2022 has already been a MASSIVE year for Disney World, and it’s going to get even bigger!
We’ve had some big news this year so far, and we’re preparing for major grand openings in the coming months. But with crowds, weather, and all kinds of other factors…when is the BEST time for you to visit? We’re breaking it down!
Spring 2022
Major Events
Kicking this list off with the spring, let’s talk about the major events that are happening! First of all, it’s the very popular EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This festival runs from March 2nd-July 4th and is highlighted with stunning topiaries, delicious food, and lots of activities.
And for all you runDisney fans out there, make sure to check out the Springtime Surprise race weekend from March 31st-April 3rd. This all-new event will have three different races spread throughout the weekend!
Crowds
But what are crowds like during the spring season? Well, unfortunately, this is the time when the masses flock to Disney World for Spring Break. The busiest weeks are mid-March and the weeks surrounding Easter in April, but you’ll likely see pretty high wait times throughout all of those two months.
Things tend to die down a little bit in May, but it’ll pick back up for holiday weekends like Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend (especially when people have time off of school). No matter what time you visit, we recommend preparing for high wait times and making sure to have a strategy for the parks before your visit!
Weather
In the spring it’s starting to get warmer, but it’s not quite in the 90s and 100s daily like it is in the summertime. You’ll see more frequent rain and thunderstorms, so don’t forget to pack those ponchos or rain jackets! You’ll mostly need to pack clothes for warm weather, but you may experience some particularly windy days here and there.
Important Dates
And finally, let’s talk about the important dates you need to know for the spring! Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently under refurbishment, and that closure will last until mid-April. If this ride is one of your favorites, you may want to wait and visit once it reopens.
The brand-new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel opened on March 1st, and it offers a very unique 2-night experience for those who love live, interactive stories. We got the chance to visit the new hotel and try all the food, enjoy the activities, and get the full experience.
Calling all foodies! The Connections Cafe and Eatery is opening in EPCOT this spring, bringing more food options to the front of the park. This location will be the future home of Starbucks, replacing the former location of Electric Umbrella. It’s so exciting to have another portion of the EPCOT transformation completed!
And on top of that, more entertainment options have recently returned to Disney World. The Festival of Fantasy Parade is now running daily in Magic Kingdom, as well as the reimagined castle stage show, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire.
Summer 2022
Major Events
Continuing into the summer, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival will still be happening for most of the season! However, shortly after the Flower & Garden Festival ends, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will begin, likely in July. The dates haven’t yet been announced.
Crowds
Let’s be honest, it’s pretty much ALWAYS crowded in the summer in Disney World (well except for when the parks first reopened in 2020). During this time, everyone is out of school, and families plan longer trips. You’ll typically see these family-oriented crowds from June to mid-August.
Weather
And during the summer season, you can expect the worst weather that Disney World has to offer. It’ll be hot — INCREDIBLY hot — pretty much every day. It also rains frequently, which can make the air really dense and humid. We recommend wearing shoes that can get wet, and don’t forget that sunscreen because the sun is INTENSE. Plus, you’ll need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated!
Important Dates
Coming this summer is one of Disney World’s most highly-anticipated attractions — Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This omnicoaster is currently in construction but is set to open in the summer (with no specific opening date or month yet). We’ve been watching the construction carefully, and it’s getting hard to contain the excitement for this brand-new ride!
Fall 2022
Major Events
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will likely continue throughout the fall season, typically ending in the month of November. In conjunction with the festival, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will take place from November 3rd-6th.
Halloween celebrations usually kick off in Magic Kingdom in August and run through the end of October. During this time, you can expect decorations in Magic Kingdom and special snacks across the property. Disney hasn’t yet revealed plans for this year’s offerings, but we’ll keep you updated as they do.
And just days after the Halloween season ends, the holiday season will kick off! The parks get decorated for Christmas early in November and official celebrations start shortly after. Right after Thanksgiving, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will start.
Crowds
In the fall, the crowds will typically start to calm down a bit. September and October are slower months (except for Labor Day Weekend, Columbus Day Weekend, and Halloween), and you’ll even be able to get your vacation for cheaper because of the date-based pricing.
November typically isn’t very busy at the beginning of the month, but Thanksgiving break will be one of the most crowded weeks of the year. In the fall, the key to a leisurely trip is to avoid the holiday weekends and breaks!
Weather
At the beginning of fall, the weather will still be hot, but it will start to chill out just a little. You’ll have less daily rain, and the temperature will cool in the evenings. By the time you get to the end of the season, the temperature should be amiable.
Winter 2022
Major Events
And finally, let’s talk winter! The season kicks off with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. It typically lasts until the end of the year, and at the same time, you’ll be able to enjoy the other holiday celebrations in the parks and resorts.
Crowds
As we mentioned above, crowds will be heavy for Thanksgiving week, but they may slow down for a few weeks before Christmas break begins. In the last two weeks of the year, many Americans have time off from school and work, so those are typically the most crowded (and the most expensive!) dates of the year.
Weather
The weather will be much cooler in the winter, though it may not be quite as chilly as you’re used to at home. We recommend packing a jacket, and you’ll especially need it in the mornings and evenings. Dressing in layers can be helpful, considering the sun will still come out in the afternoon! It’s probably in the 60s most days.
So now that it’s all broken down, it’s up to YOU to decide which season is best for you to visit in 2022! We’ll continue to share updates on big events and any important announcements you need to know, so stay tuned to AllEars.
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When are you planning a trip in 2022? Tell us in the comments!
When the executives finally treat their “cast members” as valued employees rather than just plugging in another body to take the place of ____
The conditions of the break rooms are shameful.