By Kate Cohen

Orlando’s theme parks draw in millions of visitors from around the world each year – and for good reason!  

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando are home to incredible coasters, rides, and attractions that offer thrills, entertainment, and nostalgia with every visit.

Add in beloved characters, memorable treats and traditions, and must-have merchandise and it’s no wonder the theme parks can get busy.  

There are plenty of patterns that can help determine the optimal time for your vacation if you’re trying to avoid big crowds (or at least bigger than usual). Similarly, if you’re hoping to attend a popular seasonal event, you can pretty much expect long waits and lots of people.

Luckily, at Rosen Inns, we’re experts on all things theme parks and Orlando, so we have insight into when the best and worst times to visit might be.  

Of course, whenever you plan on visiting The City Beautiful, we’ll have convenient, comfortable, and affordable accommodations waiting just for you.  

Here are the best and worst times to visit the theme parks in Orlando.  

The Worst Times  

Let’s start with the times of year you’ll be most likely to encounter large crowds.  

The Holidays (October 1 – January 1)  

Orlando’s theme parks are known for going all out for the holidays, starting with Halloween.  

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom throws a family-friendly after-hours event called Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that draws in tens of thousands of guests per night.  

Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights is the area’s premier Haunted House event, luring in visitors from around the world.  

SeaWorld Orlando hosts Howl-O-Scream for thrill-seekers and Halloween Spooktacular for families, offering fall festivities for everyone.  

Then, the moment the clock strikes midnight on October 31, everything transforms into a holiday wonderland. 

The theme parks during the winter holidays are truly special, sparkling with extra decorations and boasting seasonal meet-and-greets and performances. It’s hard not to feel the spirit of the season at Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld in November and December.

All of this builds up to December 31, which, in the past, has been the busiest day for attendance at the theme parks. In recent years, Disney’s Magic Kingdom reached capacity on New Year’s Eve, and they had to stop allowing guests entrance to the park.  

The holidays are truly magical at Orlando theme parks. Just know that while you’re hoping to experience some seasonal spirit, a lot of other people are, too.  

Spring Break (Mid-March – Mid-April)  

By the time spring break rolls around, everyone from a cold weather state is itching to get out of the snow.  

Plus, when kids have a free week off from school, it’s the perfect time for a family vacation – and there’s no better place for a vacay with the kids than Orlando.  

That’s why you’ll find larger crowds at the theme parks from Mid-March to Mid-April, when elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges have staggered spring breaks.  

Unlike the holiday season, there aren’t many time-sensitive special events and attractions happening (except for EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival), so if you have flexibility to choose your dates, you may want to opt for another time of year.  
 

Summer Vacation (June – August)  

The heat and humidity of a Central Florida summer can’t stop the crowds from visiting Orlando’s theme parks.  

Similarly to spring break, summer is a great time for families and college students to vacation since school isn’t in session.  

One of the biggest perks of a summertime trip to the theme parks is that it’s the perfect time to check out some of Orlando’s incredible water parks.  

There’s no better season to enjoy thrilling water slides, refreshing lazy rivers, and even soft sandy beaches. Plus, guests over the age of 21 can enjoy it all with a tropical cocktail in hand.  
 

The Best Times  

The best times to visit the Orlando theme parks are often “shoulder” seasons, meaning the months that connect the busier seasons.  

Here’s a look at the ideal times to visit the theme parks if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds.

Post-Holiday Winter Months (January – February)  

Once the holiday season has come and gone and everyone has returned to school and work after winter break, the crowds at the theme parks typically die down.  

This quieter season is often accompanied by cooler temps, making it ideal for anyone hoping to avoid not only crowds, but also the balmy Florida heat.  

Just be aware, it’s not uncommon for Central Florida to experience a cold snap in January, so pack a few layers in case you get to experience the theme parks on a rare chilly day.  

Late Spring (May)  

After everyone has returned home from spring break, the parks typically see a small dip in attendance.  

This is a great time to visit your favorite theme parks with summer weather and Florida’s rainy season on the horizon.  

Early Fall (September)  

If you love autumn vibes but don’t love crowds, visiting the theme parks in September is the perfect compromise.  

In recent years, Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights have started as early as late August.  

With school back in session, September is typically a slower month for crowds. The hype of the seasonal events draws visitors from around the world, but things don’t usually pick up until October.  

A September visit is ideal for experiencing theme park fall décor, taking part in the seasonal celebrations, and enjoying sunny, warm Florida weather.  

Stay at a Rosen Inns Hotel Whenever You Visit

The theme parks are entertaining, joyful, and magical year-round.  

Whether you’re vacationing during peak seasons or strategizing to avoid crowds, our Rosen Inns hotels offer comfortable accommodations and valuable amenities at prices you’ll love.  

Enjoy perks like complimentary theme park shuttles to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando parks (and Walt Disney World theme parks from Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista), seasonally heated swimming pools, and a Kids Eat Free dining program where kids 5 and under dine for free with a paying adult at our onsite buffets.  

Orlando vacations are our specialty and hosting you and your family is our pleasure. Book your room for your next getaway today.