Time of Year: When You Go Matters!
Just like airlines, Disney and Universal use dynamic pricing, meaning that ticket prices and hotel rates fluctuate based on demand. This can have a big impact on your vacation budget!
The bottom line? Certain times of the year are simply more expensive due to school breaks, holidays, and special events (looking at you, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Halloween Horror Nights!).
School Holidays and Trip Length
For families traveling with children, school holidays often dictate vacation timing, and these vary by country. If you’re visiting from the UK, a two-week stay is common, while U.S. travellers often plan for four to seven days. Some lucky visitors even stay for up to five weeks!
Seasonal Breakdown
Peak (Most Expensive) Times:
•Spring Break (March–April)
•Summer (June–August)
•Holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and Halloween season)
•Special Event Weekends (runDisney races, Halloween Horror Nights, etc.)
Mid-Range Pricing:
•Late January to mid-February
•May (before Memorial Day rush)
•September (after Labor Day, before Halloween events ramp up)
Best Budget-Friendly Windows:
•Mid-January (post-holiday calm!)
•Late August to September (hot, but lower crowds)
•Select mid-week dates in October and November (avoid holiday weekends)
If you have flexibility, visiting during off-peak times can save you hundreds on hotels and park tickets—not to mention shorter wait times for rides like Slinky Dog Dash or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™!
Consider Weather Considerations
Orlando’s climate can also play a big role in your experience:
- Winter (December–February): Mild, with highs in the 60s–70s°F (16–24°C) and cooler evenings. Rain is minimal, but chilly mornings can catch visitors off guard.
- Spring (March–May): Comfortable temperatures in the 70s–80s°F (21–30°C). Low humidity makes this a great time to visit.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid! Expect highs in the 90s°F (32–37°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Crowds are also at their peak.
- Fall (September–November): Still warm (80s°F/27–32°C), but humidity begins to drop. Hurricane season runs through November, so occasional storms are possible.
That said, timing is often one of the most fixed aspects of planning. Once you’ve locked in your preferred travel window, it’s time for the next step: deciding how long your vacation should be!
Want the lowdown on what’s happening year-round at Disney and Universal? From crowd levels to seasonal events and can’t-miss celebrations, dive into our full guide right here
