Walt Disney World in October

Avoid summer unless you enjoy 95-degree heat and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. January through early March offers the best weather and smallest crowds, especially weekdays. But you'll miss some attractions for refurbishment. September and early November hit the sweet spot — manageable crowds, decent weather, and everything's open. Holiday seasons look magical but bring nightmare crowds. The week between Christmas and New Year's sees 6-hour waits for popular rides. Spring break (March-April) and summer holidays pack the parks beyond comfort. Hurricane season runs June through November, but storms usually pass quickly. Check crowd calendars before booking — a Tuesday in February feels completely different from a Saturday in July.