Hi Patricia,
Welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you asked your question today about budgeting for your next Walt Disney World vacation because that subject is near and dear to my heart as a Mom of 4 kiddos who is always looking for a way to stretch the budget. My motto is that any money that I can save in one area will be a Disney dollar I can spend somewhere else!
Patricia, as luck will have it, typically the times of the year in which it is more economical to visit are also the times in which there are fewer crowds. It's a win-win! My rule of thumb is that if the typical U.S. public school is in session, then it is a more favorable time to visit. For example, prices and crowds tend to be higher during U.S. holidays and the summer months when school is out of session. In general, the months of January and February (except for the days around Presidents Day weekend) are usually priced lower than during mid-March through April when many schools have spring break. Early May is also a good time to visit as well as later August and also September. October is also lovely, but take into consideration that prices can increase during Halloween as well as when Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party occurs. Early November is also nice but crowds and prices start increasing the weekend before Thanksgiving week and the crowd levels usually continue for a few days after Thanksgiving weekend.
Since you are considering your budget when making your Walt Disney World Resort vacation plans, I advise you to bookmark this page forSpecial Offers, Deals & Discountsand check back frequently since new offers appear periodically. I usually go ahead and book my vacation once I have decided on my dates and then if I see a Special Offer pop up that includes my dates, I check if the offer can be applied to my booking as soon as possible. Each offer has a limited capacity and the early bird gets the worm in these cases! I have been very lucky in the past and have been able to upgrade my Disney Resort hotel category from aModerate Resort hotelto aDeluxe Resort hotelfor just a little bit more than my original booking. I also have been able to add the Disney Dining Plan at a great discount by applying a Special Offer to my current booking.
I hope this information helps you with your Disney vacation planning! As you continue with your vacation plans, please be sure to come back and visit us here at planDisney with all of your questions. We are always excited to help you plan your next Magical adventure!
See Ya Real Soon,
Brenda
FAQs
Typically, the period from January through mid-February is the most inexpensive time to visit Disney World throughout the year. This season comes after the holidays, which brings a quieter atmosphere and cooler weather. Additionally, you can save a lot on hotels and park tickets during these months.
What time of year is Disney World least crowded? ›
The Best Times to Visit Disney World for Fewer Crowds and Good...
- High Seasons: March to April and June to August.
- Shoulder Seasons: October to February, plus the month of May.
- Low Season: September.
OFF-PEAK / LOW SEASON
The first few weeks of January. The first few weeks of May. The second week of July through the first few weeks of September. The first week of November.
Why is Disney cheaper in September? ›
Typically it's because kids are back in school, and there aren't any festivals nor is it Halloween season quite yet. Therefore, that's why September, and sometimes late August will be the cheapest time to book your Disneyland vacation.
How can I go to Disney on a budget? ›
Budget-Friendly Tips for Planning a Trip to Disney World
- Use a travel agent. ...
- Check calendars for the cheapest times. ...
- Beware of transportation costs. ...
- Stick with complimentary Genie services. ...
- Avoid upcharge events. ...
- Get smart about souvenirs. ...
- Replace a day at the park with a visit to the resorts or Disney Springs.
What is the slowest month at Disney? September is the slowest month of the year to visit Disney World in terms of average wait times and the cheapest tickets and vacation packages. This is because it is right after kids have gone back to school and it is also during the peak of hurricane season.
How many days do I need at Disney World? ›
When it comes to Walt Disney World, you can never have too much time. That's why anywhere from a week onwards is ideal. With seven days you can also opt to get the 7-Day Disney Magic Ticket, which can be spread out however you wish.
When not to visit Disney World? ›
The hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, but strongly peaks from mid-August through early October. Warm weather becomes materially less likely starting in mid-November, and the chance of good pool weather does not sharply improve again until mid-February. See Weather and When to Go.
What is Disney's slowest week? ›
When is Disney World the least crowded?
- January 2nd until just before Presidents' Day week (the third Monday in February)
- The week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week.
- The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week before Christmas.
While this Disney After Hours event officially begins at 10:00 PM, your special event ticket enables you to enter Magic Kingdom park as early as 7:00 PM—when the park is still open to other Guests. You do not need a park reservation or additional ticket to enter the park at or after 7:00 PM.
September and October are both fabulous months to visit Walt Disney World Resort. I love this time of year because the weather is often a little cooler and I have found it to be less likely to rain than in the summer months. It is also a fabulous time to visit because the theme parks are decked out for Fall!
What is the quietest week at Disney World? ›
Least Busy
- The second half of August.
- Most days in September (minus the days around Labor Day)
- Most weekdays in October (minus the days around Indigenous Peoples' Day)
For example, prices and crowds tend to be higher during U.S. holidays and the summer months when school is out of session. In general, the months of January and February (except for the days around Presidents Day weekend) are usually priced lower than during mid-March through April when many schools have spring break.
Which Disney is the cheapest? ›
Disney ticket prices
At both resorts, theme park ticket prices vary based on park and date, but Disneyland's are almost always slightly cheaper. The average price for a one-day Disneyland ticket for entry between April and August 2023 is $154.
Is Disney World more expensive in October? ›
Prices vary according to time of year.
The cheapest tickets will typically be in late January or early Fall, and the most expensive will be during the Christmas holidays. Other times of year will vary: expect higher prices near holidays and weekends and lower during slower periods.
What is the slowest month to go to Disney World? ›
Overall, Disney World parks are least crowded on January 2 until the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day). Labor Day (the first Monday in September) is typically around the time schools get their year started, so the month or so after that is the least crowded time of year.
