What is the best time of the year for the smallest crowds at WDW?
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Least crowded time of year
- Thread starter headhunter
- Start date
WishIWasAtWDW
Well-Known Member
according to birnbaum's 2009 guide the least crowded times to visit wdw are:
- the 2nd week of january through the 1st week of february (excluding marathon weekend)
- the week before labor day until the start of epcot's food and wine festival
- the week after thanksgiving through week before christmas
i have personally been to wdw feb 8-15 (the week right before presidents day weekend) and at the beginning of the week there were minimal crowds. obviously as we got closer to the presidents day weekend it got more crowded. my bf's family always goes the first week in december and it is also not very crowded. normally around 30 min waits max. at e ticket rides. this year i will be going in september so i will let you know how crowded it was when i get back.
hope this helps!
- the 2nd week of january through the 1st week of february (excluding marathon weekend)
- the week before labor day until the start of epcot's food and wine festival
- the week after thanksgiving through week before christmas
i have personally been to wdw feb 8-15 (the week right before presidents day weekend) and at the beginning of the week there were minimal crowds. obviously as we got closer to the presidents day weekend it got more crowded. my bf's family always goes the first week in december and it is also not very crowded. normally around 30 min waits max. at e ticket rides. this year i will be going in september so i will let you know how crowded it was when i get back.
hope this helps!
micknminnie
Active Member
I visited last year from Sept. 8-13 with very little crowds. The only problem we encountered was on our first day, we got to Hollywood Studios later in the afternoon and there was a 70 minute wait for TSM wth no fast passes left. Other than that I don't remember having any problems with crowds and wait times at any of the parks the rest of the week.
MattyFresh
Well-Known Member
I still like the first part of October. Was very delighted with the small crowds. EE 3 times in maybe 35 mins........is that even possible?? Walking straight to the Soarin' pre-show......that can't be possible!!
Beccone
New Member
We went once at the end of Jabuary into February and the crowds were great, never waited maybe more than 20 minutes for anything and most were all walk ons. The most crowded day was at MK and it was after the Superbowl and a player from the winning team was there for the parade. But really even on that day the crowds were very managable.
CaptainJackNO
Well-Known Member
After Wishes.....Like, after everyone leaves...lol
Andy Walker
Member
We usually go the first two weeks of November and it's very easy then plus the weather's usually great because the hurricane season is over-so there are very few if any pesky storms- and the temperature is pleasant at around 75-85 degrees
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
About 4am every day of the year - they're empty :ROFLOL:
Scar Junior
Active Member
If you go by what a guide book says, I'd go with the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Their info best matches my experiences.
Every source will look at a year as a very broad sample and should be taken as an estimate. A Guest should plan their trip around the following factors:
- size of group
- mobility of group
- attractions of interest
- park hours
- water parks a must?
- day of the week vs. park
- special events (food and garden festival)
- extra magic hour
- weather you like (cool, warm, hot, hot and humid)
This is assuming work and school permit your travels. The months and weeks of lowest crowds are different than best time to visit (IMO).
If you don't want to be cold, like going to the water parks, like minimal lines, don't mind some humidity, don't mind shorter park hour... Early May is my suggestion. One of my favorite times of the year!
Every source will look at a year as a very broad sample and should be taken as an estimate. A Guest should plan their trip around the following factors:
- size of group
- mobility of group
- attractions of interest
- park hours
- water parks a must?
- day of the week vs. park
- special events (food and garden festival)
- extra magic hour
- weather you like (cool, warm, hot, hot and humid)
This is assuming work and school permit your travels. The months and weeks of lowest crowds are different than best time to visit (IMO).
If you don't want to be cold, like going to the water parks, like minimal lines, don't mind some humidity, don't mind shorter park hour... Early May is my suggestion. One of my favorite times of the year!
Susan Savia
Well-Known Member
Went 2nd week of January this year and will be going in February this next year. Both times are perfect for low crowds. Got to expect chilly nights tho. But we love it then. As offsite visitors there is no traffic in or out of the parks and we can leave our motel and are parked in 15 minutes.
WDW_Emily
Well-Known Member
One of my Close friends going every year for a week and a half, starting on Thanksgiving Day. She loves going at that time all the Christmas stuff is up and the park is empty.
My school also got to go on a trip last year in Mid. January and another one of my friends only waited 15 minutes of BTMR and SM.
My school also got to go on a trip last year in Mid. January and another one of my friends only waited 15 minutes of BTMR and SM.
forevermickey
Well-Known Member
I went last year the second week of September and we really didn't wait in line for much- still always best to get to a park when it first opens.
My guide book also says the least crowded time is the first 2 weeks in December.
My guide book also says the least crowded time is the first 2 weeks in December.
Thank you for the replies. I guess I am held back on what appear to be the best times by my daughter's schoolyear, but was hoping for the best. Thanks again for the info.
draybook
Well-Known Member
We went last year during the second week of September and although I HATED the humidity, the crowds were non-existent. The longest we waited for anything was maybe 15 minutes, and that was for Peter Pan.
It was funny because walking along Main Street it looked crowded but once you got to the rides the people disappeared. We're going during the first 2 weeks of December this year so we can try the XMas celebrations and plus it will be cooler, which is a HUGE plus for me since I hate any kind of heat.
We only went for 5 days last time but this time it will be either 11 or 12 days. Plus we'll be staying on site so we can enjoy the extra hours.
It was funny because walking along Main Street it looked crowded but once you got to the rides the people disappeared. We're going during the first 2 weeks of December this year so we can try the XMas celebrations and plus it will be cooler, which is a HUGE plus for me since I hate any kind of heat.
We only went for 5 days last time but this time it will be either 11 or 12 days. Plus we'll be staying on site so we can enjoy the extra hours.