So I know I am obsessed with all things Disney. In the past few months I have been trying to juggle work, high school and college schedules to plan a trip to our second home. Now, many of my friends would say, “Why? You were just there!”.
Okay, so I was just there – 4 months ago! Throughout the year, there are so many different things happening at the Walt Disney World Resort, that every month is a new experience. Here are my favorite things month-by-month at my happy place:
January – I love the lower crowds, cooler weather and of course the annual Walt Disney World Marathon. My husband has run in this weekend event (including completing the Goofy Challenge) twice. There are so many reasons to love starting the year with Disney!
February – This is another great month with overall lower crowds and cooler temps. We have often vacationed over President’s Day weekend. This requires patience and a plan as the crowd level does peak over this weekend. We never miss the Hall of Presidents when we are there on the holiday. For running fans, there is the annual Princess Half Marathon. Of course, celebrating with those you love, at the place you love the most, is another reason to love February.
March – March is the beginning of gorgeous weather and spring breaks. The Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot begins in March. I could spend days enjoying the gardens, topiaries and special events at Epcot. If you love to take photos, this is one of the most beautiful times to visit!
April – The events of March continue as the weather gets even more fabulous each day. If you visit around Easter, I recommend you try a “vampire” touring plan – up and out early, back to sleep during the day and then out again at night to enjoy the special extra magic hours (which sometimes last until 3:00 a.m.!). When we try this plan, we never wait for more than 20 minutes to ride anything, even on some of the most crowded park days of the year!
May – With children, this is our go-to month for visiting Disney these days. If you are there early enough, you can catch the end of the Flower and Garden Festival and the beginning of Star Wars Weekends! The weather is warmer and the crowds are still easily manageable. Star Wars Weekends brings new shows, parades and special events to Hollywood Studios. While not a personal Star Wars fan, you cannot help but love the experience. Hyperspace Hoopla anyone?
June – Star Wars Weekends continues and the summer vacation season begins! Family fun abounds as you will see family reunions, school celebrations and more. The parks are busy and all the attractions are running. If you don’t want to miss something, it is unlikely that an attraction will be down for the summer. Need a little beach to go with your Disney Magic? Every June we spend some time at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – one of Disney’s best kept secrets (please don’t tell anyone, okay?). 🙂
July – While the Walt Disney World resort has fabulous fireworks every single day, this month features one of the most amazing fireworks shows in the world. You can read more about the past events on the Disney Blog. Be sure to take plenty of water to stay hydrated when touring in July or August.
August – Okay, let’s face it, it is HOT in August. If you go now, do yourself a favor and definitely stay on property at the Walt Disney World resort. If you need a quick break from the heat, being able to take a quick trip to your hotel will be a welcome relief. However, this is also a great time to get inside and enjoy attractions and restaurants. A couple of my family’s favorites: Carousel of Progress and dinner at LeCellier.
September – This is one of my very favorite months to visit. The weather in September is still pretty warm, though you will usually find a passing rain shower each day. However, the park crowds are light and it is a perfect time to visit the water parks. My favorite Disney event, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party also starts this month.
October – As the weather begins to cool, this is a great month for adult trips. The annual Food and Wine festival kicks off at the end of September and is in full force. This is a great time to taste your way around the world. If you are looking for a fun evening running event, check out the Wine and Dine Half Marathon.
November – The holiday season begins with more food, special events and cooler weather. The week before Thanksgiving is as close as you can get to a perfect fall week at Walt Disney World. Crowds are light, holiday decorations are going up and people are in a cheerful holiday spirit. Holiday events start at the end of the month.
December – This has to be the most magical month of the year! The parks are decorated in their holiday finest, with exclusive shows and events. We love early December when the crowds are light. Whenever you go in December, do not miss these events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights and the Candlelight Processional. You also absolutely must visit the resorts to see the various gingerbread houses, carousels and more!
What month do you love the most?