If you’ve been dreaming of strolling around the World Showcase or Main Street, U.S.A. without bumping into a sea of Mickey ears, 2025 might just be your year.

With big changes on the horizon for Disney and a few key trends shaping travel habits, some weeks this year could be as close to “empty” as Disney World gets. Here’s why and when you might want to plan your visit.

Why 2025 Could Be the Year of Empty Parks

Let’s start with the big picture. Disney has been navigating a few challenges lately:

• The Decline of Revenge Travel: Post-pandemic revenge travel is officially over. People aren’t as eager to splurge on trips after years of cabin fever.
• Construction Chaos: 2025 is a transition year for Disney World, with major projects underway that won’t debut until 2026 or later. While the promise of new attractions is exciting, many people may choose to hold off on visiting until the dust settles – literally.
• Price Fatigue: Disney’s prices have been creeping higher and higher, from park tickets to popcorn. Many families are feeling priced out and opting for other vacation options.
• Epic Universe Opening: Universal Orlando’s new park, Epic Universe, opens on May 22, 2025, and it’s a massive draw. With Harry Potter, Nintendo, and other major franchises, many theme park fans will prioritize Universal over Disney for their next trip.

Combine all this, and Disney World in 2025 could have noticeably lighter crowds during certain weeks.

The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2025

Here are the weeks we think will feel shockingly quiet compared to Disney World’s usual buzz:

• The First Week of March: By this time, the post-holiday travel lull is still going strong. The weather in Florida is a dream – mild and breezy – but spring break hasn’t started yet. Ticket prices are reasonable, crowds are manageable, and you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy EPCOT’s early spring vibes.

• The Weeks After Easter (April – Early May): Easter lands on April 20th in 2025, and the weeks immediately following the holiday are golden. Spring break crowds will have dispersed, and summer vacationers haven’t arrived yet. Plus, EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom, making it a fantastic time to visit.

• Late May (Around Epic Universe’s Opening) Universal’s Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025, and it’s going to be a massive event. Harry Potter fans, Nintendo enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers will flock to Universal, leaving Disney World noticeably quieter for a couple of weeks. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Disney while it feels (almost) deserted, this might be your best chance.

• The Last Week of August: Florida schools are back in session by late August, and many other states have followed suit. This is prime time for light crowds and some of the year’s lowest ticket prices. Sure, it’s hurricane season, but Disney is well-prepared for storms, and the tradeoff is thinner crowds and shorter wait times.

• Early to Mid-November: This is one of the best-kept secrets for Disney fans. You’ll catch both Halloween and Christmas decorations during this transition period. Crowds are lighter, the weather is cooler, and ticket prices haven’t hit their holiday highs yet.

• The First Two Weeks of December: Want to soak up the holiday magic without dealing with the chaos? Early December is your sweet spot. You’ll see all the festive decorations and special events but without the crowds that descend closer to Christmas. Cooler weather also makes park-hopping more enjoyable.

What to Expect During These “Empty” Weeks

While Disney World is never truly empty, visiting during these low-crowd weeks has some major perks:

• Shorter Wait Times: Some of your favorite attractions will have much more manageable queues.
• Better Dining Availability: Snag those hard-to-get reservations at Space 220 or Cinderella’s Royal Table with less hassle.
• Lower Prices: Ticket and hotel rates tend to dip during these weeks, especially in late August.
• A More Relaxed Atmosphere: Fewer people means less hustle and bustle, giving you more time to soak in the magic without feeling rushed.

Should You Wait Until 2026?

If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, you might be tempted to wait for all the big projects debuting in 2026. But 2025 has plenty to offer, especially with new attractions like the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern, Spaceship Earth Lounge, and the reimagined Test Track opening throughout the year.

That said, if you want to experience Disney at its absolute best – with brand-new lands, attractions, and shows – 2026 might be the better bet.

In the meantime, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney news!

DATES ANNOUNCED for 2025-2026 runDisney Races

When will you be at Disney World in 2025? Tell us in the comments!