Although it is spring in much of the country, things begin to heat up to near-summer levels at the Walt Disney World Resort in April; You can expect highs in the mid-80s and very little rain. The theme park crowds also start to increase this month.
On the bright side, Disney offers top-notch entertainment when it gets busy. Look for extended hours, parades, and shows to keep you entertained. Guests of Disney resorts can take advantage of the magical extra hours in the morning or evening and have a little more playtime in the parks.
Spring considerations
Both Easter and Spring Break often occur in April, so expect to see large crowds at Disney World during these times. Promenades, restaurants and swimming pools will be invaded, as both tourists and locals take advantage of the vacation days to visit the parks. Disney considers April to be part of the regular season, so you won’t find many discount offers. And prices go up during the two weeks around Easter.
Disney World Weather in April
You can describe the April weather as pleasantly mild, with just three days of rain, on average. This is the least humid time of the year.
- Average high temperature: 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low Temperature: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17.2 degrees Celsius)
The days begin to lengthen in April, and the longest at the end of the month extends to more than 13 hours of daylight. April tends to be a bit windier than other months, which can disguise the strength of the sun; don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need sunscreen.
What to pack
The weather can fluctuate a bit in April, so it’s best to pack versatile clothing that you can wear to keep warm if necessary. Many places overcompensate for the outside weather with super-cooled air conditioning, so you may need a lightweight sweater or hoodie. Casual attire works for theme parks, while swimsuits and water shoes are the most practical garment for water parks. Apply over sunscreen even if it seems cloudy or mild; The Florida sun can cause serious damage at any time of the year.
You may not see rain during an April visit, but it’s always a good idea to pack a poncho or light jacket for everyone in your group in the event of an errant storm. A light shower during this time of year should be seen as an invitation from the universe to play in the rain.
April events at Disney World
Disney World is gearing up for the summer season with a handful of active outdoor events in April. In addition to the great rides and daily fun available throughout the year, April is the perfect time to stop and smell the flowers and celebrate your inner Jedi Knight at Disney World.
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – This event is in full bloom in April, with tasty morsels prepared in open-air kitchens, Disney-themed topiaries, elaborate gardens, procedural exhibits, and outdoor concerts.
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend: Inspired by Darth Vader and the Star Wars stormtroopers, this event includes Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, and Disney Kids Races. The Star Wars characters add an air of authenticity to the course.
- Party for the Planet: This Earth Day celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom includes interactive activities and encounters with enhanced animals.
April Travel Tips
- If you are traveling with young children, look for garden-themed playgrounds and butterfly farms scattered throughout and around Future World. You won’t find these special exhibits and activities at any other time of the year.
- Grab a PhotoPass card and take advantage of the sunshine, flowers, and spring photo opportunities as Disney characters go out to meet guests in a variety of friendly photo spots. The Disney PhotoPass card is free; You only pay for the photos you choose to keep.
- Avoid the Easter crowds by taking advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours program, available exclusively to resort guests. On certain days, this benefit allows you to enter the parks an hour earlier than the general public and stay an hour longer in the afternoons after everyone else has gone home. It is a good time to enjoy the most popular rides without long waits.
- Further mitigate the holiday crowds by using FastPass +, individual passenger lines and the passenger switch program, and by making food reservations in advance.
To learn more about the pros and cons of visiting Disney World during April, check out our guide to the best time to visit.
Edited by Dawn Henthorn, Florida Travel Expert since June 2000
