The Best Time to Go to Disney World in 2026 and 2027

It's a playground full of magic kingdoms, future worlds and galaxies far, far away. There is so much to do at Walt Disney World! The only question is ... when do you visit? The next few years at the Most Magical Place on Earth will be nothing short of exciting! 2025 gifted us with new and exciting experiences across the resort, including Magic Kingdom's Disney Starlight Parade, Animal Kingdom's Zootopia: Better Zoogether, two new shows at Hollywood Studios and even a refurbished version of Test Track at EPCOT — experiences that will be waiting for guests to experience in 2026 and beyond. And there's even more NEW experiences hoppenin' in 2026 and 2027, including refurbished versions of favorite attractions like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the return of Cool Kid Summer, including Toy Story pals making their debut at Magic Kingdom's Diamond Horseshoe, and even all-new attractions like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring the Muppets. Oh, and did we mention that Bluey is making her debut at Animal Kingdom this year?! WHEW! Understandably, some of you may be wondering: "When is the best time to go to Disney World?"

Hop To

• Overview
• Determining Factors
• Spring: Feb. - April
• Summer: May - July
• Winter: Nov. - Jan.
• Fall: Aug. - Oct.

FAQs

• When is the best time to go to Disney World? The best time to visit Disney World really depends on your preferences! Factors like special events, weather and of course, crowds and pricing, should all be taken into consideration.
• Any tips to keep in mind? A rule of thumb, if you are trying to determine the best time to go to Disney World based on crowds, is to look at school schedules and holidays. If kids are out of school, then Disney World will likely be busier.
• When is the best month to go to Disney World? The best time to visit Disney World — in terms of lowest crowd levels — has historically been September. The cheapest month to visit Disney World has historically been August. And the month with the most openings in 2026 is May, making summer an eventful time to visit.
• How can I see Disney World crowd levels? For a more in-depth look at estimated crowds and pricing by date at Disney World, hop over to the Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar. You can even see park hours and special events, too!
• Which rides will be closed during my visit? Hop over to our refurbishments post for a full list of Disney World ride closures.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, unfortunately. What we can say, and what has always been true, is this:

You can have a magical visit to Walt Disney World, no matter the circumstance or crowd level.

For over 25 years, Undercover Tourist has been helping families plan toadally magical vacations — and along the way, we've also gained some insight into the hows and whys of crowds. That historical knowledge, coupled with our #1 ranked Crowd Calendar, makes up our recommendations on when to visit each year.

Around the pond, we've decided to organize this post a little differently so that no matter which criteria you're taking into account for your next trip, we can help! Crowds really are only one part of the total equation when deciding when to visit. Maybe you're flying solo or with a small group of adults who can adjust their schedules based on the least crowded time to visit. Maybe you and your family really want to experience the twinkling magic of the holidays at Disney World (complete with hot cocoa and cookies!). Maybe you've always wanted to see the character topiaries at EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, or take your mom to EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Maybe you're frugal frogs like us and want to know the cheapest days to go to Disney World. No matter the reason or the season, the frogs are here to help!

Choosing Your Disney World Dates in 2026 and 2027

It should come as no surprise that the best time to go to Disney World has historically fallen along with school schedules, which is to say, the best time to visit is generally when the kids are in school.

Generally, any time there is a school holiday, there will be bigger crowds at Disney World.

When planning the best time to go to Disney World, we recommend you check our Crowd Calendar. The yearly, monthly and daily crowd levels are right there for you to see, along with individual park recommendations, Disney World hours and even events that are taking place. Disney World hours are important and should be factored in when deciding when to visit Orlando. This is because when crowd levels are lowest, park hours are the shortest. When crowd levels are highest, the parks generally open earlier and close later, and key entertainment might have two showtimes each evening.

Our recommendations take into account historical trends (and wait times), plus factors we believe will draw in more people, including openings, school schedules across the nation, runDisney events, sports competitions, special events, refurbishments, weather and more to come up with a holistic look at each timeframe. Since saving you some green is kind of our thing, we also wanted to call out the cheapest days to visit Disney World in each section, since we know your budget likely factors into your best time to visit Disney World.

In 2026, there are some big promos — and openings — around the summer time frame, so if you've been considering a summer vacation to Disney World, there's no better time than 2026 if you ask us! If you want to experience most of the aforementioned "new" coming to the resort, and take advantage of some excellent Disney World deals, summer is a great time to visit. (We've got all of our tips on visiting Disney World in summer right here for you!) Visiting with kids? 2026 arrivals are eligible for a Kids Dine FREE offer! You can learn more about this and other deals in our Disney World Deals post.

New rides, attractions and lands — major openings — can also impact crowds. Over the next few years, keep an eye on exciting developments across the Walt Disney World Resort, including a Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas and a Monsters, Inc. Land coming to Hollywood Studios.

One thing is for sure: the sooner you can plan your trip, the more flexibility you'll have when it comes to hotel availability and even special event tickets like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which can (and do) sell out. Once you know your vacation dates, we recommend taking the leap! Did you know that Undercover Tourist now offers Disney World vacation packages? That means you can bundle your Disney World tickets, hotel stay and even add on an optional dining plan all in one spot (and yes, still at a discount!). The best part? We now offer a flexible deposit option, meaning that you can secure your Disney World vacation for a refundable $200 deposit. Then, you'll pay the rest 30 days prior to check-in. Right now, Disney World vacation packages, hotel stays and tickets are available for visits through Oct. 31, 2027!

Now, let's hop into the fun stuff!

Spring — February, March, April

Spring is in the air!

Say hello to warmer weather, rainbows, flowers, bunnies and spring breakers. Two gorgeous EPCOT festivals take place in the spring, and of course, these months also hold Easter and spring break.

Highlights

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts continues into February, bringing colorful displays, live art installations and the incredible Disney on Broadway Concert Series, with real Broadway performers showcasing their talent. Blossoming shortly thereafter is EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, which runfrom March 4 to June 1, 2026. Snap a selfie with intricate and impressive horticultural displays (including some of your favorite characters) or catch a Garden Rocks concert.

While Easter and spring break are busy times, they are also unique opportunities to catch the Easter Bunny in the parks, participate in an egg hunt, check out huge confectionery egg displays or celebrate St. Patrick's Day from the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Plus, several rides are undergoing refurbishments (or reopening) in springtime 2026:

• Feb. 12, Frozen Ever After reopened after receiving new Audio-Animatronic figures
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith permanently closed March 2, 2026 (with the last day to ride on March 1) to make way for the Muppets (now open)
• April 8, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopened with new ride vehicles, including a new support bot, Buddy

Things to Consider

The biggest variable for spring is when Easter falls. When it's earlier, you can expect a shorter, more intense "spring break" season — and therefore, more crowds at Disney World. When it's later, there is generally a longer but less intense season as school districts vary more on when they let kids out. 2026 will have a shorter spring break season, with Easter falling on April 5. You'll see these noted on our Crowd Calendar, as well.

February brings a three-day weekend for Presidents Day (Feb. 16, 2026; Feb. 15, 2027), and a runDisney event (Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - Feb. 26 - March 2, 2026, and Feb. 25 - March 1, 2027). Many school districts have the entire week of Presidents' Day off, so expect elevated crowds even after the holiday officially ends. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will take place April 16-19, 2026 (and April 15-18, 2027).

Our Overall Pick: We think there are two great options here, largely depending on which EPCOT Festival you'd like to see:

• If you'd like to see Flower and Garden, we recommend the first week of March, before spring break largely happens across the U.S. Plus, the weather is still fresh and breezy, with an average high of 79 and a low of 57. Bask in that Florida sunshine, but pack a light sweatshirt for the cooler evenings.
• If you'd prefer Festival of the Arts, we recommend the first half of February, just before the holiday weekend; the averages in February are a bit cooler, with expected highs of 75 and lows of 54.

*prices based on a 3-day Park Hopper ticket from Undercover Tourist and are subject to change

Summer — May, June, July

School's out for summer!

The summer months are pretty consistently well-attended, as the final school bell rings. Orlando weather is also pretty consistent in these months — expect higher temps and afternoon showers. There is plenty of summer fun to go around, including pool parties, After Hours events and more. Let's dive in!

@undercovertourist Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is now open! Just in time for your spring and summer trips! 🌊 ‼️We’re huge fans of the Disney water parks and here’s why: 💦The best way to beat the Orlando heat! 💦Parking is FREE! 💦No theme park reservation required 💦Family-friendly! There’s something for everyone 💦Yummy treats and drinks 💦Incredible Disney theming 💦The perfect way to spend your arrival day or a rest day 💦Accessible via Disney bus transportation AND right now- when you book a trip for 2025- a water park day is included with your stay! 😱 Be sure to visit our stories to learn more, plus tips on how to save on tickets! See ya there! ☀️🌴🏄 #disneyparks #waltdisneyworld #wdw #disneyworld #typhoonlagoon #disneywaterparks #disneyvaca #disneyvacation #disneycreators ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist

Highlights

That summer sunshine means peak pool weather, making it an amazing time to visit the Disney World water parks. Following in 2025's footsteps, both Blizzard Beach AND Typhoon Lagoon will be open for summer guests this year — Disney World hotel guests arriving between May 26 to Sept. 8, 2026, receive complimentary admission to a water park on check-in day, too! Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests visiting in summer 2027 will receive this perk, as well (and 2027 tickets, hotel stays and vacation packages are now live for arrivals through Oct. 31, 2027 — including through Undercover Tourist with extra savings!).

Additionally, Typhoon Lagoon will reopen May 12, 2026. Plus, May 3 marks the highly anticipated reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which had been under an extended refurbishment to add in some extra magic.

Cool Kids' Summer was introduced in 2025 has returned with more family-friendly activities at the theme parks and resort hotels in 2026, with several fun happenings making their debut during this timeframe:

Opening May 26:

• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom
• Soarin' Across America at EPCOT
• NEW! Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Summer is also one of our favorite times to attend Disney After Hours events to capitalize on the cooler nighttime temps. There's even an After Hours event at Typhoon Lagoon, with specialty food and beverages, glowing dance parties and more.

Fourth of July is generally a busier time around Walt Disney World — but as with other busy times, there are also some really fun activities going on! In 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America, you'll be able to catch special Fourth of July fireworks on July 3-5 at Magic Kingdom (and on the opposite coast at Disneyland!). All across the resort, you'll find special red, white and blue themed treats, merchandise and even some characters celebrating Independence Day.

Things to Consider

In May, things stay fairly quiet until Memorial Day (May 25, 2026; May 31, 2027). Most schools are out across the nation by the second week of June, meaning that crowds will remain consistent through early August. Fourth of July is typically an extra busy time — but again, there are special foods, fireworks shows and more to celebrate Independence Day. Much like we shared about spring break, since summer is a spread-out period of time, summer crowds — while consistent — are toadally do-able. If summer break is the only time you're able to head on vacation, you're still in for a fantastic time!

The main consideration during this timeframe is the weather. Park hours are a little longer, but the heat and rain in Orlando are in their element. Pack your ponchos, fans and extra socks and think through your park strategy for the day to incorporate AC, water breaks and rest and you'll be sitting pretty.

Our Overall Pick: This timeframe offers up some consistent weather patterns, crowds and events. Either weekdays in May or the first half of June are equitable in our eyes, though May is slightly cooler than June, with an average high of 88 versus 91, with fewer rainy days overall. If you're in it for longer park hours and more entertainment, you really can't beat summer — especially in 2026, where so much NEW is happening for Cool Kids' Summer!

*prices based on a 3-day Park Hopper ticket from Undercover Tourist and are subject to change

Fall — August, September, October

You may be saying to yourself, "August? Why is August lumped in with fall?"

Well, at Disney World, the spooky season gets into full swing in mid-August as Mickey pumpkin lantern wreaths adorn the lampposts in Magic Kingdom and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins.

In 2026, this spooktacular event will kick off Aug. 7, to be specific. Mid-August, most of the nation sees tadpoles hoppin' back to school, making the end of August a particularly good time if you're looking for low crowds. Along that same line, expect things to be busier around holidays — in this timeframe, that's Labor Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day, and unique to 2026, Halloween, which falls on a Saturday.

Highlights

Pumpkin spice and Halloween mice! Fall is such a fun time at Disney World. You'll find seasonal decor and frighteningly fun foodie finds. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (a separately ticketed event) gives families the chance to trick or treat around Magic Kingdom and enjoy exclusive entertainment offerings, including character meet and greets, fireworks and a parade that aren't available to daytime guests. In 2026, EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will run Aug. 27 to Nov. 21.

Things to Consider

If you won't be attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, know that Magic Kingdom closes early to park guests — 6 p.m. You'll want to plan to hop to another park before 4 p.m. (as party guests begin to be admitted to the park) if you have a park hopper ticket, or will want to plan to spend that day in a different park. You can see exactly which days are party days on our Crowd Calendar to plan accordingly. (And don't froget that we've got discount Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets!)

Fall in Orlando can still be pretty warm, and August and September make up the tail end of Orlando's rainy season. Be sure to check the weather before you visit ... and pack those fans and ponchos! If you'll be in costume, be sure to take the heat and rain into consideration when planning. (Looking for our best rainy day tips? We've got you!)

While long fall breaks are prevalent on the West Coast, the East Coast also sees some shorter spurts of crowds in the fall, most on the week of Indigenous Peoples' Day — which means we expect slightly elevated crowds that week, even after the official holiday ends. Halloween crowds increase around the holidays and grow leading up to Halloween. In 2026, we get the ultimate Halloween treat: Halloween on a Saturday! Additionally, in 2026, Hallo-weekend bumps into several breaks and days off in early November, which will see an increase in crowds.

Unlike Halloween Time at Disneyland, Disney World's Halloween decor and festivities are mostly concentrated in Magic Kingdom.

Our Overall Pick: When it comes to fall, September is our favorite time to visit Disney World. The weather is slightly cooler than August, crowds are lighter and you get to enjoy those fall feels in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

*prices based on a 3-day Park Hopper ticket from Undercover Tourist and are subject to change

Winter — November, December, January

In early November, Disney World transforms from a pumpkin patch to a winter wonderland across the entire resort.

Orlando typically follows suit, with cooler weather moving in (aaaahhh). If you're looking to take a dip in the Disney World pools, don't worry — they're heated. This period also sees some of the busiest times of the year — Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. It's also stuffed with special events.

Highlights

Unlike Halloween, you'll find the entire Walt Disney World Resort decks its halls for the season. You can expect decor at all four theme parks, Disney Springs and the Disney World Resort hotels (with 2026 dates still TBD, though the hotels were decorated around Nov. 2, 2025, with the official start of the holiday season Nov. 14, 2025). No matter the year, the holidays at Disney World wrap up on Dec. 31, with some epic New Year's Eve festivities, including the opportunity to ring in the new year around the world (and plenty of opportunities to toast to the new year).

• Select nights in November and December: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is another separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, with free cookies and cocoa as you take in the glimmering holiday festivities (my suitcase is usually full of gingerbread when I head home — don't judge). In 2025, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party began Nov. 7, 2025. It's confirmed to return in 2026, exact dates TBD.
• Select nights in November and December: The separately ticketed Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios returned in 2025, beginning Nov. 8. It offers party-exclusive entertainment, special character greetings, short ride lines and tons of holiday dining options. It's confirmed to return in 2026, exact dates TBD.
• Late Nov. to Dec. 31: Typically the day after Thanksgiving, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins. Enjoy holiday food and traditions around the world and maybe even catch a Celebrity Narrator like Susan Egan, Brendan Fraser or Brie Larson retelling the story of Christmas with a live orchestra and choir in the Candlelight Processional. (And EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, like all of the EPCOT Festivals, is not a separately ticketed event — your general admission is all you need to access the delicious food and festivities!) The festival will return in 2026.
• Dec. 30-31: New Year's Eve celebrations are in full swing, with special fireworks presentations on both Dec. 30 and 31 at both Magic Kingdom at EPCOT. On New Year's Eve, you'll find beach parties at the Bay Lake resorts (one year we even spied Chip 'n' Dale in tuxedos!), as well as special DJs in each pavilion of World Showcase, allowing you to celebrate the new year in each country in real-time. 
• Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, 2026: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts typically begins mid-January, celebrating creativity in all of its incredible forms — the culinary, performing, visual and more. It's the shortest EPCOT festival but one of our very favorites to attend. 

Things to Consider

The weather is beautiful, holiday celebrations are in full swing and kiddos are out of school — which means that the week of Thanksgiving and the weeks of Christmas and the new year see a lot of visitors. These are the busiest weeks of the year around Disney World ... but there are still some sweet spots to get a visit in!

If you won't be attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, know that Magic Kingdom closes early to park guests — 6 p.m. You'll want to plan to hop to another park before 4 p.m. (as party guests begin to be admitted to the park) if you have a park hopper ticket, or will want to plan to spend that day in a different park. You can see exactly which days are party days on our Crowd Calendar to plan accordingly. Jollywood Nights impacts crowds when mix-in begins from party guests at 5:30 p.m., and the park closes only an hour early to daytime ticketed guests.

There are also a few holidays and events that draw in larger crowds during the season, including:

• Election Day - the first Tuesday (following the first Monday) of November (Nov. 3, 2026; Nov. 2, 2027)
• Veterans Day - Nov. 11
• The week of Thanksgiving - Nov. 26, 2026; Nov. 25, 2027
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - Jan. 6-10, 2027
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan. 18, 2027
  

The Walt Disney World Marathon is the biggest runDisney event that takes place. Know that there may be longer waits for transportation, as well, as certain roads and routes are closed to make way for runners.

Much like other seasons and EPCOT festivals, there are a few weeks between festivals when EPCOT is in its true evergreen form. Trust us when we say you'll still find an incredible array of food and entertainment! But if you'd like your trip to include Food & Wine, Festival of the Holidays or Festival of the Arts, keep an eye on run dates.

Beginning mid-January, a few water rides close for refurbishments, and you may notice that park hours are reduced until things heat up again in the spring.

@undercovertourist♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist

Our Overall Pick: Holiday decorations are typically taken down in January before the marathon, so if you're in it for the holiday hoopla, our best recommendation is to visit early to mid-December, before schools let out (noted in our recs below), or the week before Thanksgiving (though you will miss out on Festival of the Holidays). Mid- to late-January is another great time to visit if the holiday decorations aren't on your wish list.

*prices based on a 3-day Park Hopper ticket from Undercover Tourist and are subject to change

I'm Going During a Busy Time — Now What?

Don't panic!

In our book, it's always a good time to visit Disney World. And let's be real: The best time to go to Disney World is when you can go! We've visited during every season and have found we can manage crowds just fine by following our own tips and park plans at the theme parks, and this may include utilizing Lightning Lane Passes. The key is going in with realistic expectations and a solid plan for your days. (Got questions about this new service? We've got answers here!)

If it's going to be hot, plan donut days (that is, create a hole in the middle of it!). Take a break at the hottest times of the day, whether that's kicking your feet up and enjoying the AC at a table-service restaurant or heading back to the hotel for a nap or splash in the pool.

If you're going during the winter months when hours are reduced, plan for more park time and take your downtime in the evenings around the hotels. There are plenty of fun activities to take in — piano sing-alongs with Yeehaw Bob, seeing holiday decorations around the resorts, woodworking at Fort Wilderness, Sangria University at Coronado Springs — and that's just scratching the surface!

During busier times, be sure to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry if you're staying on-site (and if you aren't, be sure to arrive at the parks before they open to get a head start!). You've got this — and we can't wait to hear all about your magical trip!

And if you want even more froggy insight planning your next Disney World vacay, we're more than hoppy to help! We know there's a lot to consider when planning a Disney World vacation, so we've created a visual, downloadable Disney World planning guide called the Jump Start guide, so everything you need to know is all in one place.

Well, there you have it — the best times to visit Disney World in 2026 and 2027. Let us know your favorite time of year to visit Disney World in the comments below! Curious how busy Disney World will be when you plan to visit? Check out our Crowd Calendar. You'll find more resources to help you plan your Disney World vacation in our Jump Start planning guide.

Keep hopping!