3. Consider the Special Events Schedule

Always consider any and all special events taking place during your visit. For example, Epcot hosts the Food and Wine Festival and Flower and Garden Festival. Both events make Epcot much busier, but they’re worth dodging a few crowds for if you’re interested in the activities, bands, merchandise, and dining options that come along with them.

The Magic Kingdom closes early for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party. Again, this is great if you’re attending, but if you don’t plan to get a ticket and you do want to stay at Magic Kingdom late enough to see fireworks, you’ll need to avoid these parties.

Other events are less obvious but can still have a major impact on your visit. Walt Disney World hosts several marathons throughout the year. If you’re planning to participate, there are tons of great benefits you can enjoy by running a Disney marathon. However, if you’re not participating in the marathon, you’ll find heavier crowds in the parks and may even experience road closures, delays, and other minor hassles. The marathon schedule for 2015 includes:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna: January 7-11, 2015
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: February 19-22, 2015
• Expedition Everest Challenge: May 1-2, 2015
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: November 6-7, 2015

4. Consider Construction

Construction has been heavier than usual in 2014 and the work will continue well into 2015, so there are some important things to consider before you make your reservations. In particular, you should check to make sure your favorite resort isn’t under construction. If it is, be prepared for a less-than-perfect view of certain areas. The Polynesian is currently experiencing extensive renovations to the lobby and pool area.

If you do go ahead and book a room at a hotel that’s under construction, you will usually find that you’re compensated for amenities that are lacking. Polynesian guests have received free water park admission during their stay since their pool is inaccessible. Depending on your vacation plans, a deal like this may actually be more appealing.

5. Look at the rehab schedule

All Walt Disney World attractions go through a regular rehab schedule. This does not mean that the ride is getting anything new or changing in any way. It’s simply a necessary way for the attractions to get the upkeep they need, which may include everything from improving ride operations to repainting scenery. You can usually find rehab schedules a few months ahead of time, so if you’re planning your vacation just a few weeks ahead of time, you’ll know which attractions are closed.

Since you will probably need to plan your vacation further ahead than that, this is something to add to your considerations later in the game. Use the rehab schedule to decide how much time to spend in each park and where you want to visit on a given day. One rehab you can count on each year is the annual maintenance on the water parks. There’s always one open, but in the winter and spring Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon take turns closing for about three months each. If you want to hit both water parks during your stay, plan for the summer months.

Keep these tips in mind as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation and you can pick the season that best suits your interests.