One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Walt Disney World is when to visit.  The time of year you choose can have a dramatic effect on the price you pay.  Disney has basically 6 travel "Seasons" which are (listed from cheapest to most expensive): Value, Summer, Fall, Regular, Peak, and Holiday.  Click here for the 2011 Walt Disney World Seasonal rates Calendar (PDF)

• Value Season as it's name implies is the cheapest and generally least crowded,  this is primarily due to cooler weather and school being in session.   Unfortunately it also means the parks may not be open as late and is when hotel pools, water parks and rides and attractions are more likely to be refurbished.  Vlue Season covers most of January and February as well as Mid August to Late September.
• Summer Season - From Mid July to mid August is the summer season, typically very busy and can be very hot, rates are more expensive and rooms book up early with parents who do not want to take kids out of school in the fall.
• Fall Season - Replacing most of the Fall Value season and the Holiday rates from previous years, this new season runs from late October to Late December, parks are generally less crowded and cooler but keep in mind the Haloween andChristmas Parties also run during this season and the Magic Kingdom park will close early on select nights for these "hard ticket events" which will require additional ticket purchase to attend.
• Regular Season - Regular rates, not as cheap as in pervious years, now residing on the higher end of the scale.  Regular season this year covers Late February-march, May-mid July and early October.
• Peak Season - Covers a week in late February, the Seccond half of March though mid April this year.  Higher prices and higher croud levels whould be expected during these times, although not as bad as Holidays.
• Holiday Season - Maybe the most magical time of the year since Disney really goes all out for Christmas time and the most expensive to boot.  Basically covers most of thanksgiving week  and the day before Christmas till New years day.  Parks are extremely crowded, weather is usually cool to sometimes downright cold at night by Florida standards. This season books up very early and we strongly reccomend if you want to visit during this time that you stay on property since the parks will close when they reach capacity early in the day.

Other Mini-season do exists, typically around holiday weekends and prices will be slightly higher during these times:

• WDW Marathon Weekend - Jan 6-8th
• Martin Luther King's Birthday - Jan 14-16th
• President's Day - Feb 18-20th
• Easter/Spring Break Season - April 17- April 30th
• Independence Day - July 1-3th
• Thanksgiving Nov 22-25th
• Week between Christmas and New years - Dec 23-31st

Note: These holiday times are also usually blacked out from any special promotions or deals offered from the Walt Disney Travel Company and are also more crowded than normal.

Click here for the 2011 Walt Disney World Seasonal rates Calendar (PDF)