This is a common question that as a Disney Vacation Planner I find myself being asked often.
The answer? It all depends. What do you want to see? What is most important to you and your family on this trip? Is this trip for a special celebration? Do you mind if the children miss school, does your school have restrictions aboutwhen and for how long a child can be out of school? Is Disney right for my family? These are important things to consider that may help determine what time is best for your family to visit the mouse. Let’s dig a little deeper into these topics to best help you decide when the best time is for you and your family to visit Walt Disney World.
What do you want to see?
Are you going to Disney to see something specific? Disney has an abundance of special events that take place throughout the year. Some require special entrance tickets, but in my experience have been well worth it! This years special events include: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – early January, Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March to May, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Disney Early Morning Magic Fantasyland, Awaken Summer, Sounds Like Summer – June to July, Night of Joy – September 9-10, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – select nights September and October, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September to November, Festival of the Masters, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – select nights November and December, and Holidays Around the World. You will be sure to have a magical time no matter when you go, but if there is something special that you really want to see plan your days around the special events offered.
What is most important to you and is this trip for a special celebration?
Disney is a wonderful place for celebrations of every kind. First visit, birthday, graduation, family reunion, anniversary, honeymoon, you name it! If you want to celebrate something special at Disney there is a button for you! See a Cast member at your resort or within the parks to receive your complimentary celebration button. Wear it throughout your special day, or entire stay! With all of these buttons there is always someone celebrating something everywhere you turn, but do not feel that you can not go if you are not celebrating. Disney is a fantastic option if you are a family looking to reconnect and ‘unplug’ from the everyday. Getting outdoors and enjoying the day together is what matters (the magic of Disney does not hurt either)!
Do you mind if the children miss school, does your school have restrictions about when and for how long a child can be out of school?
This will differ with every family as each school board in each location has its own set of rules, regulations and guidelines. Please check with your children’s teachers and faculty to ensure that all requirements are met (if any) for extended days out of school. If an educational experience is required while out of the class room there are certainly a lot to choose from while experiencing the parks. These links provide a list of some of the great learning experiences and opportunities available to children in the parks.
https://www.themouseforless.com/walt-disney-world/parks/educational-opportunities-at-walt-disney-world/
https://allears.net/walt-
Is Disney right for my family?
This is a topic that will not have a generic answer it will vary greatly between every family based on their needs. Each family has different values and each child has a unique rhythm and pattern on a daily basis. The great thing about a family trip to Walt Disney World is that it can be made to fit your family needs. Sure the park has scheduled special events like shows and parades and fireworks, but you do not have to attend them all (or any) if you do not want to. There are amusement type rides, easy pace rides and shows. Restaurants are very accommodating to food allergies and requirements (I have experienced this first hand). In short, if Disney is something you want your family to experience there is sure to be a way to make it happen!
As Walt said ‘Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever’ – Walt Disney, no matter what time of year you go, remember you are young at heart, have a fantastic time!
*Note: All images are personal agent images.
For questions or to learn more please contact
Myenna Doering –
mdoering@carlsonwagonlit.net / 705 743 8683