Best Time to Visit Disney World and Universal Studios with Kids

• 2025-04-23

Key Takeaways

• The best time to visit Disney World and Universal Studios with kids is typically January – early March and September – early November when crowds are lower and weather is more comfortable.

• Avoid visiting during Spring Break, summer vacation, and major holidays to minimize wait times and crowds.

• Honest Sherpa offers essential rental gear like strollers and cribs to make your trip easier and more comfortable for the whole family.

• Special events like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios and Christmas Celebrations at Disney World can increase crowd levels but also offer unique experiences.

• Planning ahead, using mobile apps, and staying hydrated will help ensure a stress-free and memorable family trip.

Planning a trip to Disney World or Universal Studios with kids can be magical — but timing it right makes all the difference. Choosing the best time to visit Disney World and Universal Studios helps you avoid large crowds, save money, and ensure a comfortable experience for the whole family. In this guide, we'll explore the ideal months, weather conditions, and special events to help you make the most of your family vacation.

Why Timing Matters for a Family Trip

Both Disney World and Universal Studios are among the most popular theme parks in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. For parents, finding the least crowded time at Disney World or Universal Studios can make a big difference in how enjoyable the trip is. Waiting in long lines with tired kids is never fun — which is why understanding the crowd patterns and seasonal variations is key.

At Honest Sherpa, we’ve helped countless families have stress-free vacations by providing everything from strollers to travel cribs, making park days easier for parents and more comfortable for kids. Knowing the best time to visit means fewer crowds, better weather, and more opportunities to create magical memories.

Best Time to Visit Disney World with Kids

Best Months to Visit Disney World

The best months to visit Disney World with kids are typically:

• January – After the holiday rush, crowds thin out, and the weather is mild.
• February – Similar to January, this is a low season with comfortable temperatures.
• September – After Labor Day, crowds drop significantly, and the weather starts to cool.
• Early November – Before the Thanksgiving rush, the weather is pleasant, and crowds are manageable.
   

Disney World Low Season

The low season at Disney World generally falls between mid-January to early March and mid-September to mid-November. Visiting during these periods means shorter wait times for rides and lower accommodation costs.

Avoiding Peak Times

To avoid crowds and long lines, try to avoid:

• Spring Break (late March to early April)
• Summer Vacation (June to mid-August)
• Major Holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving)
   

Weather Considerations

• Winter (January – February): Cooler weather, but some rides and attractions may be under maintenance.
• Spring (March – May): Pleasant weather but higher crowds during Spring Break.
• Summer (June – August): Hot and humid, with higher chances of rain.
• Fall (September – November): Warm, fewer storms, and lower crowds.
   

Best Time to Visit Universal Studios with Kids

Best Months to Visit Universal Studios

The best months to visit Universal Studios with kids are:

• Late January to early March – Low crowds and comfortable temperatures.
• September – After Labor Day, crowds drop, and weather becomes more pleasant.
• Early November – Before the Thanksgiving rush, crowds are manageable.
   

Universal Studios Low Season

Universal Studios experiences lower crowds during mid-January to early March and mid-September to mid-November. These are ideal times for families with young children, as wait times are shorter and the weather is mild.

Avoiding Peak Times

Try to avoid visiting during:

• Spring Break – Parks get extremely crowded.
• Summer Vacation – Long lines and hot weather make it harder to enjoy the parks.
• Halloween Horror Nights – While this is a popular event, it’s not ideal for young kids due to the intense atmosphere.
   

Weather Considerations

• Winter (January – February): Cooler but dry.
• Spring (March – May): Pleasant temperatures but larger crowds.
• Summer (June – August): Hot, humid, with frequent afternoon rain showers.
• Fall (September – November): Warm, but fewer storms and lower humidity.

Special Events and Holidays to Consider

Both Disney World and Universal Studios host special events throughout the year that may affect crowd levels and overall experience:

Disney World Special Events

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (August – October) – Family-friendly with themed parades and treats.
• EPCOT Food and Wine Festival (August – November) – Attracts food lovers but increases crowd levels.
• Disney World Christmas Celebrations (November – December) – Magical decorations, but very high crowds.
   

Universal Studios Special Events

• Halloween Horror Nights (September – October) – Popular but not ideal for younger children.
• Universal Christmas Events (December) – Magical decorations and shows, but high crowd levels.
   

Tips for Visiting Disney World and Universal Studios with Kids

1. Book Early – Hotel prices and park reservations fill up quickly during peak seasons.
2. Arrive Early – Parks are least crowded in the morning.
3. Use Mobile Apps – Disney Genie+ and Universal Express Pass can reduce wait times significantly.
4. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks – Especially important during summer months.
5. Rent Equipment from Honest Sherpa – Honest Sherpa offers strollers, cribs, and other gear to make park days more comfortable for both parents and kids.
    

Why Honest Sherpa Makes Your Trip Easier

At Honest Sherpa, we understand that visiting theme parks with kids can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer convenient rental services for essential items like:

• Strollers
• High chairs
• Cribs and playpens
• Outdoor gear (like coolers and fans)
   

Our goal is to help you travel light and stress-free so you can focus on creating magical moments with your family. We deliver straight to your hotel or vacation rental, making it easy to have everything you need without the hassle of overpacking.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Disney World and Universal Studios with kids depends on balancing weather, crowd levels, and personal preferences. For fewer crowds and comfortable weather, aim for January – early March or September – early November. Planning ahead and using services like Honest Sherpa will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. No matter when you visit, the magic of Disney and the excitement of Universal Studios will create memories that last a lifetime.

 

FAQ

1. What is the best time to visit Disney World and Universal Studios with kids?
   The best time to visit is January – early March and September – early November, when crowds are lower and weather is more comfortable.
2. When is the least crowded time at Disney World and Universal Studios?
   The least crowded times are generally mid-January to early March and mid-September to mid-November.
3. How can I avoid long lines at the parks?
   Visit during the low season, arrive early, and use mobile apps like Disney Genie+ and Universal Express Pass to reduce wait times.
4. Are there any special events that affect crowd levels?
   Yes, major events like Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios) and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Disney World) can increase crowd levels. Christmas and Spring Break are also very busy.
5. What should I pack for a trip with kids?
   Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and a rain jacket. For convenience, consider renting a stroller or other gear from Honest Sherpa — they deliver directly to your hotel or vacation rental.