While it’s impossible to take into account all the fixed variables in each guest’s availability for travel, here are the best times to travel to the major U.S. theme parks in 2024 looking at lower expected crowd levels, weather, and opportunities for extra fun. Traditionally September has the lowest crowd levels for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, but the weather can be a challenge. Even so, great savings on lodging and park tickets can be had for those who want to face the heat and the potential for hurricanes. Universal Orlando offers locals a reasonably priced annual pass and thus has more local guests on any given day than Walt Disney World. Disneyland is heavily skewed toward local guests and is more consistently busy year-round than Walt Disney World, but lines for attractions can vary in length based on the day.
Big caveat to the list below: with a good touring plan in place that manages expectations, you can have a really wonderful trip at any time of year.
Walt Disney World Resort Best Times to Visit
– Last week of January to mid-February (skip holiday weekends; some rides may be undergoing refurbishment in this period)
– First week of March
– Last week of April (after the spring RunDisney weekend)
– May
– Last two weeks of August (best for those who are heat tolerant and can stay up late to enjoy later park hours; Halloween party)
– September (with some major weather concerns, see headnote)
– 2nd week of November
– 1st week of December (starting in November the week after Thanksgiving)
Universal Orlando Best Times to Visit
– Mid-January to mid-February
– First week of March
– Mid to Late April
– Last two weeks of August (best for those who are heat tolerant and can stay up late to enjoy later park hours)
– September, but not Labor Day Weekend (with major weather concerns, see headnote). Halloween Horror Nights brings in crowds so check Universal’s calendar for those event dates for September through the first week of November to either attend or avoid.
– Weekdays in October (avoid the Mondays of fall break weekends)
– Weekdays in November except the week of Thanksgiving
– First two weeks of December
Disneyland Best Times to Visit
– Weekdays in January and February (except on and around holidays)
– First week of March
– Weekdays in May (except Grad Nites and Memorial Day)
– The first two weeks of June
– August
– Mid-week days in September
– Last week of October (not Halloween)
– Weekdays (except Fridays) in November (not Thanksgiving week) and the first two weeks of December
Universal Studios Hollywood Best Times to Visit
– Weekdays in January and February (except on and around holidays)
– First week of March
– The second week of April through the rest of the month
– Weekdays in May (except Memorial Day)
– The first two weeks of September
– November (not Thanksgiving Week or Veteran’s Day)
– First two weeks of December
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