Credit: Inside the MagicThink Disney World is always most expensive in the summer? Think again. Turns out the hottest time of year is actually the coolest when it comes to savings — and in 2025, that statement has never been truer.
Thanks to a flurry of discounts, revamped pricing strategies, and a surprising lull in crowds, August and September 2025 are shaping up to be the sweet spot for budget-conscious families — and we’re breaking down exactly why.
Let’s just say if you’ve been dreaming of walking down Main Street U.S.A. without emptying your life savings, this might be your moment.
Yes, Disney is giving away free food again
Let’s start with the most delicious news: Disney is reviving its beloved Free Dining Plan offer — and it’s not just a snack credit.
When you book a non-discounted 4-night/4-day (or longer) vacation package with Park Hopper tickets at select Disney Resort hotels, Disney will throw in a complimentary Dining Plan.
Normally, this perk would cost about $100 per adult and $30 per child per day. Multiply that across a whole week, and boom — you’ve got your churros, Dole Whips, Mickey pretzels, and character meals covered. For free.
This offer runs through December 22, 2025, but it’s particularly powerful when paired with…
50% off for kids (no, really)
From now through September 20, 2025, kids ages 3 to 9 score half-price theme park tickets when families book stays of three days or more.
That means you can finally justify that family trip you’ve been eyeing — especially if your littles are still under 10 and want nothing more than to meet Elsa, ride Remy, or splash down Splash Mountain (er, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure).
Hotel deals you don’t have to dig for
Disney’s also slashing prices at some of its most iconic hotels. From August 1 through October 11, 2025, guests can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney resorts.
We’re talking Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach — fan favorites that come with extra perks like early entry and free transportation, but without the wallet-busting price of deluxe resorts.
And if you’re staying on-site? You’ll also get free admission to a Disney water park on check-in day (yes, you read that right). This bonus runs through the end of 2025 and is the perfect way to cool off in that infamous Florida heat.
Summer tickets are secretly the cheapest of the year
We dug into the data, and it’s not just the deals that make summer 2025 a financial win — it’s the base prices too.
According to NerdWallet’s Disney ticket pricing breakdown, summer is officially the lowest-priced season, beating out spring, fall, and even winter.
Here’s how the average one-day ticket stacks up:
-
Summer: $144.97
-
Fall: $159.42
-
Spring: $162.93
-
Winter: $168.17
But August and September? They’re in a league of their own:
-
September: $126.73
-
August: $133.60
-
July: $156.18
-
June: $158.25
Compare that to February’s peak average of over $172, and you’ll understand why late summer is the new budget season — especially for those willing to brave the heat.
Plot twist: summer crowds aren’t what you think
We know what you’re thinking: “But isn’t summer the most crowded time of year?”
Not anymore.
Chelsea Filley, VP of customer experience at Disney, confirmed that guest satisfaction is surprisingly high in summer months, with many families reporting shorter wait times and more ride access.
“The ability to get things done is actually higher,” she said, explaining that guest perception of crowding is lowest during summer — likely because so many families now travel during other times of the year.
That’s right: fewer crowds and cheaper tickets. And that’s not even counting what’s new this summer.
What’s new for summer 2025 (and it’s a lot)
Disney isn’t just slashing prices — they’re rolling out brand-new entertainment and features aimed squarely at families visiting in the summer months.
Brand-new shows
-
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (Hollywood Studios): Cutting-edge effects meet under-the-sea nostalgia.
-
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (Magic Kingdom): A deliciously evil stage show where you vote on which villain was most wronged.
-
Disney Starlight Parade: The first new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom in nearly 10 years, complete with floats from Frozen, Encanto, and Peter Pan.
Temporary kid zones (through September 1)
-
Magic Kingdom: Pop-up play areas in Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland
-
EPCOT: Goofy’s water games take over CommuniCore Hall
Resort-only fun
Resorts like Art of Animation and Pop Century are hosting nightly games, movies, and surprise meet-and-greets with beloved Disney characters. These are exclusive to guests and make your hotel more than just a place to crash.
Don’t sleep on these newer rides
Even if you haven’t been to Disney since the pre-pandemic days, 2025 is a great year to rediscover the magic.
-
TRON Lightcycle / Run (Magic Kingdom): Disney’s most intense coaster yet, racing through a digital frontier.
-
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (EPCOT): An interactive walk-through with stunning visuals and splashy effects.
Both attractions offer immersive, next-gen experiences that are totally different from anything else in the parks — and perfect for making summer memories.
Bottom line: the time to book is now
If you’ve been putting off your Disney trip because of cost, 2025 is your moment. The combo of deeply discounted tickets, free food, low crowds, and new experiences makes August and September 2025 the most wallet-friendly months to visit in years.
Just one caveat: it’s going to be hot. Like, bring-an-extra-shirt-and-a-fan hot. But for hundreds in savings? That’s a price many families are willing to pay.
Pack that cooling towel and sunscreen — summer at Disney has never been this smart. Or this cheap.