When do we go????

When to go to Disney….
I must first warn you, if you ask the Western kids when to go to Disney, the answer is most likely NOW, or EVERYDAY. I am sure you have all heard the phrase, “bad day fishing is always better than a good day at the office;” the same idea applies to Disney as well. There are upsides and downsides to each time of year on the calendar, and there are also a few general concepts that apply.

Crowds & Discounts – The crowds at Disney are always much larger when children are out of school. As the general rule of supply and demand, this also means that Disney will also not offer discounts at these times, and the park hours are likely to be extended. If you are interested in having low crowd levels and the best discounts available, it is best if you take your family when school is in session. But, it is important to remember that park hours are likely to be reduced at these times as well. As an example, Magic Kingdom may have extra magic hours as late as 3 am in summer months, but may close at 9 pm the first week of February.

Weather– The weather in Florida can be fairly predictable. It is hot often and rains a lot. The heat in the middle of summer in Florida can be quite unbearable. If you do decide to travel to Florida during the hottest part of the year, careful planning can still lead to a great time. Early morning times and late evening visits can keep you out of the hottest part of the day and avoid the crowds as well. Also, I like to look at rain as an opportunity instead of a bad thing. Rain normally drives many away from the parks and typically makes for lighter crowds. Disney has many indoor attractions that can be enjoyed during rainy weather. My favorite is Mickey’s Philharmagic.

Events– Disney has several events all throughout the year that provide a little uniqueness to your trip. If you like to go to Disney often, like my family, the events allow every trip to be unique.

• RunDISNEY Events – Disney has several events throughout the year that are a lot of fun for runners. In 2016, the following are on the calendar: Walt Disney World Marathon (January 6-10), Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 18-21), Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend (April 14-17), Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November 4-5). All events include kids races, 5k, as well as a half marathon. The Wine and Dine event is the only even that does not include a 10k, and the Marathon is only offered at the first event of the year. These events all take place on Disney property, and include race courses that wind through the parks. There are also plenty of unique characters at these events as well as special parties and festivities. I was able to run the Marathon and Half Marathon (called the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge) January of 2016, and I can honestly say it was one of the greatest Disney experiences I have had. It was amazing.

• Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival – This occurs each March and continues until the end of May. During the Festival there are 3 concerts held each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. There is a different performer or band each weekend during the event. There are also additional food booths added around Epcot world showcase with unique food offerings. And of course, flowers are in full bloom and plentiful, including many topiaries that depict Disney Characters.

 

• Halloween Party – Halloween parties are separate ticketed events that occur on select nights in the Magic Kingdom. The parties typically begin in mid-September and usually end the first day or two of November. Since the parties are separately ticketed events, the crowds for the parties are limited; with that being said, the park can still be pretty crowded on some party nights. Party participants can begin entering the park at 4 pm on party days with their party ticket (separate park ticket is not needed). Regular day guest will begin to be escorted out of the park at 7 pm when the party officially starts. The Halloween party is a great opportunity to meet special characters that may not regularly appear at the park and there are regular characters that are dressed up in Halloween costumes or festive Halloween attire. As you can imagine, the Disney Villains are popular at the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Also on party nights, a unique Halloween parade occurs twice a night and a special firework show “Hallowishes” is performed. Additionally, the children are provided tiny bags (you are also welcomed to bring your own larger bag) for trick-o-treating around the park. Although children can wear costumes to Disney world at any time of year, this is one of the only times that adults are welcomed to dress up as well. Of all the times my family has visited Disney World, the Halloween parties are definitely some of the best experiences. This event is definitely one that surprised me the first time I attended.

 

• Christmas Party – Christmas parties are separate ticketed events that occur on select nights in the Magic Kingdom. The parties typically begin a day or two after the last Halloween Party and usually end the first week of January. Since the parties are separately ticketed events, the crowds for the parties are limited; with that being said, the park can still be pretty crowded on some party nights. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party participants can begin entering the park at 4 pm on party days with their party ticket (separate park ticket is not needed). Regular day guest will begin to be escorted out of the park at 7 pm when the party officially starts. Much like the Halloween party, the Christmas Party is a great opportunity to meet special characters that may not regularly appear at the park and there are regular characters that are dressed up in in festive Christmas attire. Early in the night, the castle is lit with amazing Christmas lights in a short ceremony/show by Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Also on party nights, a unique Christmas parade occurs twice a night and a special firework show is performed. Additionally, hot coco and cookies are handed out to all guests at several locations around the park.

 

• Christmas – In addition to the Christmas party held, Christmas is a very festive time around the entire Walt Disney World Resort. Each Park has a huge Christmas tree and tons of decorations as well. The Disney Resorts also participate in decorating and have incredible displays. The Grand Floridian Resort is famous for the Gingerbread house that is the size of a real house.

As you can see, there are really not any bad times to go to Disney World, but you have to know what to expect. Our family really enjoyed attending the Halloween parties before the oldest children were in school. Now that the oldest two are in school, it is much more difficult to attend. If you really want to attend a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party, plan to arrive the day of the last Halloween Party. This will allow you to attend the Halloween party, then watch as the park magically gets redecorated alost overnight, to prepare for the Christmas Party a few nights later.

For others that have school age children, my secret tip is to try to go the first week they get out of school or the last week before they go back. Since schools around the country have different start and end dates, you may find that the crowds are much smaller than the times when all schools are out. Another good time to plan for a trip is any special time of year that your child’s school may be out, but other schools are not. Since I originally grew up in New Orleans, Mardi Gras was a great time of year that anyone in south Louisiana can visit without interfering with school.