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Planning a Trip to Disney World? These Are the Least Crowded and Cheapest Days to Go in 2026

Few things bring a smile to my face faster than a visit to a Disney World theme park. The delicious Disney World food, incredible rides, themed parades and nighttime fireworks—truly, it’s a magical place for kids and adults alike. Not so magical: Discovering that you’ve planned your trip at not only the most expensive time but also when the parks are jammed mouse ear to mouse ear with crowds. It’s enough to make you say “hi-ho, hi-ho” … and head out of the parks altogether.

Of course, Disney World is an amazing place to visit any time of year, but it’s important to time your visit to get the best value for your investment and not spend all of your time waiting in lines. Want the inside scoop on how to have the most fun at Disney World? I’ve been there more times than I can count, and I have tons of insider tips on the best time to visit to avoid the crowds and save money.

Ready to plan your next Disney vacation? Get out those mouse ears and keep reading.

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What’s the least crowded time to go to Disney World?

Avoiding the crowds at Disney can be a dicey proposition, but have faith! There are several times of the year when you can stroll the parks without being completely bombarded by the masses. Ahead, I’ve broken out the best times to visit based on my own experiences, along with data compiled by number-crunchers at Undercover Tourist, which tracks crowds at each of Disney World’s four theme parks.

What are the least crowded months to visit Disney World?

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but the least crowded times to visit Disney World coincide with some of the coldest and hottest months of the year: January and February—with the exception of New Year’s week and the long weekends around Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day—and late August through September, when kids head back to school.

What are the least crowded days to visit Disney World?

To hit the parks with the fewest people, aim for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Weekends are the most crowded, and the days directly attached to Saturday and Sunday—Friday and Monday—often get spillover visitors from the weekend. But remember: During the winter holiday season and Spring Break (roughly mid-March through the week after Easter), any day of the week may feel like the parks are bursting at the seams.

A top tip, and a minor exception to the no-Mondays rule: That’s a great day to hit Animal Kingdom because the other parks are historically much busier. But absolutely avoid Magic Kingdom—that’s where most visitors start their week. EPCOT is busiest on weekends, so try and visit on a weekday if you can.

When is the cheapest time to go to Disney World?

Disney has a lot of sneaky ways to get you to spend money, and since it now uses dynamic pricing, meaning the most popular days are also the most expensive, it helps to have a good game plan before you book your trip. The cheapest times to go to Disney World will align with when most people are back at work and school, in late August and September. You’ll also find good deals during the weeks between spring and summer breaks.

And note that the longer you book a stay, the less expensive tickets become, so you’ll get a better deal on a four-day ticket, for example, than a one-day ticket. But let’s face it, the longer you’re at the parks, the more money you’ll spend on food and souvenirs. That said, there are ways to save on your Disney vacation (and we have five of them coming up!).

How much are Walt Disney World tickets in 2026?

As I mentioned earlier, Disney World uses dynamic pricing that raises ticket prices on the most popular days, so you’ll likely see a range of ticket prices when purchasing. Also know that prices for one-day tickets vary based on which park you’re visiting, with Animal Kingdom usually the least expensive option.

Here’s the current price range for one-day, one-park tickets for guests over age 9, without taxes:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $119–$184
  • EPCOT: $129–$209
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $139–$204
  • Magic Kingdom: $139–$209

What deals are available for Disney World in 2026?

I have good news for you if you’re planning a 2026 trip to Disney World: You can nab some great deals.

Get two nights free when you book four

For stays on most nights between May 26 and Sept. 15, you can get two free hotel nights and two free theme park days when you purchase a minimum four-night, four-day Disney World room-and-ticket vacation package. Although you can book a longer stay, the best value is paying for four nights and staying for six, which averages $81.81 a day instead of the regular starting entry price of $119 a day.

Free Disney dining plan for kids

Who doesn’t like free food? Throughout 2026, kids ages 3 to 9 get a free dining plan when you book a room at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel and purchase a dining plan for each guest ages 10 and up in your party. This is a savings of either $25 per night, if you purchased the Quick Service Dining Plan, or $30 per night for the regular Disney Dining Plan.

Note that adults in the party will have to purchase a dining plan, which run between $59 and $98 per night.

Free Disney water park admission

This fun perk is making a repeat appearance from 2025. If you’re visiting Disney World between May 26 and Sept. 8, there’s a great value-add if you’re staying on property at a Disney Resort: a free visit to a Disney water park on your day of arrival (a regular adult ticket is $74). Not only is this a great perk, but it also saves you from buying a full-price park ticket on your first day, which you might not have enough time to fully use and enjoy.

Special Floridian ticket prices

Do you live in Florida? If not, you might want to move there when you read this next one. Disney has a special Florida residents discount. Through May 16, 2026, Florida residents can visit the resort for a four-day stay for just $64 a day plus tax (that includes all four theme parks). If you bought a four-day ticket without the discount, the price would start at $119 a day, or $476 for four days—compared with $256 for Floridians.

There’s also a three-day ticket for $79 per day plus tax (that total price is $235). And through April 18, Florida residents can purchase a special two-day ticket for EPCOT and Animal Kingdom parks for $95 a day plus tax, or $190.

Perks for Disney+ subscribers

If you’re not a Florida resident, don’t worry. I’ve got one more discount up my sleeve. If you currently have a Disney+ subscription for streaming, through May 22, you can purchase a three-day, three-park ticket with admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks starting at $109 per day plus tax, or $325 for the three-day ticket.

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

Which Classic EPCOT Attraction Reopened?

Four Must-Haves When Packing for Disney

Disney Is Building a New Theme Park

The post Planning a Trip to Disney World? These Are the Least Crowded and Cheapest Days to Go in 2026 appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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