Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Timing is everything when it comes to making the most of your magical vacation. Whether you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, take advantage of cooler weather, or experience seasonal events like EPCOT festivals or holiday celebrations, choosing the right time to visit can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2026 based on crowd levels, weather, special events, and more so you can plan your visit with confidence and make every moment unforgettable!
Best Weather in Disney World
Central Florida is known for it’s heat and rain but there are certain times throughout the year when you can avoid those super hot and rainy days.
For the most temperate weather, consider visiting in March, April, October, or November. These months historically have a lower number of days of rain and the temperatures don’t normally dip lower than the high-50s or soar higher than the mid-80s. During these temperate months, pack layers because the mornings and evenings can feel brisk.
If you want to avoid the heat and rain, steer clear of visiting Walt Disney World in June, July, August, and September. These months have the highest number of days with rain and the average temperatures can easily creep up into the high 90s. It should also be mentioned that hurricane season now spans from June through early November, so while October normally is a great month to visit weather wise, you’ll still want to keep an eye on the forecasts.
While we always talk about the heat at Disney World, it can also get chilly. If you’re visiting in December, January, or February be sure to pack for anything. Temperatures have dropped below freezing in the past and when you combine that with the moisture in the air from the constant humidity, it can feel even colder!
Months with Lowest Crowds in Disney
If you’re hoping to avoid long lines and packed parks, timing your trip during one of Walt Disney World’s least crowded periods is key. In 2026, the best times to visit the Disney Parks are similar to what they historically have been – when schools are in session.
Best Times to Visit Disney World
- Mid-January: January 12-16, 2026
- Early February: February 1-13, 2026
- Post Spring Break: April 7 – May 21 2026
- Post Summer Break: August 21 – September 13, 2026
- End of October: October 17-29, 2026
- Pre-Thanksgiving: November 14-20, 2026
- Pre-Holiday Crowds: November 30 – December 13, 2026
These windows fall between major holidays and school breaks, making them ideal times to plan your vacation. Weekdays during these off-peak times are especially quiet, giving you more opportunities to enjoy popular attractions with minimal wait times.
Times to Avoid Visiting Walt Disney World
To avoid large crowds, you want to steer clear of visiting Walt Disney World during holidays and school breaks. For 2026, the most crowded dates are expected to be those listed below.
- Winter Break: January 1-4, 2026
- MLK Jr. Day: January 16-19, 2026
- Presidents’ Day: February 13-22, 2026
- Spring Break/Easter: March through early April, specifically March 22 – April 6, 2026
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 9-17, 2026
- Veterans Day: November 6-13, 2026
- Thanksgiving: November 23-29, 2026
- Christmas and New Years: December 17-31, 2026
For many families, these “dates to avoid” may be the only time that works to plan your Disney Vacation. Does that mean that you’re going to have a terrible time? Absolutely not! With a little bit of planning and guidance you’ll still have a vacation filled with memories and fun. Reach out for our complimentary assistance planning your vacation!
Least Expensive Time to Visit Walt Disney World
For travelers looking to stretch their budget, visiting Walt Disney World during its least expensive times can offer significant savings on everything from resort stays to park tickets.
In 2026, the most affordable times to visit are typically late January through early February, late August through mid-September, and after Easter and before Memorial Day. These periods fall during Disney’s “value season,” when demand is lower and prices for hotel rooms, tickets, and even Lightning Lane tend to drop.
The trade-off to visiting during the “value season” is that attractions are more likely to be refurbished during the dates due to the lower crowd levels.
Special Events at Walt Disney World in 2026
If you’ve always dreamed of trick-or-treating in Magic Kingdom or seeing the incredible horticultural displays in EPCOT, you may want to plan your vacation around Disney’s annual events.
While specific dates have not be released for all 2026 Walt Disney World festivals and events, we can get a general idea of their timing based on historical schedules.
EPCOT Festivals
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Likely running from the third week of January through mid-February, this festival features gallery exhibits, food studios, Broadway–style concerts, and immersive visual arts experiences.
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: Typically spanning early March through early June, Epcot blooms with spectacular topiaries, outdoor kitchens, the Garden Rocks concert series, and scavenger hunts like the Egg-stravaganza.
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: This scrumptious festival typically runs from late August through mid-November, featuring culinary booths, themed entertainment, and tie-ins with the Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: From late November to late December, EPCOT celebrates the traditions of holidays around the world, offering seasonal treats, holiday storytellers, Candlelight Processional, and festive decor.
runDisney Events 2026
While some people may question going on vacation to run, runDisney events can make even the least likely people into runners! These immersive running events take place select weekends throughout the year and include a race expo, multiple races, yoga events, and even some fun nighttime events.
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 7–11, 2026): Includes a 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, and two challenges – Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge and Dopey Challenge.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 26 – March 2, 2026): A royal-themed race weekend featuring a 5k, 10k, and half marathon, plus the Disney Fairytale Challenge and Disney Princess Yoga.
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 16–19, 2026): A fun spring-themed weekend including a 5k, 10k, 10-mile race, and the Springtime Surprise Challenge, plus Springtime Surprise Yoga.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (TBD): Aligned with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, this weekend includes a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and a two-course challenge, plus a Post-Race Party in EPCOT.
Seasonal Events
Celebrating the holidays is always fun, but even more magical when you do it in Walt Disney World! For most seasonal events, Disney will run the offers prior to the actual holiday so you won’t miss out on it if you’re not there on the specific date.
- Easter: Leading up to Easter, the “Grand Cottage” is opened at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and an Easter egg display showcases the incredible artistry of Disney’s Culinary team. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny meet guests at select times in Magic Kingdom and there is an Easter cavalcade that takes place on Easter.
- Halloween: To celebrate spooky season, Magic Kingdom is decorated with scarecrows, pumpkins, and more. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a specially ticketed event, takes place select night August through October and includes event exclusive entertainment, characters meet and greets, and trick-or-treating.
- Holidays: From November through December, Walt Disney World celebrates the holidays across all parks and resorts. The resorts each have a themed Christmas tree and other decorations to celebrate the season, plus select resorts, including Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, have gingerbread displays. Guests can meet Santa in each of the four parks and Disney Springs and take in the limited-time holiday offerings. Two specially ticketed events are held, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, and offer event exclusive entertainment and experiences.
Start Planning Your Disney Vacation
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