The best time of year to visit Walt Disney World in Florida depends on what you're looking for. Each season has its advantages and special events. Do your research, order the free DVD from the official website and decide what interests you the most. With special events all year long and fun around every corner, there's no wrong time to visit Walt Disney World.
Spring
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World. Many families or school groups head south for spring break, so if you're looking for lighter crowds check your calendar and plan accordingly. Spring is also the time of year for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Show. Running mid-March through late May, you'll see gardens, topiaries, butterflies and much more. Stroll through Minnie's Garden, learn tips from top horticulturalists on the weekends and enjoy the Flower Power Concert Series.
Summer
The busiest season of the year at Walt Disney World is summer. The parks accommodate the extra guests by extending hours. Some of the parades and fireworks shows may run twice so everyone has a chance to enjoy them. Summer also features the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot, featuring many famous tribute bands. The series starts in June and runs through early August. Late spring/early summer also features Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Both sides of the force are represented, along with guests from the movies, a special parade and many other events. Star Wars Weekends are held four consecutive weekends in May and June.
Fall
Many people like traveling to Florida in the fall because the temperatures can be a bit cooler and the crowds are smaller because children are back in school. (Thanksgiving week tends to be busy.) In early September, Walt Disney World holds the Night of Joy concert series, two days of music featuring some of the top names in contemporary Christian music. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival runs mid-September through mid-November, and includes tastings, seminars and live entertainment. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event that run on select nights from September through early November. Festival of the Masters is an open-air event in Downtown Disney that features over 100 artists.
Winter
Winter is a favorite time to visit Walt Disney World for many people. Early December crowds are often the lightest you'll find all year, and temperatures are more comfortable. Keep in mind when planning a December trip that Christmas through New Year's week is often the busiest week of the entire year. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a separate ticketed event, runs select nights in November and December in the Magic Kingdom. If you're looking for holiday cheer you'll definitely want to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, featuring over 5 million lights. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is another holiday must-see. In January you'll find runners from around the world gathering for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. It features a marathon, a half-marathon, and family and kids runs. Another fun winter event is ESPN the Weekend, which is held in late February or early March, and features past and present sports stars and ESPN personalities.
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