2025 Animal Kingdom Crowd Calendar: Your Best Days to Go to Disney This Year!

Are you gearing up for your Disney World trip and on the hunt for the best days to snag those park tickets for Animal Kingdom? 

I’ve got your back! 

Just take a look at this handy guide, and you’ll discover the ideal dates, days of the week, and times of the year to make the most of your adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

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The Best Day to Visit Animal Kingdom

Before I dive in too deep, let’s chat about the best days to hit up Animal Kingdom (and the other parks too!) so you can make the most of your time.

If you’re planning a visit, aim for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Why? 

Well, a lot of families kick off their vacations on the weekend, usually starting with Magic Kingdom. 

So, you can expect it to be pretty crowded on Sundays and Mondays. Epcot, now a haven for food and drinks, also sees a spike in local visitors, especially on Friday nights and weekends. 

On the bright side, Animal Kingdom tends to be one of the least crowded of all the Disney World parks (and, I have to say, it’s my favorite to visit during the week!). 

You can easily visit on any day that suits your schedule!

Best Time of the Day to Visit Animal Kingdom

You know, this applies to all Disney parks: if you really want to make the most of your time and avoid those long lines, it’s a good idea to get there right before the gates open in the morning. 

This way, you can be one of the first in line for that ride you just can’t miss. 

As the parks start to get busier in the afternoon, you can always head back to your hotel for a little downtime and then come back later when some guests have started to head out. 

It’s a great plan no matter when you decide to visit!

When is the best time of the year to visit Animal Kingdom?

If you can swing a visit at any time of the year, you’ll find it way easier to explore the parks with fewer people around.

Just a heads-up, though—while it used to be that there were completely quiet times, those days are pretty much gone. 

That said, there are definitely some periods that tend to be less hectic. 

Make sure to take a look at the Animal Kingdom Crowd Calendar for the specific dates you’re considering. 

Here’s a rundown of the best times to check out Animal Kingdom and Disney World this year:

Late January-February

If you’re thinking about visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom or any other Disney park, mid-January to mid-February is often seen as the ideal time by fans. 

By the second week of January, the huge holiday crowds start to thin out, and there aren’t any major events or holidays—except for the Martin Luther King and Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day weekends—until spring break kicks off in early March. 

This creates a fantastic opportunity for your family to enjoy the parks with shorter lines and pleasant weather!

Late April and Early May

In the last couple of weeks of April, there’s this sweet spot right after spring break wraps up and just before summer break kicks in. It’s the perfect time to hit the parks and make the most of your visit. 

Sure, the weather’s warming up a bit, but it’s still pleasant enough to have a great time! Plus, you’ll enjoy the Earth Day celebrations at Animal Kingdom.

Early September and Early October

If you’re thinking about visiting Disney from early to mid-September into the first couple of weeks in October, you’re in for a treat! 

This is a fantastic time to enjoy lower crowd levels and check out some fun fall festivals and events throughout Walt Disney World.

Plus, one of the coolest things about going in October is getting to join in on Mickey’s Not-So- Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. 

It’s such a fun chance to enjoy exclusive entertainment and meet some rare characters!

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When is the worst time of the year to visit Animal Kingdom?

Below are a few times of the year that you’ll want to avoid this park.

The Summer: June to August

The heat and crowds can be absolutely painful during the middle of the summer, especially in June, July and August. 

You’ll also have to think about the common 3 p.m. rain showers that will make you wish that  you’d visited at another time!

Christmastime: November and December

Christmas at Disney kicks off pretty soon after Halloween, and November and December can get really packed. 

The week of Christmas through New Year’s is especially crazy, often hitting full capacity, which can make the experience feel a bit less magical. 

While the holiday decorations are lovely, a lot of families tend to think that the downsides of visiting during the holidays outweigh the upsides. 

If you’re keen on experiencing Christmas at Disney, try to plan your trip just before or right after Thanksgiving!

What To Wear To Disney World In November? FUN Fall Outfit Ideas for You!

Specific Dates to keep in mind for 2025

Disney has a ton of events going on throughout the year that could really mess with your vacation plans. 

Whether it’s cheerleading competitions or marathons, there are definitely times you’ll want to avoid during your visit. 

Plus, Disney is in the process of building several new attractions and experiences that are set to open at different times this year.

Here’s a handy list of specific dates to keep in mind as you plan your trip:

My Final Thoughts

So, to wrap it all up, make sure you’re thoughtful about your planning when picking the best days to hit up Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the other parks. 

If you go during a quieter time, you’ll be able to accomplish way more in your day and dodge the stress of big crowds!

What’s the best time to visit Animal Kingdom in your opinion? Let us know in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

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