Planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Whether you’re a seasoned Disney veteran or a first-timer, picking the right dates can make or break your vacation.
In 2026, the crowds, weather, and special events will all play a huge role in your experience. From navigating holiday rushes to finding those rare quiet weeks, we’re here to help you lock in the perfect dates for your family. Ready to start planning? Let’s dive into the best times to visit Orlando!
Why 2026 Is the Year to Visit
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Orlando. With new attractions settling in and crowd patterns shifting back to pre-pandemic norms, savvy travelers can find sweet spots in the calendar that offer shorter lines and better weather.
The key is balancing three major factors: crowds, weather, and cost. Usually, you can pick two. For example, low crowds often come during school terms (hard for families), while great weather often attracts higher prices. But don’t worry, there are still golden windows where you can have it all.
The Best Months for Low Crowds
If your main goal is to walk onto rides without waiting 90 minutes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, you’ll want to aim for times when American kids are in school.
Late January to Early February:
This is historically one of the quietest times of the year. The holiday rush has faded, children are back in school, and the weather is cool and comfortable (think light jacket weather). Just keep an eye out for runDisney marathon weekends, which can bring brief spikes in attendance.
Late August to September:
As schools across the US start their fall semesters, the parks empty out significantly. While this is the peak of hurricane season and temperatures are still sizzling, the low wait times are a massive trade-off. Plus, you’ll often catch the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
The Best Months for Perfect Weather
Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing, but it can get intense. If you want to avoid the melting humidity of summer, aim for spring or late autumn.
November (excluding Thanksgiving week):
This is arguably the best month for the weather. The humidity drops, the air is crisp, and the hurricane risk is minimal. You also get to see the parks transform from Halloween décor to Christmas magic overnight.
May:
Catch the tail end of the mild spring weather before the summer storms roll in. May is fantastic for pool days at your vacation rental, and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is usually in full bloom, offering beautiful topiary displays and delicious outdoor kitchens.
Special events you shouldn’t miss
Sometimes, the best time to visit isn’t about avoiding people. It’s about joining the party!
- EPCOT Festivals: Foodies should target the Food & Wine Festival (typically July–November) or the Festival of the Arts (January–February) for incredible culinary experiences.
- Halloween & Christmas: If you love themed parties, September through December is your window. Just be prepared for higher crowds, especially during the weeks of Halloween and Christmas.
2026 Crowd and Weather Cheat Sheet
Use this quick reference table to help you pick your ideal week:
| Month | Crowd Level | Weather | Best For… |
| January | Low | Cool/Mild | Budget travelers & low crowds |
| February | Moderate | Mild | Couples & Festival of the Arts fans |
| March | High | Warm | Spring Breakers |
| April | High | Warm | Easter celebrations |
| May | Moderate | Hot | Flower & Garden Festival enthusiasts |
| June | High | Very Hot | Summer vacationers |
| July | Very High | Very Hot | 4th of July fireworks |
| August | Moderate/Low | Very Hot | Last-minute summer trips |
| September | Low | Hot/Rainy | Halloween party lovers |
| October | Moderate | Warm | Fall break & foodies |
| November | Moderate | Perfect | Christmas decor & weather |
| December | Very High | Mild | Holiday magic seekers |
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Once you’ve picked your dates, the next step is finding the perfect place to crash after a long day of park-hopping. Why squeeze into a cramped hotel room when you could have an entire villa to yourself?
At FunStay Homes, we offer spacious, family-friendly vacation rentals just minutes from the magic. Enjoy your own private pool, a full kitchen for quick breakfasts, and plenty of room for the whole family to spread out. Plus, when you book directly with us, you skip those pesky hidden platform fees.
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Your Disney World 2026 Questions, Answered
What is the absolute best time to visit Disney World in 2026 for the lowest crowds?
For the lightest crowd levels, plan your visit during late August and most of September. Specifically, the weeks of August 17-31 and September 8-30 are historically some of the quietest times of the year. Other good options include mid-January (after the holiday rush) and early May before summer vacation begins.
When are the busiest times I should try to avoid?
You’ll find the largest crowds and longest wait times during major holiday periods. The busiest weeks include:
Presidents’ Day week (mid-February)
Spring Break (mid-March through early April)
Thanksgiving week (late November)
Christmas through New Year’s (late December)
I’m on a budget. When are prices typically lower?
Generally, when crowds are lower, prices for hotels and tickets are also more affordable. Visiting during off-peak times like late January, late August, September, or early December can often save you money on your trip.
What’s the weather like in Florida throughout the year?
Florida weather can be unpredictable, but here’s a general guide:
Winter (Nov – Feb): Mild and pleasant with highs in the 70s, but be prepared for occasional cold snaps.
Spring (Mar – May): Warm and comfortable, with rising humidity and more frequent afternoon showers as summer approaches.
Summer (Jun – Oct): Hot and humid, with daily afternoon thunderstorms. This is also peak hurricane season, so travel insurance is a good idea.
How do special events affect my visit?
Special events can make your trip more magical, but they also impact crowds. The EPCOT festivals (Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, Festival of the Holidays) draw in more guests, especially on weekends. Additionally, be aware that on nights when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are held, the Magic Kingdom closes early to guests without a separate party ticket.
I want to visit in the fall. Should I be worried about hurricanes?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak from mid-August to mid-October. While a direct hit is rare, it’s a possibility. Disney has a great hurricane policy that allows for rescheduling or cancellations without penalty if a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area.
Are there any times to avoid besides major holidays?
Yes, be mindful of runDisney race weekends and youth sporting events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. These events, particularly the cheerleading competitions in February, can bring significant crowds and fill up the value and moderate resorts.
How far in advance should I plan my 2026 Disney World trip?
For the best availability, we recommend planning 7 to 12 months in advance. This gives you a great chance to book your preferred resort, make Park Pass reservations, and snag those all-important dining reservations when your booking window opens 60 days before your arrival.
