The biggest drawback to a Disney World vacation is the cost. That’s why it’s important to know if there are less expensive times to go.
Early January through Presidents’ Day weekend is the cheapest time to go to Disney World. Next would be late August through early September and non-holiday weekdays during October, November, and December.
Let’s examine the least expensive dates for 2021 and why they’re cheaper.
The most Expensive Dates to visit Disney World in 2021
No one likes to pay more than they have to. Disney World prices fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to know when these dates are so you’ll avoid the high rates.
Here are the most expensive dates to visit Disney World in 2021:
- 1/1 (New Year’s)
- 2/13 – 2/21 (Feb Vacation)
- 3/6 – 3/20 (Spring Break)
- 4/17 – 4/25 (April Vacation)
- 5/29 – 5/31 (Memorial Day)
- 7/3 – 7/11 (July 4th Week)
- 11/20 – 11/28 (Thanksgiving Week)
- 12/18 – 12/31 (Christmas Holiday)
Again, these are the dates to avoid in 2021 if you are looking for the cheapest prices.
Disney World is Cheaper when there are Fewer Crowds
As you begin to plan a Disney trip, the biggest consideration is cost. However, there are other factors to consider, including crowds.
The cheapest time to go to Disney World is during the least desirable times of the year. This is normally when Disney’s weather is cooler or there’s nothing to draw people to the park (ie, no holiday festivals). It’s also the time of year when people are busy with work or school.
Crowded weeks usually have the highest ticket and hotel prices at Disney World.
Before you can book your trip, you must first determine what time of the year works best for everyone going on your trip. This decision will be based on when you and your kids are able to get time off from work or school.
Another consideration is the weather. If you hate the heat and humidity, then summer may not be the best time to go. Winter isn’t the best time to go if you love the pools and water parks. The other seasons work best, in my opinion.
Next, you must consider the crowds. Busy times at the park translates into long lines at the rides and more competition for dining and FastPass reservations.
Cheapest Time for Disney Theme Park Tickets
On October 16, 2018, Disney changed its ticket pricing so that all theme park tickets are now priced according to the specific dates the tickets will be used.
This surge-pricing model was an attempt to distribute the crowds evenly throughout the year. Disney had been luring guests with discounted hotel rates during the “off-season” for years, so this is a natural extension of that demand-based pricing model that was already in place for hotels.
The date-based pricing model is easy to figure out. The least popular dates have the least expensive tickets, while the busiest days have the highest theme park ticket prices.
You will find the cheapest Disney theme park tickets after New Years’ up until Spring Break (minus MLK and President’s Day holidays). Non-weekend and non-holiday dates in the Spring and late Summer – Early Autumn are your next best bet. Then you can find less expensive tickets after Halloween through the first half of December (excluding Thanksgiving).
Disney launched a new ticket promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic that will save you money. The Disney World 4-Park Magic tickets allow you to see all 4 theme parks (one per day) for just $356 and up. It’s unclear if this promotion will continue into 2021 so please contact a Disney travel specialist for assistance.
See our Disney World Crowd Calendar for more specifics on the crowds.
Cheapest Time to Stay at Disney World Resort Hotel
I recommend staying at an on-property Disney resort. You get free shuttle transportation to and from the airport, Extra Magic Hours, priority dining reservations, and FastPass selections, and you get to wake up inside World Disney World. The one drawback is that they tend to be more expensive than off-property hotels. That said, Disney Value Resorts are still quite affordable and the cheapest in-park option.
The hotel you choose – and the dates you select – will impact how cheap your vacation ends up being.
Like ticket prices, the prices at Disney World resort hotels fluctuate throughout the year and they are priced higher during busier times and lower during slower times. That said, the rates do not all move in the same way. See our Cheapest Hotels at Disney World for the most affordable options.
It’s a challenge to time the absolute cheapest rates because Disney World offers special promotions and deals every so often.
The nightly rates are always cheaper from Sunday through Thursday night. Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive.
The cheapest times to book a room at a Disney World resort hotel in 2021 are:
- January 4nd – 15th
- January 19th – February 12th
- August 23rd – September 3rd
- Oct 25th – December 10th (except weekends & Thanksgiving Week)
These dates are among the cheapest to stay at a Disney World hotel in 2021. Check with The Vacationeer to find the best rates.
The general takeaway from this article is that the cheapest time to go to Disney World is when kids are traditionally in school.
If you want a recommendation on when to visit based on crowds, cost, and weather, check out my post on the Best Times To Visit Disney World here.
I hope this post helped you find the cheapest time of the year to go to Disney World!
If you want help planning a Disney vacation from an expert (at NO additional cost to you!), or, if you would like some assistance in booking your package, then please contact the Disney Travel Agents at The Vacationeer.
