* Time of year: School holidays, major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and Spring Break will always be the busiest.
* Special Events: Events like runDisney races, Food and Wine Festival, and Halloween/Christmas parties can bring huge crowds.
* Day of the week: Weekends, especially Saturdays, are generally busier than weekdays.
Here's a general breakdown of when you can expect higher crowds at Disney World:
* January: Post-holiday crowds can still be large, especially during the first few weeks.
* February: Presidents' Day weekend (usually the third week) and school breaks for some regions can make crowds spike.
* March: Spring Break season begins in March and can last through April, making this a very busy time.
* April: Spring Break continues, and Easter weekend can be very crowded.
* May: Crowds usually drop off after Spring Break.
* June: Crowds can be moderate, but some schools still have summer vacation.
* July: Summer crowds are typically high, especially during the 4th of July holiday.
* August: Crowds start to decrease as summer holidays end, but they can still be moderate.
* September: Crowds are generally lower, making this a good time to visit.
* October: Halloween season brings increased crowds, especially during weekends leading up to Halloween and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights.
* November: Thanksgiving week and the Thanksgiving weekend itself will be extremely crowded.
* December: Crowds are high in December, with Christmas week and New Year's Eve being the busiest days.
Tips for navigating busy weekends:
* Check crowd calendars: Websites like TouringPlans.com and Undercover Tourist offer crowd calendars that predict crowd levels for specific days.
* Book Genie+: This service gives you access to shorter lines for popular attractions (but it does cost extra).
* Arrive early: The earlier you arrive, the fewer people you'll encounter.
* Consider dining reservations: Reservations can help you avoid long wait times for popular restaurants.
* Use park-hopping strategically: If you're visiting multiple parks, consider hopping to less crowded parks during peak hours.
* Take breaks: If the crowds feel overwhelming, take a break and enjoy some downtime at a quieter location.
Remember, these are just general guidelines. The best way to find out about specific dates and crowd levels is to consult crowd calendars and stay informed on any special events that might be happening during your trip.