Disney World is less enjoyable when it’s overcrowded.
The key to a great visit often lies in choosing the right time to go. So, I bring to you my Disney World Crowd Calendar 2025!
Disney World Crowd Calendar 2025
The very best time to go is the sweet spot when prices are reasonable, crowds are manageable, and temperatures are tolerable. The stars align a few times a year when all three happen to be at their ideal at the same time. If you can’t hit them all, then aim for two out of three.
We looked at a combination of factors that most visitors care about: price, crowds, events, and weather. Here is the month-to-month breakdown with updated 2025 holidays and events.
January
The first week of January at Disney World is typically bustling, especially with the Walt Disney World Marathon from January 8-12. After this event, the parks become significantly less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Our family loves traveling in late January—it’s peaceful, and the weather is mild but cool.
Pros:
- Light crowds after the first week
- Affordable hotel rates
- Mild weather with minimal rain
- Epcot’s Festival of the Arts starts mid-January
Cons:
- Chilly mornings and evenings (Florida-cold!)
- Epcot sees heavier crowds due to the festival
Special Events:
- Walt Disney World Marathon: January 8-12
- Epcot’s Festival of the Arts: January 17-February 24
- MLK Jr. Day Weekend: January 17-19
February
February in Disney World is a contrast of quiet weekdays and bustling holiday weekends. Early in the month is ideal for lower crowds and mild temperatures. Our family finds the weather gorgeous this time of year, perfect for walking around the parks without the summer heat.
Pros:
- Light crowds early in the month
- Affordable hotel rates (outside of holiday weekends)
- Comfortable weather
- Epcot’s Festival of the Arts continues through February
Cons:
- Increased crowds during holiday weekends and events
- Cooler mornings and evenings
Special Events:
- Festival of the Arts: January 17-February 24
- Mardi Gras: February 25
- Presidents’ Day Holiday: February 14-17
- Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 20-24
March & April
Spring brings beautiful blooms and the lively Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. March and April are popular months due to Spring Break and Easter. If you visit early March, you can enjoy the festivals with manageable crowds.
Pros:
- Gorgeous weather—warm but not overly hot
- Stunning displays and live concerts at Epcot
- Longer park hours
Cons:
- Crowds spike during Spring Break and Easter
- Higher hotel prices
Special Events:
- Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: February 28-May 27
- Easter: April 20
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: April 3-6
May
May is one of our favorite times to visit! The weather is warm but not yet sweltering, and crowds are moderate. Plus, the Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom—one of my personal favorites.
Pros:
- Moderate crowds
- Warm, pleasant weather
- Longer park hours and fewer refurbishments
Cons:
- Hotel prices begin to climb mid-month
- Occasional spring showers
Special Events:
- Epcot Flower & Garden Festival continues through May 27
- Mother’s Day: May 11
- Memorial Day: May 26
June, July & Early August
Summer is peak crowd season at Disney World. That said, our family has enjoyed summer visits by using early mornings and late evenings to beat the heat and crowds. Don’t forget your poncho—afternoon showers are common!
Pros:
- Extended park hours and more entertainment
- Water parks are a refreshing option
- Most attractions are fully operational
Cons:
- High crowds, especially around July 4th
- Hot, humid weather with daily rainstorms
- Premium hotel pricing
Special Events:
- Father’s Day: June 15
- Juneteenth: June 19
- Fourth of July Celebrations: July 4
Late August & September
This is a hidden gem time to visit! The parks empty out after schools return in late August. One September visit, we hopped from ride to ride with minimal waits—it felt like a dream.
Pros:
- Reduced hotel rates
- Free Dining Plan offers (historically offered in September)
- Warm weather for pool and water park days
Cons:
- Hot and humid conditions with afternoon rainstorms
Special Events:
- Labor Day Weekend: September 1
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Late August start (dates TBD)
- Rosh Hashanah: September 22-24
October & Early November
Fall brings delightful weather and festive events. Halloween at Disney is a blast, and Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival is in full swing. Weekends can be busy with locals and festival-goers.
Pros:
- Cooler temperatures
- Fun fall decorations and events
- Delicious eats at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival
Cons:
- Weekend crowds can be significant
Special Events:
- Halloween Festivities: All October weekends
- Mickey’s “Not So Spooky” Halloween Party: Select dates in October
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 13
Late November & December
The holiday season is magical at Disney World! We love visiting the week after Thanksgiving—the parks are beautifully decorated, and the crowds are surprisingly light. If you can’t swing that, anytime during December (before the holiday rush) is enchanting.
Pros:
- Stunning holiday decorations and parades
- Lighter crowds between December 1-15
- Cooler, pleasant weather
Cons:
- Peak crowds during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks
- Hotel prices are at their highest during holidays
Special Events:
- Thanksgiving: November 27
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Select dates in December
- Hanukkah begins: December 14
- Christmas Celebrations: December 18-31
Disney World Crowd Calendar Printable
Quick Tips for Avoiding Crowds:
Even if you visit during a busy time, you can still have a magical experience:
- Head to the left and back of the park first—most guests go right!
- Avoid Extra Magic Hours days unless staying on property. Visit those parks the following day instead.
- Use the My Disney Experience app to find rides with low wait times.
- Hone your knowledge of Lightning Lanes before you go, especially during peak times.
- Don’t forget to pack a poncho—summer showers are no joke!
So, When Do We Love to Visit Most?
It’s a split! We adore the week before Christmas break for the festive magic, but May holds a special place in our hearts with its perfect weather, moderate crowds, and Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival.
Of course, any Disney World visit is magical—this guide is just here to help you plan the best experience possible.
If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, get in touch with our agents at Best Day Ever Vacations. Our agents are the BEST, and not only are our services FREE, but we will save you both time and money.
Amber is not only the dynamic CEO and founder of our team but also a dedicated mother of six and savvy entrepreneur. Her extensive travels with her family have not only created lasting memories but have also led to their tight-knit bonds. Helping you bring your family closer together and finding community with all of you is what gets her out of bed everyday (although her toddler plays a role in this as well).
