WDW Top 5 Lists—Travel Dates

WDW Top 5 Lists—Travel Dates

There are indisputably many differences among Disney fans concerning the best time to travel to the World.  Some people will never travel in the summer months, while others must travel during the holiday season, to observe Walt Disney World in all its holiday grandeur.  This week’s Top 5 list takes a look at the different seasons and theming available year round, and the benefits and challenges to visiting the parks during each specific period of time.

1. January & February.  These two months typically bring the coldest weather in Florida, so be prepared to pack clothing that you can wear in layers.  Evening temperatures can bottom out at 30 to 40 degrees, while daytime temperatures range anywhere from 55 to 70 degrees.  Special events in WDW include the Disney Marathon Weekend (held this year Jan 5 to Jan 8), and the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb 24 to 26).  Please note that crowd levels will be increased during these two marathon weekends, and parking patterns may be altered at the Transportation & Ticket Center, if you choose to drive your own vehicle.

2.  March, April & May.  Temperatures gradually increase during these spring months:  the averages for March, April, and May are 78, 83, and 89 degrees, respectively.  Two major events occur during this period:  the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 7 to May 20, 2012, and Star Wars Weekends are held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting May 18^th.   The Expedition Everest Challenge will be held May 5, which is a combination race/obstacle course/scavenger hunt.  March and April are the best months to travel if you prefer moderately warm temperatures: mid- to late-May can already prove to be quite toasty

3.  June, July & August.  Yes, June, July and August are sweltering hot, but really not intolerable if you plan accordingly.  The key to surviving Florida’s 90+ degree heat and humidity is to pace yourself, and not try to reach every attraction at top speed.  Water bottles and sunscreen are not optional, and be sure to take advantage of your resort hotel’s pool amenities.  The nice thing about traveling during the summer months is that you do not need to pack warm clothing, though rain ponchos are highly recommended.  Rainstorms develop quickly but the good news is they diminish just as fast; but be prepared for a soaking in the interim.  Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios continues through the first week of June, and Epcot hosts the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series from June 10 to July 28^th, in World Showcase.

4.  September & October.   September brings temperatures remaining in the low-90s, with it cooling off slightly to the 80s in October.  You will experience a lot of rain in September, but again, it will only last a short time.  Walt Disney World is busy with activities during these two months:  the Night of Joy is a ticketed event held Sept 7 & 8 this year at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off in September and continues through selected dates in October, Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festivals runs this year from September 28 to November 11, 2012, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend will be held September 28-29, 2012.

5.  November & December.  With temperatures in the 70’s during the day and 50s at night, it really provides a perfect climate in which to visit Walt Disney World.  You’ll have the opportunity to see all the holiday decorations that Disney has to offer, plus Florida citrus will be season, so if you have a chance to get off-property, be sure to stop at a local grocery store and pick some up.  There are several events available at the parks:  Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 11, Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon is November 9-10, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has several dates available in November and December, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot will be held from November 23 to December 30, 2012 at the American Gardens Theatre, and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is an absolute must-see at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, available during the months of both November and December.  The Disney resort hotels also offer unique holiday decorations that are worth taking the time to visit: if you can only visit one, be sure to see the two-story Gingerbread House and the enormous Christmas tree located in the lobby of the Grand Floridian.

Jen V is a prior Disney Destinations travel agent who moved over 1,200 miles from Wisconsin to Florida to be closer to the magic of Walt Disney World.  She first vacationed to the World in 2006, followed by two trips in 2007 and 2009.  Since her relocation to Florida in July 2011, Jen travels to Walt Disney World on a weekly basis.  Jen has trained through the College of Disney Knowledge and enjoys all aspects of planning a Disney vacation.  Jen resides in Clermont, Florida, with her husband Mark and two children Caitlin and Benjamin.