4 Easy Steps That Will Make Your Walt Disney World Planning More Magical: Part 1

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be daunting which is why when we plan, we follow the TADA method. When taking on such a big task, you want to be sure to break it into chunks to alleviate stress. Of course our Guru Travel Professionals offer you this and so much more when planning. If you are interested in learning more, click here to find out.

So I present to you, TADA!

T = Timing

A = Accommodations

D = Dining

A = Attractions

Today, we will discuss Timing.  When you are considering a trip to WDW, you will need to decide when you want to go.  Sounds simple but there are so many factors that come into play.  Each family will have their own circumstances to weigh – school time, vacation days, work schedules.

Disney has timing considerations as well.  First and foremost, I suggest you determine your weather and crowd preferences.

January and February tend to be on the low end for crowds and temperatures.  One trip out of 5 during these months has had temperatures in the 70’s.  Keep in mind, I live in Illinois where the snow and ice and windchill are lousy during January and February.  Being in Disney with temps in the 60’s during the day and 40’s at night is STILL better than back home.  On the other hand, you’ll see me wearing a coat and gloves and I won’t be riding Splash Mountain!  Watch park hours to be shorter – less people means less operating times BUT less people allows you to get more done.  You might find you and your kids either bored to death at night or getting good sleep because it’s early!

Crowds during this time period are pretty light.  Since you’re right after the major holidays, many people have already been to the parks and are back home.  This time of year will give you great opportunities to get reservations at hot dining spots.  Also – I have noticed crowds tend to be Hasidic Jewish families and families with preschool age or younger children.

This brings me to March. March is the month of spring break! BEWARE, the crowds get thicker as the months go on and the weather can be steamy, but it can also be pleasant. One thing to take note of is that depending upon the state spring break can start as early as the first week of March and go through whenever Easter falls. I put this at a month to avoid for my family.

April and May will bring warmer weather and bigger crowds because EPCOT hosts the Flower and Garden Show during this time frame.  Be prepared for Cheerleader invasion as the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts many cheer competitions over the weekends during these months. Contact your Guru Travel Professional to learn more about when these evens are in town.

June and July are hot and crowded.  Not only are schools in America out, but it’s winter in South America so you will see  tour groups all over the place. There will also be the kickoff to the summer events as well as some other largely noted celebrations. Summer is crowded and HOT! We are here to guide you through our expert touring tips so that you can avoid the heat but also the crowds.

August is hot and crowded, but you can do well at the end of August – provided you don’t mind taking your kids out of school right at the beginning of the year!  During the summer months you can be guaranteed of long park hours – Magic Kingdom has been known to be open until 2 or 3 AM!!!  You will need the time to get through lines and crowds!  People tend to be a bit grouchy because of the heat and crowds.

September and October are my favorite months to visit WDW.  The crowds are moderate but polite.  The weather might be really hot during the day, but in the afternoon it will cool down a bit and evenings are lovely.  The parks are decorated for fall and you might schedule a trip during EPCOT’s annual Food and Wine Festival  while, October brings Halloween and the Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

November and December bring the holidays.  You can get the best of Christmas without the hurt of the crowds by visiting during the time between Food and Wine and Christmas.  I caution you against going the week between Christmas and New Year’s.  Crowd levels get so high, they close the park and stop selling tickets.  If you HAVE to go that week, be ready for it.  If you can avoid it, I would suggest doing that.  Weather can still be good, though by late December temperatures will start to dip and you might see a frost on the grass in the mornings.

Well, there you have it.  A year of Disney Timing!  Tomorrow, tune in for accommodations!

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*Post written by Guru Jennifer Hart.