The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2023 (Infographic)

Disney World is a magical place where dreams come true. But unless you dream about the DMV, you probably want to avoid long lines on your vacation. Well, don’t worry about your trip turning into a nightmare, because Guide2WDW is here to help! We’ve put on our lab coats and analyzed several years of crowd data to determine the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2023.

Last time in our When to Visit Disney World Guide, we covered which weeks are the most crowded at WDW. In this section, we’re focusing on the weeks with the shortest wait times at Disney World’s four theme parks, based on four years of wait time data from Thrill-Data.com.

Going during these weeks is one of the best ways to maximize your vacation time. When Disney World has low crowds, you feel like Disney royalty. You can enjoy all of your favorite attractions without having to dodge and weave through a herd of strollers. You can even get a ton of things done while still sleeping in (although rope dropping is still one of our favorite Disney World tips, even on uncrowded weeks).

And what’s even better is that you will usually save money by visiting on these weeks! Disney World charges less for tickets and add-ons like Genie+ on less crowded weeks, and they often run their best promotions to try to boost attendance during these times.

A couple of technical notes before we begin: For the purpose of this guide, a week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday. Also, I’ll be describing weeks as they appear on a calendar, such as the first week in February or the second week in December. This will include partial weeks. This year, February 1 was on a Wednesday. So I’m considering Wednesday February 1 – Sunday 5 to be the first week in February, and then February 6-12 is the second week in February, etc. It’s surprisingly tricky to describe certain weeks. For example, if the first of the month lands on a Saturday, does that really count as the first week of the month, even though it’s only two days? For consistency’s sake, I’m saying yes. I’ll also give as much context as possible, including information regarding holidays and school breaks.

So, grab your mouse ears and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2023!

Historical Wait Time Data for the Least Crowded Weeks at Disney World

The least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2022

In 2022, the two least crowded weeks at Disney World were the two weeks surrounding Labor Day. This is somewhat surprising, as Disney World typically gets more crowded on holiday weekends throughout the year. For example, the weeks surrounding President’s Day are two of the most crowded weeks at Disney World.

However, it makes some sense, as the school year has started by Labor Day, and many families have already taken a big summer vacation so most people won’t be visiting for the entire week. Also, it’s among the hottest times of the year in Orlando during these weeks, which can keep the crowds away.

In general, the least crowded months were August, September, and early October. There were also some good weeks to be found in January, May, November, and even December.

Here are the weeks with the shortest wait times at Disney World in 2022.

9. Three Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 36 Minutes
   • The fourth week in January (1/17-1/23)
   • The last week in November / The first week in December (11/28 – 12/4)
   • The third week in December (12/12-12/18)
6. Three Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 35 Minutes
   • The second week in May (5/2-5/8)
   • The third week in August (8/15-8/21)
   • The fourth week in September (9/19-9/25)
5. The second to last week in August (8/22-8/28) – Average Wait Time: 34 Minutes
6. The last week in September / first week in October (9/26 – 10/2) – Average Wait Time: 32 Minutes
7. The third week in September (9/12-9/18) – Average Wait Time: 31 Minutes
8. Labor Day Weekend: The last week in August / first week in September (8/29 -9/4) – Average Wait Time: 29 Minutes
9. Labor Day Week: The second week in September (9/5-9/11) – Average Wait Time: 27 Minutes

The least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2021

2021 had similar patterns to 2022. In general, August, September, and early October have the least crowded weeks at Disney World. January was also a good time to visit, with the last two weeks having some of the shortest waits.

Here are the weeks with the shortest wait times at Disney World in 2021.

8. Three Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 23 Minutes
   • The last week in January (1/25-1/31)
   • The first week in February (2/1-2/7)
   • The fourth week in September (9/20-9/26)
7. The fourth week in January (1/18-1/24) – Average Wait Time: 22 Minutes
8. The third week in September (9/13-9/19) – Average Wait Time: 21 Minutes
4. Two Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 20 Minutes
   • The fourth week in August (8/15-8/22)
   • Labor Day Week: The second week in September (9/6-9/12)
1. Three Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 18 Minutes
   • The second to last week in August (8/23-8/29)
   • Labor Day Weekend: The last week in August / The first week in September (8/30-9/5)
   • The last week in September / The first week in October (9/27-10/3)

The least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2019/2020

For this guide, we’re combining crowd data from 2019 and 2020. Why? Thrill-Data.com began collecting data in February 2019, so we’re missing some weeks from early that year. On top of this, Disney World was closed for several weeks in 2020 and had much lower wait times when reopening due to limitations in capacity. Therefore, neither 2019 nor 2020 provides a complete picture, and the majority of 2020’s data is unhelpful for this guide.

To come up with predictions for the least crowded weeks to go to Disney World in 2023, I combined the wait time information from 2019 and 2020. Since the first two months and a half of 2020 were typical, I used the January weeks to supplement the dates not present in 2019. For the weeks that came up in February and March, I calculated an average of 2019 and 2020. And then for the weeks starting from the second half of March up to the end of the year, I only used 2019 data, as 2020 is an anomaly. To be consistent, I employed the calendar dates from 2019 since the majority of the data is from 2019.

Once again, we’re seeing a clear pattern: August through early October have the shortest wait times at Disney World. However, there were also some good weeks in April and December.

10. Two Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 35 Minutes
    • The second week in April (4/8-4/14)
    • The third week in December (12/9-12/15)
9. The fourth week in October (10/21-10/27) – Average Wait Time: 32 Minutes
10. The fifth week in September (9/23-9/29) – Average Wait Time: 31 Minutes
6. Two Way Tie – Average Wait Time: 30 Minutes
   • The last week in September / First week in October (9/30-10/6)
   • The last week in October / First week in November (10/28-11/3)
5. The fourth week in September (9/16-9/22) – Average Wait Time: 28 Minutes
6. Labor Day Weekend: The last week in August / first week in September (8/26-9/1) – Average Wait Time: 26 Minutes
7. The third week in September (9/9-9/15) – Average Wait Time: 25 Minutes
8. The fourth week in August (8/19-8/25) – Average Wait Time: 20 Minutes
9. Labor Day Week: The second week in September (9/2-9/8) – Average Wait Time: 19 Minutes

Predictions for the least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2023

Here are our predictions for the least crowded weeks in 2023, based off of the wait time data that we’ve reviewed so far. To come up with this list, I didn’t just average the wait times across the last four years and put them in order. Because of new attractions opening up, wait times can dramatically shift from year to year.

Instead, I made an average of each week’s relative ranking within the year. For example, The first week in September the least crowded in 2022, the 4th least crowded in 2021, and the least crowded in the combination of 2019/2020. So the average ranking was 2nd across those four years. I compared that average ranking to every other week’s average ranking.I’m also taking into consideration how holidays shift from year to year, as well as special events coming up at Disney World.

So here are Guide2WDW’s predictions for the least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2023.

9. Two Way Tie
   • Second to last week in January (1/23-1/29)
   • First week of May (5/1-5/7)
8. The second to last week in October (10/23-10/29)
9. The fourth week in September (9/18-9/24)
10. The third week in August (8/14-8/20)
4. Two Way Tie
   • The third week in September (9/11-9/17)
   • The last week in September / First week in October (9/25-10/1)
3. The fourth week in August (8/21-8/27)
4. Labor Day Week – Second week in September (9/4-9/10)
5. Labor Day Weekend – Last week in August / First week in September (8/28-9/3)

The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2023 – Guide2WDW’s Picks

However, what weeks are the least crowded does not answer the question “What are the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2023?” You also have to consider other factors like seasonal events, the temperature, and new attractions.

When would I plan my WDW vacation in 2023?

7) Tie: Any of the weeks in mid-August through Mid-September (8/14-9/24)

These are going to be the best weeks at Disney World for avoiding crowds and saving money. However, these will be the hottest weeks in Orlando all year. Disney World will be sweltering. The low wait times combined with Halloween decorations and the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival still make these weeks tempting.

Just stock up on our recommended items to beat the heat.

6) The end of September / beginning of October (9/25-10/1)

What I mentioned above still applies. This week will have some of the lowest wait times and hottest afternoons, I would just expect it to be slightly cooler than the previous entry in this list.

Another way to beat the heat is to only go into the parks in the mornings and evenings, and then just chill in your hotel room or at the pool during the afternoons. With lower crowds, you’ll get more done during those hours anyway.

5) The second to last week in January (1/23 – 1/29)

MLK Jr Day lands on January 16 this year, so the week of January 23-29 can be an ideal time to visit. The weather will be cool, and there will be a bit of a lull between the crowds of MLK Jr weekend and President’s Day Weekend in February.

4) Tie: The second and third week of December (12/4 – 12/17)

While December is one of the most crowded months at Disney World, that’s mainly because of the last two weeks of the month around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The first couple of weeks in December can be a lovely time to visit. Crowds are relatively low – not as low as September, but definitely manageable. Plus, you get to enjoy very mild weather and the special holiday decorations and festivities, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

3) The first week of May (5/1-5/7)

Not only is the first week of May one of the least crowded weeks over the past few years, but this could also be a great week to visit Disney World due to some recent additions. Early April brings the arrival of the Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster and the return of the Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever fireworks shows.

While there should be an initial surge of guests coming to try out these offerings in April, it should taper off a bit by early May. It’s historically one of the best times to visit Disney World, and the weather should still be not too bad.

So if you’re really interested in seeing new offerings at Disney World while still avoiding the initial rush of crowds, this could be a good week to consider.

2) Last week of November / first week of December (11/27-12/3)

Thanksgiving is a little earlier this year, so the fourth week in November (11/20-11/26) will be extremely crowded. But the last week of November and first week of December (11/27-12/2) should be extremely nice to visit Disney World. The week immediately following Thanksgiving was one of the 10 least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2022. I would expect that the pattern would continue this year.

Wait times should be low, while temperatures will most likely be nice and cool. Plus, you’ll get to see the holidays in full swing at Walt Disney World, including EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays and the Christmas Tree scavenger hunt at Disney Springs.

If you’re able to stay home for Thanksgiving but then travel the next week, you can kick off the holiday season in style at WDW.

1) The second to last week in October (10/23-10/29)

However, if I had to choose just one week to visit Disney World in 2023, it would be the second to last week in October. This week has some of the lowest crowds over the past four years, plus it is one of the best times to visit Disney World. Halloween is in full swing, so it’s worth considering buying a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Plus, you can do your own adult version of Trick or Treating at each food booth at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. Sure, you have to pay for their treats, but I’d take paying for an Australian Lamb Chop over a free Mounds bar any day of the week.

Over the years, the end of October and beginning of November has been a favorite time to visit Disney World. The weather is typically very nice, although some years have been hotter than others. And the timing makes for just an ideal Disney World vacation, in my opinion.

How to plan an amazing Disney World vacation

There you have it! The best weeks at Disney World this year. Like most years, mid-August through early October will have the lowest wait times, but we also highlighted some other unique weeks that combine great weather and great events.

So, are you ready to plan the vacation of a lifetime?

Guide2WDW has your back! We have a ton of free guides and tips, such as Time Saving Tips and a Disney World Lightning Lane Guide so you can maximize your time while in the parks.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you should consider working with a travel agent for free vacation planning. We recommend our friends at Vacationeer. They specialize in all-things Disney, and they can help you get coveted hotel rooms, dining reservations, discounts with no extra cost to you.

Don’t miss the other entries in our When to Visit Disney World Guide.

10. • The Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom
    • The Best Days to Visit EPCOT
    • The Best Days to Visit Hollywood Studios
    • The Best Days to Visit Animal Kingdom
    • The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World
    • The Most Crowded Weeks at Disney World