Travel Tip: Best Times to Visit the Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando, FL — We are often asked, “when is the best time to visit Disney or Universal?” To answer this question, we must first look at the reason for your visit to the Orlando area. For example, are your travel dates flexible so you can visit when the crowd levels are low or are your travel dates less flexible? Or is there a holiday or special event you are looking forward to experiencing during your vacation?

For the most part, lower crowd levels are seen when schools are in session (sorry, teachers!). Crowd levels tend to spike when kids are out of school for holidays and during summer & winter breaks. Theme parks will also see heavier crowd levels during special events, like Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida® and Star Wars™ Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

 

Guests looking to visit the Orlando theme parks when there are lower crowds should consider visiting during the second half of January, the first week of February, the second half of August or anytime during the month of September. But be aware, some of the popular attractions tend to close for refurbishment during these slower times.

When booking your Orlando vacation, consider referencing a crowd calendar to view anticipated crowd levels as well as determine which theme park may be less crowded on each day of your trip. We recommend both the Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar and the Touring Plans Crowd Calendar to help plan your vacation. Touring Plans charges an annual fee; however, the fee also includes access to their touring plans and wait time mobile app.

 

If your vacation is centered around attending a special event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom® Park or being terrified during Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida®, then you have a much narrower window to schedule your vacation. Likewise, if you wish to visit a waterpark, like Typhoon Lagoon, then you will likely look for warmer weather and when the waterpark is not closed for refurbishment.

Sure, there are times when the crowd levels are low, but not everyone is able to take time off during these times. If you come prepared, arrive to the park early and bring your patience, you are sure to have a fun time!