Least Crowded and Cheapest Days to Visit Disney World in 2026
We're coming up on one of the best times of year to visit Walt Disney World.
Mid-January to early February is historically among the least crowded periods for the Florida resort. It's the sweet spot after the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and before schools begin February breaks.
Generally, you want to avoid school breaks and major holidays to minimize crowds, though there are strong cases for visiting this summer.
Here's what to consider when planning your 2026 Disney World vacation.
When Disney World Is Least Crowded
You can find crowds any time of year at Disney World, but here are some less crowded windows:
January after Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which ends January 11
Early February before grade schools go on break
Early March before colleges start spring break
Late April after grade school spring breaks end
Early to mid-May before summer vacation begins
After Labor Day weekend in September
Early October before fall breaks
Early to mid-November except Veterans Day weekend
Early December before winter breaks and holidays
Least Crowded Days
Midweek days tend to be less crowded than weekends or weekdays bordering the weekend. It holds true as long as they're not holiday weeks or school breaks.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays usually see smaller crowds than Mondays and Fridays, which get packed with people starting or ending long weekends.
How Much Tickets Cost
Ticket prices vary by date and park. More popular dates and parks cost more. Magic Kingdom is the most-visited theme park in the world, so it commands the highest prices.
Current price range for one-day, one-park tickets for guests over age 9:
Disney's Animal Kingdom: $119 - $174
EPCOT: $129 - $194
Disney's Hollywood Studios: $139 - $194
Magic Kingdom: $139 - $199
Top end prices are expected to increase this coming holiday season.
Cheapest Month to Go
September is the cheapest month to visit Disney World overall, though August isn't far behind.
Dates with the lowest starting prices for one-day, one-park tickets in 2026:
August 18
August 20
August 21
August 24 - 28
September 1 - 3
September 8 - 10
September 15 - 17
September 22 - 24
Summer Deals Make It Worth Considering
Disney World is offering two free bonus park days and hotel nights to guests who book non-discounted vacation packages with at least four park days and four nights at select hotels. It must be booked by February 15, valid for most stays between May 26 and September 15.
Alternatively, guests can get up to 30% off stays at select Disney resort hotels from May 1 through October 4.
All guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels this summer get free water park entry on their arrival date. They can choose between Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach. One-day water park tickets usually start at $64 for adults. This offer is valid between May 26 and September 8.
For biggest bang for your buck, time summer trips around the cheapest park dates in August. Just know it will be hot. Florida in August is brutal, but that's why crowds are lighter and prices are lower.
Other Deals for 2026
All year long, kids can get free Disney Dining Plans when adults in their party buy the plans. Kids age 10 and older are considered adults for pricing purposes though.
Disney World is also offering a 3-day, 3-park deal for Disney+ subscribers this spring and specially priced tickets plus a new nearly year-long pass for active-duty and retired military service members.
The latest deals and details are on the special offers page of Disney World's website.
What It Comes Down To
Timing matters if you want to avoid crowds and save money at Disney World. Mid-January through early February hits the sweet spot for low crowds. September wins for cheapest tickets.
Midweek visits beat weekends almost every time unless it's a holiday week or school break. Magic Kingdom costs the most because it's the most popular park.
Summer deals this year make a strong case for visiting despite the heat. Two free bonus park days and hotel nights plus free water park entry add up to serious savings for longer trips. The 30% off select resort hotels doesn't hurt either.
August and September offer the lowest ticket prices of the year. Trade-off is August heat and September's hurricane season, but that's why prices drop.
Avoid major holidays, school breaks, weekends if crowds bother you. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, February breaks, spring breaks, summer vacation, Veterans Day weekend, winter breaks all bring massive crowds.
Check Disney World's special offers page before booking. Deals change frequently and some require booking by specific dates.
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