Family With Medals
  • On Oct 28, 2013
    Gina from PA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When is a good time during the year to take a special needs child to Walt Disney World, Florida. He does not like large crowds either and may get over stimulated when too much is going on. Help!

    Hi Gina!

    Being the Mom of a special needs child, I completely understand but with a little planning, we've been able to have some incredible trips.

    I'm not sure of your school schedule and I don't have a crystal ball, but if you can do it here are some times I'd recommend:

    * Typically just after Labor Day to the end of September is a nice time to visit. Keep in mind the weather is still usually really warm so that may be an issue for you as well.

    * November isn't bad either. The week before and after Thanksgiving is usually a really good time but avoid the week of Thanksgiving. Avoid weekends during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Jersey Week (typically the 1st of 2nd week of November depending on their school calendars).

    * Typically, early January after all of the holiday crowds have left to mid-February is a great time to visit (avoid holiday weekends - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and President's Day) & special events like the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (unless you're a runner).

    * Once you start getting into March, you begin reaching Spring Break season with crowds level pretty high around the week of Easter. Early May is usually okay as well but the closer you get to Memorial Day, the more the crowd level rises and then you're in it for the summer.

    Keep in mind that Disney could announce a special event that could impact crowd calendars but historically these have been good times to visit.

    Here are a couple of other tips from experience. Bring any comfort items if possible. Head phones or ear plugs help keep the noise level down. If your child starts becoming too stimulated, you may just have to take a break from the parks and try it again later.

    Wishing you minnie magical memories :-) Allison V.
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Meet the Panelist: Allison, Georgia

I'm a Disney-fanatic! I made my first trip to Disney World the year it opened and have grown up crazy for all things Disney. As the Mom of a son with Cerebral Palsy, I love providing recommendations for families traveling with a special needs member. Learn More About Allison

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