When is the best time to go to Disney without the crowds?

First of all, check out some of the most popular dates for your desired theme park. Each year, certain dates change (such as Easter) and can affect the traffic schedule:

• Run Disney races;
• American holidays (such as President’s Day or Thanksgiving);
• Visitors from the Daytona 500 car race at Daytona Beach;
• Schedules of special events at Epcot that locals flock to over the weekend (such as the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival or the delicious EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival).

Next, the best times for more leisurely fun in the Disney parks are :

• January and February: After the holiday season, attendance at Disney World drops considerably. January and February are generally quiet months (except for President’s Day). However, temperatures can be more unpredictable and temperature differences greater. From one day to the next, or from one time of day to the next, you may need several layers of clothing in your bag to cover up (or not).
• April: The parks are quieter and the weather is wonderful, without Florida’s heavy humidity.
• September and October: Back-to-school season in Canada and the U.S. means fewer theme park visitors. It can still be very hot in September. But there’s a downside to September and October: the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms increases. By the way, Disney parks rarely close, except in very bad weather. Check whether your travel insurance covers you if you have to postpone your trip.
• Early to mid-November: The period between Halloween and American Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November) is generally quiet before the holiday madness. At the same time, you can enjoy the festive ambience and magical Christmas decorations. The temperature is more constant. After American Thanksgiving, things get quieter again, and it’s also a great time to go to Disney.

• School vacations: School vacations in both Canada and the U.S. are the busiest time of year at Disney World. Christmas, Easter and the summer vacations are best avoided if you’re looking for a quiet break.
• Weekends and vacations: Weekends are also very busy, especially Sundays. If possible, plan your visit during the week for a better experience. Avoid the American Spring Break around mid-March.
• Special events: Disney World organizes numerous special events throughout the year, such as the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These events attract extra crowds and, what’s more, can lead to higher prices.
• August: This period is almost unbearably hot, with short, intense thunderstorms and heavy, oppressive humidity.

Here are some tips for escaping the tide of people:

• Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane: These services allow you to reserve time slots for certain attractions, saving you from long queues. Genie+ reserves admission to Lightning Lane attractions for a specific time, so you don’t have to wait as long. This service also provides access to the individual Lightning Lane. All this comes at a price, and at the same time, it allows us to do everything we need to see. For example, I paid $20 CAD for an individual Lightning Lane from Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. In this way, I avoided more than 1h30 of waiting, in the middle of August.
• Favour off-peak hours: Visitor numbers are generally lower in the early morning and at the end of the day. Plan your days accordingly to maximize your chances of avoiding the crowds. Arrive at the theme park before opening time and go as far as you can (usually before entering the various ride areas). Wait for the rope drop, when visitors can finally get in and line up for the rides. Your park access ticket allows you to exit and re-enter later in the day. Take the opportunity to take a break, stroll through the Skyline, go to Disney Springs or return to the hotel for a nap. You don’t have to be there all day, non-stop.

• Stay at a Disney hotel: Disney hotel guests benefit from Extra Magic Hours, allowing them access to the parks before the official opening to the public. For example, in this post on the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, I explain all the advantages of a Disney hotel for the Disney parks. Thanks to early access, I was able to ride 2 popular rides in the first 30 minutes, before the rope drop. Depending on the season, there are also extended hours in the evening, for a more leisurely stroll when most of the crowds have left.
• Consult the crowd calendar forecasts for Disney: Many websites and applications offer attendance forecasts for Disney World. These tools can help you choose the right dates for your visit, depending on the number of visitors expected. Our favorite is Undercover Tourist, which also sells tickets to the Disney parks.
• For extremely hot Florida summers: bring a cooling towel and a mini-fan. These accessories will save your life and prevent heatstroke. Don’t forget a change of clothes and ponchos in case of brief, intense downpours! An afternoon pool break at the hotel, frequent breaks in the shade or eating a good Dole Whip ice cream are also beneficial for getting through the day.
• Buy your tickets in advance: This will help you avoid queues at ticket offices. It may sound simple, but many people still don’t do it.
• Choose less popular restaurants: Some restaurants are more popular than others. Don’t hesitate to consult the online Reviews and reserve your seats at the restaurant, up to 60 days before your visit to Disney Park.
• Be flexible: If an attraction is too busy, feel free to skip it and come back later.