New Year, New Vacation 🎉✈️
New year… new vacation plans! But when should you go? Between school schedules, budgets, weather, and can’t-miss events, choosing the perfect travel dates can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got you.
Let’s break down the best times to travel for some of our favorite vacations at Shafer Storybook Travel, including cruises and theme park getaways, so you can start planning with confidence (and excitement!).
Cruise Control: Vacation Mode 🚢🌊
If cruises sound amazing but the price tag makes you hesitate, here’s a secret: you usually don’t have to pay it all at once. Most cruise lines let you put down a small deposit and make monthly payments until the final due date. Book earlier = more time to pay it off. Win-win!
Even better? Cruise lines often release new promotions—and as your travel agent, we can apply those deals even after you’ve booked. More savings, less stress. 🙌
So… when should you cruise?
Alaska Cruises 🏔️🐋
Peak Season (June–early August):
Warmer temps
Long daylight hours
Best wildlife sightings
Most popular (and pricier) time to go
Shoulder Season:
May: Fewer crowds, cooler weather, baby animals, and gorgeous scenery
Late August–September: Fall colors, possible Northern Lights, cooler temps, and quieter ports
Caribbean Cruises 🌴☀️
Peak Season (December–April):
Sunshine, low humidity, calm seas—perfect beach weather
Shoulder Season (April–May):
Still beautiful, but watch for spring break crowds
Best Deals (September–November):
It’s hurricane season, so travel insurance is a must, but the savings can be huge!
Walt Disney World: Magic All Year Long ✨🏰
There’s truly no bad time to visit Disney World—but some times are definitely better depending on crowds, events, and heat tolerance.
Crowd Levels
Peak Season:
Summer (June–August)
Holidays (late December, spring break, Thanksgiving)
Shoulder Season:
January (after the holidays), February, early March
May
October and November
Low Season:
Late August and September (hello shorter lines!)
EPCOT Festivals 🎨🌸
Festival of the Arts: January 16 – February 23
Flower & Garden Festival: March 4 – June 1
Extra Magic Fun
Banana Ball: May 29–30 ⚾🎉
Disneyland Resort: Big Magic, Smaller Park 🎢🌴
Disneyland is often considered more of a locals’ park, which means crowds can be lighter—especially during the week.
Crowd Levels
Peak Season:
Summer
Holidays and school breaks
Shoulder Season:
Early March
Late October through early November
Low Season:
Mid-January to mid-March
September (a hidden gem!)
Disneyland Events 🎉
Lunar New Year: January 23 – February 22
Celebrate Gospel: February 20–21 & February 27–28
California Food & Wine Festival: March 6 – April 27
Halloween Time: August 21 – October 31
Celebration of Coco: August 21 – November 2
Disneyland Holidays: November 18 – December 31
Need More Thrill? Let’s Talk Universal 🎬🔥
If roller coasters, movie magic, and scream-worthy events are your thing, Universal Orlando Resort delivers.
Crowd Levels
Peak Season:
Summer
Major holidays
Spring break (mid-March to mid-April)
Shoulder Season:
Late April–early May
September
October (except Halloween Horror Nights)
Early November and early December
Low Season:
January–February (after New Year’s)
Late August–early September
Can’t-Miss Events 🎭🎃
Mardi Gras: February 7 – April 4
Halloween Horror Nights: Coming this fall (not for the faint of heart 👻)
✨ No matter when you travel, there’s a perfect vacation waiting for you. Want help choosing dates, finding the best deals, or locking in those magical extras? Shafer Storybook Travel is here to help you plan every step of the way—be the main character in your storybook vacation!
