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

Disney World is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year. The days when Disney parks are at full capacity and have to close to new visitors are rare. But when these days do occur, they are most often on December 24 and 25, American Thanksgiving Day and December 31.

Once you’ve planned your budget for Disney World, let’s take a look at the best times to go. Given that Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot are all Disney World parks in Florida and among the top 10 most-visited theme parks in the world, here are some tips on how to avoid the crowds and take full advantage of the Disney magic.

To avoid long lines, higher park ticket prices, crowded attractions and a less enjoyable experience in high season, it’s important to choose your travel period carefully.

The best times to visit Disney World and plan your trip

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).

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

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.

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In addition to peace of mind in the parks, find peace of mind with a credit card that doesn’t charge you foreign currency conversion fees. This 2.5% fee is charged by the vast majority of cards when you make purchases outside Canada.

This fee is 0% for three cards in particular, including the Scotiabank Visa Infinite* Passport^® card. It earns Scene+ points, which can be redeemed for free groceries or reimbursed for certain travel expenses, like Disney!

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Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuation: $350Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ^+* Card^MC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

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With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Times to avoid to make the most of a trip to a Disney park

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.

When is the best time to go to Disney without the crowds? - ratatouille disney

When you have no choice: Tips for avoiding the crowds on a trip to Walt Disney World Resort

Sometimes, because of vacations at work or the school calendar of young or not-so-young children, it’s impossible to leave during the above-mentioned periods to take advantage of lower prices or traffic. These more peaceful times may simply not be accessible.

My family and I went there during the holidays, on an extremely busy day. In spite of this, and thanks to careful planning, we were able to go on all the rides we wanted and admire the spectacular fireworks at the end of the evening. So you can make the most of it!

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.

Best time to go to Disney

By choosing the right time to visit and following the tips above, you can enjoy Disney World with a short wait on the rides and have an unforgettable magical experience.

Don’t forget that planning is essential for a successful stay. In the end, those minutes of planning ahead will save you a lot of time! For more tips and everything you need to know about Disney theme parks, check out our articles :

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Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card

American Express Marriott Bonvoy

Annual fee: $120
Our valuation: $990Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: Up to 110,000 points; Ends Sep 22, 2026

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Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
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This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

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Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

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