By guest blogger Carl Trent of Dad’s Guide to Walt Disney World
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World? That’s the number one question I’m asked every year. It’s a real good question. In fact it’s the first (of many) questions that have to be answered when you are planning that “Perfect” vacation.
My standard answer to the question is “anytime you can,” but really that’s not a really helpful answer. It’s true, but not real helpful.
Let’s talk about this a bit. There can be a vast difference in crowd levels from week to week. For example, one of the busiest weeks of the year at Walt Disney World is Presidents’ Day week (an American Holiday, which in 2013 will be Feb. 17-23).
During Presidents’ Day week, all of the parks will be packed. Lines can reach three to four hours on some of the big rides and over an hour on some of the “short” line rides. But, if you were to arrive at Walt Disney World the week before Presidents’ Day or the week after (and most of the weeks around that time), you would find almost no crowds. You could walk on to almost any ride (except Toy Story Mania, which always has a line). It’s an incredible contrast.
Crowds make a big difference in the best time to visit, but you also might want to consider some of the great Disney World events when you are trying to decide when to visit.
Our favorite time of the year at Walt Disney World is Christmas time. Christmas is filled with great shows, great decorations and a magical spirit. All of the parks, all of the hotels, all of the restaurants, everyone gets all dolled up in their Christmas finest and celebrate the holidays in style. Christmas is a wonderful time to plan a Disney World vacation. (Just avoid the week of Christmas Day. Trust me.)
Christmas isn’t the only great time to visit. During the year there are big events like the Flower and Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, and the Food and Wine Festival. There are also lots of smaller events like the Marathon weekends, golf tournaments, concerts, Night of Joy, Spring Training (Atlanta Braves) and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Each of the events is a big deal. Disney knows how to throw an event. They make each of them a special occasion. Try one of them out.
