Hiya Molly,
You've taken an important first step in planning your 2023 Walt Disney World Resort vacation - reaching out to planDisney! PlanDisney panelists are Disney Guests just like you. We've been there, done that, and can't wait to go back. Let our experience be your guide as you make the best vacation choices for your family.
First on the Disney vacation planning agenda is deciding when to experience the magic, so you're already on track with your line of questioning. Generally speaking, the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are most crowded on days/weeks kids are not in school (i.e. June - August and all holidays). The last two weeks in December are typically the most crowded of all. Conversely, dates when most kids are in school tend to be less crowded. I'll specifically mention the two weeks after Labor Day, the two weeks before and after Thanksgiving week, late January, early February, and early May.
These days, Walt Disney World is full of Guests eager to experience the magic of dreams, imagination and innovation.
Disney Genie+ service is one way Guests can manage the crowds. By giving Guests access to
Lightning Lane entrances at over 40 attractions throughout the four theme parks, Genie+ guarantees less waiting and more doing. Additionally, Guests of
Disney Resorts Collection hotels get 30-minute
early theme park entry at
all four theme parks each day. Depending on the timing of your visit, there are also
seasonal special events that guarantee lower crowds such as Disney H2O Glow After Hours and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party.
In addition to crowds, other factors to consider when choosing your vacation dates are weather and budget. My family prefers the milder temperatures of the fall and winter seasons, though I know of many friends that prefer to visit in the summer due to the extended park hours and mid-day pool breaks. Tickets and vacation packages for 2023 are not yet available, but I encourage you to keep an eye on the
Special Offers page for upcoming offers.
My last thought, Molly, is that you should plan a visit to Walt Disney World Resort whenever it's most convenient for your calendar. No one wants to be stressing over a work deadline while in line for "it's a small world" or catching up on school work after a long day in the parks. In this season of life, fall school breaks provide windows of opportunity for my family. Our stays in late October through early November boast mild temperatures and an overnight transformation from boo-tiful Halloween to the jolly holidays. There is no wrong time to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation and I know you'll find a sweet spot that works for your cast of characters.
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer