For the busiest, and least busy, weeks in the Disney World theme parks, read on, below.
Remember, though, that the Best Times to Visit Disney World aren't just about crowds: park hours and special events count too. For example, during the least-crowded weeks, the theme parks close early; whereas at peak times, The Magic Kingdom stays open 'til midnight, with extra fireworks and parades.
Below are the periods of lowest, moderate, and highest attendance; no surprise, the school year schedule is the main influence.
Most Crowded Times at Disney World
(Based on historical attendance*)
February: Presidents Week
Presidents Day is a national holiday in the US, on the third Monday in February; many schools extend the long weekend into a "Presidents Week" break.
Mid-March to Mid-April: Spring Break
"Spring Break" typically means ten days off school; dates vary but typically fall mid-March to mid-April. (College spring break is a very different thing...)
May: Memorial Day Weekend
The last Monday in May is is a national holiday honoring those who died in military service. It's also the kick-off for summer and a big holiday weekend.
Mid-June through Mid-August
Prime summer vacation time. Many kids have school holidays until Labor Day, the first Monday in September; but in some districts, especially in the southeast, schools re-open earlier, and crowds may ease in the last weeks of August.
November: Thanksgiving Weekend
On the fourth Thursday in November, families criss-cross the country to get together, and many meet up at Disney World. Thanksgiving starts the Holiday Season; the theme parks are decorated and Disney Christmas events are on.
December: Christmas through New Year's Day
Peak season crowds; many Disney Christmas events to compensate.
Lowest Attendance
January and Early February
From after New Year's Day, until just before President's Week.
Fall
Kids are back to school; a quieter period continues until just before Thanksgiving. Families with preschoolers might check for special promotions in September.
Weeks Between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Disneyphiles in the know have loved this period: Christmas decorations were up, yet crowds were less. Lately, however, it seems that more people have discovered this sweet spot.
Moderate Attendance
Late February, Early March
Between high-volume Presidents Week and high-season Spring Break.
Late April to Early June (except Memorial Day Weekend)
After Spring Break, attendance settles down until schools begin summer vacation. (Dates vary in different school districts.) Watch out, though, for Memorial Day Weekend's huge spike in May.
First Part of Thanksgiving Week
You'll be cutting it fine before the masses arrive; but Christmas decorations are going up earlier, so you might squeeze in some less-crowded days in holiday-bright theme parks.
Busiest Days of the Week, for Different Theme Parks*:
Volume also varies on different days of the week. Below are some hints about busy days, from the Walt Disney World site.
Magic Kingdom: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
Epcot: Tuesday and Friday
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Sunday and Wednesday
Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Also check which park has Extra Magic Hours: every day, one or more theme parks either opens early or stays open late, for guest of Disney World resorts; theme parks tend to be more crowded on their "Extra Magic Hours" days.
Take this quick poll: What's your favorite theme park at Disney World?
* Source: Walt Disney World FAQ's
Photo © Teresa Plowright
