Best Times to Book DVC in 2026

The calendar has officially turned to 2026, and you should already be planning this year’s visit(s). If you’re not, you may be too late for some of the suggestions I’m about to make. 

Still, Disney’s implementation of several Travel Periods have added some complexity. Previously great visitation dates no longer provide the same value. So, here are the best times to book your DVC stay in 2026 and beyond.

May 1st Through 14th

I’m mixing things up a bit with this year’s recommendations, because I always feel guilty about something. When I suggest a January 2026 visit in January 2026, it’s already too late. Let’s skip straight to a time when you at least have a chance, remembering that you can always book confirmed reservations from DVC Rental Store. So, you still have a chance at some of these dates that are already booked, which may be worth considering.

In terms of reservations you can still book, the first two weeks of May are an ideal time to schedule a Disney vacation. You’re in Travel Period 2, and DVC works like golf scores. Lower is better. This is one of the cheapest times of the year to book a DVC reservation, and the weather is generally quite lovely as well.

The Second Half of June

Travel Period 4 begins on June 11th and lasts through August 31st. You may think of this as the average number of DVC points to spend, but that’s not entirely accurate. The DVC calendar is imbalanced toward Travel Period 6 and especially Travel Period 7. Those are the times to avoid, as you’ll pay substantially more for the same DVC reservations.

Historically, Disney charged more during the summer months, one of the most popular vacation seasons each year. That behavior has fundamentally changed due to rising temperatures in Central Florida. Somehow, late June and July have become a kind of off-season for park guests. DVC members can take advantage of this trend by booking a vacation stay when the weather will hopefully be more temperate. Even better, families with school-aged children won’t need to pull kids out of school for a Disney vacation.

The Second Half of August

We’re still in Travel Period 4, and the same logic applies. As long as you don’t visit in July, you should avoid the hottest time of the year in Orlando. Late August comes with a secondary bonus. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starts later in the year as of 2024/2025. Presuming that Disney follows the same pattern, you’ll be among the first guests to visit the 2026 version of the festival.

Also, Walt Disney World is opening a metric ton of new and returning attractions. According to the current schedule, all of them should be open by late summer. Usually, that means August when it comes to Disney. 

All of September

Only one month qualifies for Travel Period 1. In September, you’ll spend the fewest number of DVC points for the same hotel stay. Even better, the weather will have cooled dramatically from July and probably even August.

Then, we have the ongoing Food & Wine Festival and as an added bonus, birthdays. You may not know this, but nine of the top ten most popular birthdays fall in the month of September, making it ideal Disney button-wearing vacation time.

Halloween Season

I consider this to be October, but that’s sloppy terminology based on the Disney calendar. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in mid-August, sometimes even earlier. So, you can technically watch the shows and enjoy the spooky decorations during Travel Period 1 or Travel Period 4.

October is Travel Period 5, forcing you to spend a few more points for the same hotel room. On the plus side, it’s actually Halloween season for real, rather than Disney’s calendar-apathetic approach. As a reminder, those of you who enjoy split vacations can also attend Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. This event also starts long before October, but it’s much better as Halloween approaches.

Early December

I realize that many of you will visit during Thanksgiving because it’s just easier. Most people can enjoy the holiday visit without burning their precious vacation days. Early December vacations are night and day better when you can make the dates work, though. I just spent the last month evaluating Disney wait times in December, and anything before the 20th is ideal. You’ll face virtually no crowds until the 12 Days of Christmas begin. 

Even better, this time falls under Travel Period 3, making it an inexpensive visit. Oh, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights are well underway. Also, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is up and running. In 2026, Travel Period 3 lasts from December 1st through December 23rd. I’m telling you now that’s much better than visiting on/after Christmas Eve.

Christmas to New Year’s Day

I know I’m not talking any of you sickos out of this one; however, I will make two logic-based arguments against this date. First Christmas week is Travel Period 7, THE most expensive time to visit. Also, I just tracked the wait time for December 24th through January 4th. 

The overall average wait time for every attraction at Walt Disney World was 59 minutes. Unless you’re a planner, you’ll be lucky to experience half a dozen attractions in a day without springing for Lightning Lane. Yes, Lightning Lane is also the priciest it will be all year.

January 2027

Okay, I’m going to cheat a bit and offer one suggestion for early next year. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts debuts on January 16th in 2026 and will presumably fall in that same range next year. With your 11-month window opening relatively soon, you should consider booking your January 2027 trip in February.

The Festival of the Arts has become an annual favorite. Since this is Travel Period 2, the DVC points aren’t expensive, either. Still, January used to join September as being the cheapest month. Disney switching January to Travel Period 2 speaks to the quality of the Festival of the Arts.

Happy New Year, everyone!

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