Best time to go?

I am often asked when it is the best time to go to Disney World or take a Disney cruise.  Some agents answer anytime.  I disagree. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding the best time to go.  first and foremost  what is best for YOUR family. Do you mind crowds?  Do you care about taking your kids out of school?  Do you want to see the decorations for a certain season? Do you have a set budget? What are you celebrating - is this a surprise for Christmas, a birthday, a honeymoon?

I have some clients who can't take their kids out of school due to state laws or they feel school comes first. They usually travel during more busy times of the year - spring or fall break, summer - times when the ships and parks are busier and more expensive.

If you are not a crowd person and don't worry about removing kids from school I always suggest the from mid October to mid December (excluding Thanksgiving week) and then again from Jan 3 to mid January.  This is my favorite time to travel and do anything Disney.  The prices are lower, the decorations are up for Halloween or Christmas (even the first week of January you get the decorations at a Value price) Cruise ships during this time have a difficult time filling the ships and there are price drops galore.

There is always something going on at Disney.

Another benefit to October and early November, especially if you are a foodie is Epcot's Food and Wine Festival!   A great chance to drink and sample foods from around the world as you travel your way around the world   This year there are 25 International kiosks offering food and beverages.

 In October, Disney celebrates Halloween in style with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.   A hard ticket event that limits the number of people in the park for the ultimate Halloween party.  The Villains take over, there are special meet and greets, parades, and trick or treating around the park.  Guests are encouraged to dress up and visit the candy kiosks and fill their bags to the brim.

November and December ushers in Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. Sip hot chocolate and eat sugar cookies while it SNOWS ON MAIN STREET!  The characters are dressed in their holiday finest.

This year I was there in May and got to take part in Epcots' Flower and Garden Show.

Topiaries abound during this time. 

 I was also there for the beginning of STAR WARS WEEKENDS

Disney is divided in to seasons that determines the prices for resorts.  Holiday Season is always the highest price. That is the time when the parks are the the most crowded.  I can't think of anyone who hasn't dreamed of being in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas morning.

Peak Season is the next most expensive time at Disney.  This typically runs Mid February to mid April. It coincides with Spring Break.  The crowds are very large but not as bad as during Holiday season.

Regular season is when there is average attendance in the parks usually April 18 to August 28 for Value and Moderate Resorts or April 18 to July 4 for all other resort types; and September 30 to October 30.  

Value season is when the crowds are historically at the lowest and Disney offers the best rates to try and fill the parks.  Value Season runs from January 1 to February 11, August 29 to September 29 for Value and Moderate Resorts or July 5 to September 29 for all other resort types and October 31 to December 19.

Ultimately, you have to decide when it is the best time for your family.  There is no BEST or WORST time to do anything Disney.  It is about what is BEST for your family. 

Contact Destinations by Cathy - 720-387-8279 to discuss the BEST TIME for your family and let us make your MAGICAL dreams come true.