One of the biggest questions families ask when planning a theme park vacation is: When is the best time to visit? While the answer depends on your preferences for weather, school schedules, and seasonal events, what Walt Disney World Resort guests really want to know is: When is it least crowded?
The truth is, there’s never an empty week at Walt Disney World Resort. With growing popularity, year-round events, and varying school breaks across regions, crowds are a part of the Central Florida Disney Park experience.
However, some weeks bring exceptionally high attendance, making navigating the parks, securing dining reservations, and booking Lightning Lane attractions more challenging. To help you plan smarter, here are the 10 most crowded weeks at Walt Disney World Resort—plus tips on what to expect if you’re visiting during one of these peak periods.
1. Christmas Through New Year’s (Late December to Early January)
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is hands-down the busiest time of the entire year. With schools closed, businesses on holiday break, and festive magic in full swing, it’s no surprise the parks reach capacity.
- Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT often reach capacity, turning many guests away.
- Disney Resort hotel pricing and airfare reach yearly highs.
- Lightning Lane availability is competitive.
- Expect wait times to be extremely long for top attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Avatar Flight of Passage.
Despite the crowds, this time is truly magical. From elaborate holiday decorations to seasonal treats and themed parades, many families find the festive atmosphere worth the wait.
2. July 4th Week
Summer vacation plus a major national holiday equals packed parks. The Independence Day holiday is one of the most popular times to travel, and Disney makes it special with themed entertainment and 360-degree fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
- All four parks are crowded, with Magic Kingdom and EPCOT being the busiest.
- Florida’s heat and humidity can make the crowds feel even more intense.
- Expect higher Disney Resort hotel prices and limited availability.
If you love patriotic celebrations and don’t mind the heat, this week delivers. Just be sure to stay hydrated and take advantage of Lightning Lane for must-do rides.
3. Columbus Day Weekend (Early to Mid-October)
October used to be a hidden gem for Disney travel, but that’s no longer the case. Fall breaks, teacher workdays, and religious holidays now bring a large influx of families to the parks.
- Many schools across the U.S. schedule week-long breaks around this time.
- EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party add to the draw.
- Disney Resort availability tightens quickly, and discounts are rare.
October may offer pleasant weather, but crowd levels are among the highest all year.
4. President’s Day Weekend (Mid-February)
A long weekend paired with winter breaks makes President’s Day a popular escape to warmer weather. Add Mardi Gras to the mix (when it overlaps), and the parks become even busier.
- Southern schools and universities often have time off.
- Higher-than-usual pricing for Disney Resort hotels and airfare.
- Families take advantage of a short break to enjoy Disney magic without making up homework.
This weekend is great for a quick vacation, but it requires careful planning to avoid long lines.
What makes early November so busy? A perfect storm of events:
- RunDisney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
- Veteran’s Day holiday
- “Jersey Week” when New Jersey schools are out for teacher conventions
These overlapping breaks bring in guests from across the country.
6. Easter & Spring Break (March to Mid-April)
The exact week varies from year to year, but the Spring Break period is one of the most predictably crowded times at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Easter often overlaps with school and university breaks across multiple regions.
- The week before and after Easter are consistently packed.
- March sees consistently high crowd levels regardless of Easter’s date.
Spring weather is beautiful, but if you want to visit during this season, arrive early each day and prioritize Lightning Lane attractions.
7. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend (Mid January)
While January is generally quieter, the MLK holiday weekend breaks the pattern.
- Many schools add an extra day or two to the weekend.
- Families often use this short break for post-holiday travel.
- Disney Resort availability can be limited, especially at Value and Moderate hotels.
While not as crowded as other weeks on this list, MLK weekend still sees a noticeable spike.
8. Marathon Weekend (Early January)
RunDisney’s flagship event, the Walt Disney World Marathon, brings thousands of runners and their supporters to the parks.
- Disney Resort hotels book up far in advance.
- Road closures can make transportation within the resort complex more complicated.
- EPCOT, the host for most race events, sees hefty traffic.
Other RunDisney events, such as the Princess Half Marathon (February) and Wine & Dine (November), also increase crowd levels.
9. Cheer & Sporting Competition Weeks (Throughout the Year)
Cheer and other sporting competitions bring thousands of young athletes to Walt Disney World Resort. Most compete at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, but the crowds spread into the theme parks during their free time.
- Many families turn a sporting competition into a theme park vacation.
- Expect large groups of school-aged children in line for attractions and shows.
- Most groups stay at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and other Value Resort hotels, so expect limited availability.
If you’re attending during a competition, arrive at the parks before rope drop and expect longer attraction lines.
10. June & Early July
School’s out for summer, so the parks are busy nearly every day in June and early July.
- Attendance builds gradually after Memorial Day.
- July tends to be busier than June as nearly all schools are out by then.
- Teachers and families vacation together during this time.
The summer months also bring longer park hours, more entertainment offerings, and plenty of spontaneous surprises—perfect for families who plan ahead.
Tips for Navigating the Most Crowded Weeks
If your travel dates fall during one of these busy weeks, don’t worry—you can still have a magical time at Walt Disney World Resort!
Here are a few tips:
- Book early: Secure park reservations, dining, and Lightning Lane selections as soon as possible.
- Arrive early: Getting to the Disney parks before opening gives you a head start on popular attractions. Disney Resort hotel guests can enter 30 minutes before everyone else!
- Use mobile ordering: Save time by ordering food through the My Disney Experience app.
- Take breaks: Plan afternoon breaks at your Disney Resort or in an air-conditioned attraction to rest and recharge.
- Set expectations: Know that some attractions will have long waits and go with the flow.
Have you braved Walt Disney World during one of its most crowded times? Share your experience and tips with Disney Dining in the comments!
