The first week of October is a fantastic time to go to Disney World: the parks are practically empty. Even on the weekends, the LONGEST we waited in line was 10 minutes. We literally rode Space Mountain twice within 15 minutes. I talked to several people who said every year was like that. I'm sure there are other weeks that are the same.
We go to Disney in late January as a rule and although it is usually colder than most people would like (high 60's-low to mid 70's), you can enjoy the parks so much easier than at other times of the year. Last year my children were obsessed with Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and we rode it 15 times in a row with no waiting. We were also able to experience Test Track multiple times. Just be sure to check for the WDW Marathon, as that weekend can get busy.
The best time of the year to go to WDW is the first full week in December. We have gone the last 3 years at this time and we just can't explain it. You have to experience it for yourself. The first time we went at this time, I walked into the Magic Kingdom (the first day of our trip) and cried. I was so caught up in the "magic." The atmosphere and feeling that you will get is absolutely incredible. Where else would you want to be than Disney World during the Christmas Holiday. We always go for 8 days and you can get on rides with "NO" wait. We have found that by the 7th or 8th day of our trip that the crowds start to build. Since our first visit during this time of year, we have converted my older brother, my younger brother, all of our Disney geek friends, and finally convinced my mother to come on vacation with us this year - she has never been to Disney. Everybody loved going this time of year. Try it, you'll like it.
We have planned our last 3 visits to WDW to coincide with the Not So Scary Halloween Party because it is so much fun! A great tip is to make a priority seating for Liberty Tree Tavern for around 5:30 the evening of the party. Just tell a cast member you have a priority seating and they will let you go through. They empty the park starting at 6:00 for people without tickets to the party, which starts at 7:00. While the masses of people are exiting the park, you're having a great dinner. When you're finished eating, you walk out into the park refreshed and ready to enjoy the party! Also you can make your priority seating for Liberty Tree as soon as the Halloween tickets go on sale which is usually the end of April or early May.
Our family always waits for Free Dining to come around to book our trip. But, not only do we take advantage of that, we add on more food and park days than we are actually staying. It only costs a little bit more. Why would we add on more days if we aren’t staying that long??? You can reserve restaurants that take 2 table service meals and you don’t have to pay a lot more for a more expensive meal. Suddenly eating at Cinderella’s Royal Table doesn’t cost too much!
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival makes September through November a great time to visit Walt Disney World, but watch out for the weekends. Epcot can get VERY crowded on Friday evening and all day Saturday. If you are at Disney World for vacation, try a different park at those times and hit Epcot during the week - the crowds are much better then.
If you are traveling to the Magic Kingdom with children under two years old, I highly recommend going in the month of October. Crowds are small and the weather is not too hot. (Actually, this is good advice for people of all ages going to Disney World!)
Do not visit the Magic Kingdom on a Monday. It is packed! For many people, Magic Kingdom is the first park they go to, which makes the days or day after most people arrive typically very crowded. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are always better for the Magic Kingdom. Instead, visit one of the other three parks on Monday, as they will be much less crowded.
We were lucky enough to get the Disney Dining Plan included in our booking, this was a great bonus it saved us a fortune. Disney has done this promotion several times over the last few years. If you can get the free Disney Dining Plan during your trip to Disney World, I definitely would say get it! It's a great value!!!
If you're going to Walt Disney World around the holidays, go into the parks early or else there's a chance you might not get in. Our dates there were Dec. 29 - Jan. 2 and I had read that it would be crowded. In fact, all the websites had said that it would be VERY, VERY crowded - the MOST crowded week of the year. However, NO one pointed out that the parks (ALL 4 of them) close when they reach capacity and no more people are allowed in until hundreds leave (per the CM). There were many disappointed families, and many said that if they had known that having a ticket didn't mean that you would get into the park, they wouldn't have come. People need to know this when planning their WDW trip.
Be Sure to Also Check Out
Tusker House
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Fairfax Fare
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Crystal Palace
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Disney World Parks
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Find out about Disney World's attractions, shows, and restaurants at the four theme parks.