When should I go to Disney World?

I guarantee you that everyone asks themselves that question.  And we could sit here and talk all the live-long day about it.

There are many opinions out there.  I'll share mine with you, but I'll also share some things to think about with regard to you and your vacation.

Is cost a significant factor?

Well, who doesn't want to save a few bucks?  Disney is just like any other travel mecca;  There are times when it's busier than others and they charge extra at their resorts, and sometimes have surcharges at some restaurants, for those busier times.  The law of supply and demand in action.

Each Disney theme park area has its own seasons.  Busy times for Disney World don't necessarily line up with busy times at Disneyland in California. 

For this post, I'm going to stick with Disney World.  (But if you have questions about Disneyland or other Disney areas, please feel free to post a comment.)

There are four main seasons: Value, Regular, Peak and Holiday.

Value Season is the least expensive, but it's also times that are probably least convenient for people to travel. In general, Value season typically covers January, the first part of February, September and the first two weeks of December.

Regular Season is generally late April through mid-August, October and most of November.

Peak Season usually runs from President's Week in mid-February through mid-April.  It basically covers when most of the Spring Break times would be in the United States.

Holiday Season is the most expensive time to stay at Disney resort hotel.  This includes the week before and the week after Easter, and Christmas week.

Keep in mind, I'm speaking in generalities here.  For the most current rack rates that Disney is offering, it's best to visit http://www.disneyworld.com.

Do you need to worry about school?

If you have school-age children, odds are it's something you have to take into consideration.  Some districts like to play with a heavier hand than others with regard to family vacations.  Others see the value in family time. 

What about weather?

Summer is brutal in Florida.  There's no easy way to say it. It's hot and it's humid.   Assess for yourself if you can really have an enjoyable vacation if you travel in the summer. 


August and September are peak months for hurricane season.  And there are always good deals from about August 15 through the end of September.  Can you live with the possibility of having a hurricane come through during your stay?  Disney is the place to ride one out.   But essentially, do you want to take the roll of the dice for a good deal?  Many people do.

Basically, it comes down to, how prepared are you willing to be?  If you can plan ahead and be prepared, any time of year is do-able at Disney World.

I'd start with those three items and try to narrow down from there.

Now, I promised I'd tell you my favorite times to go to Disney World:

1. Early December. 
2. October/November.
3. Spring

Why these times?  Well...I'm saving that for some future posts!

Have questions on when to plan your trip, or what's going on right now?  Please post a comment and let's have a chat!