The best times of year to visit Orlando theme parks

Posted by ThemeParkMom on August 23, 2008 | No Comments

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik

Much has been written on choosing the best time of year to visit Orlando’s theme parks. But you don’t need to waste a lot of time researching. I’m here to tell you the simplest “secret” method to determine if Walt Disney World, Universal, Sea World and the rest will be extremely crowded on the days you go. Just consult Disney’s “rate seasons” for resorts.

To find them, go to Walt Disney World’s resort overview page. Click on the rates link for the year you want, and then look for a link to “rate seasons.”

The 2008 chart is available here.

Ideal dates to visit Orlando’s theme parks are during Disney’s “value season.” The cheaper Disney’s hotel rates, the less crowded Disney World, Universal, Sea World, etc., will be.

Of course, most of the value season dates will be times when your children are in school. But there are chances to plan ahead and get there during the value season if you’re creative about it. Is there a school holiday that is specific to your state? When I was in public school in Illinois, we were out of school for Casimir Pulaski day. That day was also frequently combined with a teacher in-service day, giving us a four-day weekend at a time when most kids in other states were in school. Is there a time like that built into your child’s school calendar? That would be the best time to visit, if you can swing it.

You know that family fun can be had even during the most crowded times of the year at Orlando’s theme parks, but if you’re looking to go at a time when attendance is sparse, Disney’s value seasons are a sure thing.