Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Visit Walt Disney World

Anna TrosperFebruary 9, 2017Most seasoned travelers to Walt Disney World  have a favorite time of year to visit. Some prefer to wait until school is out and enjoy those hot Florida summers. Others can’t wait until Epcot has its annual International Flower and Garden Show in the spring or its International Food and Wine festival in fall. Still others love fall so they can attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Though these seasons certainly offer many wonderful reasons to enjoy Walt Disney World, winter season is my favorite and here are six reasons why.

1. Holiday Events

Walt Disney World has some of the best activities during the winter season beginning with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This runs from early November to just a few days before Christmas. During the party guests can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Holiday Wishes fireworks show. The entire Magic Kingdom gets a holiday make over only available at this time of year. Over at Epcot they have Holidays Around the World. Guests can walk around World Show Case and enjoy all the Christmas décor and hear about holiday traditions from around the world. While at Epcot, don’t miss the Candlelight Processional. Every year at America Gardens Theatre they have a large choir and orchestra show that is hosted by a well-known celebrity. Disney also transforms IllumiNations into a holiday event. These events will be sure to put you into the holiday spirit! [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="5850,5848"]

2. Holiday Decor

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and Disney sure knows how to do Christmas! During the winter holiday season the parks and resorts are decorated with garland, lights, bows, trees and more. Everything is just so much more magical! Every aspect of the parks and resorts take on a holiday feel. There are even some snow flurries down Main Street USA (well they consist of soap flakes but it still is something to see!) and the Jungle Cruise undergoes a makeover to the Jingle Cruise. When you put Christmas and Disney magic together, you can’t go wrong. On a side note, the two weeks of the actual holiday are one the busiest times of year to visit.  If you want to avoid the large crowds, plan to visit the two weeks before Thanksgiving or the first two weeks in December. 

3. Lower Travel Prices

Aside from holidays, winter is a great time of year for lower rates; especially select dates in January and February.  Winter is typically not tourist season in Central Florida. Room rates are lower because of this and can make your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth more affordable.  If you time it just right, airlines may offer flights at a lower cost too. 

4. Dry Weather

Yes, no rain! If you have been to Walt Disney World you know that is rains in Florida almost every day.  The dry season in Florida starts in late November and extends until May. Again, making winter time an ideal time to visit! 

5. Mild Temperatures

Florida in the summer can get into the high nineties and even in the spring and fall can still hover in the eighties. Mix that with Florida’s high humidity and it can make for some long hot days in the parks. On the other hand temperatures are in the seventies in the winter season. It is so nice to stroll through your favorite theme park and not break a sweat. Be sure to bring a jacket for the evening however, temperatures can sometimes drop into the forties. If you love to swim don’t worry. Disney’s pools are heated and are kept at a comfortable 82 degrees for swimming all year around. 

6. Shorter Lines and Fewer Crowds (Most of the Time)

While kids are still in school, the lines at the parks are shorter. With reduced waiting you’ll be able to experience more rides in less time each day and get better seats for shows. With lighter crowds you will avoid the long lines for food too.Excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, the crowds at Walt Disney World drop significantly in the winter making this the best time to visit Walt Disney World. Crowds seem to be more, let us say, mature, since many families with children avoid traveling when school is in session. That does not mean you won’t see families, you just won’t see as many.  Just close your eyes and imagine yourself standing on Main Street USA or in the middle of Central Plaza watching Wishes without having to keep your arms at your side so you do not accidentally elbow a stranger. Yes, it is possible!!!Now you know why I love winter time at Walt Disney World. If you have been thinking about a Disney trip and have some questions or would like some help, I would be more than happy to assist with booking and planning a very magical vacation.Please visit my Facebook page for great travel tips and for all of the latest promotions. If you would like to chat about your next vacation, email me and we can set up a time to talk! Visit our main web page for other great travel information and join our Facebook page, Disney Conversations with Wishes.Have a magical day!