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The Best Times to Go to Disney World for Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Weather

Planning a Disney vacation? Here are the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

Mariah Tyler

There’s always a reason to visit the "Most Magical Place on Earth," Walt Disney World. Deciding exactly when to go depends on what matters most to you. Looking to spot the famous Mickey pumpkins that line Main Street, U.S.A., during Halloween season? How about visiting when the temperatures are at their coolest? These factors and many more can affect your decision about when to plan a Disney trip, but if you want general guidelines, consider this overview.

• High Seasons: March to April and June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: December to February, plus the month of May
• Low Season: September to November

Whether traveling with a group of friends or your family, here are the best times to go to Disney World.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Smaller Crowds

A Walt Disney World vacation involves navigating a variety of details from booking theme park tickets and dining reservations to deciding which rides to try when. The last thing you want to add to that list is heavy crowds.

While Disney parks consistently draw guests year round, there are a few times to visit that are typically less crowded. In the winter, any date outside of the busy weeks of Christmas and New Year's can be fairly quiet. A trip at this time of year also has the added bonus of cooler temperatures — or, to superfans, "Spirit Jersey weather." Disney World's least busy month, though, is almost always September. Crowds begin to thin out as school breaks wind down in August, and once Labor Day is over, the resort is usually as close to empty as it ever gets. Disney World used to remain uncrowded throughout the fall, but the growing popularity of Disney's Halloween offerings does mean that October is increasingly busy.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Good Weather

There's a reason they call Florida the Sunshine State. The Orlando region can see more than 300 days of sun each year, making for ideal vacation weather almost year-round. Though July and August are risky given their occasional triple-digit temperatures, you can usually expect pleasant conditions in Disney World no matter when you visit.

Temperatures are at their coolest — often as low as 50 degrees — in January. (Yes, it can get chilly in Florida!) But while this may limit some activities, like visiting your resort’s pool or one of Disney's water parks, it does make for a more comfortable time in the theme parks. The winter months are also typically low in precipitation, so chances are you'll avoid the afternoon thunderstorms common in Florida summers — along with the need for pricey ponchos and umbrellas. To take advantage of this mild winter weather, visit between January and March.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Lower Prices

The most important piece of any Disney vacation is theme park tickets. Disney World uses a dynamic ticket pricing system , meaning park ticket prices are tiered and will cost less during slower times. One-day, one-park admission starts at $109 but can increase significantly from there, especially if you're visiting on a holiday or busy weekend. A visit on Christmas Day, for instance, will set you back $159 per ticket. 

Off-peak times fall around January, February, September, and early November. Discounts on vacation packages booked directly through Disney (which combine park tickets and hotel stays ) can be found year-round, though they're most common at these less-crowded times. The same tends to apply for deals on accommodations and airfare. 

Related: These Are the Cheapest Times to Visit Disney World, According to Experts

Best Times for Adults to Visit Disney World

Walt Disney World can be an adult’s playground all year round, with standout dining and a host of experiences specifically catered to grown-up guests . One of the best times for adults to visit, though, is late summer and early fall, when summer-break crowds give way to (relatively) uncrowded autumn bliss. This time of year also coincides with Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival . At the park's longest-running and largest festival, you can nibble on globally inspired bites from dozens of outdoor kitchens. As the sun sets, enjoy concerts from national acts as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series, included in admission. 

One of Disney's most underrated festivals, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, is also not to be missed. Celebrating culinary, performing, and visual arts, this falls during one of the slowest points of the year, typically mid-January through February. While more intimate than Food & Wine, it delivers standout eats and entertainment, plus cooler temperatures for those who dislike the heat. 

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Families

Holidays at Disney are truly magical. While you may have to deal with more crowds than usual, the reward is a whimsical transformation of the parks and numerous limited-time offerings — from incredible decor to delicious seasonal foods. Kids will also love Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the after-hours special events that take over Magic Kingdom park in the final months of each year. Tickets for these parties follow a dynamic pricing system just like standard park admission does, so if you want to attend, plan your visit outside of each holiday's peak dates. While attending a Halloween party in August or a Christmas party in November may seem odd, families can enjoy hefty savings by embracing the festive spirit at unorthodox times.

Summer is ideal if your crew prefers to spend mornings on the rides and afternoons by the pool. Disney’s deluxe resorts — like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — offer the most elaborate pool complexes, complete with slides and poolside lounges. If taking full advantage of your resort’s amenities is a priority, a summertime stay may give you the best experience, despite its higher price tag.

Worst Times to Visit Disney World

A summertime Disney trip is a rite of passage for many families, but various factors can make the season less than ideal. The weather is arguably at its worst this time of year, with temperatures often in the 90s and an average humidity level of around 70 percent. Despite this, prices and crowd size both hit a peak in June, July, and August — so if you want to save money and avoid unpleasantly long lines, you may want to plan your trip for another season.

The winter months can offer good deals and above-average elbow room, but there are still challenges to consider. The weeks surrounding Christmas are some of the busiest (and priciest) of the year, and January's chilly conditions can pose a problem for visitors wanting to enjoy Disney World's pools and water parks .

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Best Times to Go to Disney World

We all know that Disney World vacations are memorable and magical. But did you know that the season, month, week, and even day you choose can make a big difference in your in-park experience? In addition, the time period you visit will also have an impact on costs and your ability to make  dining and Genie+ reservations . Therefore, the best time to visit Walt Disney World is an important consideration as you book your family vacation.

Deciding when to visit Disney World will depend on variables like crowds, cost, and weather. You should also weigh other aspects like special events, seasonal festivals, and extended park hours. This article highlights the main factors to consider as you plan the best time to visit Disney World. Let’s get started!

Rather speak directly with someone?  (It’s free!)  Contact a Vacationeer today!

Crowds – Best Time to go to Disney World

Walt Disney World is the single most visited vacation resort on the planet. And with an average annual attendance of over 58 million people, you should expect to encounter crowds on any given day of the year. Sorry – this is just a fact. However, there  are  certain times of the year with fewer crowds. So if you think the best time to go to Disney World is when there are fewer people to contend with, here are a few tips.

When is Disney World the most crowded?

Generally, you can expect the crowds to be  higher  during school vacation weeks, holidays, weekends, and the summer season. In particular, the crowds swell around February school vacation week, Spring Break, Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and holiday weekends (i.e., MLK, Memorial Day, and Labor Day).

You can also expect the park to be busy right after a new section/land or attraction opens (such as  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ). Some parks even have days of the week that are generally better or worse than others (see  Best Days to Go To Magic Kingdom ).

When is Disney World the least crowded?

Disney World theme parks are usually  less crowded  from January 2nd until Presidents’ Day weekend (the third Monday in February), the week following Labor Day until the weekend preceding Thanksgiving week, and the week after Thanksgiving weekend until the weekend before  Christmas  vacation week.

There are also some lighter non-vacation weeks in the late winter/early spring. But it goes without saying that Disney World is less crowded when families are busy with school and work and more crowded during school breaks, holidays, and weekends.

When is the best time to go to Disney World in 2023?

The least crowded times to go to Disney World in 2023 are:

• January 9-14
• January 22 – February 15
• March 31 – April 8
• April 17-30 (weekdays only)
• June Tuesdays-Fridays (only if you must go during summer)
• August 22-31
• September 1 – October 5 Weekdays (except Labor Day)
• October Weekdays (beginning and end of the month)
• November Weekdays (not including Thanksgiving week or Wine & Dine Half Marathon)
• December Weekdays (not including the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Eve)

The worst time to go to Disney World is during school vacation weeks, weekends, holidays, and the beginning and middle of the summer season — but if you have school-aged kids (and they’re not homeschooled ), you might be limited in your choices.

Disney theme park tickets are sold via a surge pricing model – ticket prices rise daily as the demand increases, and some parks are more expensive than others. Disney insists that this policy was instituted as a mechanism to even out the crowds throughout the year. But despite this new ticketing model, the normal seasonal patterns remain in play for the most part. So you’ll still need to factor in crowd levels when you’re  planning your Disney Vacation .

Planning a Disney World trip? Need help figuring out the best time to go?

We highly recommend contacting  The Vacationeer !

Their  expert Disney travel planners  are frequent Disney World visitors themselves, so they know all about juggling schedules and finding the best times to go. They can help you  find just the right balance  of hotel prices, ticket prices, and crowd levels.

The Vacationeer  provides free help planning your Walt Disney World vacation, and they’ll make all your reservations for you!

And best of all, there are no planning fees!  Their services are completely free  to use!

Plus, you’re  never under any obligation  to book. So contact them today — there’s nothing to lose!

Weather – Best Seasons to go to Disney World

Florida is known as the sunshine state. But while everyone loves the sun, most people dislike the heat and humidity that often accompany the Florida sun. Rain showers and thunderstorms are commonplace at Disney World during the summer months, and there’s even a  remote chance of a hurricane  from June through October. Therefore, we recommend you  pack  an array of cooler and wet clothing items in your luggage because  Disney World weather  can be unpredictable.

That said, Disney World experiences really great weather for most of the year. It’s rarely cold, and snowstorms are unheard of.

As far as weather is concerned, we think the best time to go to Disney World Resort is during the spring and autumn seasons. Temperatures tend to be warm yet quite comfortable for walking around the park. Humidity levels are lower than in the summer, and the UV index remains relatively safe. And for the record, winter isn’t so bad either. Summer is the only season that is routinely unpleasant because of the heat and humidity.

Spring at Disney World

The Spring season is short, but it’s gorgeous this time of the year. With its vibrant flowers and blooming, aromatic trees, spring is a wonderful season to go to Disney World. Low temperatures range up to around 82°F with moderately low rainfall and relative humidity of around 50%. The sun is strong for at least nine hours per day, giving you plenty of daylight hours to enjoy the park.

Autumn at Disney World

The Autumn season is near perfect at Disney World. It, too, is a short season, but it’s well worth a visit during this stretch between Labor Day and Christmas. Granted, the start of fall may be on the warm and humid side as summer drags on, but the rest of this time frame experiences crisp air, mild to warm temps, and lower rainfall. Visitors will still have up to 8 hours of full sunshine. Then evening and nighttime temperatures often drop enough for a jacket or sweater. It’s good to keep in mind Florida’s hurricane season.

Winter at Disney World

Don’t let the name scare you off because winter isn’t so bad at Disney World. In fact, it has quite a few things going for it. The average high temperatures are typically in the low 70s and rainfall is less common than in other seasons. In addition, humidity is usually around 59% and the evenings cool off considerably. However, winter suffers from a few drawbacks, including fewer daylight hours, less incentive to jump in the pool because of the cooler temperatures, and the park grounds aren’t as lush and beautiful.

Summer at Disney World

Walt Disney World’s summer is its longest season because it extends from May through September. On the surface, it may seem like the perfect time to visit the park. School is out, there are roughly 14 sunlight hours each day, and the theme parks usually have longer hours and more entertainment offerings. But the major downside is the heat. Mid-day temperatures often reach over 90 degrees and some days are even over 100 or 110! High humidity is also a factor, with an average of 61%. Then there’s the rainfall; Disney’s average precipitation of 6.4″ during the summer months, and July and August normally experience 13 days of rainfall. Yet if pools, water parks, longer park hours, and more entertainment are your top priorities, summer may be the best time to visit Disney if you don’t mind the summer crowds.

Cost – Cheapest Time to go to Disney World

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Disney World?

Generally speaking, the cheapest time to go to Disney World is when the park is least crowded. This is often over the winter months and other slow times of the year and during weekdays. Disney World often runs special promotions and discounted vacation packages during these slow times in an effort to entice more visitors. The most expensive time to visit Disney World is over the warmer-weather months, during school vacation weeks, holiday weeks, and weekends, or when Disney is hosting a popular event or festival.

Disney Theme Park Ticket and Hotel Prices

The cost of Disney World vacation packages fluctuates throughout the year. As far as nightly Disney World Resort Hotel pricing goes, the hotel rates increase during peak periods (like school vacations and holidays) and decrease during the slower, off-peak times of the year. This variable pricing policy is also in effect for theme park tickets. As demand for tickets increases, the price of theme park tickets also increases. As a result, more popular parks (or at least parks with smaller capacity and higher demand) cost a bit more than larger parks or those with lower demand. The advantage of this policy is that crowds are more evenly dispersed throughout the year (or that’s Disney’s stated reasoning, at least).

Disney World Theme Park Ticket Tiers

When Disney first introduced its variable ticket pricing model, there were three tiers of single-day theme park tickets: value, regular, and peak days. That seems like a distant memory, as tickets now have several price points and vary from park to park.

Starting Price for a 1-day Disney World theme park ticket in 2023. Exact price will vary based on which park is selected.

2023 base ticket (one day at one theme park) price ranges:

• Animal Kingdom: $109-$159
• EPCOT: $114-$179
• Hollywood Studios: $124-$179
• Magic Kingdom: $124-$189

Pick your days wisely, and you will save money! It’s always best to go to Disney World when there are fewer crowds. You usually pay less for theme park tickets and hotel stays, and have  shorter lines .

Multi-day theme park tickets work differently than single-day tickets. With multi-day tickets, the more days you purchase, the less you will pay  per day .

2023 multi-day ticket (one park per day) prices:

• 2-Day Ticket: $112+ per day
• 3-Day Ticket: $114+ per day
• 4-Day Ticket: $114+ per day
• 5-Day Ticket: $99+ per day
• 6-Day Ticket: $85+ per day
• 7-Day Ticket: $75+ per day
• 8-Day Ticket: $70+ per day
• 9-Day Ticket: $65+ per day
• 10-Day Ticket: $60+ per day

You might notice that the per-day pricing drops significantly at the five-day mark.

Of course, dining and lodging costs will greatly add to your overall expenses. So an extended stay – just to spend less per day on tickets – is not a money-saving strategy. However, it’s important to note this theme park ticket policy because most people spend more than a single day at Disney parks.

If you can afford it, we recommend Visiting Disney World for an entire week and experiencing at least one day at each theme park. There is so much to see and do!

Disney World Ticket Prices for Children

Disney world hotel prices.

There are more than two dozen official Disney resort hotels on the property. Walt Disney World Resorts are categorized into three tiers: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.  Disney Value Resorts  are the least expensive tier, followed by  Disney Moderate Resorts  as the middle tier, and  Disney Deluxe Resorts  as the most exclusive and costly.

Like theme park tickets, hotel prices vary based on the time of year. With so many variables in play — room type, location within the resort, location of the resort itself, view from the room, amenities, time of year, and even day of the week — it’s very difficult to provide a single price range for a stay at a Disney Resort Hotel. But the same general rules we give for tickets apply to hotels, too; if it’s a more popular time of year, hotel prices will be higher.

All-Star Sports Resort – Standard Room – 2023 Base Rate

The graph above shows sample starting prices for a stay in a Standard Room at All Star Sports (a Disney Value Resort). Those regular spikes you see represent increased prices around every weekend of the year. You can also see that the prices, in general, are higher during the more popular times of year and lower during the less-crowded times. You’ll pay $113  on January 3rd, 2023; the same room costs  $255  on December 25th, 2023.

This pricing model is generally in place at all Disney Resorts. An Outer Building Theme Park View room at the Grand Floridian (a Disney Deluxe resort) costs $827  on January 3 and  $1,449  on December 25. You can literally save hundreds of dollars per night just by changing your dates; even changing from a weekend to a weekday might save you between $50 and $100.

Perks of Staying at Disney Resort Hotels

Staying at any one of Disney’s hotels is more convenient because of the free  Disney World transportation  to and from the parks. It’s also more cost-effective when you consider all of the extra perks you will receive, and you’ll be about to make your dining and  Individual Lightning Lane  reservations before non-Disney guests. You can also create a  Disney payment plan  to pay off your trip in installments.

There are tons of non-Disney resort hotels in the Orlando area. Most of them are adequate and cheaper than many of Disney’s offerings. However, when you add up all of the perks offered to Disney Resort guests, we think the benefits greatly outweigh the extra cost. Stay at a Disney World Resort and be close to the action! See our  Disney World Resorts Comparison  page for suggestions.

Confused about Prices? The Vacationeer Can Help!

Holiday Festivals and Seasonal Events

For many people, the best time to go to Disney World is during the holiday season. This is the time of year when the park dazzles with decorations, and there is holiday cheer in the air.  Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party  kicks things off in August – October. Then  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party  takes over for November and December. Popular non-holiday events include the extensive  Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival  and the adult-friendly  Epcot International Food & Wine Festival . Let’s look at what each month offers at Disney World.

January may be the quietest month of the year at Disney World because the holiday vacation crowds are gone, and cool temperatures keep people away. The high temperatures only reach 70 degrees during January. If you don’t mind the frosty early mornings and chilly evening temperatures – and the fact that at least one of  Disney’s water parks  might be closed – then January may be the best time to go to Disney World. The pools are still heated, and the cheaper off-season rates and shorter lines make them worthy of your consideration.

January events include:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
• EPCOT  International Festival of the Arts

With the exception of Presidents’ Day week, Disney World in February usually experiences a rather slow month. And like January, at least one of Disney’s two water parks usually remains closed during this time. In addition, off-peak pricing is in effect for non-holiday weeks. If crowds are a major concern, then February is a decent choice so long as you avoid the school vacation week (Presidents’ Day week). February might lack some of the beauty and excitement that other months at the park have — but it’s also a favorite month for locals precisely because of lower crowds and cooler weather.

February events include:

• Disney’s Princess Half-Marathon weekend
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

March experiences heavier crowds because of Spring Break, Bike Week, and Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. However, the weather begins to rise in March, and the water parks re-open during the first half of the month.

March events include:

• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

April at Walt Disney World is characterized by heavier Spring break crowds and milder temperatures. Spring Break season and the Easter holiday are especially popular times to visit Disney World, so we would avoid these periods if possible. Temperatures rise to the mid-80s, and the flowers and trees are in full-bloom mode.

April events include:

• RunDisney  Springtime Surprise weekend

Crowds moderate during the month of May because the spring break season is over, and there are no “major” holidays or school vacations. Memorial Day causes a brief blip in crowd levels but the impact is nowhere near the levels seen at Christmas or even President’s Day. Although it’s spring and the flowers are still in full bloom, the weather feels more like summer, with temps reaching into the 90s. Thunderstorms are common occurrences during the afternoon.

May events include:

The summer season kicks off in June . While the first half of the month sees fewer crowds, the latter half experiences heavy traffic as students are off on summer break. Single-day ticket prices increase as the crowds swell, but the parks have extended hours and more shows and activities to even out the lines. June has long days of sunshine and hot weather, so come prepared with your sunscreen. A great time of the year to visit the water parks! (See our  Blizzard Beach vs. Typhoon Lagoon  page)

June events include:

Most people associate July with family vacations, so it’s no surprise that it is Disney’s peak month. Florida is sizzling hot during July, and temperatures can reach 100+ during the afternoon with lots of humidity. Rain and thunderstorms are also common. The good news is that the theme parks have extended hours. So you may want to hit the air-conditioned attractions, eat your meals, or head back to the pool during the hottest times of the day while experiencing the main attractions during the mornings and early evenings. Prices are typically higher during the summer months, so don’t expect to find any deep  discounts .

July events include:

• Fourth of July fireworks at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
• EPCOT  International Food & Wine Festival

The  Disney World weather  can reach extremes during August , one of the hottest months of the year. You can beat the afternoon heat by seeking shelter at air-conditioned attractions and shows, restaurants, AMC movie theatre (Disney Springs), water parks, and Disney resort pools. Crowds are heavy for most of August, but the parks do thin out (a little) as kids return to school towards the second half of the month. However, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween  Party and EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival help to draw visitors during the latter half of the month. Like July, it’s a hot, humid, wet, and crowded time to go to Disney World.

August events include:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in mid-August
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Early September at Disney World is still hot, but temperatures do moderate slightly as the month wears on. While it is  the peak of  hurricane season , storms  usually  don’t cause major impacts to central Florida. The latter half of September is one of the best times to go to Disney World because the weather is decent, and lines are manageable since most kids are back to school. Hotel rates and park tickets are also lower. In addition, EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are in full swing. September is a great time to visit Disney World!

September events include:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The afternoons are still hot, but the evening temperatures drop considerably during the month of October . Disney’s parks are decorated for autumn, and most evenings showcase Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events. The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is still going strong, and the crowds are moderate. October may be the best month to visit Disney World!

October events include:

November would be an excellent month to visit Disney World if it weren’t for the crowd swell during Thanksgiving week. But if you avoid this week (and weekends around the holiday), you will experience pleasant weather, relatively short lines, and a festive holiday atmosphere. Cast Members are decorating throughout the month, but most of Disney’s Christmas holiday decorations are up by mid-November. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off, and guests can enjoy many holiday events during the month.

November events include:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• RunDisney  Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
• EPCOT International  Festival of the Holidays

Disney’s theme parks are festively decorated in December , and holiday-themed events happen daily throughout the month. December is a popular time to visit Disney World because most people love the holidays and most children are out on school break. As a result, the beginning of the month experiences slightly lighter crowds, but the latter half of December is among Disney World’s busiest times of the year.

December events include:

• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
• Special New Year’s Eve fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World

In conclusion, the best time to go to Disney World will depend on your personal preferences. It will depend on what your budget and timing allow. There is no universal “best time to visit Disney World” because everyone’s vacation goals and lifestyle realities are different.

That said, certain times of the year have better weather and fewer crowds. This is quantifiable. Luckily, many of these periods are also less expensive.

We personally view September – Early December (minus Thanksgiving week) as the best time to go to Disney World, followed by the late winter through the short spring season. These periods have favorable Disney World weather and fewer crowds. Just avoid school break weeks, if possible. At the end of the day, you’ll have to make your own determination as to what works best for you.

We would certainly recommend staying at a Disney Resort and checking out  at least  two of the theme parks. However, you really have to stay at least 3-5 days to get the full Disney experience. And if you can go for a full week – and hit all 4 theme parks (and a water park) – even better!

Hopefully, this information will help you make more informed decisions to get the most enjoyment and value out of your trip. But whatever dates you pick, we are sure you’ll have a magical Disney World vacation!

Enjoy your trip!

Free Help Planning Your Disney World Vacation

As you’ve seen in this article, there’s a LOT to consider when trying to find the best time to visit Disney World. For personalized vacation planning help — all at  no additional cost  to you — we highly recommend contacting  The Vacationeer !

As our pick for the  best Disney travel agency  out there,  The Vacationeer  provides a dedicated agent to handle your trip from start to finish. No more  waiting on hold with a Disney call center  for you! That alone is a prime  reason to use a Disney travel agent . Then, consider the fact that they’ll help you find the best price for your vacation, even adding new discounts to your already-booked trip! Finally, add in the fact that their planning help doesn’t cost you a dime. It’s a no-brainer!

So let  The Vacationeer  handle all of your reservations for you — you won’t regret it!

We hope our Best Time to Visit Disney World has helped you decide the best week for your next vacation.

For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on  MagicGuides  like our  Animal Kingdom Restaurants ,  Best Magic Kingdom Rides ,  Best Hollywood Studios Rides ,  Disney Travel Agents ,  Disney World Youtube Channels ,  Disney World Map ,  and  Adventures by Disney Reviews  articles.

Considering California? Check our Disneyland Crowd Calendar and our Best Time to Visit Disneyland article, too!

Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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These are the best times to visit Disney World

There's no bad time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — but some times are better than others. In years past, there were predictable "slow seasons" and "busy seasons." However, after the park temporarily closed in March 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns, things became less predictable.

In addition to Disney adding more special events and upping the length of its festivals, Disney's theme park reservation system has kept crowds in check by limiting the number of guests allowed to visit a park on any given day.

Related: 19 Disney World secrets that can add 'pixie dust' to your vacation

That said, there are still ways to avoid the most crowded days and make the most of your time at Disney World. A Disney World vacation is optimal when prices are lower, the thermometer hovers between 70 and 80 degrees, and the wait times are at their shortest. There's no longer a true off-season at Disney, but there are times of the year when those favorable conditions are more likely to occur.

Best time of year for weather at Disney World

This will shock exactly no one, but Orlando is hot and sticky in summer. Temperatures typically sizzle in the 90s during the day, and humidity is through the roof. Those factors combine to create a heat index that can exceed 100, according to Weather U.S .

From June through August, you'll get a break from the heat most afternoons for an hour or so … during monsoon-like rains with thunder and lightning. Once the storms end, you'll be comfortable outdoors for about another hour before the oppressive heat returns — but expect some extra humidity while everything is damp.

Related: Best credit cards for theme parks

For the best weather at Disney, visit between October and December. By that time, you are less likely to deal with daily rain, and temperatures are more moderate. There are still plenty of warm days, but summer's heat and humidity have passed. You likely won't deal with the cold (by Florida standards) temperatures that come in January and February.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Best time for certain activities

Price aside, plan your visit around what you like to do. Water parks are most appealing during the hot summer months when you'd rather not sweat it out in the theme parks all day. Golf is best in spring and fall — unless you're an early bird who likes hitting the greens in the cool of dawn.

If you're headed to the massive ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, time your visit by the calendar of events to watch tournaments you'll enjoy. If someone invites you to a wedding at Disney's Wedding Pavilion or elsewhere, bring a hat for the sun and a sweater for the air conditioning.

Seasonal events at Disney World

From themed parties to food and wine festivals, special events are big at Disney World. The best time to visit could be when your favorite event is happening.

Spring events

Learn new gardening techniques and see detailed topiaries that resemble Disney characters at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival . It runs for four months, from early spring through the start of summer. Not only does it features Disney topiaries, but it also offers festival-specific eats and concerts by your favorite bands from the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Summer events

There are fewer events during the summer at Disney World. However, the LGBTQI+ community holds its Gay Days gatherings in Orlando. That event can draw tens of thousands of excited visitors and increase daily attendance at the designated park.

Walt Disney World has also added more separately ticketed after-hours events — such as the H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon — that let you enjoy more time in the parks with fewer crowds.

Fall events

Culinary enthusiasts should time their visits with Epcot's annual International Food and Wine Festival. It features global food and drink stands, free concerts and more. The festival spans nearly four months, starting in late July and stretching into mid-November.

Don't forget to pack a costume and join the ghoulish crowd at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party , a ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom that runs from August until Halloween.

Winter events

Starting the day after the final Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney magically transforms overnight from a spooky destination to a winter wonderland . Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at The Magic Kingdom is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

This party is a ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom that runs from early November through Christmas. Disney also embraces the holiday spirit at the after-hours Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios . Additionally, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays offers several global incarnations of St. Nick, plus a nightly Candlelight Processional.

When Disney World crowds are smaller

You can't completely escape the crowds at Disney World. Its four theme parks received roughly 47 million visitors through the turnstiles in 2022, according to the Theme Index and Museum Index of the Themed Entertainment Association . That's not even including folks who show up only for the golf, water parks, shopping, dining, spas, entertainment and conferences. The Orlando area, in total, received approximately 74 million visitors in 2022 alone.

Related: Is a Disney World annual pass worth it?

On big holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, Disney World gets so packed that The Magic Kingdom — the most iconic of the theme parks — can reach maximum capacity. The sister parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Epcot, draw hordes, too, though not to the same extent. You'll likely wait longer for rides, food and character encounters.

If you do visit on a holiday, try to visit a park other than the one where the main celebration is being held. On the Fourth of July, for example, The Magic Kingdom and Epcot hold special fireworks shows. If you visit Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios on those days, you will probably see fewer crowds and shorter wait times.

Although it isn't always feasible, try to visit when most kids are in school to avoid the biggest crowds.

The ideal times are weekdays after Thanksgiving break and before families descend for winter break. The weather will be cooler, and the lines will be shorter than at other times of the year. Also, the weeks after Labor Day but before school breaks begin in the fall can also be good times to avoid crowds (but know that September weather is still steamy in Orlando).

Other less-busy times can be in late January and early May — again, especially during the midweek days before and after most school spring breaks.

Cheapest dates to visit Disney World

It's no coincidence that when the crowds are lighter, ticket prices are lower. In late 2018, Disney World moved to a ticket pricing system that features higher prices on some dates than others.

On less-crowded midweek dates in August and September, for example, you can find single-day tickets for $109. However, during peak demand times between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, ticket prices can jump closer to $160 per day. Weekends also tend to cost more than weekdays.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

More affordable airfare

If you have the luxury of flexible dates, you can find cheap flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the less expensive times at the theme parks in August and September, according to statistics from the flight search engine Skyscanner.

Related: How to find cheap airfare

When hotel prices are lower

Disney has more than 20 resort hotels that provide perks, such as extended theme park hours and complimentary transportation to and from Disney's theme parks. As with all hotels, prices ebb and flow with demand — including when you book with rented Disney Vacation Club points .

Walt Disney World's value hotels, such as All-Star Sports or Art of Animation , offer prices that can start at or below $100 per night during the slower season. During peak season, even those value resorts can see rates climb higher than $250 per night.

If you have your eye on a deluxe resort — such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , the Contemporary or the Riviera Resort — prices can start under $400 per night during the slow season and soar to more than $1,000 per night during peak periods.

Related: How to save money at Disney resorts by renting DVC points

Disney also offers regular hotel discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars on your stay. Disney+ subscribers should especially be on the lookout for these offers, but you can check the Disney World website at any time for special offers available to the public.

How many Marriott points it costs to stay in the on-property Disney Swan or Dolphin properties also varies based on standard, peak or off-peak dates, so when you go will affect the total cost of your trip to Disney World.

Related: How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

Bottom line

We hesitate to say there's a bad time to visit Disney World, but there are times that are definitely less crowded and easier to enjoy. By finding the sweet spot for your schedule, factoring in Disney's slower seasons and any special events you want to experience, you can maximize the magic while saving money — and your sanity.

Related reading:

• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• The best Disney World hotels for your 2023 stay
• How you can save hundreds of dollars by renting Disney Vacation Club points
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Additional reporting by Tarah Chieffi.

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

Best Time To Visit Disney World: When To Go And When To Avoid

October 14, 2022 //  by  Sarah Newton //   Leave a Comment

When is the best time to visit Disney World, Florida? This is undoubtedly the question we get asked a lot and it’s not as easy to answer as it first appears.

Deciding on the best month to visit Disney is an individual decision and depends on so many factors. I mean the real answer is the best time to visit Disney World is when you can. If you have the privilege of being able to choose when you go then fantastic but please know whenever you go Disney is an incredible experience.

The best time to vacation at Disney is when works best for you and your circumstances.

In the article, we will walk you through all the information you need to help you make a decision about when to go to Disney World. Each month and season has its pros and cons and we will walk you through how to get the best out of your vacation whenever you decide to go.

So, are you ready to pack your bags, put on those mouse ears and get ready to meet Mickey? Of course, you are.

Oh and if you need help packing check out our Ultimate Packing Guide .

When Is The Best Time To Visit Disney World? 

The best time to visit Disney World depends on what you want out of a holiday and the capacity you have to choose when to go.

If you have children obviously the best time to visit is the school holidays because that is the only time you can take them.

Don’t handle heat well, then you will need to stay clear of the sticky hot months. Want to experience a particular celebration like Christmas or Halloween then you need to go when the decorations are up.

Keep in mind festivals. like the Food And Wine Festival, if you want to attend you will need to go when that is on. If you are going for a particular ride or entertainment event you will need to make sure it’s working and operational when you go.

If you hate crowds or are really short on time then you will need to visit in the off-season at Disney. Similarly, if you are looking to get the best value for money you will need to visit when the park is at low capacity.

There are so many considerations when it comes to the best month to go to Disney World, Florida. Our suggestion would be to decide on your three top priorities and plan from there.

Things to take into account are the weather, the crowds, the cost, park opening times, special events/festivals or celebrations, rides or entertainment shows you want to see and of course the times you can actually travel.

What Is the Worst Time To Go To Disney World?

There is no real worse time to go to Disney there is only a time that doesn’t work so well for you. However, saying this there are times that visiting Disney can be a more stressful experience than others.

If you can avoid the height of holidays. The park will sometimes get closed at Christmas because it has reached capacity to give you an idea of numbers. Easter and New Year can also be another really busy time.

If you hate the heat then July and August might be really challenging for you.

In general school vacations, weekends, public holidays, and the high summer season are the worst time to go to Disney World. But don’t worry if you have to go during these times there are things you can do to make it easier and more pleasurable.  

What Is The Cheapest Time To Go To Disney?

The cheapest time to visit Disney tends, not surprisingly, to be when the part is less crowded. This tends to be the winter months not including holiday periods so November, January, and February as long as you stay away from certain events.

During the slower times, Disney offers discounted packages and special promotions, particularly in hotels. Park tickets also have value, regular, and peak prices which are based on expected crowds for that day. Also, multi-day tickets tend to be better valued.

This article on How To Buy Discounted Disney World Tickets will help you decide when is the cheapest time to go.

In general the second week in January until spring break starts tends to be the cheapest time to visit Disney World, Florida. If you traveling on a budget early January, early May, late August, or all of September is the best time of year to go to Disney World for you.

If you are looking to save some money here are some money-saving Disney tips.

High And Low Season For Disney World 

While there is a Disney World off season it isn’t like other holidays in that within the low season you will also find huge peak periods. Low season at Disney is really more about quiet periods within the peak periods but you have to look for them.

The off-season at Disney tends to be January to early February and the times when children have gone back to school i.e September, October, and November. However, saying this while hotels might be cheaper in Florida the Halloween celebrations at Disney can make the park very busy.

The best way to think about the low season at Disney is that if the American children are at school it’s generally cheaper. And if you are not in America look this up as the school holidays in America are much longer than those in Europe for example.

While visiting during the Disney World off-season saves you money there are a few things to take note of. The off-season is often when Disney will close some rides for repairs and refurbishments so check before you go. There will also be fewer shows and entertainment on offer.

And while most people think that traveling out of season means you queue less this might not necessarily be the case. Often in low season, the rides run at a lower capacity as there is less staff on duty so the waiting times don’t necessarily reduce. Also, the park hours are reduced so you do get less time in the park.

Here are our tips for reducing wait time at Disney .

Visit Disney In Summer If You: 

For most this is the best time to go to Disney because their children are off school. For others, this is the worst time to go to Disney World due to the crowds, the expense, and the heat.

Summer at Disney World is a long season and really runs from May to September with June, July and early August being the busiest. However, if summer is the only time you go there are some advantages.

Everything at the park during summer will be operating at full capacity. All shows and entertainment will take place and rides and attractions are very unlikely to be closed for maintenance or refurbishment. Park hours are also longer and the sunlight hours are longer. So while the parks are busy everything is operating and you get longer in the parks.

If you also want to spend time in the water, be it in the hotel pools, the sea, or the Disney water parks summer is a great time.

If you are going to Disney World in the summer you do need to prepare for the heat, crowds, and rainfall. It’s not unusual for mid-day temperatures to reach over 100 with humidity of 61%. It is likely to also rain heavily most afternoons.

If you are going in the summer here are some of our tips to beat the heat at Disney . You might also be interested in how to survive Disney in the rain .

Visit Disney World In Winter If You:

Winter in Florida is actually really lovely with temperatures typically in the low 70 degrees. Walking around the parks in winter is so much more comfortable and bearable than in the warmer months.

Depending on when you go in winter it tends to be the least crowded time to visit Disney World apart from the Christmas celebration. It’s likely to be a much more pleasurable experience at this time and there is not as much rain as you are out of hurricane season.

The Festivals of Arts at Epcot also takes place during winter which is one of our favorite Disney festivals.

The park will be open fewer hours though and some events and rides are likely to be closed so keep that in mind.

Winter is the best season to visit Disney if you want cheaper prices and cooler weather.

Here are our tips for Visiting Disney World in the winter.

Visit Disney World In Fall If You:

Most who visit Disney World often believe that fall is the best time to travel to Disney. It’s practically perfect in every way. The weather is warm, the air is crisp and the rainfall is low.

Late August and September can also be some of the cheaper times to visit Disney World and you still have 8 hours of sunlight to play with.

And if you have never experienced Halloween at Disney you are in for a treat. While it can get busy, going on a weekday during the beginning or end of the Halloween season is likely to be less crowded.

Most agree fall is the best time of year to go to Disney World.

Our tips for visiting Disney before Halloween will help you plan.

Visit Disney In Spring If You:

If you are wondering when to go to Disney then how about visiting in Spring? Spring is wonderful at Disney with vibrant flowers, warm temperatures, and nine hours of daylight. There is also likely to be little rainfall as you are out of hurricane season. Humidity tends to also be lower in the spring.

Spring is the best time to vacation in Disney, however, avoid the busiest periods during Easter and Spring Break as the parks get rammed during these times.

Spring is definitely the best season to visit Disney if you want it to be warm but not too crowded. It is a perfect time for Adults to visit Disney .

When To Go To Disney By Month:

If you are still not sure when to go to Disney World then let’s help you a little further. Here we have broken down the best time to go to Disney month by month. This way you can decide which is the best month to go to Disney World depending on what you want to get out of your vacation.

Disney in January.

January is probably the least crowded time to visit Disney World. The Christmas holiday is over and the cooler temperatures tend to keep the crowds away with an average temperature of 70 degrees.

Visiting Disney World in January can also save you money as it tends to be one of the cheaper months due to smaller crowds. However, some things like the water parks and certain rides may be closed and the park hours are shorter.

New Year’s weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are days to avoid if you don’t like crowds. It also can get busy during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is also held in January and is a wonderful experience.

January in Disney World is a really rather relaxed and chilled time to visit if you don’t mind the weather a little cooler and some of the attractions and rides possibly not running.

Disney in February

If you are not coming for the sun then February is the best time to vacation at Disney. You will find cooler temperatures with highs in the mid 70’s and fewer crowds.

The exception to this is Presidents’ Day week which sees the crowds flood in. For those not in the US that is the third Monday in February. The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend tends to be a busy time too.

Disney World in February might lack some of the pizzazz you see in busier months but you will be able to get some great deals.

Disney in March

The best time to travel to Disney for perfect weather is in March. The highs tend to be in the high 70s and the lows in the high 50’s so it’s not too hot or too cold.

March at Disney World can also see fewer crowds but that depends on when Easter and Spring Break fall. During these times the crowds get really heavy.

The Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival also takes place in March and this really is worth seeing.

Disney in April

April in Disney World sees the climb to high temperatures with highs in the mid-80s. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues and all the flowers and trees look beautiful in full bloom.

Easter and Spring break can see busy periods in April depending on the dates. There are a lot of ESPN Wide World of Sports held during this month and often the more budget hotels will be booked up.

Next to Christmas April can be one of the more expensive times to visit so keep that in mind.

Disney in May

Many believe that May is the best month to go to Disney World and we would be tempted to agree. The weather is into the 90s but it’s less humid. The flowers are all still in full bloom and there are no major holidays bringing in the crowds.

Memorial Day weekend does see the parks get busier but other than that Disney World in May is probably the best time to visit if you don’t have children in school.

Disney in June

June is Disney World tends to be a month of two halves. The first few weeks tend to be quite quiet with crowds rising as students are off for the summer break.

The increase in crowds sees extended park hours, more shows and activities, and lots of sunlight hours. It’s also a perfect month to visit the water parks.

It is hot and humid in June so make sure you have sunscreen and are prepared. It’s also the start of hurricane season and while they are remote in Orlando rain is very likely so make sure to pack a mac as the weather can be very unpredictable.

While most find the summer months too busy there is a certain buzz that comes from these busy periods that is hard to replicate when the park is quieter.

Getting Disney Genie the old fast pass and planning your days becomes more important in the summer months and you do need to be on the ball a little bit more to avoid frustrations and shattered expectations.

Disney in July

July in Disney World is continuously busy in fact the busiest month of the year. The crowds tend to be much heavier towards the July 4th holiday but other than that it’s pretty even, just always busy.

It’s also incredibly hot and often rains. However, the park hours are longer so you can miss out on the mid-day heat and return later in the day.

There is a certain vibe to Disney in the summer months that can be lacking in the slower months. So although it’s hot, humid, and busy Disney in June still enjoyable if you plan accordingly.

Disney in August

August in Disney World is hot, hot, hot in fact the hottest of the year so you might find yourself seeking shelter in air-conditioned attractions more than normal.

It is busy and crowded but unlike July the crowds tend to thin out towards the second half of the month as children go back to school. However, the events tend to pull people back in.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in August and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival begins in late August.

For Americans, some of the best deals can be found in late August with off-site hotels having low prices and Disney has in the past offered free dining during these times.

August tends to be peak hurricane season in Florida but the park has only closed a handful of times due to hurricanes during its lifespan. However, this could have an impact on other travel arrangements so keep that in mind.

Disney in September

Many think that September is the best month to visit Disney and they might be right. Especially the later half of September when prices are lower, crowds and less, and the heat is moderately better.

I mean it’s still hot and humid in September but if you can bare the heat it’s the best time to visit Disney World. Also of note is that September tends to be one of the more rainy months so keep an eye on the weather forecast and take a mac. Rain can interfere with some of the live shows and fireworks shows so things can get canceled.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are still ongoing. Disney World in September is a really great time to visit.

Disney in October

If you love Halloween then Disney World in October is perfect for you. The park looks beautifully decorated for Halloween and while the decorations go up in early September October draws in the crowds.

Halloween and Columbus Day are the busiest days and the crowds tend to be really manageable outside of the weekends. It can still be hot during the day but the evenings do get cooler.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and After Hours Boo Bash is in full swing and The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is still ongoing.

Disney in November

November in Disney World sees really pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a festive spirit. If you miss out on Thanksgiving week, which is so busy, November is one of the best months to visit Disney.

Most of the Christmas decorations are up by mid to late Christmas and the parks really take on a different feeling when they are up. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also starts in November on select nights.

Disney in November gives you a taste of the Christmas season at a much lower cost and it’s the best time to visit Disney for good weather, lesser crowds, and Christmas spirit.

Disney in December

December in Disney World sees the Christmas season in full swing. Again December is one of those months where the crowds differ hugely depending on when you visit. Early in the month can be a very pleasant time to visit with lighter crowds, however, the latter half is one of Disney’s busiest times of the year and the most expensive.

You would think that Christmas day might find a bit of relief but no, often the park will close by 10 am as it has reached capacity. Anytime between the 20th and 31st of December see record crowds visiting.

There is a lot that happens during the holiday season though with Christmas parades, firework shows, celebrations shows, and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

Disney in December is picture perfect though and if you can go we feel everyone should experience the Disney Christmas Magic at least once.

Here are our tips for visiting Disney at Christmas .

As you can see when it comes to the best time to visit Disney World the answer isn’t as simple as it first seems. When to go to Disney World is a personal choice and we hope this article has helped make your decision a little bit easier.

What we do know is that whenever you go you will have a great time. There are always ways to make your Disney trip better whenever you go and with planning, you can enjoy even the busiest and hottest months.

To make sure you really enjoy your trip take a look at our article 12 Ways to Ruin A Disney Vacation (And What To Do Instead!)

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The Best Time to Visit Disney World

TripSavvy / Ashley Nicole DeLeon 

Walt Disney World® Resort

Trying to figure out the perfect time to visit Disney World  usually involves weighing many factors. If you're looking to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Disney World is in January or September when the weather is mild, crowds are thin, and prices plummet.

However, if special events and decorations are what you're seeking, the months of August, September, October, November, and December may be better options for you. While Disney's premier destination gives you reasons to visit year-round, considering the weather and monthly events at Disney World will help you figure out your best time to visit.

The Weather at Disney World

Florida is famous for its sunshine, but many visitors are not prepared for the  Florida heat  and humidity. The temperatures in the summer climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity can be stifling, but during the winter, the climate is more moderate. Hurricane season runs from June through October. Although the chance of a hurricane hitting Florida while you are visiting is slim, this is something to keep in mind. 

Peak Season at Disney World

Crowds will be the worst during school holidays, such as summer vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break, but you can make your life easier by locking in ride times and dining experiences with the My Disney Experience app . This app lets you choose your FastPass+ attractions and dining experiences with ease, even when the crowds are large. 

In 2016, Disney introduced a surge pricing model for theme park tickets that follows its long-established practice for hotel room prices, which means that hotel and ticket prices are less expensive during slower periods, such as January and September. However, the pricing is done on a day to day basis, so you may find that Thanksgiving Day is more expensive than a Saturday in July, depending on past attendance records. 

Popular Events & Festivals

Disney has several major events throughout the year, such as the  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival ,  Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival ,  Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , and  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party .

Watch Now: The Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Disney World

As Disney World continues to draw more crowds year-round,  January is one of the last remaining months considered to be the off-season. The high peak prices from the holiday season just a few weeks prior significantly come down, and the weather is unusually mild, with high temperatures usually hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While days are usually warm and sunny, don't be surprised if you see a frosty dew in the early morning hours or experience chilly evening temperatures, as Orlando has a sub-tropical climate. Post-New Year's Day, the hours in the parks shorten, as workers speed to remove the holiday decorations, but since the attractions lines are shorter than any other time of the year, the lessened hours shouldn't affect your trip.

While the resorts' pools and hot tubs remain heated and open year-round, Disney's two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach are typically closed for the winter (typically open from March until October).

Events to check out:

• Every January, the park hosts  The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend , which brings in thousands of runners each year. Some of the longer race courses take competitors through each of the four Disney parks.
• The year starts off with a "bang" as Disney hosts a New Year's firework display at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and at Disney Springs. Keep in mind that Animal Kingdom never has fireworks.

Much like January, February  is still a slow month, except for the Presidents' Day week, which falls on the third week each year. Since most U.S. schools are closed during this week, crowds are to be expected. Valentine's Day is also a popular day for locals, especially at the onsite restaurants, so unless you have reservations, it's best to skip visiting on February 14.  

The park hours are similar to January, and the waterparks usually remain closed during February as well.

Event to check out:

• Ladies, dust off your Nikes! In February, the parks host Disney's Princess Half-Marathon weekend , which is focused on female runners.

In March , the weather in central Florida is still mild, but with spring break, Bike Week, a popular Daytona Beach event, and Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival, the traffic, in addition to park attendance can get heavy this month. Easter is also a popular day for families to visit Disney, but it is an ever-changing holiday that occasionally falls in March, but more often April. 

The waterparks typically reopen in early to mid-March, and as the days get longer (and warmer), the park hours follow.  

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off in March and runs through the end of May. More than 100 elaborate topiaries are spread throughout the parks.
• The Atlanta Braves spend their spring training at Disney. Games take place at Champion Stadium in Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Things begin to heat up in April  as temperatures begin to rise into the mid-80s during the day. Spring breakers continue to flood the parks, and the prices reflect this sudden surge. Avoid visiting on Easter Sunday if it occurs this month, as it will be the most popular park day.

• The Star Wars Rival Run Half-Marathon weekend takes place in April. Runners can compete in the Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, and the runDisney Kids Races, as well as the half marathon.

In  May , although the calendar says it's spring, you will feel like you're in the middle of summer with temps potentially reaching 90 degrees. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are a common occurrence, usually around 3 p.m. Florida is known for its flash rain showers, so while you won't win any style points, it's usually a good idea to pack a poncho if you are visiting from May through September. Crowds are moderate at this time since most schools are in session, and no major holidays or events fall within the month. 

June  is the month with the longest days, so beware of Florida's brutal sun. Though necessary year-round, you must be mindful to constantly reapply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and bring a hat if you plan on spending the daylight hours at the parks.

The beginning of the month sees few crowds, as many schools are in still in session until mid-June, and it is too close to summer break to justify playing hooky. After June 15, however, the high summer season is in full swing, and with that comes rising prices and fewer accommodations and restaurant choices, but also extended park hours, and in-park shows, activities, and ride openings.

• June kicks off Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series , which hosts three performances nightly at America Gardens Theater. 

July is the peak month at Disney World. Just about every child in America is enjoying summer break during this month, so families flock to the House of Mouse to enjoy their time off. The temperatures at this time are sometimes unbearably high, especially midday when the sun's rays are strongest.

You can expect wait times for rides to rise well over two hours for the most sought-after attractions and finding a place to eat a sit-down meal might prove impossible if you don't have an advanced reservation. 

The good news is that the parks are open longer. Your best plan of action is to arrive at opening time, then leave and return to your resort for lunch and a refreshing dip in the pool. Afterward, you can return to the parks once the temps drop a little in the late afternoon, and ride anything you may have missed in the morning.

• Fourth of July fireworks at Magic Kingdom are a "can't-miss" for Disney visitors in July. Note that Epcot, Disney Studios, and Disney Springs all have special firework shows as well.

August  is the hottest month of the year. From noon to 3 p.m., your primary goal is to get inside, whether you make a lunchtime reservation in an indoor restaurant, or perhaps catch a movie at the AMC Theater in Disney Springs. You can also beat the heat at the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach, or take to the sea and rent a paddleboat from your resort's dock and cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Most of the month is packed with visitors, but Florida children return to school in late August, so you might notice a slight dip in the size of the crowds at the tail end of the month. The end of the month marks the beginning of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, so you can expect high crowds at this park.

• From August through October, the park hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights. The event features trick-or-treating in the park and Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes.

September is one of the best times to visit the theme parks. The lines are again manageable since most school-aged children have returned to school, and hotel rates are the lowest of the year.

The weather is hot but milder than July and August, and the waterparks, as well as Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, remain active during the month. 

• During fall's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, visitors can try international cuisine from more than 25 different kiosks. There are also various seminars on cooking, and food and wine. The event runs through November.

October  can still be hot during the day, but temperatures start to drop at night. It is a great time to visit since the parks are decorated for the fall season and there is a special Halloween party that happens most evenings. Other than Halloween day, you shouldn't have much crowding issues, aside from in Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.  

November can be a great time to visit Disney, as long as you avoid Thanksgiving week. Though, if you plan to visit the day following Thanksgiving weekend, you may find no lines at all. The temperatures this month are pleasant during the day, and cooler at night. The holiday decorations won't be fully on display until December 1, but you might get a glimpse of what's to come if you visit later in November. 

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins in November and runs through the holidays, taking place on select nights at Magic Kingdom. The event includes Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, and Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Castle Stage Show.

In  December , the parks are festively decorated for the holidays, and there are plenty of special holiday-themed treats as well as events scheduled throughout the month, such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Naturally, many families love visiting during this month, as many have holiday breaks, therefore, like July, it also has an extremely high amount of visitors.  

• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays brings storytellers from around the world to share holiday customs and traditions from their respective countries. 

January and September are great months to visit Disney World, because they tend to be less crowded. January has cooler weather and in September, days are hotter but the waterparks are still open.

January tends to be the least crowded month, falling between the peak holiday and spring break seasons.

With the kids back at school, September is considered off-season. This is typically when you'll find the lowest hotel rates and lower ticket prices.

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Very Best (and worst) Times to Visit Disney World in 2024!

Are you looking for the best times to visit Disney World this year?

Planning a visit to the happiest place on Earth is always an exciting experience.

And finding the best deals, tips, and tricks to make each theme park adventure is everything ThemeParkHipster is about.

So today I will give you the top strategies and ways to pick the best timeframe to visit Mickey Mouse and all of his friends!

2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Best Days to Go to Walt Disney World at a Glance:

• The best months to visit Walt Disney World to avoid the crowds are:  Late-January and Early-February
• Your best days to visit Walt Disney World are:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Be sure to avoid all major holidays such as:  Memorial Day,  4th of July,  Labor Day Weekend,  Halloween ,  Thanksgiving Day,  Christmas Eve,  Christmas  and New Year’s Eve

Keep reading to get a full guide on how to choose the best days for Walt Disney World like a pro!

Things to Think About When Choosing When to Go to Walt Disney World

Holiday peaks, Disney crowd sizes, park hours, weather, and a few other factors have a lot to do with your Disney experience, including how long you’ll be waiting in line for your favorite rides.

Here are a few tips to get you started on picking the ideal times to travel to Disney alone , or with friends and family.

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

6 Easy Tips for Picking the Best Time to Visit Disney World

Let’s first start off with some pro tips for choosing the best dates for Disney World.

1. Avoid All Holidays

If you’re a solo traveler , this one’s especially for you.

Avoiding the Disney Holiday crowd (especially in November and December ) means shorter lines and less traffic.

For parents, this can be a bit tricky. Taking your kids to Disney World sounds like the best gift ever!

The only issue is every other mom and dad has the same exact idea.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t take your kids to Disney for Christmas season or any other holiday for that matter; it just means you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of company.

2. Avoid Peak Seasons

The winter season ( Christmas and Thanksgiving breaks especially) as well as spring break and the general summer season are all pretty popular times for the parks.

If you don’t mind long lines and you feel welcome in large crowds, this may not be a deal breaker for you.

Otherwise, I recommend checking out the chart below that compares the months of the year by seasonal weather and crowd size.

Listen to Podcast Episode: If you’re more of a podcast person, then listen to When to Go to Walt Disney World here.

3. Know What are the Best Times to Go to Disney

You’ll notice that January has crowd sizes ranging from low to moderate , while March has crowd sizes ranging from Moderate to High (mostly due to the influx of Spring Breakers).

While you’re planning that perfect day to go, don’t forget to  download the official Disney World Crowd Calendar  to view the crowd level of each day!

Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World (Moderate Crowd, Great Weather)

These months are closely followed by May , September , and October as still pretty decent visiting times.

Worst Time of Year to Visit Disney World (High Crowd, Poor Weather)

December and March aren’t too bad, especially since December is typically a very festive time for the theme parks.

Recommended: 5 Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts to Stay at Right Now

The Florida Weather at Disney World

Florida is mostly filled with perfect weather; however, there are moments when I question my sanity of living here.

Summertime in Florida is like no other state, especially for theme park goers.

If you’re a resident of an area that experiences all four seasons with mild summers, then you will definitely be taken aback by the hot, humid, indescribable weather that Florida is known for.

The weather can truly affect your choice when deciding what season to visit the parks.

You’ll want to be prepared for surviving the Disney heat , but don’t worry I have some summertime survival tips here.

Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!

Best Month to Visit Disney World in 2024

Before you make you way out to Walt Disney World, let’s breakdown the pros and cons of each Month.

January in Disney World

Gorgeous weather (temps around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and lower crowd level makes January a top month to visit the parks.

January is one of the last remaining months considered to be the off-season with Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach usually closed for refurbishment.

Overall, late January is one of my favorite times to visit the Disney parks.

Disney January Events:

• Epcot International Festival of the Arts
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

January Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday
• Opening weekend of the Epcot Festival of the Arts

WATCH: Rating Everything I Ate at Epcot Festival of the Arts! 🧁🤩🥂🥨

February in Disney World

February is still a slow month with mild weather and is usually better than January in regards to crowd level.

The Disney water parks may still be closed during this time.

Disney February Events:

• Disney’s Princess Half-Marathon Weekend
• Black History Month

February Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Presidents’ Day
• Valentine’s Day

WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Quick Service Restaurants at Epcot!

March in Disney World

In March, temperatures are starting to warm up, but still manageable. Park attendance begins to pick up this month, but not as bad as summer months.

Disney March Events:

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

March Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Daytona Bike Week
• Easter (if it falls in March)
• Local School (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk, Volusia, and Lake Counties) Spring Breaks
• Opening weekend of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

April in Disney World

Temperatures continue to rise peaking around the mid-80s during the month of April.

The crowd level is still mild to moderate due to the last of the spring breakers.

Disney April Events:

• Earth Day at Animal Kingdom

April Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Spring Break days
• Easter (if it falls in April)

May in Disney World

The season of thunderstorms and downpours starts in May.

Not to mention the introduction of the torturous Florida humidity and heat peaking in the 90-degree Fahrenheit range.

Crowds are usually moderate during this time since it’s the month prior to theme park tourist season.

Disney May Events:

• May the 4th (Star Wars Day)

May Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Memorial Day Weekend

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June in Disney World

This is the month to have your patience ready as the tourist season kicks into full gear along with the never-ending Florida sun rays and constant rainy days.

It’s during this time that water, sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella and a well-ventilated hat are a must!

Disney June Events:

• Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

June Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Days after mid-June (school release for summer break)

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

July in Disney World

This is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World . Not only are most kids out of school, you have to deal with one of the major holidays in America, which is Independence Day.

The parks are opened much longer during July, but you still have to fight the crowds and the unforgiving Florida sun.

Hipster Power Tip: Take a break midday after 12 p.m. to avoid the most dangerous U.V. rays from the sun and return towards the evening after 5 p.m.  

Disney July Events:

• Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios
• The Epcot Food and Wine Festival

July Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Independence Day
• Opening weekend of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

August in Disney World

Believe it or not, by August temperatures are still rising in Florida which makes you feel miserable being outside.

The crowd level is still heavy with a dip coming towards the end of the month as kids head back to school.

Disney August Events:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

August Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• The first two weeks of the month

September in Disney World

In the early part of September , lines began to die down only a little bit.

The weather in September is the same as August, so come prepared as if you’re visiting Florida in the middle of summer.

Plus, it can also be a peak month for hurricane season.

Disney September Events:

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

September Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Labor Day Weekend

October in Disney World

During the month of October , the Florida weather starts to cooperate…well, slightly. Days may start off cool (in the mid-60s) and end pretty warm (in the upper-80s).

This is one of the best times to book a trip to Walt Disney World!

You’ll be able to see all of the fall décor lining the famous Main Street U.S.A. of the Magic Kingdom theme park.

The crowd levels tend to pick up mid to late October as everyone gets in their quick Epcot Food and Wine Festival visits.

Disney October Events:

October days to avoid at disney world:.

Get your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets TODAY!

November in Disney World

The month of November is my favorite time to visit the Disney parks (mainly because it’s my birthday month).

Not only do you get to see the Epcot Festivals and the Disney Christmas décor all in one month, the weather is absolutely gorgeous in Florida.

Perfect mild days complete with cool evenings are the ideal formula for an amazing theme park day.

Disney November Events:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

November Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Thanksgiving Week and Weekend

Watch Next: 5 BEST Rides at EPCOT You Can’t Miss!

December in Disney World

The month of December in the magical Walt Disney World Resort is the idea time to visit the parks.

Only problem is that everyone wants the same enchanted experience for the holidays.

The parks are decked out in holiday cheer and the Florida weather is oh so dear.

If you must attend in December, then I recommend coming during the first two weeks of the month as these dates are still fairly quiet at the parks.

Disney December Events:

• Holidays at Disney Springs
• Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
• Resort Hotel Holiday Decorations

December Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Last two weeks of December
• Christmas Eve and Christmas
• New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

If you’re planning a December Trip, you’ll probably just have to weigh-in on whether it’s more important to you to avoid really big crowds, or for you to join in on the Holiday Fun.

Even with this guide, sometimes running into a sea of visitors is unavoidable. There are constant field trips and sometimes just a random influx of visitors.

For times like these, I wanted to share a few more tips to make the best of a situation where beating the crowd isn’t possible.

Save on your Disney World tickets with Tripadvisor TODAY!

4. Book Your Genie+ Reservations

Each morning if you want the “skip-the-line service,” simply log in to your My Disney Experience App and  purchase the Genie+ feature. 

The Genie+ Passes are a great time saver and even more helpful during peak seasons.

So, even if you find yourself in the park with tens of thousands of other people, you can still avoid those long twisted lines.

Join the Conversation on the  Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!

5. Use Mobile Ordering For Food

Any day you’re at one of the theme parks, you can plan your meals ahead of time using Disney Mobile Ordering .

Like Genie+, it allows you to plan your day first so you can spend the rest of your time enjoying the magical experience.

It’s for same day service only and includes beverages.

You can access the Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering service from the My Disney Experience App.

If you’re not familiar with the feature, I have a pretty detailed article and step-by-step guide here.

6. Make Reservations to Special Events and Restaurants Early

Reserving your seat at special events and highly-coveted restaurants is always a good idea, and Walt Disney World is certainly no exception.

Because the parks are so large, special events book quickly, and the better restaurants fill just as fast.

In the article The 35 Best Walt Disney World Tips , I cover how you can use the My Disney Experience app to get into special events that are otherwise difficult to book.

Just check the app on the site around 7 a.m. and try your luck. You might not get in, but it’s definitely worth a shot.

With the app, I was able to get into the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and a beverage seminar that was booked for a full month!

These are just some of the ways get around thick crowds and the infamous Disney theme park lines.

WATCH: The 5 BEST Snacks at EPCOT You Must Try on Your Visit! 🧁🍕🥂🥳

What to Know Before You Go to Walt Disney World

Before when end this podcast episode, let’s go over some of the most common questions I’m asked.

How much does Disney World cost?

A one-day  REGULAR  season  Disney World ticket  starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).

What day of the week is best to go to Walt Disney World?

Tuesday is the best day of the week to have your BEST solo Disney day. If Tuesday doesn’t work, Wednesday and Thursday are good as well.

What is the best month to visit Disney World?

Because of the low crowd level and perfect weather, January is the best month to visit the parks.

What are the off seasons for Disney World?

Honestly, I cannot say that there are off seasons at Walt Disney World.

Keep in mind that this is the top tourist destination in the world, which means people are always planning a vacation here despite the time of year.

What I will say is that January to early March tends to be the least crowded time at Disney World?

What are the best Disney resorts for Solo Travelers?

• Swan and Dolphin Resort
• Encore Resort  (perfect if you’re meeting family or friends later)
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
• Coronado Springs Resort
• POP Century Resort

Recommended: Where to Stay in Orlando: Top 10 Hotels and Resorts for ALL Budgets

What rides at Disney World have Single Rider Line?

The Magic Kingdom currently does not have any single rider attractions.

While planning out your day, you’ll want to have your Genie Plus Reservations booked as mentioned earlier in this guide and arrive early to the park.

Disney World Single Rider Attractions

• Test Track – Epcot
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Hollywood Studios
• Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run – Hollywood Studios

Get the best price on your Walt Disney World Vacation Package… Guaranteed!

My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Time to Go to Disney World

When planning a trip to Disney, choosing the perfect day shouldn’t be complicated. I hope I was able to help guide you with some of my best tips.

Let’s quickly review all the tips for understanding the Disney World Crowd Calendar.

How to Pick the Best Days to Visit

• Avoid ALL holidays
• Avoid peak seasons (summer time, spring break, and Christmas break)
• Know when to visit Disney World
• Book Genie Plus Reservations as soon as you can
• Use mobile ordering for food
• RSVP to special events or restaurants early

Let me know your favorite month is at Walt Disney World in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date March 13, 2018/Updated January 18, 2024)

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Top 10 ways to find cheap busch gardens tampa tickets (2024), 4 thoughts on “very best (and worst) times to visit disney world in 2024”.

Great, informative post! We love going in February! Less crowds and the weather isn’t too warm, but also not as cold as December and January.

February is perfect!

How true it is that the days we pick to be at the park can make such a difference in how enjoyable our time there may be. We aim to visit The Mouse during the slower seasons and avoid being there during the busiest seasons.

The slow season is the only time where you can truly enjoy the parks the best!

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The Family Vacation Guide

Is September a Good Time to Go to Disney World?

posted by James Brockbank on July 10, 2022 // last updated on September 19, 2022

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make about your family’s vacation to Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida , is when to visit. Is September a good time to go to Disney World?

We believe there’s never a wrong time to go to Disney World, but there are some factors to be aware of in September before you commit. How big are the crowds and what are they like? How’s the weather? Are there any special events? Are there any downsides to a September visit?

All in all, September is a fantastic time to visit Disney World. The crowds are smaller, and temperatures are a bit lower. The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is in full swing, and the parks are decked out for autumn.

Below, read about everything an early fall visit to Walt Disney World entails. We’ll answer all your questions and some basics to help you start planning. Before you know it, September will be here, and you’ll be in the most magical place on earth!

What Are the Crowds Like in September?

How is the weather in september, what are the parks like in september, special events and festivals , planning your september visit to disney world, are there any downsides to visiting in september, is there a bad time to go to walt disney world.

One of the first things people want to know when choosing when to visit Walt Disney World is about the crowds. September is quieter relative to the rest of the year, but be warned: Disney World almost always feels busy.

Moreover, the parks and resorts scale to accommodate the more meager crowds. While the amount of physical space doesn’t change drastically, the parks don’t run at total capacity. Read more information about that below.

Early September and Labor Day Weekend 

There can sometimes be a big difference in crowds at the beginning and end of September. Summer is jam-packed, but summer crowds dwindle around mid-August when kids start heading back to school. 

Most parents don’t like their kids to miss school at all, but this can be especially true at the start of the year when they’re still adjusting. It tends to be much quieter in the parks in the middle of the week in early September.

Even early September isn’t as busy as June and July, but Labor Day Weekend can be. While Labor Day tends to see lower numbers than other holiday weekends, they all draw very high attendance at Disney World, so expect long waits for rides, food, and other experiences.

Mid-Late September

As September wanes on, the crowds tend to get smaller. In past years, September crowds have gotten a modest boost from the Food and Wine Festival’s start, but that’s now earlier.

In fact, the second half of the month (usually until Indigenous People’s Day Weekend in October) is considered the off-season – this means that attendance is at its lowest during this time of the year. 

What’s more, the temperatures tend to drop as the month wears on. While it’s still possible to get some oppressively hot days later in the month, it’s less likely. These factors combine to make it an enjoyable time to vacation at a more leisurely pace.

How Do Crowds Impact Genie+?

Disney continues to update and tweak its ride reservation system, so predicting how smaller crowds will impact Genie+ is challenging. It’s certainly possible that Disney will limit the number of reservations available according to crowd size, but they could also leave capacity high to help guests better plan their day.

The bottom line is that lines will almost certainly be shorter with fewer people in the parks, even if all attractions don’t run at full capacity. Even if you don’t snag a Genie+ reservation for a favorite attraction, you should still be able to ride it.

Who Goes to Disney World in September?

At all times of the year, there are people from every walk of life in Walt Disney World. Still, there are some trends to be aware of if you’re planning an early fall visit.

School-age kids and their families are focused on returning to classes, so fewer are in the parks. You can expect more retired folks, young adults without children, and young families whose children haven’t started school.

The word is certainly out that September is an excellent time to come if you like things quiet so that the crowd can be a bit tamer. However, it’s also a popular time for locals to visit. Since Orlando is such a vibrant city, they add more character to the resort, especially on weekends.

It’s even harder to generalize the weather in September in central Florida than in the rest of the year. A vast range of conditions is possible or even likely. 

In terms of temperatures, it will be warm or hot. The average high is 89, and the low is 74 for the month, and it typically rains 11 days. While it tends to be hotter at the beginning of the month, late September can also reach well into the 90s, and it’s often still quite humid.

Most days are mostly sunny or partly cloudy. As temperatures moderate, the region experiences fewer passing showers, especially those late-afternoon storms that are so common in the summer.

What About Hurricanes? 

You should be aware that September is still hurricane season in the Atlantic , and Florida is often impacted by these massive storms, even when they don’t make landfall in the Sunshine State. Even a hurricane hundreds of miles out at sea can cause rain and other miserable conditions in the Orlando area.

There’s no way to predict when a hurricane could develop, and since the season lasts until November, later in the month isn’t necessarily safer. Experts recommend purchasing travel insurance covering natural disasters and watching the hurricane reports for at least a week before departure.

Aside from declining crowds and unpredictable weather, what is a trip to one of the parks like in September? Disney has done a great job in ensuring that the parks are different every time you visit, and includes seasonal decorations, merchandise, and more.

The Magic Kingdom

Fall decorations start to make appearances in late August so that by September 1, they’re ready to go for the autumn season. You’ll see classic fall hues of oranges, yellows, reds, and natural colors throughout the park. You’ll also see hundreds of pumpkins, squash, gourds, and other fall produce.

If you really love fall decorations and Halloween, consider attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. During autumn, the Magic Kingdom plays host to a delightful romp, which is a special ticketed event. It’s described in more detail below, but many of the decorations you see during the day come to life at night during this event.

If you like fall food, be sure to eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square. They serve a Thanksgiving-style dinner throughout the season.

Fun fact: Disney employs teams of cast members who work overnight, making improvements and, at times, putting up seasonal decorations. You’ll rarely see a cast member doing this kind of work during the day. 

EPCOT is a bit tamer during the fall than the Magic Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean they don’t infuse fall fun. The biggest thing in EPCOT during the fall is certainly the International Food and Wine Festival , an annual event.

Make your way to the World Showcase, which is a World’s Fair-style expo of eleven pavilions from countries around the world. In addition to stops in Mexico, Germany, Japan, and Morocco, sample fare from other far-flung destinations such as Brazil, India, and Belgium.

In addition, there are themed kiosks, such as one devoted to chicken wings, beer, and cider, another just for noodles, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible, and many others. Most kiosks serve three or four small plates (tapas style) and a couple of drink selections.

The Food and Wine Festival isn’t just for adults. Disney has engineered some special activities just for the younger members of your family that are not to be missed. The best is Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak , a culinary-themed scavenger hunt. It’s available only during the festival.

Hollywood Studios

Admittedly, EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom have more fun in the fall than Hollywood Studios . Still, you’ll see some fall decor throughout the park (except for Galaxy’s Edge, since it doesn’t fit the theme) and be able to browse some special fall merchandise.

One event that does take place at the park in September is Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine restaurant. Minnie always plays host to a character breakfast at this dining venue along with her Disney Junior friends, but everyone gets decked out in their Halloween costumes in the fall.

Animal Kingdom

There aren’t a lot of additional activities in Animal Kingdom in the fall. Part of the reason for that is the importance of maintaining the animals’ routine, which is Disney’s top priority. Another is that fall decor and theming don’t work as well in the lands of the Animal Kingdom.

Still, you’ll see some unique elements as you make your way through the largest of the four theme parks. Like the rest of the parks, you’ll see some decorations and be able to buy special fall-themed merchandise and edible treats—more on those below.

There are a few special events and festivals to keep an eye on for the fall. They may be the reason you make a memorable trip in September!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This Halloween-themed party in the Magic Kingdom is a long-time favorite for Disney die-hards (in the past, it has gone by the name Boo Bash). It’s part trick-or-treating event and party that occurs on select nights from August until October 31.

There are several things that make this event worth the extra money. First, kids and adults alike can trick-or-treat throughout the park at attractions, stores, kiosks, and other surprise stops. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged! You’ll encounter many of your favorite characters in their own Halloween costumes, with lots of opportunities for photo ops.

There is a special fireworks display and parade along Main Street, U.S.A. Many attractions get a spooky makeover, and the decorations throughout the park come to life. What’s more, there are much smaller crowds with shorter waits for attractions. 

Be aware that admission to the Halloween party is not included with park admission. The park closes early, and anyone without a ticket is asked to leave (no, you can’t sneak in). You’ll need to purchase separate tickets for everyone in your family. Prices vary depending on the date and demand, but prices start at $99 for children under ten and $109 for everyone else.

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

We already discussed the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival in some detail above, but it’s certainly worth mentioning again since we’re talking about fall festivals.

One awesome thing about this festival: unlike Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, admission to the festival is included with park admission. You can browse the kiosks and sample the nosh (sold separately) at will.

That being said, the festival features several separately-ticketed events, including food and drink tastings and pairings. The Eat to the Beat concert series is free, and you can enjoy a headline act almost every night throughout the entire festival.

Each year, the festival has a theme and a marketing campaign surrounding it. You can find merchandise and more for the annual theme throughout the park.

Special Fall Merchandise and More

If you’re a fall-a-holic, you’ll find plenty of ways to indulge in your favorite season at Walt Disney World. Disney certainly never misses an opportunity to capitalize, and autumn is no exception. Throughout the parks, you’ll see limited edition merchandise in fall hues, fall decorations for your home, and much more.

In addition, look for fall flavors throughout the parks. In addition to the festival, many bakeries and other eateries feature special menu items featuring the flavors of the season, particularly pumpkin. You’ll also find seasonal beers and ciders available at many restaurants.

We cannot stress this enough: you can’t book a hotel and flight and then show up for your Disney vacation without doing significant planning in between. We’ll provide an overview of what to do to plan your trip, but visit some of our other pages for more details.

Step One: Check Availability

There’s no point in planning a September vacation if it isn’t available. Check to ensure that you can book your preferred accommodations and find an affordable flight or other transportation. 

You also need to check park availability . Disney requires its guests to make reservations ahead of time to visit any of its four theme parks. 

Step Two: Make Essential Reservations

Now that you know your dates are available, go ahead and book them. Be aware that Disney frequently offers specials and packages , so look into that before booking. It can save money on tickets and hotels. 

Currently, park reservations are open for more than a year out, so there’s no need to wait to book your parks either. Don’t forget to order MagicBands .

Step Three: Don’t Miss Dates for Other Reservations

If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, dining reservations open precisely 60 days in advance, usually around 5:30 AM EST. Mark that date for your trip on your calendar and snag those coveted reservations. 

This is also an excellent time to decide whether you want to do any special tours or other events. If you’re going to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party during your September visit, buy tickets now since they tend to sell out.

Step Four: Stay Up To Date

As always, everything with Disney is subject to change, so stay aware by checking their website and press releases periodically. 

One thing to pay close attention to is park hours. Disney could decide to extend or restrict park hours depending on anticipated crowds, park reservations, and other factors. You may want to alter your plans accordingly, or at least not get caught off guard when you arrive.

It’s unlikely that a main hotel pool would be closed as early in the fall as September since it’s still quite hot, but you should look into that as well as closures for your favorite rides.

Step Five: Learn How To Use the App

Disney has made it much more difficult to visit without utilizing their smartphone application, My Disney Experience. We strongly recommend downloading it and learning to navigate it before you get to Florida. It isn’t always user-friendly.

In particular, if you plan to purchase the Genie+ add-on, read about how to use that. 

Step Six: Finalize the Details

In the last few days before your trip, think through the rest of the details. How will you get from the airport to your hotel? Where will you eat when you don’t have dining reservations?

Make essential plans, have ideas for the rest of the time, and then embark on your September adventure!

Even with a trip to Walt Disney World, there are bound to be a few cons, and some are specific to a September visit. It’s certainly true that crowds are tamer and the weather is more temperate (other than the possibility of a hurricane), but Disney likes to take advantage of this time of year in their own way. 

In addition to the issues discussed below, if you’re a big fan of EPCOT, be warned: the Food and Wine Festival traditionally draws a lot of locals to the park, especially on the weekends. With the festival running two months longer than in years past, this may wane, but it’s too soon to tell. If you can, try to visit EPCOT in the middle of the week on your September vacation.

Ride Closures and Downtime

Because crowds tend to be lower, it makes sense for Disney to work on the rides during this time. Don’t worry; there will still be plenty to do, and Disney rarely takes multiple popular attractions down at once. But ride closures–even temporary ones–are more likely. 

Similarly, you might notice more ride downtime or slower lines, even when the rides aren’t being refurbished or worked on. If park attendance is sparse, Disney may not want to pay as many employees to keep every attraction running at total capacity. You may notice this phenomenon close to the park opening and closing.

Fewer Characters and Experiences

It makes sense for Disney to go all-out when the crowds are most considerable. There are multiple parade times, lots of little extras, and even sometimes multiple fireworks show displays. 

Don’t expect the same in September, when fewer people are in the parks. Operations will scale back out of necessity, so don’t be caught unawares. Plan what you want to do ahead of time, so you don’t miss anything.

With fewer cast members working, you may also see some food kiosks or small shops out of operation. It might take longer to receive certain other services as well.

The answer to this question depends much more on the visitor than any objective statement of fact. Some people love the vibrancy of high-volume times of the year when the parks and resorts are in full swing. However, if you like things on the quieter side while still enjoying the summer weather, then September might be the perfect time for your visit.

In this article, we’ve covered everything there is to consider about a trip to Walt Disney World in September, from the weather to the crowds to possible attraction closures. That way, you can make the most informed decision about whether to schedule your family vacation in September.

The most critical element is that you enjoy your time with your family, regardless of what time of year you travel and where you vacation. You’ll carry the memories home with you and cherish them for a lifetime.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Quiet Places at Disney World (by Special Ed Teacher with Sensory Issues)

If you need a sensory break from one of the loudest places in the world, keep reading for the best quiet places at disney world..

For those of us who have sensory processing issues, navigating the overwhelming stimuli of a popular destination like Disney World can be challenging. I’m a certified special education teacher with sensory processing disorder (as well as ADHD), so finding quiet places at Disney World was on the top of my priority list.

My BEST tip for people looking for quiet places at Disney World is to visit during the off season. Avoiding crowds goes hand in hand in helping reduce noise levels. Then, use the first aid stations in each park for auditory respite as they are all quiet havens. Disney staff are supportive of their guests with cognitive disabilities and will respect your request to use the stations to deescalate.

Finding Quiet Places at Disney World

My daughter and I both have sensory processing issues and the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom were way too loud for us. We sought quiet inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, where absolutely no one was in line during the firework shows. Unfortunately, many of the rides, including Pirates, have very loud audio, so it may be a good idea to bring noise-cancelling headphones for anyone sensitive to loud auditory input.

My firsthand experience as someone with sensory processing disorder and the parent of children who are also very sensitive to noise has brought me to write this post in the aim of helping others seeking moments of respite at Disney.

The Tea on Quiet Places at Disney world

Whether you are an introvert seeking solace, a parent with a child who has sensory sensitivities, or simply someone in need of a momentary escape, we invite you to join us as we unveil these quiet places.

Some of the best quiet places at Disney World are first aid stations, followed by restaurants and quick-eat places outside of normal meal times.

Get ready to uncover secret gardens, peaceful pathways, and secluded corners where you can catch your breath, recharge, and find harmony amidst the magic.

Is there a quiet place at Disney World?

Disney World may be known for its crowds and noise but there are hidden pockets of tranquility. Whether you’re seeking solace as an introvert, have sensory sensitivities, or simply crave a moment of calm, you’ll find quiet places within the park where you can retreat and recharge.

👉 One such sanctuary is Tom Sawyer Island in the heart of the Magic Kingdom. Hop on a raft and venture across the Rivers of America to reach this secluded haven. Once there, you’ll find winding paths, hidden caves, and peaceful picnic spots, offering a respite from the crowds.

👉 For a nature-inspired retreat, explore The Oasis at Animal Kingdom. Just as you enter the park, meander through this lush area where exotic birds and gentle waterfalls create a serene ambiance. Lose yourself in the beauty of tropical vegetation as you enjoy a peaceful walk.

👉 A visit to Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom offers a unique blend of education and tranquility. Journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and explore interactive exhibits focused on wildlife conservation. Witness the work of veterinarians in the animal hospital and gain a deeper understanding of our natural world.

👉 If you’re in Epcot , head to the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase. Discover a serene oasis within its gardens, with serene koi ponds and a picturesque Torii gate. Take a leisurely stroll and embrace the serene ambiance that surrounds you.

👉 Another serene spot can be found at The Breezeway near The American Adventure in Epcot. Nestled between the pavilion and the Liberty Inn restaurant, this shaded area provides a tranquil escape. Relax and listen to the soothing melodies of classical music while taking in the architectural charm of this colonial-style space.

Official Guide to Quiet Places at Disney World

As individuals with sensory processing issues, I understand the importance of finding peaceful sanctuaries in crowded places.

We saw another child having a meltdown because of the fireworks sound, but her dad just told her to “tough it out”. Some people aren’t aware that some input is very distressful, and those of us with SPD aren’t acting inappropriately or “being wimps”.

Here’s Disney’s official guide to services they offer guests with Cognitive Disabilities, including Sensory Processing Disorder.

Which Disney World park is the quietest?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is often considered the quietest of the Disney World parks. This is due to a few factors:

• No Fireworks: Unlike the other parks, Animal Kingdom does not have a nightly fireworks show. This is out of consideration for the animals that live in the park.
• Naturalistic Design: The park is designed to resemble a natural environment, with lots of greenery and open spaces. This can make it feel quieter and more peaceful than the other parks, which have more buildings and attractions packed into a smaller space.
• Lower Attendance: While all Disney parks can get busy, Animal Kingdom often has lower attendance than the other parks, especially in the evening. This can make it feel less crowded and noisy.

However, keep in mind that “quiet” can be subjective, and the perceived quietness of a park can depend on factors like the time of day, the time of year, and the specific areas of the park you visit.

Which Disney World park is the most relaxing?

EPCOT is often considered the most relaxing of the Disney World parks, and here’s why:

• World Showcase: The World Showcase is a unique feature of EPCOT that allows guests to “travel” to different countries, each with its own pavilion. These pavilions are generally less crowded and more laid-back than other areas in Disney World, offering a variety of cultural experiences, food and drink, and entertainment.
• Educational and Slow-Paced Attractions: Many of EPCOT’s attractions are educational and slow-paced, such as Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth. These can be a nice break from the more thrilling and high-energy rides found in other parks.
• Space and Layout: EPCOT is one of the largest parks in terms of physical size, which can make it feel less crowded. The layout of the park, with its wide walkways and open spaces, also contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere.

Quiet Places in the Magic Kingdom

🤫 Main Street USA: First Aid by Crystal Arats

🤫 Adventureland: Swiss Family Treehouse, Corridor to the left of Pirates of the Carribean

🤫 Liberty Square: Behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

🤫 Fantasyland: Pathway leading from Cinderella Castle to Fairytale Garden, Pete’s Silly Sideshow area, pathway behind The Barnstormer

🤫 Tomorrowland: Near Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

🤫 Table service and quick service restaurant seating areas (outside of meal times)

Where is the quiet room in Magic Kingdom?

Unfortunately, there are no dedicated quiet rooms or areas specifically designed for sensory needs in Magic Kingdom or any other parks at Disney World.

What is the quietest day at Magic Kingdom?

Historically, Tuesdays have been considered one of the quieter days at Magic Kingdom, excluding holidays and special events.

Weekdays in general tend to be less crowded than weekends, and Tuesday often falls in a sweet spot after the rush of visitors at the beginning of the week and before the influx of those arriving for a long weekend.

My recommendation for families like ours who have special needs is to try to travel outside of the school calendar.

This will result in smaller crowds and less crowd-related noise. It will also make closed-in places, like bathrooms and restaurants, less noisy and overwhelming.

Quiet Places in Animal Kingdom

🤫 Discovery Island®: First Aid (next to Creature Comforts); Discovery Island Trails 🤫 Africa: Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail 🤫Africa/Pandora: Bridge between Africa and Pandora 🤫Asia: Maharajah Tiger Trek

🤫 Table service and quick service restaurant seating areas (during non-peak periods)

Quiet Places in Hollywood Studios

🤫 Hollywood Boulevard: First Aid 🤫Echo Lake: Walkway surrounding Echo Lake 🤫Animation Courtyard: Any outdoor area 🤫Sunset Boulevard: Courtyard area by Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy 🤫Commissary Lane: Outside ABC Commissary 🤫Toy Story Land/Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Pathway between Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 🤫Grand Ave/Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Tunnel between Grand Ave and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 🤫Table service and quick service restaurant seating areas (during non-peak periods

🤫 PizzeRizzo Balcony

Quiet Places in Epcot

🤫World Celebration: Courtyard and restroom area outside Imagination pavilion 🤫 First Aid (part of Odyssey Center building next to Test Track) 🤫World Nature: Area between Seas entrance and Coral Reef Restaurant 🤫 World Discovery: Common area near Mission: Space and Test Track 🤫World Showcase: Mexico – Outside area to the right of the pavilion near the backstage gate

🤫 Germany – Garden area next to Glaskunst; Japan – Garden area

🤫 Morocco – Village Corridors

🤫 France – To the right of the buildings along the water’s edge; International Gateway

🤫 United Kingdom – Garden area at back of pavilion (when shows not running at gazebo) 🤫Table service and quick service restaurant seating areas (during non-peak periods)

🤫 Fez House – Morroco Pavilion

🤫 Hotel du Canada

Quietest Disney Resorts

• Animal Kingdom Lodge: This resort is set in a relatively isolated location compared to other Disney resorts , which contributes to its quiet atmosphere. The resort is surrounded by a savannah, offering unique views of wildlife.
• French Quarter // Port Orleans Riverside: These sister resorts are themed after the historic New Orleans and Louisiana bayou. They are smaller than many other Disney resorts, which can make them feel less crowded and more peaceful.
• Treehouse Villas at the Saratoga Springs Resort: These standalone accommodations are nestled in natural forest glens, providing a quiet and secluded environment.
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: While this resort is in a prime location next to the Magic Kingdom, the rooms themselves are known for being well-insulated from noise, making it a surprisingly quiet place to stay.

Are There Places to Sit and Rest at Disney World ?

• Tomorrowland Terrace: This is a quick-service restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. It has plenty of seating and is often less crowded than other dining locations, making it a good place to take a break. Please note that it’s sometimes used for special events or dining packages, so it might not always be available for general seating.
• Bench Areas: There are benches scattered throughout all of the parks where you can sit and rest. These can be found in various locations, including near attractions, along walkways, and in quieter areas off the main paths.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Both quick-service and table-service restaurants provide places to sit, whether you’re eating a meal or just taking a break. Outdoor seating areas can also be a good place to rest, especially during less busy times .
• First Aid Stations: Each park has a First Aid station where you can sit and rest if you’re feeling unwell. These are staffed by nurses and are equipped to handle a variety of minor health issues.

Best Places to Study at Disney World

If you’re for some reason needing to study or work while at Disney World, here are some places that might be suitable:

• Connections Café and Eatery in EPCOT: This is a great spot to study, especially if you need to charge your devices, as it has outlets. It’s also a place where you can grab a bite to eat or a coffee while you work.
• Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom: This is an outdoor food court with plenty of seating. It might be a bit noisy during peak meal times, but during off-peak hours, it could be a good place to study.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: This resort has a large, comfortable lobby with plenty of seating.
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The convention center at this resort has quiet areas that could be good for studying.
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: This resort has a business center and a large convention center.

In Conclusion… Quiet Places at Disney World

Disney World, renowned for its crowds and fireworks , also provides a range of tranquil spaces for those in search of a peaceful moment.

✔️ In the Magic Kingdom, you can find quieter spots such as the side street by Crystal Arts on Main Street, U.S.A., the corridor to the left of Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland, and the pathway leading from Cinderella Castle to Fairytale Garden in Fantasyland.

✔️ EPCOT offers the Connections Café and Eatery, a comfortable spot to sit, study, and even charge your devices.

✔️ Disney’s Animal Kingdom, often considered the quietest park due to its naturalistic design and absence of fireworks, houses the Harambe Market, which can be a quieter spot during off-peak hours.

✔️ In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, more serene areas can be discovered around Echo Lake and the Animation Courtyard.

✔️ When it comes to resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its peaceful atmosphere, largely due to its relatively remote location and natural surroundings.

✔️ The smaller resorts of French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside can feel less crowded and more peaceful.

✔️ The Treehouse Villas at the Saratoga Springs Resort offer a quiet and secluded environment, while the rooms at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are well-insulated from noise, making it a surprisingly quiet place to stay.

✔️ Many Disney hotels, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, have quiet areas in their lobbies or business centers that are suitable for studying.

Beth McCarter is the lead writer and CEO of The Travel Fam. Her first trip to Disney was spent in a double stroller next to her baby brother. She’s been to Disney too many times to count; her favorite ride is the Haunted Mansion and she loves the Animal Kingdom.  She enjoys planning holiday trips to Disney with her husband and two children.

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When is it the quietest time to visit...

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Walt Disney World Resort Questions & Answers

When is it the quietest time to visit Disneyworld without waiting for ages on a queue?. Can one take water and snacks into the theme parks?

Best time to go is when the kids are back in school. The best time is the first of september until the end of october. Then it starts to get busy again.

End of August was quiet as a lot of American children have gone back to school, I've also heard December is quiet too! We took water bottles and snacks and it was never questioned, we also got our water filled up for free at the counters where they sell drinks.

10-4 with Julie and lhanson

My husband and I are pass holders we have gone twice in the last week and have found this time in Sept to be the least crowded we have ever seen. Also fast passes help a lot you can choose 3 a day but only for one park per day. We freeze our water and take it in a softside cooler helps keep any food or snacks cold and as it unfreezes we have nice icy cold water all day in Fl heat its really nice to have cold water.

there are no longer any quiet times at disneyworld however if you avoid school holidays (google both florida & UK school holidays) these are generally a little less busy. Early morning is always quieter than later in the day & rides, restaurants, etc are always less busy when there are parades, shows and fireworks on. with regards to taking items in with you - disney have a soft sided cooler policy - you can take any food / drink (except alcohol) into the park with you so a packed lunch, drinks and snacks are good to go. You bag will be searched before entering the park but they only confiscate / tell you to take back to hotel / car prohibited items (like alcohol and selfie sticks). Quick service restaurants will also give you cups of water/ ice / iced water on request (without any other purchase) free so you can top up any water bottles taken with you - this water is filtered where the water fountains (which are everywhere) aren't. Definitely book fastpasses & download the mydisneyexperience app to get more fastpasses & access queue times when in the park.

Thank you so much for the information.

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Favorite Quiet Spots in Disney World Parks

Where do you go to get away from it all (when you’re getting away from it all) at Walt Disney World? In particular, where do you go for a little respite from the crowds and chaos? Unless you visit during an especially slow time of year, it’s unlikely you’re truly going to get away from much of anything. People are everywhere. Hope is not lost, however, as the intrepid Disney adventurer is not without options.

Some have an inherent fear of slowing down, of taking a break in the middle of a busy, Touring-Planned afternoon. We don’t want to miss anything. While understandable, the concern is at best misguided, and at worst a recipe for a miserable day. Regardless of whether it’s your first time, or your thousandth, no matter how hale and hardy you may be, it’s a good idea to take some time every so often to recharge your batteries, and I’m not just talking about the ones for your gadgets. Your traveling party will thank you, and you will thank you. Of course, if you thank yourself loudly enough in public, it may just give you that extra personal space you’ve been looking for.

Please welcome Bob Whitten to the TouringPlans blog team. Bob lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and won us over with the sentence “There  are, of course, those who oppose all things serial in nature, whether killers, commas, or cables,” which showed the proper use of the word “there,” an understanding of the Oxford comma, and, most importantly, a sense of humor.

What Makes for a Good Quiet Place

There are only a handful of criteria I consider when seeking out a temporary sanctuary. First , it obviously has to be at least a little quiet . If I can’t hear myself think, that means either I’m not thinking or the place is too loud. Either option is disturbing. Again, odds are you’re not going to find complete isolation, even on the slowest times of the year, so don’t fret if your favorite quiet spot is suddenly invaded by other peace-seekers. More than likely, they’re just as afraid of you as you are of them. Maybe that’s bears, but that’s fine, I hear they like the quiet too, except for our fine ursine friends at the Jamboree. Second , there should be seating. It’s good to sit down . You will be walking and walking, and when you’re not walking, you’ll be standing. Any chance you have to rest your feet you should take. Sometimes, it’s not enough to just get off your feet, say by dangling them from your seat in Soarin’; sometimes, it’s good to consciously rest them. Third , I prefer locations that offer some shelter from the Florida sun . It’s not easy resting and simultaneously overheating. That may be fine for some folks and I tip my cap to them, but I’m not a hot-weather person in the first place, despite having lived my whole life in the South.

One of the keys to finding some quiet is to search it out when others are not. Learn to operate slightly out of sync with the throngs , and you will find some otherwise crowded places relatively spartan by comparison.

Favorite Quiet Spots in Disney World

Magic kingdom.

Sleepy Hollow is a name that practically screams peace and quiet, well, maybe not scream, so much as beckon with the scent of fried dough and cinnamon, which is even better. Nestled just outside the entrance to Liberty Square, Sleepy Hollow may not have places where you can actually indulge in nap time, but there are a few picnic tables under a relatively shaded patio where most likely the only thing that will bother you will be a seagull or two. We rarely encounter much of a crowd, but with only a handful of tables, even when the place is at full capacity there really aren’t very many people around.

Seating at Cheshire Cafe  is limited, as it is at Sleepy Hollow, and that’s a good thing if you get there early enough to snag a table. Despite being situated near the Carousel and across from Cosmic Ray’s , it still feels relatively remote. This is especially true in the morning. This is an excellent spot to grab a coffee after your first round of attractions, while everyone else is still waiting to experience Peter Pan’s Flight.

We often visit Walt Disney World in the Fall, which means seasonal hours for several counter service locations in the park. The Golden Oak Outpost is often closed in the evenings during slower times of year. Once it shuts down for the day, the concourse near Golden Oak Outpost  tends to be nothing more than a conveyance to and from Adventureland to Frontierland. There is a limited amount of seating along the concourse, so if you can snag a seat, you should have some quiet.

There is a spot down a little cul-de-sac on Main Street with a table or two that is almost always taken, but if you’re fortunate enough to arrive at a time of tabletop transition, you may find yourself quite alone, even on the busiest of days. As there is nothing to do or see, the only people you’ll encounter are people waiting for you to vacate so they too can enjoy a respite from the mass mania of Main Street. You can try avoiding eye contact, as they silently plead with you to surrender your sanctuary, but I can’t promise it won’t make for an awkward moment or two. I also can’t promise it won’t feel like it lasts much longer than that.

The combination of the time it takes to get to Tom Sawyer Island  and the little there is to do once you arrive generally leaves this attraction looking downright desolate relative to the rest of the park. This makes it a good spot for quiet. It may be the only place in Walt Disney World where you actually can get away from it all. There aren’t too many places to sit down and relax, but spots can be found.

We’ve only been here at night, but at that time at least, the second floor of Columbia Harbour House rarely has very many people. As an added bonus, if you can snare a window seat overlooking the Fantasyland-Liberty Square concourse, you can enjoy a little people-watching along with your tasty chocolate cake or cobbler.

As a rule the Land Pavilion is pretty hopping, as anyone who’s ever waited in line for Soarin’ will tell you. But as you venture toward  Sunshine Seasons  you’ll find seating squirreled safely enough away from the tumult that affords you a decent place to gather yourself if you time it properly. We have eaten here at Christmas time and while I wouldn’t say we found peace and quiet, it was remote enough to afford us a small measure of seclusion. Try to grab one of the back tables along the edge. It’s rare to find this much seclusion in the parks, and you’ll do well to take advantage of it.

There is a somewhat hidden path from Test Track in Future World to the Mexico Pavilion in World Shawcase which runs along the exterior of the long closed Odyssey restaurant. Although it fails my shade criterion, there are a few seats and the location isn’t very crowded. This is also where you’ll find restrooms and the Baby Care Center.  (Ed. – note that the Odyssey is current hosting guests viewing World Cup action. Things will calm back down after the finals.)

There is a small mostly hidden seating area outside the Japan Pavilion’s  Katsura Grill . Because of the pagoda obscuring the view of World Showcase Lagoon, this place tends to be uncrowded. Due to the small number of tables here, you may find yourself standing during your quiet time. It’s peaceful, but not quite at the top of my list. Something about the way it is set up actually seems antithetical to resting there, but it can be done.

Victoria Gardens in front of the Canada Pavilion , and the waterfall-flanked walkway leading to O Canada! offer more tranquillity by way of flowers and trees and the always relaxing rush of water. This location fails two of my criteria, as there is no seating or escape from the sun, and I suppose if you throw in the roar of the waterfall, it fails all three. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to find relief. Sometimes, not just the crowds, but the parks themselves can be loud. There is always something vying for your attention and it is all good fun. Here, however, you will find none of that. Here, you’ll have a chance to get back to nature–as long as you stay behind the railing.

At the very back of the Morocco Pavilion , before the gift shop, there is a vast expanse of shady, quiet space. There’s nowhere to sit, but at least it’s cool and relatively quiet.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Flametree BBQ is almost always crammed with people, which is appropriate since cramming is my favorite pastime at Flametree—whether it be BBQ or chicken or ribs or pretty much anything they put in front of me. It may seem antithetical to peace and quiet, but it can be found. If you arrive early enough, there are a few highly coveted spots right next to the water with a great view of Expedition Everest.  (Ed. – try to avoid sitting under the trees here – I have one word: “birds.”)

While it’s difficult to argue that any attraction is overlooked, the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharaja Jungle Trek  are definitely not as popular as they should be. This is a fun, relaxing part of Animal Kingdom that many people rush through in a quixotic attempt to tick off items on an imaginary checklist (or a very real Touring Plan) to quantify their visit to the park. You may notice the animals are spending their time chilling out. Granted, they probably don’t have FastPass+ reservations to Kali River Rapids, but perhaps we should take a cue from them nevertheless.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The seating in front of the ABC Commissary  is a good place to sit and watch people; the best view is directly across from the back side of the soon-to-be-defunct American Idol Experience. There you will find stalwart cast members panhandling for volunteers to audition for the experience of singing in front of tens of people. Thanks to the Commissary building and a few well-placed umbrellas, the seating area is also fairly well-protected from that relentless pain in the neck otherwise known as the sun.

The Writer’s Stop used to be one of my two favorites places in all Walt Disney World for a little peace and quiet. With the removal of the front seating area, my feelings for it have diminished somewhat. If you can manage to get a seat, you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and the iconic carrot cake cookie in relative peace. There is, however, a fine line between having a slight selection of seating that creates an intimate setting and so few that getting a seat takes on the qualities of a dark, dystopian piece of fiction. Sadly, if you want to sit and rest here these days, you’ll probably have to go Mad Max on someone. (Not that I endorse such behavior.)

Final Thoughts

The problem with any of these suggestions is that invariably, and in particular on the busiest days of the year, quiet spots will be hard to come by . The key is to take advantage of the quiet when it comes and, more importantly, not to rely on others or the perfect conditions to attain it. There are any number of tricks you can practice to get a little quiet, even if you can’t get a little privacy. You may not get large blocks of quiet, but if you pick your spots, it can help. I’m definitely one who cherishes his quiet time. I’d like to say I use that time to collect my thoughts, but there’s really not much external evidence for such braggadocio.

Sometimes, it’s worth it to linger in the parks after closing or during late night events, adding quiet times when you could be back in the peace of your own room. Quiet, however, comes in many forms. Sometimes, quiet is needed just to get a break from the craziness of the parks . But sometimes, quiet is a moment taken to reflect on the magic that permeates a magical place with loved ones. There have been a few times when my wife and I have shared a special moment on the bus back to our resort, or sitting in Pinocchio’s Village Haus late at night, amid the ruin of cups and trays. Those are probably the times I recall most fondly, not the number of times we’ve experienced Soarin’ or sailed with Captain Jack Sparrow. They are the shared quiet in chaos when we are acutely aware of the place and the moment.

There are many other quiet spots in Walt Disney World. What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.

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Bob Whitten

I made my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1973, but for some reason, did not return for 23 years. Fortunately, that year I married into a Disney family and my lovely wife eventually set me straight. We now make regular trips to the World, despite not having any kids. We do have one cat, though she has yet to express any interest in going with us.

33 thoughts on “ Favorite Quiet Spots in Disney World Parks ”

I like this article EXCEPT for the exclusion of the gardens behind England in Epcot. THAT is, hands down, the quietest and most peaceful area (just as long as the cover band isn’t playing).

You know, I had thought to include it–it always looks so peaceful and inviting (as long as there’s not a band playing), but I’ve never personally stopped there to rest. That’s only because the timing has never been right. I’m glad to know that it’s definitely a place we can stop and get some peace. Thanks for the confirmation!

If the cul-de-sac on Main Street is the place I’m thinking of, there may not be anything to do or see…but there is something to hear. Two of the upper-level windows are labeled something like “Dance Lessons” and “Singing Lessons.” You can actually hear the sounds from the lessons coming out of those windows. At least, that was true not too long ago; it might have become a victim of Disney budget cuts.

Loved this post! Not only very informative, but clever and funny enough to get several genuine chuckles out of me! Great addition to the writing team!! My favorite escape spot is riding the WDWRR for the whole loop. Immerses you in the magic, the kids LOVE it and you still get the satisfaction of ticking off an attraction on your list. But, so relaxing. If only the benches were a bit more spine friendly.

But, honestly, the “tens of people” jab at the idol experience is my favorite thing ever.

The greatest quite spot of all times was the bar up the stairs from the Brown Derby. It overlooked a fast food spot and was always empty. The decor was fabulous with stage props all around. You could sit at the bar or people watch at tables overlooking the Restaraunt below. Broke my heart when that place closed.

My favorite will always be the Rose Garden in MK and the covered seating. I will miss it with the new renovations. In AK Rafiki’s Planet Watch, air conditioning and quiet. I like the gardens behind UK in EPCOT. In HW I’ve had a hard time finding a good quiet spot. The Commissary Lane is quiet when not lunch or dinner.

maybe I’m just oblivious, but I’ve succeeded in sleeping (sitting up) on the benches just before the Spaceship Earth exit.

Or it could be that you have a super-power.

The rocking chairs on side porch in Liberty Square!

EPCOT is really the hardest park to find quiet & shady spots, which is odd considering how massive it is, but here are some of my favorites:

American Adventure’s lobby right after a show goes in. You still have a while before the crowd builds up for Voices of Liberty and it is always ice cold in there.

I like to sit in the theater for the hilariously awful Norway film. It’s dark, cool, and a good place to unwind.

Electric Umbrella in the morning before they open is great. There’s never a soul inside, it’s air conditioned, and a great place to wait if your party is doing an attraction that you don’t want to do (Soarin’ for me!).

I usually bring headphones, & try to find a nice spot like these, to rest. My favorite music usually helps me relax and enjoy, blocking most other noise out.

Thanks, as always, for excellent research and clever writing! The last time I was at WDW this ‘secret spot’ was still in the Magic Kingdom, but I think it may not be there with new construction. Head for Space Mountain. Find the large bathrooms to the right; this building was once the base the the Skyride. Just to the left of this building is a paved ramp that leads down to a square area with seating. It’s right next to the WDWRR, but surrounded by high hedges. There were times we had the place to ourselves and could even nap during a busy day in the park. More than once a Cast Member custodian or WDW Security officer wandered in and said, “Oh, you’ve found our hiding place!” It was definitely not “backstage.” It just wasn’t an obvious place to wander into.

Thanks! Oh boy, I can’t wait to go looking for this spot! I appreciate the tip. It must sound like all we do is scour the parks for hiding places. I can assure everyone I don’t live under a bridge or anything. I am more or less sociable.

Now I am curious. We will be searching this out on our next trip. The wonders of Disney never cease!

We found the Tomorrowland Terrace to be very nice and quiet on our last trip in May. It wasn’t open so very few people were sitting up there. It was the perfect place to enjoy our ice cream sundaes.

We had the same experience in September. I don’t think it was open when we went either, but I couldn’t recall. Thanks for the info!

My favorite quiet time place meets all 3 requirements, yet its an attraction! The People Mover in the MK is sooo under rated. This is my family’s go-to ride whenever we need down time and/or a break from the sun or the rain. The added bonus is the smart phone charging station located by the ride! When we visited last Sept., there was a 20 minute rain shower passing thru the park, and since the ride wasnt crowded, the CM let us ride the attraction multiply times without exiting….my 9 year old daughter thought that was the coolest thing. Mary

I completely agree. It’s a great attraction for peace and quiet. I debated whether or not to include attractions and decided against it only for the sake of brevity–granted, brevity based on my rather loose standards. We have typically availed ourselves of Ellen’s Energy Adventure for the same reason. Honestly, we had been going to Ellen’s for years before I realized Michael Richards was in the show because I was asleep before we got to him. The first time I saw him, I asked my wife when they added him, and she just rolled her eyes.

Ellen’s Energy Nap! My wife hates it when I call it that. Hall of Presidents is another good one, but the wait is often quite long. The Carousel of Progress is dark, not too loud, and usually a quick entry.

Ha! I like to think I’m doing my part for energy conservation. Boy, an energy nap sounds good right about now.

When my boys were babies, the People Mover was where I would go to feed them and let them nap in my arms. They would always let me stay on for as long as I wanted. It’s so peaceful with just enough movement to rock a little baby into a deep sleep.

Nice work here! I’m currently sitting on a rocking chair on Tom Sawyer Island- and I’d say the surrounding rockers have been empty most of the while. There’s also a smattering of tables and padded chairs that are relatively empty. Two more spots in Animal Kingdom: the seating for Tamu Tamu (tucked back, shaded and quiet) and along the jungly pathway connecting Africa to Asia- there’s a covered seating area with tables and short stools. Never occupied.

Oh no, you mean that jungle pathway isn’t my family’s own secret 🙂

Thanks! We will definitely check out those sites at Animal Kingdom. Any reason to spend a little more time at that beautiful park is good for me. I have also noticed that the walkway to Dinosaur isn’t often very crowded. Plus, it’s shady, and there are seats.

Discovery Island at AK has some nice trails that are rarely traveled. Find the path to the kangaroo overlook – we’ve yet to pass anyone else when we go there.

We travel with a family member who has issues with sensory overload, so these quiet spots are quite necessary for us in our Disney adventures.

We’ve found most of these already, but one not mentioned is the path behind Tomorrowland Speedway that connects the Fantasyland train stop to the side of Space Mountain. Not much seating, but very few people. Surprisingly peaceful considering the roaring engines nearby.

That pathway behind the Speedway is our favorite. There is a spot for disability dogs to run around and potty and a large smoking spot, but most days we don’t pass another soul the whole time. I take my boys (who have autism and sensory integration issues, too) back there and we run sprints to get the built up nervous energy out.

For eating, we love the very bottom seating at Flame Tree which we are lucky enough to almost always find empty even if the top sections are full. We also frequent that second story of Columbia Harbor House, although the last few trips the A/C was not working very well and it was too hot to be comfortable up there.

The one park where we don’t have a specific quiet spot is Epcot. There are so many areas to duck into and be alone or almost alone.

Thanks for the tip! We’re so rarely over in that area, it gets overlooked by us. Next time we’re there, we’ll definitely check it out. Another thing I do sometimes when I get overloaded, though admittedly only when I’m by myself, because it may seem a bit anti-social, is stuff some earplugs in my ears (of course).

Oh, he puts earplugs in before we get out of the car…

The two big ones for me are the second floor of Columbia Harbour House and the outside area behind Flame Tree Barbecue. We typically go to Disney World in January, and both of those areas are still pretty quiet even during lunch time. The Columbia Harbour House is our eating destination multiple times on every trip!

I just love getting to read these blog posts! Thanks Touring plans! You do good work and have a great team!

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Some Quiet Spots Restful at Walt Disney World

Last Updated on March 30, 2020

Find Some Quiet restful spots at Walt Disney World. Relaxing, quiet, and restful aren’t always a thing at Disney Parks. The bucket list trips from far and wide are often fast and hard.

Every once in awhile, even the most organized Disney guest needs a break from the sound, lights and other stimuli. Florida residents with Annual Passes definitely have an advantage here.

Whether your child has an issue with overstimulation or simply needs quiet time to recharge, you can factor in quiet time at each of Disney’s theme parks with a little planning.

In order to be considered relaxing and refreshing, an appropriate spot must quiet, shaded and provide seating (the floor doesn’t count).

While dining settings and restrooms cover these three particular criteria, we are looking for something a little more restful and easy on the eyes.

Quiet Spaces and Restful Spots at Disney World Parks

Where can one take a family member with a cognitive disability when they become over-stimulated, has a “meltdown”, or needs a break?

Disney Cast Members will be your best resource for locating the nearest quiet space.

Magic Kingdom

• Main Street, U.S.A.: First Aid; Side Street by Crystal Arts
• Adventureland: Swiss Family Treehouse; Corridor to the left of Pirates of the Caribbean
• Liberty Square : Behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
• Frontierland: Tom Sawyer Island (NOTE: You must take a raft ride to/from the island and some waiting may be required); Splash Mountain garden area
• Fantasyland: Pathway leading from Cinderella Castle to Fairytale Garden; Pete’s Silly Sideshow area; Pathway behind The Barnstormer
• Tomorrowland : Near Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Hollywood Boulevard: First Aid
• Echo Lake: Walkway surrounding Echo Lake
• Animation Courtyard: The Voyage of Little Mermaid attraction, Near the restrooms to the left of The Magic of Disney Animation attraction
• Sunset Boulevard: Courtyard outside The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
• Commissary Lane: Outside ABC Commissary
• Future World West : Courtyard and restroom area outside Imagination pavilion; Area between Seas entrance and Coral Reef Restaurant
• Future World East : First Aid (part of Odyssey Center building next to Test Track); Common area near Misson: Space and Test Track
• Mexico -Outside area to the right of the pavilion near the backstage gate;
• Germany -Garden area next to Glaskunst;
• Japan- Garden area;
• Morocco -Village Corridors;
• France -To the right of the buildings along the water’s edge;
• International Gateway;
• United Kingdom -Garden area at the back of the pavilion (when shows are not running at the gazebo)
• Canada – Victoria Gardens

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Discovery Island®: First Aid (next to Creature Comforts); Discovery Island Trails
• Africa : Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• Asia: Maharajah Tiger Trek

Slow and Quiet Disney World Attractions

This is not the same as a restful spot to de-escalate a tantrum or coax a small child into a nap , however, to keep the good times rolling there are a handful of attractions at Disney World that are less thrilling and visually appealing, and relaxed.

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority (a.k.a. the “People Mover”)
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Liberty Belle Riverboat
• Tom Sawyer Island
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Animation Gallery
• Future World
• Innoventions
• Living with the Land
• Discovery Island Trails near Tree of Life
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails
• Conservation Station
• Na’vi River Journey

Guides for Guests with Disabilities

Available at Guest Relations, these guides can also be downloaded in a printable format for each theme park:

• Magic Kingdom park
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom park

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I’m a Disney expert and these are the two cheapest and quietest times to visit Disney World every year

• Josie Klein
• Published : 9:01, 29 Jan 2022
• Published : Invalid Date,

A DISNEY expert has revealed the two cheapest and quietest times to visit Disney World every year.

One of the times might come as a surprise.

Jill Beignet shared a video on Tiktok in response to the question: "Have you made a video about the best time of the year to go yet?"

She explained that it is difficult to pick 'the best time' to visit Disney World as it varies depending on what visitors want to do, but the cheapest and quietest times to go are in January and August.

She said: "If you mean the least expensive and the least crowded time - that would be January after Martin Luther King weekend, and the end of August."

Brits might be surprised to hear that the end of August would be a cheap and quiet time to visit the theme parks as it coincides with UK school holidays.

However, in some parts of the US , schools return in late August, so the parks are unlikely to have many American kids there.

On top of that, Florida is extremely hot that time of year, which is off-putting to some visitors who would rather go during a cooler month.

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The video has been watched more than 1,000 times, and viewers agree with Jill's advice.

One person commented: "We always go towards the end of January and it is dead! We find it to be the absolute best time to go as we hate crowds."

Someone else wrote: "I always go end of August or beginning of September. It's a little hot but the parks are practically empty!"

Another person asked: "What about a UK first timer who's not keen on crowds or heat?"

Jilly replied: "Best chance will be end of January."

If you don't like being stuck in big crowds at Disney World, a man has revealed the hidden spot where you can avoid the rabble .

A Disney World super fan has revealed the worst time to visit the theme park .

An ex-Disney employee has revealed how you can get into the parks ahead of everyone else .

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Quiet Spots at Disney World: Where to go When You Need a Break

Still, there are times during your Disney vacation, when that is just what you are going to need. You may have little ones that just won’t nap with distractions. Perhaps you are the one that wants a quiet place to relax and unwind for a few minutes. Or maybe you just want to sit and relax in a nice cool place and get out of the sun. Whatever the reason, this is something that everyone will go looking for at one point on their trip. Where do you go?

Now if you are a Disney resort guest, you have the benefit of going back to your hotel for a few hours: taking that much-needed afternoon pool or nap-break can do wonders to recharge everyone’s battery.

But what if going back to your hotel is just not convenient? You may not be staying on Disney property. Or you may have limited park time, and don’t want to waste several hours traveling to your hotel and back again? Or, like us on New Years Eve day, the parks were very crowded, and we just did not want to take the chance of leaving and possibly not getting back in?

The good news is, there are lots of places in or near the parks where you can do just that. Following are some of our favorites:

• Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom . Admit it, you already thought of this. I know for many, this is the ultimate snooze location, whether you need one or not. 🙂 But all kidding aside, this is a great place to relax for 10-15 minutes: it’s dark, it’s relatively quiet, it’s cool when you need a break from the Florida sun and heat, and if you nod off for a few minutes, who will really notice?
• Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom . This is a great place, because so few people actually take the time to go here! Perhaps not the perfect place in the middle of the summer, when you may want to go inside somewhere, but for most of the year, the quiet shady spots here are just what you need to rest and unwind for a while.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom . This is also outside, so also may not be the perfect solution when it’s brutally hot, but this has the advantage of moving (meaning it has a breeze). The movement is also perfect for those who find that motion turns them into Rip Van Winkle in an instant. 🙂 Trust me: this one really works.
• The American Adventure in Epcot . Cool in the summer, warm in the winter? Check. Dry when it’s raining? Check. Dark inside? Check. Fifteen minutes or so? Check. Comfy seats? Oh yeah. 🙂 This has all the prerequisites. Just do yourself a favor: Go here sometimes when you’re NOT tired too, because this is an amazing show that shouldn’t *always* be slept through….
• The Impresssions de France movie in Epcot . See #1. 🙂
• The Writer’s Stop in Hollywood Studios . Comfy seats in a quiet secluded part of the park on the Streets of America, make this one of my current new favorites. The only problem is the coffee and snacks….caffeine and sugar won’t necessarily help you snooze. But you can relax with a good book, and that’s a nice break too.
• Many trails in Animal Kingdom like the Discovery Island and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail can provide a natural and quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Find a shady bench and put your feet up for a bit, while you watch for wildlife….oh and there are animals too. 🙂
• The monorail is not exactly *in* the parks, but is right outside, and you have the added movement which can put folks right to sleep. While this won’t be effective necessarily at the busiest times of the day, or during peak/holiday seasons, when the crowds are lighter and it’s the middle of the afternoon…you may be privileged to get a car pretty much to yourself. And if not, it’s still nice to get off your feet and enjoy the view.
• Boats are the favorite of many, for relaxing transportation, as well as potentially a place to catch 40 winks. Disney loves their boats: There are the Friendship boats that go around World Showcase, between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the resorts in that area, as well as the boats that travel between the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resorts. Then there are the Ferry Boats that travel from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center and back again. Fun yes…but relaxing too, and a very picturesque way to rest for a bit.
• Resort hotel lobbies may be one of my favorite places to unwind for a bit. Yes, to visit you need to leave the parks, but the deluxe resorts that are near Magic Kingdom and Epcot/Hollywood Studios are right next door, and well worth making a visit. They are each unique, beautiful, and offer many lovely and quiet benches, cushy sofas, comfy rocking chairs….and even hammocks. Consider dinner at one of these resorts, and head on over an hour early to relax first…it’s the perfect start to a great evening.

These are, of course, just a few: there are countless wonderful places for you or your little ones to take a nap or just sit and do nothing. I would love to hear about your special little places where you relax for a bit….if you feel like sharing your secret! 🙂

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13 thoughts on “ Quiet Spots at Disney World: Where to go When You Need a Break ”

I just love this post!! TTA and Writer’s Stop are my personal favs!

Writer’s Stop is definitely my new favorite….love the chance to have a latte and something delicious to eat while relaxing. 🙂

One of my personal favorites is to ride the small boat between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge (or Fort Wilderness)…it’s a nice LONG ride over and if you ride it back to where you started. Also, I love the observation deck at the Contemporary Resort… It’s cool breezes in late afternoon and amazing view of Tomorrowland and Seven Seas Lagoon make for a wonder resting spot! Plus, it’s right outside of the convenient store at the resort!! Food and beverage and a great view, WHAT A COMBO!!

Thanks John for that great tip about the Contemporary observation deck. It sounds wonderful….and I suspect may be a bit more crowded in the future now that folks know about it. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

I love the boat ride from MK to Fort Wilderness as well, I rode it once and was the only person on the boat! Very peaceful.

Great article, Nancy! The Writer’s Stop is my favorite (wonder why, ha). Reading this SURE makes me long to be ‘back home’ again!

Yes it does Brenda. I can just see those comfy chairs now……:)

I have actually slept through the Universe of Energy so sometimes it doesn’t even have to be quiet to be restful . . . Last trip I slept through the film at France, I don’t think I even saw the first picture!

If you are at downtown Disney and are near House of Blues and want to get back to the Marketplace, there is a dock behind HOB and the boat goes the Marketplace, near the Rainforest Cafe.

I love the TTA for a chance to put my feet up and zone out for the ride. Sometimes the cast members will let you stay on for 2 loops for some extra time off your feet!

Very true Gaylin….quiet is NOT necessary when you’re tired and need a break! Thanks for stopping by and for the great tip about the DTD boat ride….sounds very relaxing! 🙂

Have to agree with the TTA as a great way to re-set yourself! You are still in the middle of the fun, and can just take a relaxing break as you cruise.

Question about the photo – is that the lobby in the Beach Club? Because we stayed there in 2009 and it so reminds me of it. Ah, the happy memories!

It is Beach Club! 🙂 It is a sitting room on the way to the Beach Club Villas….and one of my favorite places to relax!

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Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida Complete Guide

P lanning a Disney World Vacation gets complicated for many because Walt Disney World isn’t just one place. In fact, covering over 40 sq. miles, the Disney World Parks combined is the size of San Francisco. Spanning 4 theme parks, two water parks, 30+ resorts, and a shopping center. As a result, unlike other vacations, this one is more than just buying tickets, booking a hotel and showing up. Luckily, we’re hear to break it down, so that you can understand the layout of Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida, and get a handle on how much time you need to cover it all. Consider this your complete guide to the theme parks in Disney World. 

We’re sharing the important rides, and restaurants in each park, so that you can make a plan to do all your favorite things on your next trip to the parks. As one of the major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World sees about 58 million people a year. With most vacationers planning between 7-10 days per visit, there is so much to do that you typically won’t get it all in. Therefore we always recommend a few tips to help you make the best decisions when it comes to planning your vacation. 

• Review the Disney World Event Calendar to check what events, and crowds may look like for the dates of your visit.  
• Decide How Many Days for Disney World you’d like to plan. While it’s a huge resort, how long you stay is up to you and based mostly on what you hope to do while you’re there. 
• If this feels overwhelming to you, consider using a Disney Travel Agent to help you create your best vacation. Authorized Disney Travel Planners offer their services for FREE and is a great resource, if you’ve never visited before. 

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We’ve said it before, Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida are multiple places that see millions of visitors a year. Luckily all these places are connected by complimentary Disney Transportation to help get you around Walt Disney World. Here are the places to visit on your trip. 

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World has four theme parks, each with their own theme, rides, restaurants, and shows. 

• Magic Kingdom Park : Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantasyland. Disney’s most popular park with over 25 attractions. 
• EPCOT Park : Walt Disney’s original concept for a community of tomorrow, EPCOT includes the World Showcase, Festivals, Spaceship Earth and areas honoring Nature, Technology, and Celebration. 
• Animal Kingdom Park : Home to over 2000 animals, Animal Kingdom includes animal habitat trails, animal shows, Pandora, and rides like Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. 
• Hollywood Studios Park : Disney’s Original MGM Studios park, this park honors old Hollywood, Star Wars and Toy Story. Home to churros, light sabers and the Tower and Terror. 

Water Parks

The Water Parks at Disney World are typically open on opposite schedules throughout the year to allow for cleanings and refurbishments. The Water Parks at Disney require an additional ticket. 

• Typhoon Lagoon : This Disney Water Park is themed as a tropical oasis with a lazy river, surf pool and water slides. However, it’s been hit by a “typhoon”, causing a bit of chaos. 
• Blizzard Beach : Featuring a Santa Claus on vacation storyline, you can find “snow” at Blizzard Beach, a snow monster and even the snowgies from Frozen. 

Other Places at Disney World

These places at Disney are open to the public and do not require a park ticket to visit. 

• Disney Springs:  The shopping center at Disney Springs includes stores, restaurants, and live music. It’s also home to the Splitsville bowling alley, a Movie Theater and the Cirque de Soleil show. 
• Disney’s BoardWalk: The Boardwalk includes a variety of restaurants, beaches, and recreation. It’s also home to 3 Disney Resorts; Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. 

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando is home to Cinderella’s Castle and opened in 1971. By far the most famous of the Walt Disney World parks, it is, however, also the smallest. Magic Kingdom includes Main Street U.S.A. inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and popular classic attractions like It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean. This Park consists of six themed lands combining everything old, with everything new. Featuring classic rides like the Mad Hatter Tea Party in Fantasyland alongside the newer attractions like TRON LightCycle Power Run in Tomorrowland. Magic Kingdom has the most rides of any Walt Disney World Park and even though it’s the smallest will take the longest to get through get everything offered here.

Magic Kingdom Resorts

The Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park is near several resorts that get you close to the action. If you’re looking for hotels near Magic Kingdom, you have a couple of options. Easy transportation via the Monorail allows for easy access to and from the park from the Disney Monorail Resorts. These resorts include Disney’s Contemporary Resort , The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Polynesian Village Resort. 

You can also grab a boat from Magic Kingdom to the nearby Wilderness resorts. Both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are a quick boat ride to the park, and offer a nature filled alternative to a typical Disney hotel experience. 

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Magic Kingdom is filled with restaurants. Unfortunately, restaurants at Magic Kingdom are not usually the best, and we always recommend heading to the Monorail Resort restaurants instead. However, if you’re planning to stay in the park to eat, we suggest Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, and The Crystal Palace. Home to Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest , these are some of the hardest to get Disney Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World. They are also some of the most expensive, and we don’t feel they’re worth the cost. 

If you’re looking for something easy and cheaper, you can check out the Best Quick Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom. Again, the theme park food at Magic Kingdom is not the best, so we try to stick to things that are simple. Pinocchio’s Village Haus has flatbreads, and Friar’s Nook has great potato barrel Bowls. 

Magic Kingdom Rides

Of all the parks, you most need Disney Genie+ for Magic Kingdom because there are so many rides. And waiting in line for rides throughout the day is near impossible when crowds are typically the worst at this park. Popular Rides at Magic Kingdom include the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain . The newest ride at Magic Kingdom, TRON, requires a Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue Board Pass. Check out the Magic Kingdom Park Checklist for all the rides to plan for! 

Magic Kingdom Disney Characters

Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, and Disney Princesses are all available to meet at Magic Kingdom. These Disney Character Meet and Greets don’t typically have the longest lines, but if they are a priority for you, be sure to plan for them! You can also catch Donald and Daisy, Winnie the Pooh and more Disney favorites in this park. Lines are lowest for characters in the morning and between 2-4 PM. Check out the list for where to find Disney Characters in Magic Kingdom. 

Magic Kingdom Shows and Parades

Magic Kingdom is famous for its Festival of Fantasy Parade and the fireworks show, Happily Ever After . Both are Disney Must Dos at Magic Kingdom, and you should plan for it! This means a 3pm parade in the park, and an 8 or 9pm Fireworks Show to stay for in the evening. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App, for showtimes.

Magic Kingdom Events

Best known for it’s seasonal events, you can attend parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney After Hours events. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in December are very popular and an excellent way to take advantage of rides with fewer guests in the park, exclusive snacks, and seasonal fun!  

EPCOT 

EPCOT combines the worlds of technology, nature, and culture, bringing life to Walt Disney’s original idea of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While his original idea included self-driving cars, solar-powered homes and an international marketplace, the current version of the park is changing with times. As a result, EPCOT is in the midst of several construction projects beginning to complete. Grounded in an overarching goal of creating four neighborhoods within EPCOT these themed areas further solidify the desired look and feel of each experiential land.

These four neighborhoods are World Celebration, acting as the central spine of the park, World Nature showcasing everything on the land and sea that makes up our human experience, World Discovery, featuring technology and space with a focus on innovation and World Showcase comprised of multiple countries sharing cultural experiences in each pavilion. From engineering your own vehicle at Test Track to strolling through nature in the Moana’s Journey of Water attraction, there are many things to explore in EPCOT.

EPCOT Area Resorts

Resorts near EPCOT Park can be found in the Disney Boardwalk Area. Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn are all within walking distance of the park. You can also find Disney Marriott Hotels in the EPCOT area, giving you even more options of places to stay. Disney’s Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin are also other hotels near EPCOT if you’re looking to stay close by. Other resorts included in this area are Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, both accessible via the Disney Skyliner, with a station at the EPCOT International Gateway. 

EPCOT Restaurants

Restaurants at EPCOT combine a lot of different cuisines, as a result of the World Showcase. Home to signature dining experiences at Monsieur Paul and Le Cellier, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a good meal. We most like Via Napoli for the pizza, La Cantina de San Angel for the empanadas, and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie for everything else. You can also see all the Disney Princesses at once for character dining at Akershus in Norway. Many of the restaurants here are good and you can find even more Quick Service Restaurants at EPCOT that are budget friendly. 

EPCOT Rides

Most known for Spaceship Earth at the entrance of the park, there are many popular rides in EPCOT worth riding. Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Soarin’ are favorites, and usually require a ride strategy or lightning lane pass if you’re hoping to stay out of long lines. Favorites like Test Track, and Living with the Land are also here. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a thrill rollercoaster that brings back to the past, with fun music. It does require a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass to snag a place in line or a Lightning Lane Pass if you’re hoping for a shorter wait. Check out the EPCOT Park Checklist for details on all the rides. 

EPCOT Disney Characters

Characters in EPCOT include Snow White in Germany, Aurora and Belle in France, Mulan in China, and Donald Duck in Mexico, among other. With more characters than you realize be sure to check out the list of EPCOT characters to make sure you have your favorites on the list. 

EPCOT Shows and Parades

EPCOT doesn’t have parades, but they do have a nighttime spectacular called, Luminous . Luminous combines music, pyrotechnics and fireworks for a nightly show featuring familiar Disney music and a message about our shared humanity. You can see this show nightly, for a dazzling display on the World Showcase Lagoon. Truly an amazing fireworks show you can even see it from the beaches of the Boardwalk and nearby hotels. 

EPCOT Festivals

Walt Disney World hosts 4 festivals at EPCOT park annually. Each festival has it’s own theme, specialty foods, shows, performances and merchandise. Here are the festivals you can see every year at Epcot. First, the International Festival of the Arts happens from January through mid-February. Second, the Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March through mid-June. Third, you can visit the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival late July- November. And Fourth, the International Festival of Holidays in December. Check out all the details on each festival at EPCOT. 

Animal Kingdom 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom covers 500 acres of landscape comprised of six areas featuring unique cultures, wilderness, and over 2000 animals. The Oasis and Discovery Island features lush landscapes, shops, and the Tree of Life as the centerpiece of the park. Bringing the lands of Africa and Asia to the forefront, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers winding paths through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. DinoLand U.S.A features the world of the past, while Pandora World of Avatar brings guests 4.4 million lightyears away. Here you’ll find Walt Disney World’s most popular ride, Avatar Flight of Passage.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts

If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, know that this area of the Disney World Parks, is somewhat remote. Still, there are 5 Disney Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resorts Area. While none of them are within walking distance, and you can only travel to Animal Kingdom by Bus, here are the Animal Kingdom resorts to know. The Disney All-Stars Resorts ; including All Star Music, Movies and Sports are nearby. As are Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . These resorts only offer Disney Bus transportation, but if you’re hoping to finding somewhere close to Animal Kingdom to stay, then it’s typically a 10-15 minute bus ride from these resorts. 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Offering a variety of unique cuisine, hailing from Africa, Asia and even Pandora, the food at Animal Kingdom is unique and flavorful. The Tusker House Restaurant offers character dining with Mickey and Friends in their Safari Gear, and Nomad Lounge serves some of the best drinks and appetizers to be had in the park. If you’re looking for the  Best Quick Service Restaurants at Animal Kingdom , then Satu’li Canteen offers delicious power bowls to keep you going through the day. Animal Kingdom is also great for specialties like dumplings at Mr. Kamals, and Pineapple Dole Whip Cake from Tamu Tamu. 

Animal Kingdom Rides

The most popular ride at Animal Kingdom is Pandora’s Flight of Passage . This flight simulator ride has consistently long waits, typically about 1-2 hours long. As a result this is an ideal ride to grab a Lightning Lane Pass for, or to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Due to Animal Kingdom’s shorter hours, there is less time to ride rides. However, there are a few main ones you should be sure to have on your Animal Kingdom Must do list. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you across the savanna so you can see the animals and is a must see for many at the park. Expedition Everest gets you face to face with a Yeti, and Dinosaur is a must do for anyone eager to outrun a T-Rex, courtesy of a rickety old jeep. Get a full list of Animal Kingdom Rides in the Checklist. 

Animal Kingdom Disney Characters

Some of the most unique Disney characters can be found at Animal Kingdom Park. Moana, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Russell and Dug, and Kevin from UP! are all available for meet and greets throughout the year. Plus, you can also see Donald Duck, Launchpad McQuack and even meet Mickey and Minnie in their Adventurer outfits. Animal Kingdom characters can also be seen in flotilla boats sailing along the discovery River throughout the day. A fun treat if you’re not up for standing in line to see them close up. Check out all the Disney Characters at Animal Kingdom you can see on your next visit. 

Animal Kingdom Shows and Parades

Due to Animal Kingdom’s early closing, usually by 6pm there aren’t typically nighttime spectaculars , like the other parks. However, on nights when they are open later you can watch the Tree of Life Awakenings Show, which also offers a holiday version during December. Throughout the daytime hours, Animal Kingdom does not offer parades, but does include a steady stream of Disney Character Flotillas that sail Discovery River. Check the My Disney Experience App for showtimes. You can generally see up to 5 different character floats in a day. 

Animal Kingdom Events

Disney After Hours Events are sometimes offered at Animal Kingdom throughout the year on select dates. Giving guests the chance to see Pandora at Night, and take advantage of a nighttime safari on the savanna. You can check the Disney Website and the app for times when specialty events are available. Note, that they are in addition to your park ticket, so plan to budget extra if you’re hoping to snag a spot at a late night event. 

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has had many names over the years, but the focus of honoring cinema has stayed the same. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular film franchises like Toy Story, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the Muppets, Hollywood Studios has rides and experiences perfect for both kids and adults. Home to popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Hollywood Studios offers a variety of fun for everyone in the family.

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts

Nearer to EPCOT Park than you realize, and actually connected by a walking path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Studios Resort Area includes the EPCOT resort area as well. As a result, all of the BoardWalk Resorts are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios. In addition, there are a few other resorts connected to Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. These Skyliner Resorts include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Riviera Resort, Art of Animation and Pop Century. As Skyliner resorts guests staying at any of these 4 locations can take the skyliner to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

Dining at Hollywood Studios is much like it is at Magic Kingdom, somewhat sub-par. While Woody’s Lunch Box over in Toy Story Land is fantastic for a quick lunch, and the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is wonderful for an upscale meal, other options inside the park are basic theme park fare. The exception my be the Ronto Wraps over at Ronto Roasters, which are a must-try Disney Snack. You can check out our Best Quick Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios to make sure you’re only picking the best ones. 

Hollywood Studios Rides

Home to Rise of the Resistance , Mickeys Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash , there are plenty of rides here that are popular and fun. Though lines do tend to be long, if you plan the busiest rides in the morning, you’ll be able to fit indoor rides, like Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania, in during the hot afternoon hours. And don’t overlook the shows; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular , and Muppets 3-D are all fun additions to your Hollywood Studios Day. check out the List of Attractions at Hollywood Studios for everything to see and do while you’re there. 

Hollywood Studios Disney Characters

The main characters to see at Hollywood Studios include the Pixar Pals, Star Wars characters, and Woody, Buzz and Jessie in Toy Story Land. You can also see Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams, if you’re looking for a Hollywood version of your favorite power couple.

Hollywood Studios Shows and Parades

While Hollywood Studios doesn’t typically have parades, you can sometimes see cavalcades, or motorcades throughout the park. You can also catch the Green Army Men and Stormtrooper March performances that are shown intermittently throughout the day. 

The main shows at Hollywood Studios are Fantasmic and Wonderful World of Animation. Fantasmic is show that takes place at the outdoor theater, complete with moat, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and storytelling as Mickey and the Disney Villains have a showdown. The Wonderful World of Animation show takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theater. Featuring memorable Disney scenes and songs, this is an honor to the animation of Disney.

Hollywood Studios Events

Events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios often include Disney After Hours, on select nights throughout the year. And during the holidays, you can catch Jollywood Nights , which is a holiday party after hours in parks. Both require additional tickets and get you access to the park after closing. 

Disney World Parks Guide

Hopefully this post has helped you get a handle on all the Disney World Parks to visit while you’re in Orlando Florida. If you looking for even more to do, be sure to check out the Disney Water Parks. In addition, visiting the Disney BoardWalk , and Disney Springs to your trip are also free and worth your time! 

An expert's guide to Orlando, Florida – beyond the theme parks

May 5, 2024 • 7 min read

From glistening beaches to space exploration past and present, Orlando has tons for you to see © Shutterstock

There's a reason 75 million people visit Orlando annually, and it isn't just the mouse. Don't get us wrong. Disney World is incredible and deserves a place on any theme park lover’s bucket list, but Orlando is so much more than its theme parks. It’s an ever-evolving city with vibrant parks, public art and award-winning restaurants. And that’s before you get to amazing day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach . 

I have family near Orlando and I’ve visited dozens of times through the years, usually for a week at a time. I’ve come to love this special place. Whether it’s your first trip to Orlando or you’re looking for something to do outside the theme parks, our expert guide to Orlando will help you make the most of your trip. 

When should I go to Orlando? 

There’s no wrong time to visit Orlando , but here are a few facts to inform your decision. First, no matter the time of year, holidays are crowded and expensive (this includes the days framing the actual holiday). There’s also the rainy season from May to October. Luckily, in a place as lovely as Florida, the rainfall is intense but mercifully brief. 

Hurricane season is from June through November. In recent years, weather systems like Hurricane Ian have caused theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to close for multiple days. If you’re visiting Orlando during hurricane season, it’s best to book flexible airfare, lodging, rental car reservations, etc.  

The high tourist season in Orlando is from March to April and June to August. Kids are typically out of school for spring and summer breaks, so the big attractions like theme parks are often crowded. Humidity is high, and temperatures are often in the 90s. 

The shoulder season in Orlando is in May and September through November. In May, temperatures reach the mid to high 80s, and after the sweltering summer, they drop to the upper 70s in November. During the shoulder season, you’ll usually find better deals on lodging. 

December is usually the low season (excluding Christmas through early January when the kids are on holiday break). The temperatures are cooler but exceedingly pleasant, with averages in the middle 70s. This is the time of year when you’ll usually get the best pricing as long you avoid school breaks and holidays.

How many days do you need to see Orlando? 

Although you can easily spend longer and not regret it, the average visitor to Orlando spends 5-7 nights. A stay of this length ensures you’ll have time to visit the theme parks (if that’s on your itinerary), plus explore downtown Orlando and some Florida beaches. 

Is it easy to get around in Orlando? 

Most long-distance travelers fly into Orlando International Airport. If you’re staying at a Disney area hotel and don’t plan on spending much time outside the resort, you might find it cheaper to take the Mears Connect shuttle over an Uber or rental car, although this largely depends on your group size. The shuttle operates 24/7. 

If you’re a Florida local, the recently debuted Brightline offers fast train service connecting Orlando to cities like Palm Beach , Fort Lauderdale and Miami . Alternatively, the Sun Rail offers train service with stops in Poinciana (about half an hour from Disney World), downtown Orlando, Kissimmee and DeBary. 

Downtown Orlando has an excellent public transportation system. LYMMO provides free Bus Rapid Transit service seven days a week to major downtown destinations like Lake Eola Park or the Bob Carr Theater . The Lymmo does not provide service to the airport or theme parks. Or, enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and utilize Orlando’s bike and scooter share program .

What are the top things to do in Orlando? 

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Orlando has theme parks. Walt Disney World , Universal Studios , Legoland , etc, are all in the area. If these attractions are the reason for your visit, that’s wonderful. However, there are a lot of things to do in Orlando outside the theme parks. 

Embrace downtown Orlando 

Don’t make the mistake of skipping downtown Orlando on your visit to the Sunshine State. Lake Eola Park is the heart of the city, with a paved, wheelchair-accessible walking trail circling the lake. Colorful gardens blossom against the backdrop of the Orlando skyline while swan boats (and real swans) swim in the water. A wheelchair lift was recently installed to make it easier for people with disabilities to enter the ADA-accessible swan boats. If you’re at Lake Eloa on a Sunday, check out the Orlando Farmer’s Market, where local vendors showcase seasonal produce, arts and crafts, plants and even homemade dog treats.

A whopping 48 Orlando restaurants were honored by the Michelin Guide in 2024, so be sure to arrive hungry. For a bucket list dining experience, the intimate Natsu Omakase has just two seatings per night and flies most of its seafood in from Japan. For a casual meal, it’s hard to beat Super Rico , with Columbian dishes like Churrasco or fried green plantains topped with steak, chicken and mushrooms. 

While you’re walking around downtown, keep your eye open for public art. Orlando boasts over 900 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and mixed media displayed in its city hall, neighborhood centers, public buildings and parks. 

Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens 

The Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre plant-life paradise. Since this is Florida, there is always something in bloom, and each trip to the gardens is different than the last. Throughout the year, roses, hibiscus, bananas, tree orchids and citrus trees fill the grounds with perfume and color. This is also home to the Historic Leu House Museum, which was originally built in 1888. Today, the mansion has been restored to offer visitors a glimpse back at the past.

Take in a Performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of the world's most acoustically sound arts venues. The building takes up two city blocks, offering multiple performance spaces, a school of the arts, event rooms and an outdoor plaza with a welcoming lawn. An ever-changing calendar of performances includes family-friendly programming, Broadway touring productions and local theater groups. 

Geek out at Kennedy Space Center

Orlando is only 50 miles from the Kennedy Space Center , and it’s worth a side trip. You can easily spend the entire day there, so don’t short yourself on time. Attractions include encounters with real astronauts, hands-on activities like astronaut training simulators, and virtual reality experiences. Kids love it, and so do adults.

Explore New Smyrna Beach 

Drive an hour to New Smyrna Beach, where you’ll find 17 miles of sugar sand beaches, some of Florida’s best surfing waves, and a cute, walk-around-able downtown brimming with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Nearby Blue Springs State Park is a designated manatee refuge with hundreds of manatees from mid-November through mid-March that visitors can see via a wheelchair-accessible path and viewing platform.

My favorite thing to do in Orlando 

My favorite thing to do in Orlando might seem a little cheesy if you’ve never been inside, but I always recommend Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition . Yes, there are Titanic museums elsewhere, but that doesn’t make this one any less worthwhile since each exhibition holds different artifacts. This one has more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreckage and 500 personal items from passengers. Costumed actors wander through full-scale room recreations of the Titanic’s interior, pulling you into an eerie, immersive experience. A regular roster of programs includes dinner galas, formal teas and guide tours with rotating themes. 

How much money do I need for Orlando? 

• Basic room for two: $100 a night (and up) 
• Basic Airbnb for two: $100 a night (and up) 
• Ticket for Mear Connect: $32.00 roundtrip for ages 10 and up, $26.00 roundtrip for ages 3-9 years old, children under 3 are free
• LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit service in downtown Orlando: Free
• Theme park ticket: varies, but you usually expect to spend at least $120 per person per day
• Cup of coffee: $3.00 
• Price for a sandwich: $8.00 
• Dinner for two: $60 (and up) 
• Cocktail in downtown Orlando: $14 (and up)

Keep planning your trip to Florida:

Keep your wallet happy with the best free experiences Figure out  the best time to visit Cruise your way around the Sunshine State with the best road trips in Florida   Get the inside intel with the top things you should know before you go

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Top 10 Quiet Corners of Disney World

Walt Disney World can be a crowded place, and there are a number of reasons you might want to seek out quiet corners in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or even the resorts. Perhaps you need a reprieve from the chaos, to escape other people, or simply need to decompress from the sensory overload that Walt Disney World often offers.

For many people, there’s no longer such a thing as a disconnected vacation, even at Walt Disney World. As laptops and smart phones have become ubiquitous, so too has the expectation that work calls and emails will be responded to within hours, even on vacation. It’s unfortunate, but always being “on call” is simply the reality for many people.

The best “quiet corner” at Walt Disney World is always going to be your hotel room. That’s probably a given, but I’ll nonetheless reiterate the how nice it is to start the day by sitting on your hotel balcony with a cup of coffee. It’s a blissful and decompressing way to start the day, and I have developed something of an appreciation for these quiet moments in the mornings. With that said, here’s our list of the other best quiet corners at Walt Disney World…

10. Town Center Welcome Center – Disney Springs has a lot going for it, but there are a few notable downsides–the lack of quiet spots and shade chief among them. Long ago, we stumbled upon the Town Center Welcome Center by accident. I appreciate the rocking chairs with a view out over the water, the awnings that provide shelter from the sun or storms, and the lack of crowds.

Any restaurant with a terrace out onto the water is going to have the same result, but you’ll have to pay for that experience (or rather, for food). Starbucks is a good air-conditioned option at Disney Springs, but it’s not going to be quiet. Finally, there’s the walkway behind that same Starbucks that runs along the waterfront and overlooks Saratoga Springs Resort.

9. PizzeRizzo Balcony – Tucked away back in Muppets Courtyard, this is far enough from the entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that it’s secluded from the crowds and is the least-busy area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

During off-hours, you’re likely to find few people up on the PizzeRizzo balcony. If you don’t need a table, finding an isolated corner in the courtyard may be an equally good choice. We love the Miss Piggy fountain!

8. Fez House – There’s a lot tucked away in Morocco at Epcot. For that reason, it’s my favorite pavilion in all of World Showcase (sorry, France and Japan). From meandering pathways to the marketplace vendors to the often-overlooked Restaurant Marrakesh deep in the back, Morocco has a ton to offer that the vast majority of Walt Disney World guests never see.

Arguably, the very best feature of the Morocco pavilion is hiding in plain sight. That’s the Fez House, which is located just to the left of the main courtyard. Through a nondescript doorway, you enter a lovely tiled room that is meant to reflect a typical Moroccan home. It’s peaceful and serene in here, with the trickle of water providing an atmospheric soundtrack and diffused light coming from the beautiful fixtures.

7. Flame Tree BBQ Seating – Animal Kingdom has a ton of quiet spaces, particularly throughout the Oasis and Tree of Life trails, but the problem with all of those spots is that these can be relatively tight spaces, so all it takes is one loud party to come your way and eliminate what was once a reprieve.

Due to that, I much prefer chilling in the Flame Tree BBQ seating area during off hours. If you’re here outside of the prime dining hours, you can typically grab a table with absolutely no one around. Few things beat a lounge spot with Everest in the background.

6. Hotel du Canada – If you head towards the sun in the photo above (to the left of the Hotel du Canada), you’ll find yourself at a location in the Canada pavilion where few other guests venture.

There are a few benches back there, and it’s the perfect environment to relax away from the crowds. I frequently head up here for the relaxing roar of the waterfall, which can also provide a nice ‘blanket’ of white noise.

5. Disney Vacation Club Community Rooms – In almost every DVC resort, there is a community room (actually, I’m not sure if the newer ones have them). These rooms usually have board games, televisions, and reading chairs. The idea, as reflected in the name, is that they’d be a gathering place for community events.

The problem (or in our case, benefit) is that almost no one ever uses them. I’ve spent hours in the ones at Old Key West, Wilderness Lodge, and Beach Club Villas and have seldom had anyone else join me in the room.

4. Katsura Grill Outdoor Seating – There have been several times when we’ve opted to eat at Katsura Grill not because we were in the mood for Japanese cuisine, but because we wanted to escape the crowds at the outdoor seating area up here.

There’s rarely anyone around this area of the Japan pavilion, and it’s especially serene at night with the lanterns hanging overheard and the reflecting ponds nearby.

3. Crescent Solarium – I would hazard a guess that there are lifelong fans who don’t even know this exists. I didn’t until stumbling upon it by chance a few years ago.

Located in a quiet wing of Beach Club as you head towards the Villas, this hallway and airy atrium rarely has many people in it, making it a great place to work or decompress. (Pro tip: it’s also a great spot to eat whatever you order from Beach Club Marketplace, should you be forced into eating there.)

2. Tomorrowland Terrace – A quiet seating area with shade and a view of Cinderella Castle? This one is nearly impossible to beat. While it “closes” early to set-up for the dessert parties and sometimes is actually operational as a restaurant, early in the day, it’s perfect.

Pro tip: grabbing breakfast and taking it here to eat with no one around–and a castle view–is the perfect way to start a day!

1. Wilderness Lodge Fireplaces – The fireplace in the main lobby of Wilderness Lodge is “okay.” It’s so popular it sometimes has multiple rows of rocking chairs sitting out at it, which is fine if you want to see the back of someone’s head. The good news is that Wilderness Lodge must’ve bought its fireplaces in bulk, as they’re all over the place. For a more secluded experience, head upstairs to the alcoves, which have fireplaces and overstuffed reading chairs and couches around them. #SERENITYNOW

Even if you have no intentions of ever answering a work email on vacation or putting together a spreadsheet of [insert whatever people do with spreadsheets–I don’t use them!], hopefully this list gives you some insight into where you can find some quiet corners at Walt Disney World. Now, don’t make me regret sharing these with you by being loud and obnoxious in any of them! 😉

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What about you…do you have any quiet places you like to go to get down to business (or just escape the crowds) at Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

At Mk we sit either on the walkway from the castle to fairytale garden or to the right of Cheshire cat cafe . It is just a low wall and you can see the bustle but it just seems dampened.

Hi Tom, I’m a longtime fan and reader of your blog, and love it dearly! I was Googling this exact topic and came across your article here but also one written by someone at the following link: https://www.worldofwalt.com/places-to-do-work-in-disney-world.html . I thought you should know that that article completely rips off yours. It copies nine of your ten spots, in the exact same order that you’ve put them in here, in a manner that is so blatantly identical that it could not be just a coincidence. (He didn’t even use a correct photo of the Solarium). I figured you should know, in case the writer is doing it with your other posts as well. Pity that your effort, and deep knowledge about Disney can be ripped off so easily. Boo on that other writer!

My favorite quiet spot at Magic Kingdom is sitting on the stone wall near a little bridge that’s in front (Back?) of the Christmas shop. On the left, you can see the castle. It’s an awesome spot to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade come from Liberty Square heading towards Main Street. Lovely trees and so quiet. A working at Disney story: Early one morning, my husband left our room in the Garden Wing of the Contemporary through the main hotel hall and then went outside to our patio so not to wake everyone up. He worked on his laptop on “our” patio for well over an hour before he saw the room curtains move and heard kids up and about. He knocked on the sliding door to have us let him in the room. Except the little girl who came to the window was not our daughter. And her dad was behind her quizzically wondering why my husband was knocking on their patio door. He’d been on someone else’s patio the entire time! He gave a wave and bolted out of there! He saw the family a couple times at the pool, but he was too embarrassed to say anything. By the way, I’d definitely request a first floor room if staying in the Garden Wing!

Haha were you there in August of 2019? If so it may have been our first floor garden wing room you knocked on! If not maybe this is a mistake that actually happens all the time .

Yes! It was late August 2019! Lol

I used to love going into the fez house to relax and take a break. When I took my twin 8 months olds to Disney in November 2019 I thought that’d be the perfect place to take them for their nap. Wrong! They’ve changed it to be racecar themed … complete with a loud constantly running virtual car that revvs its engine every five seconds. Such a disappointment!

Sorry, technically not the fez house… the gallery of arts which is attached to the fez house. Either way, we were very disappointed that they made this once quiet and peaceful building into such a loud display.

I endorse Josh H. hard on this. I bristled and said out loud, “People pretend control in a chaotic world with them!! And it’s so blissful!” What are you even doing with your assumed anxiety and control issues Mr. Tom?!

When you say grab breakfast and head to the Tomorrowland Terrace, two questions come to mind…1- is this before the park officially opens (can you access it pre-welcome show) and 2- where do you grab breakfast?

One of my favorite spots to just sit & chill is sitting on the fountain inside the Mexico pavilion where you can soak up the atmosphere but the sound of the fountain drowns out all the people noise. I also agree with you about the patio behind Katsura Grill. Love it back there with the lanterns and the fountain in the pond drowning out some of the park noise. Unfortunately on our last trip that patio was absolutely packed!

This is one of our favorite Epcot/WDW spots and if it’s packed it’s just not as much fun or nearly as nice. When we’ve been the only ones there on occasion the ducks and ducklings waddled by and it was very peaceful!

I love the solarium at the Beach Club! I just stumbled across it about a year ago after staying at the resort several times.

Wilderness alcoves are the best. We were exhausted at a day in the park. Plopped down on sofas in front of fire with the gorgeous lobby music–not a soul in sight (it was very late). So very serene. Not so much when lobby is packed or Whispering Canyons is in full swing (why they didn’t put up walls around this restaurant that can get super noisy is beyond me). And the area you mentioned in Beach Club is perfect to have coffee or pastry, although as you said, not from the marketplace–food is just awful. Grab some butter cake from Ample Creamery instead.

What? You don’t use spreadsheets?!? Tom, you’re missing out!! They’re a dream come true for us obsessive-compulsive analytical types (and based on your awesome blog, I suspect you have a bit of that).

I can’t believe you aren’t already using them to plan your blog posts, organize your hotel and restaurant reviews, track all your personal points and miles, manage your business finances, and run computational scenarios on everything from free dining to ticket prices to DVC ownership. When it comes to making order out of chaos, the possibilities for spreadsheets are endless!

I agree. You can’t beat a good spreadsheet.

Tom, are the DVC community room accessible to non-DVC folks? Not knowing where they are we’d have to wander a bit to find them and I don’t know if they’re in areas off-limits to non-DVC guests…

They’re not off limits. But getting to them from a theme park would involve taking Disney transportation. I’m familiar with the ones near Epcot (Beach Club and Boardwalk.) They are an easy boat ride from the International Gateway near the English Fish and Chips restaurant.

Thanks. I meant where are they within each resort themselves…

When I’m the Magic Kingdom, we like to go to Pecos Bills later evening, for a snack before the fireworks. It’s usually near empty and the walkway is quiet.

I like the rocking chairs at Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer Island, so you can look at the water and watch the ferry. Also, not on the island but across from it, we watched the fireworks with no crowd from the walkway beside the river once. Even had a bench seat!

I waited an hour for a rocking chair : ). It was almost worth it.

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Florida Governor’s Surprise Decision Spells Trouble for Disney World Attendance

in Walt Disney World

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a new Florida law that will drive millions of guests away from the Walt Disney World parks.

DeSantis Relaunches Freedom Sales Tax Holiday, Will Affect Walt Disney World

During a press conference in Tampa, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled Florida’s reinstated Freedom Sales Tax Holiday Initiative. “We want people to get outside,” expressed the Florida governor , announcing that the sales tax holiday would run from July 1 to July 31. The event occurred at the Tampa Bay History Center, emphasizing the state’s commitment to outdoor activities.

During this tax holiday, purchases of general outdoor supplies, camping gear, and other outdoor-related items will be exempt from taxes. Additionally, various events and activities, such as movies, live music, sports events, festivals, fairs, entry to state parks and museums, and annual passes, will be tax-free throughout July. Governor DeSantis described this initiative as an integral part of enjoying the summer in Florida .

Moreover, Governor DeSantis revealed that Florida residents would enjoy complimentary access to state parks during the Memorial Day four-day weekend. “We’ve got the best state park system in the United States,” he proudly proclaimed, highlighting the state’s commitment to providing accessible outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday aims to alleviate families’ financial burdens during the summer. It eliminates the sales tax on items essential for summer activities, including boating and water activity supplies, fishing gear, camping equipment, and outdoor essentials such as sunscreen and bicycles. Admissions to various events and performances scheduled between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, will also be tax-free, encouraging participation in cultural and recreational events across the state.

Overall, the reinstatement of the Freedom Sales Tax Holiday Initiative underscores Florida’s dedication to promoting outdoor recreation , supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

With millions of Floridians heading outdoors during this time, the Walt Disney World parks and guests will surely see some interesting outcomes from this new holiday. After losing the DeSantis campaign earlier this year, the Florida Governor is hard at work ensuring that the DeSantis Disney feud is terminated for good, even though the former Reedy Creek remains in his hands. The Walt Disney Company has been quiet about the entire DeSantis Disney ordeal, but Disney supporters and Disney characters seem to stand with the House of Mouse, at least for now.

How the Freedom Sales Tax Holiday Will Impact WDW and Its Guests

During the sales tax holiday, Walt Disney World parks visitors may encounter immediate and long-term effects. Locally, residents of Florida might allocate discretionary funds toward outdoor supplies and recreational pursuits, capitalizing on the tax-free window. Consequently, this shift may lead to a temporary reduction in spending on Disney merchandise and park experiences.

Indirectly, heightened competition for guests’ time and budgets may emerge. As outdoor activities become more accessible and economical, Disney World might need to amplify its offerings and incentives to sustain visitor interest and attendance.

Furthermore, tax-exempt admissions to alternative events could lure guests away from Disney parks to explore local festivals, concerts, or cultural happenings. Consequently, Disney attractions might experience a marginal decline in attendance during the tax holiday period.

Nevertheless, while the sales tax holiday presents immediate challenges for Disney World regarding revenue and competition , it also offers prospects for innovation and adaptation. Through strategic marketing endeavors and maintaining exceptional experiences, Disney can navigate these challenges and retain its allure as the quintessential destination for unforgettable escapades.

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Is It Rude to Film on a Disney Ride? A Theme Park Expert Answers the Controversial Question

PEOPLE spoke with an expert to get the best insights, tips and Disneyland no-nos to ensure the most successful trip to the most magical place on Earth

Charlotte Phillipp is a Weekend Writer-Reporter at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2024, and was previously an entertainment reporter at The Messenger.

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Is it rude to film on a Disney ride? Is "drinking around the world" overdoing it? What's the biggest faux pas Disney park-goers make all the time?

For both new visitors and longtime theme park fans at Disney parks across the world, the topics of etiquette are a hotly debated issue.

The Disney parks in the U.S. — Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. — have had their fair share of etiquette-related controversies, including everything from fights breaking out between groups of guests jockeying for the perfect photo op to which disabled people are represented by the parks' Disability Access Services (DAS). And who could forget the "It's A Small World" incident late last year?

To answer park-goers questions about queueing, social faux pas and more, PEOPLE asked theme park journalist  and host of the Very Amusing podcast Carlye Wisel to share her tips for having the best time you possibly can while visiting a Disney property.

According to Wisel, guests should always feel free to film on rides — paying a visit to the parks is a time to make memories with friends and family, and many visitors have their phones out half the day already because of Disney's integrated apps.

"Using your phone to film on rides tends to be a hot button issue, but I actually see no problem with it. Between Genie+, Lightning Lanes and Virtual Queues, you're likely going to be on your phone most of the day at Disney World anyway, so it would be strange to expect someone to put their device away once they're experiencing the incredible rides and attractions Disney has to offer," the expert says.

One tip for those who might get easily annoyed with others using their phones, Wisel says, is to simply ask an employee before you board a ride if you can be seated in the front row, as to avoid the glare of others' cellphones.

"These places are intended for memory making, so filming your loved ones or even your on board surroundings is to be expected," she adds. "I just recommend you be hyper conscious of your surroundings, and do your very best to not impede the experience of those around you. (That means don’t block people’s view, turn your phone brightness down, and whatever you do, never ever use flash!)"

As for "drinking around the world," a.k.a. the concept where drinking-age adults visiting Epcot in Florida pay a visit to every country represented in the park and get an alcoholic beverage from each location in one day, Wisel says that there's a way to do it well — and for a better price.

"'Drinking around the world' at Epcot is somewhat of a rite of passage for theme park fans, and can be quite fun," she says.  

"I trust that Disney does an excellent job when it comes to limiting guest consumption appropriately, but the advice I always give people who are attempting to 'drink around the world' is to split drinks with friends and family!" she adds. "It saves plenty of money, ensures you won't overindulge  and  leaves you room to enjoy plenty of treats along the way."

The other etiquette rule — that may seem obvious to most — that she hopes every single Disney visitor abides by is simple: "Be nice to cast members!"

"Disney employees work so hard to ensure guests have spectacular vacations, and all too often, frustrations can spill over onto attractions, hotel, park and guest relations workers," she tells PEOPLE, joking that she can offer "no comment" about the worst behavior from guests she's seen first-hand.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

"Theme park employees really bring these parks to life and add so much joy into each day, and being friendly towards them can really brighten your day — and theirs!"

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