 |
The Seasons of Disney – Planning Tips
Author: N. J. Lutes  | Posted: 21-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 17 | Rating: (52)  (?) 
For anyone planning a Disney World vacation it is vital that you know and understand their “seasons.” As with the rest of the world they do indeed have four distinct seasons, but Disney seasons are not based on climate. Rather they are based on statistics of vacationers’ habits and average attendance at the theme parks.
The four seasons are:
• Value Season
• Regular Season
• Peak Season
• Holiday Season
Timing is the key to a truly enjoyable Disney vacation. Attending during the peak seasons means you will spend an inordinate amount of time in the long lines and will pay top dollar for everything. Consider each season and then plan accordingly.
Value Season
The value season can be broken into three blocks of time:
• January 1 through mid-February
• All of September through the first week in October
• Thanksgiving Sunday through mid-December
The very best of the three is after the Thanksgiving weekend up to the week before Christmas.
Attendance is the lowest during the Value Season because of school schedules and winter weather. Hotel rates will be lower and better deals are available from Disney than at any other time of the year. Also keep in mind that with smaller crowds, you will spend less time in lines, and have more quality time to enjoy the parks.
Winter in Central Florida can be warm or freezing – sometimes within only a few hours of each other. Come prepared.
Regular Season
What is known as the regular season is broken into two blocks:
• Mid-April through August
• October through Thanksgiving Saturday
Summer is often the only time a family can plan a Disney World vacation. If that’s true in your case, the first two weeks of June and last two weeks of August will be the best choice.
Summer means not only larger crowds, but extremely hot days, and those pesky afternoon showers that seem to arrive like clockwork. A word of caution: if you have preschoolers or babies, avoid summer if at all possible.
Peak Season
Spring Break dictates the time of Disney’s Peak Season and it occupies one block of time:
• Mid-February through mid-April
Even though Spring Break draws incredible crowds (as does spring events of President’s Day week, Mardi Gras, and Easter) the weeks in early April usually have light attendance. March is the typical month for Spring Break. Factor these events into your pre-planning.
Holiday Season
This season means Christmas Magic at the Magic Kingdom with special decorations, shows, and activities. It takes in only one block of time:
• Mid-December through December 31
Many families have made Christmas morning at Disney World a family tradition. This, however, takes much pre-planning since most hotels fill up fast – both those on-site and off-site, and there will be few, if any, bargains. If the Christmas magic is what you’re looking for, visit during the post-Thanksgiving Value Season. The breathtaking decorations are all in place, but the crowds and prices will be much lower.
Trade Offs
As with anything there are trade-offs in choosing the off-seasons. The first is shorter hours. In the fall the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and MGM may close as early as 5 PM. The evening parade in the Magic Kingdom may only be scheduled on the weekends.
Refurbishing of many of the attractions takes place during the off-seasons and they may be closed. Again, it’s a trade-off. Check ahead and see if those closings will upset your plans. You will still be shaving about one-third off the time spent waiting in lines which means you’ll have more time to visit more attractions. If a few are closed, so what?
Weekends
Contrary to popular belief, weekends are often the slowest days because many people travel to and from Disney World on weekends. That means Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are the busiest days. (The exception to this rule includes Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and River Country, since they are popular with the locals who frequent them on the weekends.)
Hours
Operating hours can be tricky to keep up with as Disney World bases their opening and closing times on the crowds. If heavy crowds are expected, they open early and close late. If the crowds are lighter, the opposite is true.
A general rule of thumb is during summer and during holidays the theme parks stay open late – sometimes as late as 11PM or midnight. In the winter, the park closes around 6 or 7 PM.
On certain days, Disney will open the Magic Kingdom early to those staying at a Disney resort. If they expect larger than usual crowds, they may open the parks to everyone 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled time. The key is: always arrive early.
Of course, that’s a rule that everyone knows – but the truth is, most don’t do it. An early arrival truly will maximize your time, as you may be standing at the end of Main Street while the other tens of thousands are still creeping along I-4 highway.
Keeping in mind the “seasons of Disney” as you plan, will ensure that your Disney World vacation will be a dream vacation. Not a nightmare.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-seasons-of-disney-planning-tips-311905.html
About the Author:Did you know most families don’t take a vacation to Disney World because they don’t think they can afford it? If you need money-saving ideas for your dream vacation, check out incredible savings tips from one who knows best – a former Disney World Cast Member. Use these rare insider secrets to save hundreds at Disney World. Find out more by visiting: http://www.thedisneysave.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Disney World Cheapies and Freebies: Doing Dw on a Shoestring
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Travel Tips
Has the high costs of Disney World kept you and your family from taking the vacation of your dreams? Perhaps you haven’t done enough investigating. Being aware of a number of little known cheapies and freebies might make your dream come true. Not everything at Disney World comes with a high ticket.
Orlando Vacation-Why A Family Vacation In Orlando?
By: Jack Krohn | 22/07/2007 | Travel
The mention of the name Orlando evokes so many images; Mickey and Minnie, the spectacular theme parks, the scare-you-to-death thrill rides, the natural beauty, the world class accommodations, the great restaurants-on and on it goes. From Orlando Sea World, to Disney World Orlando to Universal Studios Orlando-Orlando has it all!!
Most...
Tips for Disney World First-timers
By: Cara Goldsbury | 20/05/2008 | Destinations
So you’ve finally decided to head to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do, it’s important to come prepared. Here are some excellent tips to make your trip one that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Disney World Continues to Evolve
By: Scott Ames | 01/05/2006 | Travel
Disney World is an ever changing and exciting place to spend your vacation. Some of the changes are good, but other changes were just plain crazy.
Disney World for Young Children
By: Peter Kenny | 02/07/2007 | Travel
A discussion of ways to make a young child's visit to Disney World an enjoyable one.
Walt Disney World for Teens
By: Cara Goldsbury | 20/05/2008 | Destinations
Can teens really have fun at a place like Walt Disney World? Absolutely! Actually, be prepared to have the time of your life. It’s a safe place to assert some independence from your parents, a place you’ll never forget. Here are some of the best experiences for teens at "The Most Magical Place on Earth".
Disney World for Honeymooners
By: Peter Kenny | 03/07/2007 | Travel
A discussion of the romantic activities available for couples at Disney World.
The Best Orlando Has to Offer
By: Cara Goldsbury | 20/05/2008 | Destinations
So you’re headed to Orlando... but where to start? You’ll find such a wealth of fantastic resorts and restaurants it can be difficult to choose exactly what you wish to indulge in. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest this marvelous vacation spot has to offer? In order to help you in making the overwhelming decisions of where to stay and what places to dine, here are what I believe to be Orlando’s best offerings.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Travel Tips Articles
Tips to Get an Affordable Car Rental in Global City of Paris
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
Paris, the largest city and capital of the France situated by the River Seine is an important international city for two millennium in politics, business, education, entertainment, fashion, science eventually in every sphere of life its effect and importance cannot be ignored.
Why and How to Do Cheap Hotel Reservations in Cheap Hotels in Singapore
By: Peter Fleming | 20/08/2008
The city of Singapore offers remarkable tourist attractions. People love to visit this island-state where the combination of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian culture can be seen. Singapore is an excellent place for good shopping and a vibrant nightlife with spicy food. Plan a perfect vacation in Singapore and explore the city with full of fun.
Hire Car Rental in Ancient City of Seattle for Hassle Free Journey
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
Seattle that is the place of great anthropological value to the Unites States of America was inhabited for 4000 year’s is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest Region of the United States.
Cheap Cruises for Everyone
By: Alien | 20/08/2008
As the summer approaches every year, demand in cruising increases. It is one of the popular vacations in the warmer periods. But many can’t afford a luxurious cruise and need to find a cheap cruise. Fortunately, it is not that big of a problem now to find cheap cruises easily.
Key to Cheap Cruising
By: Alien | 20/08/2008
For everyone who dreamed of traveling on a cruise, cheap cruises are like a gift from cruise companies. Gone are the times when you had to pay an arm and a leg to travel on cruise. You can enjoy all the adventures of a cruise without paying a hefty sum.
Luxurious Cheap Cruise
By: Alien | 20/08/2008
Inexpensive cruise packages are very common these days. Various travel companies are getting involved and making full use of the facilities that one may avail onboard. A cheap cruise does not mean that you are not eligible for the luxuries of a cruise. It just means that you pay less for your perfect vacations.
Buy Cheaper Car Rental to Travel American Capital Washington
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
Washington, D.C. that is also known to be District of Columbia located by the north bank of the Potomac River is surrounded by states of Virginia and Maryland is capital of United States of America.
Car Rental-an Affordable Means of Transport in City of Vancouver
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
The coastal city of Vancouver is located in the Lower Mainland of Southwestern British Columbia in Canada is surrounded by the Strait of Georgia, the Fraser River, the Coast Mountains and Burnby.
More from N. J. Lutes
Fun Tips: Finding Hidden Mickeys at Disney World
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Travel
A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse concealed in the design of a Disney attraction. Hidden Mickeys started out as an inside joke among the Walt Disney Imagineers. It has been said that when EPCOT center began, it was to be for adults, not children, therefore, Mickey was to be left out. But the Imagineers, in a form of quiet rebellion, began adding subtle Hidden Mickeys
Disney World’s Secret Tunnels – More Fun Facts
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Travel
Hidden from the view of the thousands of Disney World visitors is a labyrinth of out-of-sight tunnels called Utilidors. The term is taken from the words, “utility corridors,” which is a conduit through which utility lines such as sewer, electricity, or water are carried. Of course, the concept can be (and is) expanded to facilitate the movement of many other things – even people.
Magic Kingdom Fun Facts
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Travel
On Nov. 11, 1965, over forty years ago, Walt Disney announced what he called his Florida Project. Six years later, Walt Disney World officially opened on October 1, 1971. Planners expected 100,000 visitors, but only 10,000 appeared. That disappointment was short lived. Since 1971, Walt Disney World has been host to 130 million people from more than 100 nations.
Disney World Cheapies and Freebies: Doing Dw on a Shoestring
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Travel Tips
Has the high costs of Disney World kept you and your family from taking the vacation of your dreams? Perhaps you haven’t done enough investigating. Being aware of a number of little known cheapies and freebies might make your dream come true. Not everything at Disney World comes with a high ticket.
Toning Abs -- the Truth About “white Foods”
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Sports and Fitness
Have you heard health and fitness professionals warning against potatoes, saying they are a “bad” carbohydrate choice because of the high glycemic index? Some even go so far as to say, "Avoid any and all white carbohydrates." There’s been a lot of talk lately about colorful foods and the protective antioxidants that they contain, hence you are told to focus on colors and stay away from white. So what’s true, and what’s not true?
Post Training Meals: a Secret to a Hard Abs
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | Sports and Fitness
As you’re probably aware, the meal following your training workout may be the most important meal of the day.
A New Breakthrough! Online Marketer Gets Google Adwords Pay-per-clicks Free!
By: N. J. Lutes | 21/01/2008 | SEO
A gentleman from New York discovered an "oversight" that over 99% of all marketers are missing. This oversight allows him to get paid-for advertising at Google (as well as all other search engines that allow sponsored ads) all for FREE.
|
|
Travel 
