Happy Spring everyone! The flowers are starting the bloom and allergies are in full-swing in my house! But at least all of the snow has finally melted in New York! The Spring Season is my favorite time of year (and not just because my birthday is right in the middle of it - ha!).

Walt Disney World has so much to offer in the Spring, from incredible festivals to the best weather! It is my favorite time of year to enjoy all Walt Disney World has to offer.

Weather (and how to dress!)

Springtime in Orlando can be unpredictable. Don’t be surprised if you’ll start your mornings with a sweatshirt and pants, and then need to switch into a t-shirt and shorts by the afternoon. My advice, bring layers that can be easily stored in your bag. While temperatures can be a bit chillier than you expect, you won’t need your snow gear (especially if you are coming from the northern states like me). Average low temperatures range from mid 50’s F to low 70s and average highs from mid to high 70s F to mid to high 80s F.

Be sure to pack:

Light jacket / sweatshirt for those morning rope dropping and evening fireworks. I also like to carry leggings or a pair of long comfortable pants for myself and my kids that are easy to toss into a bag.
Ponchos - It will rain! I prefer to bring a few disposable ones.
Stroller Rain Cover (if traveling with little kids). Make sure it fits over your entire stroller. Believe me! A cranky four-year old with wet feet is not fun!
Extra pair of shoes and socks (for yourself and the kids). Like I said, it will rain. Wet shoes and walking miles upon miles equals blisters!
Extra plastic bag / ziploc to store all of the rain covered items we mentioned above
Bathing Suit. Temperatures will get high enough to swim (especially for us New Yorkers!).
Allergy medication. Springtime is blooming in the parks (see below) and if you have sensitive allergies, like me, you’ll want to keep your medications close by.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

2022 Dates: March 2 - July 4

Over the past few years, EPCOT has really stepped it up with their incredible festivals and events. I must say, the International Flower & Garden Festival is as the top of my list. Yes, I do prefer it over the Food and Wine Festival (though that does come in very close!). There is just something about the incredible topiaries that transform EPCOT into a completely new vision. I love walking around and getting lost in the magic of it all. What can you expect?

Magical Topiary of beloved Disney characters, as well as exotic gardens and incredible flowerbeds. (New for 2022: Check out “Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy” - an immersive experience allowing you to “follow your nose and form lasting memories.”)
Special food experiences, menus and outdoor kitchens so you can eat your away around the festival! Be sure to check out the special drink menus available throughout!
Live entertainment featuring local favorites as well as well-known artists. (Book a dining package at participating locations and rest easy knowing you’ll have an incredible meal with guaranteed seats at the performances that day!)

Crowds and Tips

With the incredible weather and EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (along with school vacations), Spring time in Walt Disney World can be a bit crowded, to say the least. Historically, early to mid May has been the least crowded this season as Spring breaks have ended and the school year hasn’t ended. BUT with the world reopening and people are anxious to travel once again, this may not be the case in 2022.

Tips for dealing with the crowds.

Make a plan!

Prior to your arrival, decide on your top 2-3 attractions per park. Walt Disney World is huge. Do not go into any trip thinking you will be able to do everything, especially during these high crowd times. Selecting your must do attractions and getting them in early will ease your disappointment and stress of trying to do every attraction.

Learn My Disney Experience App in advance!

Be sure to download and test it out prior to your vacation. Here you will be able to see wait times, mobile order food, and even make last minute dining reservations. Disney Genie (free service) is your personal planning tool. At least the day before the park, visit this service within the app and select your ideal experiences. A personal tip board will populate and update throughout the day. If using Disney Genie + ($15 per person per day) or Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) (up to $15 per person per attraction), be ready to make your selections by 6:45 am. Disney Genie + selections open at 7 am for all guests. Individual Lighting Lane selections open at 7am for guests staying at a Disney Resort and at park opening for offsite guests.

Arrive early!

The parks tend to get most crowded around mid-day. Arrive at the park before it opens and head straight to your top attraction that tends to attract a crowd (or the one that you did not get via Genie + or ILL). Currently (2022) guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel can enter 30 minutes prior to park opening. Take advantage of this and get there before your entry time. If the park opens for the public at 9 am and you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, arrive no later than 8 am to account for transportation or parking. Don’t forget your morning coffee!

Take breaks!

Midday is prime time for the largest crowds and Florida heat. Plane for a midday break with an Advanced Dining Reservation in an indoor location to rest your feet. Even better, leave the parks and head back to your hotel for an afternoon swim or even a nap. If you have little kids, these midday escapes are essential to avoid cranky meltdowns. We’ve utilize this time to do any of the above or to simply sit in the hotel room and watch a movie as everyone rests. Then head back to the park for a cooler evening and the nighttime fireworks!

Mobile Order!

From coffee to full meals, mobile ordering can save you time and avoid the dreaded hangry times. You can plan your mobile orders in advance through the My Disney Experience app. If you are planning to eat at a popular quick service area, place your order far in advance and select your arrival window for hours later.

Be Patient and Flexible!

Despite the perfect plan, your plans may change. It happens. Your toddler may have a meltdown and refuse to ride Dumbo because he’s tired or hungry at an inconvenient time. Your perfectly potty-trained preschooler may have an accident as you are waiting in line for Slinky Dog Dash. The attraction you have been dying to ride may be closed due to maintenance. All of which happened on my most recent trip. When your day does not go as planned and you are starting to feel stressed, take a deep breath and adjust your day. Check out a show. Take a break earlier than expected. Enjoy the moment.