The Seasons of WDW

The very first step in WDW planning (for me anyway) is deciding what time of the year you want to visit. Disney has something going all year long, depending on the season. Some parks host annual special events at certain times of the year, with special parades or shows. Lets break down what's going on during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter at WDW.

Spring (late March through late May)

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (This image isn't mine. It's from Google.)

This is one of the best times of year to visit. The weather is lovely and the crowds aren't too heavy yet (except around holidays). Spring time also means the resort is in full bloom. All the parks are adorned with beautiful plants and flowers, often in unique ways. Epcot takes this idea a step further with the Flower and Garden Festival.

• The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is held annually from early March to mid May (March 6-May 19, 2013). During that time the park is covered with amazingly crafted topiaries of your favorite Disney characters. Each country around World Showcase has its own display, as well as several displays in Future World. There are also special events and presentations you can attend to learn how to be a better gardener. They'll even give you tips for creating your own topiaries at home. There are interactive areas for the kids, plus some great music with the "Flower Power" Concert Series.
• Atlanta Braves Spring Training is held at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. I've never been lucky enough to be there when the team is, but if you are, you can sit back and watch the guys hit a few. The dates vary from year to year, but it's usually during the month of March.

Summer (June through August)

Me and Bobba Fett during Star Wars Weekends in June 2003.

This is a popular time to visit for families. The kids are out of school, and it's the time of year when everyone loves to vacation. I try to avoid the summer months because in Florida it is HOT. The crowds are also heavier than in the Spring. But summer does have some cool (no pun intended) things going on.

• Star Wars Weekends happen in June at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you're a fan of the series, you will love this! On these special weekends you have the opportunity to meet your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe (they aren't normally available for meet and greets other times of the year), rub elbows with some celebrities, and rock out with the Ewoks and Jawas every night.
• Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot is another great way to get your rock on during June and July. A great collection of cover bands comes to the park to relive the classics.
• The Disney Water Parks are in full swing. OK, that's not really a special event (they are open just about all year round), but Summer is the best time to hit the water. It's not quite hot enough in the Spring, but by June, that cold water is more than welcomed!

Fall (September through November)

Fall decorations on Main St. in the Magic Kingdom.

Fall is my favorite time to visit. The weather has cooled off a bit, the Summer crowds are gone, and best of all: Magic Kindom is decked out for the season!

• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is an awesome experience for the kids. They can dress up in their costumes (and so can Mom and Dad!) and trick-or-treat all around Magic Kingdom. All the characters are out in their costumes (including some rare ones) and all the popular attractions are open with shorter wait times. There's also a special Halloween parade and fireworks show. You can learn more in my eariler post all about the party.
• Night of Joy is also at Magic Kingdom for a few days in September. This festival features live performances by contemporary Christain music groups.
• The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is held every September to November, and features food and drinks from around the world. Each country on World Showcase has a food cart dedicated to the festival.  The smell is amazing! There are wine tastings, concerts, and cooking demonstrations to help you hone your own culinary skills.
• Downtown Disney's Festival of the Masters is something I am dying to see! Artists from around the world are invited to showcase their art at Downtown Disney. Many of them work right there on the sidewalk (some even drawing on it!). Kids can also stretch their creativity and do their own chalk sidewalk drawings. The festival is held every November.

Winter (November through February)

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Disney World at Christmas is something everyone should see once in their lifetime. Is it crowded? Big time. Is it breathtaking? You have no idea! December is Disney's busiest month. From Thanksgiving until after New Year's, there is so much going on at the resort, but if you visit from mid January to mid February, the crowds disappear.

• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is the most amazing Christmas event at the parks. The Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios is literally covered from top to bottom in millions of Christmas lights. Not only do the lights glow, but they "dance" to Christmas music played throughout the night. I recommend getting there just as the lights are turned on. The transformation is breathtaking! The switch is flipped every night at dusk. You can find the exact time when you get to the park.
• Epcot hosts the Holidays Around the World Candlelight Processional, which is the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator. The processional is held at the American Gardens Theater on World Showcase on select nights in November and December. Each night features a different celebrity.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is a lot like the Halloween Party, but instead of candy, you're treated to hot cocoa and sugar cookies (which are fabulous!) Unless you visit the park durin the week of Christmas, the Christmas party is the only way to catch the Christmas parade and special holiday fireworks. It's also just about the only way you can see snow in Florida ;).
• On December 31, DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney hosts a New Year's Eve Party featuring a DJ, food, special confetti drop at midnight, plus full access to all the attractions and video games.

So there you have a basic breakdown of what's going on during any given time of year. If you get the chance, visit the parks at least once during each season. You'll always find something new to experience, and see the parks in a different way. Until next time, see ya real soon!