When to Visit Disney World 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Scroll below to see the complete Walt Disney World 2024 calendar with crowds and new attraction offerings to help you decide when to visit Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World had over 20 million guests enter the Magic Kingdom alone last year. This can mean for some very big crowds! To help you avoid these influxes of guests, take note of the following tips and guidelines below.

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Disney World Crowd Calendar

Two things affecting Walt Disney World crowd levels are the events happening throughout the resort and school holidays. These are the two most important Walt Disney World crowd indicators. So, let’s dive into the question: “when is it going to be crowded at Disney World?”

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When to Visit Disney World 2024

Most Crowded

The weeks before and after Easter: mid-March through mid-April, or Spring Break Season
The week before Christmas through the first couple of weeks of January, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve bring in some of the largest crowds the park sees all year long
July through early August, during the time that schools have summer break
The week of Thanksgiving results in a large increase of crowds. A lot of people have thought they could outsmart the crowds by visiting the park on the actual holiday. Unfortunately, a lot of people have the very same idea

Busy, But Not Overrun

End of August through Labor Day
The month of December, leading up to Christmas week
Weekends throughout October and beginning of November while the theme parks are decorated for Halloween
Most weekdays while schools are still in session
The Gay Days organization visits the parks in August. This event can bring up to 200,000 people to the Orlando area.

Not Crowded

Labor Day through Thanksgiving, except avoid weekends
Late January through February excluding Martin Luther King Day weekend
Late April

Read our tips for the least crowded months at Disney World and the most crowded months at Disney World.

January through the beginning of May is what many call the “off-season.” These weeks have the least amount of crowds, but some of the shows will not be running, and some rides begin to close down for their yearly refurbishments. Be sure to check the park schedule! It is released 180 days in advance, so you'll be able to plan ahead!

We've created an infographic that will clearly help you when to visit Disney World. The information included in our best time to go to Disney World calendar is basic Disney World crowd levels, park hours, and weather.

Be sure to check the Disney World calendar on the official Walt Disney World website for more info on closures, entertainment schedules, and other info. This will help you to decide when to visit the resort.

Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024

Below I have compiled a listing of Disney World events and special calendar items to be aware of when deciding the best time to go to Disney World during 2024.

All of these openings and special events will greatly affect the 2024 Disney World crowd index.

Disney World Spring Events

The Epcot Festival of Arts runs at the beginning of the year from January to February featuring chalk art demonstrations, paint by numbers for guests, and plenty of Disney merchandise!
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival begins in March. The display of stunning gardens and fun shows can entertain any guest!

Disney World Summer Events

Summer at Disney World typically is accompanied by new experiences whether it's a new attraction, restaurant, nighttime spectacular or summer celebration.
Gay Days usually visit the park this time of year. With the event drawing nearly 200,000 people to the Orlando area, you can expect the parks to receive a large influx of guests.
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will run through July. The display of stunning gardens and fun shows can entertain any guest!
H2O Glow Nights is an event that occurs May-August at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Disney World Fall Events

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights in the Magic Kingdom from the beginning of August until Halloween. This after hours event will take place after the park closes so guests visiting Magic Kingdom that day won't have to leave early.
Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival will take place late summer until early November bringing with it popular foodie booths, wine tastings, and live music.

Disney World Winter Events

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place November through December. On nights of the party, Magic Kingdom will close early for party guests.
Disney LOVES Christmas at Walt Disney World and goes all out with decorations throughout all four theme parks, meet and greets, holiday food and special entertainment options.
The guest-favorite EPCOT Candlelight Processional begins the end of November and continues until just after Christmas. In this Christmas classic, a celebrity narrator recounts the traditional story of Christmas along with a massive choir and 50-piece orchestra.
The International Festival of Holidays at EPCOT takes place starting at the end of November through December including festival marketplace of holiday foods from around the world, entertainment in the World Showcase, and the EPCOT Candlelight Processional.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events January

Christmas decorations and shows continue into the first week or so of January before they are removed, so you can still catch the magic of Christmas at Disneyland, but with lower crowds! Other than Martin Luther King Day Weekend, the crowd levels are a lot lower than their Christmastime counterparts. According to historical averages, January will be the coldest month of the year at Walt Disney World.
Some attractions will be closed down for their yearly refurbishments. Be sure to always check the park schedules on the official Walt Disney World website.
The Festival of the Arts will run Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, with the Disney on Broadway Concert Series expanding to seven days a week during the festival.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place at the beginning of January. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races and a half marathon, along with a 5 and 10K. Brave runners can accept the Disney Two Course Challenge by combining the 10K and half marathon to earn the Challenge Medal.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in January to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events February

We've all heard those famous words after someone wins the Super Bowl, “I'm going to Disney World!” It's tradition for a member of the winning NFL team to be featured in a Magic Kingdom parade the Monday after the Super Bowl. If you're a fan of the team, you won't want to miss this opportunity!
February is a great month to visit the Walt Disney World resort. The weather is cool, but not too cold, and the crowds are pretty low. It's also a great time to see the park without any seasonal decorations if you just want to see it as plain vanilla. President's Day Weekend does see a large increase in crowds during the middle of the month, so we suggest to try and plan around that.
EPCOT Festival of the Arts continues until about the middle of the month. This event features food, performances, and art from all around the world and from all different cultures. Festival of the Arts features tons of live shows and even performances from Disney on Broadway!
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place from at the end of February. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races and a half marathon, along with a 5 and 10K. Brave runners can accept the Disney Two Course Challenge by combining the 10K and half marathon to earn the Challenge Medal.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in February to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events March

March marks the beginning of bigger crowds. After the first week, which is relatively light, crowds increase as the Spring Break season begins. March also marks the end of a lot of attraction refurbishments.
Spring begins to bloom at Disney World as the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival begins! This annual event brings beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and great entertainment! Even if you aren't into gardening, be sure to get a picture by the freshly trimmed hedges near the Imagination pavilion.
Participate in the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt and search high and low for eggs around the World Showcase that depict your favorite Disney characters.
If you happen to be in Disney World on St. Patrick's Day make sure to take the time to go to the World Showcase's United Kingdom Pavilion to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day fun. Read more about other Walt Disney World St. Patrick's Day offerings.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Walt Disney World in March to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events April

With Easter falling in April, you can expect larger crowds most days. Don't worry though, as April usually means longer hours of park operation and some of the best weather of the year!
Participate in the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt and search high and low for eggs around the World Showcase that depict your favorite Disney characters.
Spring begins to bloom at Disney World as the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is happening during the entire month of April!
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend takes place at the beginning of April. If you're a Star Wars fan, you won't want to want to miss this event. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races, a half marathon, and a 5 and 10K.
Disney's Animal Kingdom will hold an Earth-Day celebration that includes interactive activities and animal encounters to celebrate conservation.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in April to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events May

With May bringing the beginning of summer, the water parks begin to open more consistently. The weather becomes warmer, and park hours extend. School is still in session for most, so the crowd levels are typically slightly below average.
Here's how Walt Disney World celebrates Mother's Day!
Spring continues to bloom at Disney World as the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is happening through May 27th.
H20 Nights kicks off on May 25th at Typhoon Lagoon.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in May to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events June

June marks the first full month of summer, as well as storm season. June gets the most rain out of any month of the year with an average of over 8 inches! Despite the rain, the water parks are open daily and are uncrowded during the first and last parts of the day. When in the parks, be sure to pack your ponchos!
Gay Days will be hosting an event for the LGBTQIA+ community to come to enjoy the Walt Disney World parks. This is an extremely popular event that can draw nearly 200,000 people to the Orlando area.
H20 Nights takes place at Typhoon Lagoon June 1, 8, 14, 22, 28.
EPCOT construction is finally complete with the opening of CommuiCore Hall & Plaza on June 10th.
A brand new Encanto themed show begins at EPCOT on June 10th.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in June to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events July

Fireworks and nighttime spectaculars make their return on July 1st with Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and Epcot Forever at Epcot!
Storm season intensifies as we reach the height of summer vacations. Crowds will be large, but it's not the end of the world. You're still at Disney World for goodness sake! Rain becomes a question of “when” rather than “if”. The average chance of precipitation each day is 70%. The water parks see their longest hours of operation of the year.
H20 Nights takes place at Typhoon Lagoon July 5, 6, 13, 16, 20, 26, 30.
Disney World is a fantastic place to celebrate the 4th of July. The spectacular “Disney's Celebrate America!” fireworks show is on the July 3rd and 4th.
Visit EPCOT on the Fourth of July to experience extra performances of the American Adventure and see your favorite characters in their special patriotic attire!
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in July to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events August

August is the light at the end of a largely crowded season. It's the last month of the summer and most K-12 students are back in school towards the end of the month, meaning it can be a great time to visit! The lingering summer heat makes August another great month for the water parks. August isn't typically a month that introduces much to the park in ways of events or new decorations. While most K-12 schools are back in session, some college classes have yet to start, meaning a great time for a trip!
H20 Nights takes place at Typhoon Lagoon August 2, 10, 17, 24, 31.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starts on August 29th.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in August to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events September

September marks the beginning of Halloween at Disney World. Decorations pop up around all the parks, and the weather improves. With school back in session, crowds become light, especially after Labor Day weekend. Since it can be considered to be a part of the “off-season”, you can expect cheaper airfare when traveling.
Disney World will decorate for the Halloween season– you can find a variety of spooky treats, character cavalcades, Halloween character dining, and more beginning.
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival continues its run in EPCOT.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place on September 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29.
EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival continues. Enjoy sampling a large range of cuisines and attend foodie events and seminars.
Read our full guide to visiting Disney World in September to find specific events, crowd levels, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events October

Disney World will decorate for the Halloween season– you can find a variety of spooky treats, character cavalcades, Halloween character dining, and more through October.
October crowds have been growing in the past few years as groups are beginning to postpone their summer vacations to take advantage of the better pricing and discounts the Fall has to offer. Despite the influx of guests, the crowds are still rather manageable.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place on October:1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31.
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival continues its run in EPCOT.
The Disney100th Anniversary celebration continues with most of the celebration focusing on EPCOT.
There is a much scarier Halloween celebration at Universal Orlando. Read our guide to planning a trip to Universal Orlando.
Read our full guide to visiting Disney World in October to find specific events, crowd levels, and more.

Disney World Crowd 2024 Calendar Events November

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party finishes up on November 1st.
Thanksgiving weekend introduces a large number of crowds that stay pretty persistent throughout the Christmas season.
Jersey Week occurs the Thursday and Friday during the first week of November. It's a real thing! New Jersey schools dismiss and a lot of them find their way to Disney World. Surprisingly a low impact on the overall crowd levels.
The beginning of the month features the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend running from November 2-5th. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races and a half marathon, along with a 5 and 10K. Brave runners can accept the Disney Two Course Challenge by combining the 10K and half marathon to earn the Challenge Medal.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place on November 1st.
November is the beginning of the Disney Christmas season which includes holiday decorations in the parks, characters dressed in their holiday best, themed food, and Cinderella's Castle lit up in celebration.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place November: 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30 at Magic Kingdom.
The new Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios takes place November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23rd.
EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays begins after the International Food & Wine Festival ends right after Thanksgiving.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in November to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events December

The Christmas season plays host to the largest crowds of the entire year. That being said, there is a lot of entertainment and special offerings available during this time of the year.
The guest-favorite Candlelight Processional begins the end of November and continues until just after Christmas. In this Christmas classic, a celebrity narrator recounts the traditional story of Christmas along with a massive choir and 50-piece orchestra.
Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays continues until the end of the month.
The Pop Warner and National Cheer & Dance Championship usually takes place the first week of December at the All-Star Resorts. Try avoiding this resort if you can during this week.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 at Magic Kingdom.
The new Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios takes place December: 4, 6,16,18, 20.
New Year's Eve fireworks are quite the spectacle. What better way to bring in the New Year than by counting down to it with your favorite mouse?
The Disney100th Anniversary celebration continues with most of the celebration focusing on EPCOT.
Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disney World in December to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Special Holiday Celebrations

Throughout the year there are a few huge special events that make the parks extra magical.

Christmas at Disney World

Disney loves Christmas, and it's no secret! Beautiful, frosty icicles light the Castle, Wreaths and red and green Christmas lights adorn the buildings on Mainstreet!

I highly recommend visiting during Christmas; however, you should anticipate a steady stream of crowds if you are there the week of Christmas through the first week of January. The best time to visit and see the Christmas decorations is the first two weeks of December or the second week of January.

The theming doesn't stop in just the Magic Kingdom. Christmas cheer is abundant and is felt throughout all of the parks and resorts, even Disney Springs! There will be Christmas decorations everywhere you turn ready to take your breath away. We hope you love the smell of gingerbread!

Find out more and plan your Walt Disney World Christmas trip with our guide.

Halloween at Disney World

Halloween is another great time for theming around Disney World. Pumpkins take the street, decorations are hung, and a traditional Halloween party begins! This year there will be a new record of how many Halloween parties take place (possibly up to 30!). If you enjoy lots of candy, characters in their Halloween costumes, and candy (did I mention candy?), you'll love this time of year.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights in the Magic Kingdom from the beginning of August until Halloween. This after hours event will take place after the park closes so guests visiting Magic Kingdom that day won't have to leave early.

You can read more about Halloween at Disney World in our guide.

Disney World in Spring and Summer

Visiting Walt Disney World in the Spring has a few pros/cons along with yearly festivals that are fun to partake in for families and groups. Spring also means Easter, International Flower and Garden Festival, and mild weather. You can read all about visiting Disney World in the Spring in our guide.

In the summertime, Disney often opens new experiences and attractions. You can usually expect that the first few weeks/months after these experiences open to be fairly busy as guests flock to see the new attraction or show.

Recommended Length of Stay

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to how long your trip should last to Walt Disney World. Of course, all of us wish it could last forever, but alas. The recommended length of stay will fluctuate based on who you ask. It's popular opinion that even with a two-three week stay at the Walt Disney World resort, you STILL wouldn't be able to accomplish everything you set out to. With four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, nearly 30 hotels, and so much more, it can be difficult to get everything done on your list.

A solid recommendation is at least a week. That will give you some time to relax while still getting a good amount of days in the parks. Try going with the mindset that you'll be returning someday. This usually makes it easier if you miss something you had hoped to do if you can think, “next time.” And be sure to plan your trip early!

Booking Your Disney World Hotel

The best way to book your Disney World resort vacation is to create a travel package by working with a travel agent. Be sure to check out our pros and cons for each Disney World hotel as you consider.

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Disney Hotel Planning Help

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