2023 Walt Disney World vacation packages are now available to book. As you begin to think about your travel plans for 2023, there are some important dates to be aware of. These are times when the Walt Disney World Parks might be slightly (or a lot) busier than normal.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go during these times, but it does mean that you should be aware that crowds might be heavier. Being aware of this ahead of time can set you up for success. You can get planning early and get ahead of the crowds.
Check out How to Disney for a lot of different posts on managing crowds and planning your Disney vacation.
Let’s take a look at those important dates in 2023.
New Years
The 2023 year will start off busy as each year does in Walt Disney World. The week between Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest of the year. Guests love ringing in the new year with some Disney magic.
With fireworks and nighttime entertainment coming back for 2023, we anticipate crowds to be even busier.
If you want to experience the new year in Walt Disney World, make sure you snag those Park Pass Reservations early on and get dining done at the 60-day mark. Taking these steps early will ensure a more magical time.
Marathon Weekend 2023
Disney’s Marathon Weekend always brings in a large number of people. As the most popular runDisney event, marathon weekend sees record numbers signing up for the race.
2023 will be the 30th anniversary of the race and will feature a 90s theme. These two factors have already taken social media by storm seeing more runners than ever wanting to participate.
The race will take place from January 5th through January 8th. If you aren’t running the race, take time to celebrate those that are. Most runners don’t stay at a Disney Park late into the night so crowds will lessen as the evening progresses.
What runners do love though is Disney food. If you are traveling during this time, make sure you are prepared for dining reservations at the 60-day mark. Runners run to eat and love to celebrate at Disney.
Although you will feel like the Parks are more crowded, typically runners are spending time just enjoying the atmosphere of the Parks and not rushing to rides. This means that you probably won’t see a major impact on your touring plans.
Princess Race Weekend
Another race weekend that has already been announced is Disney’s Princess Weekend. This race will be held from February 23rd to February 26th. This race isn’t as popular as marathon weekend; however, it is starting to see more and more females working together to accomplish their running goals.
Like marathon weekend, princess weekend will see more people in the Disney Parks focused on the atmosphere. You will also see dining reservations become harder to get as well.
If you are going during this time, just plan ahead and get ready to be amazed by all the accomplished runners.
Spring Break
One of the busiest times in Walt Disney World is spring break. Even though schools around the country have different spring break times, we see a large increase in crowds starting in early March and running through April.
As students are off from school and families are ready to see some sunshine, spring break has become an extremely popular time to visit Walt Disney World.
If this is the only convenient time for your family to visit Walt Disney World, don’t shy away from going. Even with larger crowds, you can have a magical trip. Take time to check out posts on How to Disney about managing crowds and having a plan. Doing this will set you up for success even during a busy time.
Fall
Families love experiencing the holidays at Walt Disney World. Disney does a fantastic job of bringing the holidays to life and making them truly magical.
Starting in September, Guests start to head down to Walt Disney World to experience fall and Halloween. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back and starts on select nights beginning August 12th and running through Halloween night.
We anticipate this party to be extremely popular and in high demand as fans are thrilled to have it back once again.
It isn’t just Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party that brings people to Disney in the fall. Guests love the decorations, cooler (hopefully) weather, and overall feel of the Parks.
Thanksgiving has also become a popular time for Guests to get the family together to enjoy time in Walt Disney World. With some time off from work, it is a nice way to get away during the fall.
Christmas
We are still waiting on more information about if Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be back in 2023. There is something extra magical about being in Walt Disney World during Christmas.
From the amazing decorations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort Property to the settled and magical touches, Christmas is an extremely popular time to visit Walt Disney World.
When traveling during this time, go in with a plan and take time to step away as well. If the Parks get too busy, allow yourself time away.
Long Weekends
Other times that get busy in Walt Disney World are the long weekends. The three-day weekends surrounding holidays such as Memorial Day or Labor Day seem to be extremely busy.
Guests are wanting reasons to get away even if is for a short period of time. Make sure you know when these holidays land so you don’t show up unaware.
These are some dates you should be aware of when picking your 2023 vacation dates. Knowing that these times throughout 2023 might be slightly busier will help you go in with a plan and be prepared. Doing this can help you have a magical time.
