Everyone wants their Disney vacation to be a pleasant one. Part of this comes down to when you plan your Disney World vacation. By avoiding these worst times scenarios, guests are avoiding crowded parks with long lines and more. However, each season brings its challenges. Therefore, decide what your worst scenario would be to avoid. For instance, some guests know Christmas Day will be crowded and venture onward anyways. As long as you go in knowing what to expect, guests can make the most of it. Know the 4 worst times to visit Disney World scenarios below.
1. Summer Months Are Worst To Visit For: Heat + Crowds
Disney World is hot most of the year, however it peaks in the summer months. The air conditioning never felt so good, after being in a Disney park in July. Furthermore, summer means vacation for many families. As school is out for the summer, many families choose the summer months to visit. Crowds will start to rise in June through end of August until school is back in session. Temperature wise, guests can find high’s in the 90’s daily. June through August also brings the highest average monthly rainfall. Instead of leaving the parks at first rain drop, pack a poncho and keep going. As rain is often an afternoon passing shower, and can be a nice relief after a humid morning.
2. January & February Are Worst To Visit For: Pool-Weather + Refurbishments
On the flip-side while you may not want scorching hot weather, most still want to be able to swim while visiting Disney World. Visiting in January brings the lowest daily temperatures to Disney World out of the year. January average high for Disney World (Florida) is 71 degrees, with low’s averaging 49 degrees. Starting late- November to December can bring less than ideal swimming weather too.
If every attraction in function is important to you than traveling during a peak season may be best. However come January and February yearly, more attractions close for routine maintenance. Disney World tends to wait to close popular attractions during these less traveled months.
3. September Is Worst To Visit For: Hurricane Season
Everyone wants a vacation with great weather. However, guests traveling to Florida need to be mindful of hurricane season which begins June 1 and runs through November 30 (peak is mid Aug-early Oct). Disney World has only closed 6 times in park history (5 due to hurricanes + on 9/11/2001 parks closed early). Out of the 5 hurricane closures, 4 of them have occurred in the month of September.
Disney World Hurricane Closures:
- 1999 for Hurricane Floyd (September 15)
- 2004 for Hurricane Frances (September 4-5)
- 2004 for Hurricane Jeanne (September 26)
- 2016 for Hurricane Matthew (October 7)
- 2017 for Hurricane Irma (September 9-11)
4. Holidays & Long Weekends Are Worst To Visit For: Crowds
Throughout the year holidays at Disney World draw extra crowds. Christmas Eve through New Years Day, guests should expect shoulder to shoulder crowds at points. Fourth of July is another Holiday that can cause parks to close due to capacity. Other busy holiday times include: Easter Week, Thanksgiving Week and Spring Break.
Weekends will draw more locals to visit, long weekends will add to the crowds even more. These especially include: Presidents Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend and Martin Luther King Jr Weekend.
Thanks, Sara
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.