This is the theme-park capital of the world, and its busiest seasons are whenever kids are out of school. Late May to just past Labor Day, long holiday weekends, winter holidays (mid-Dec to early Jan), and most especially spring break (late Mar to Apr). Don't forget that kids in other hemispheres have completely different holiday periods. Obviously, an Orlando -- and most especially a Disney vacation -- is most enjoyed when the crowds are at the thinnest and the weather is the most temperate. Hotel rooms (a very large chunk of your vacation bill) are also priced lower during off season, though that season doesn't follow the traditional winter/summer patterns of most areas.

Peak-season rates can go into effect during large conventions and special events. Even something as remote as Bike Week in Daytona Beach (about an hour by car northeast) can raise prices, including during the off season. These kinds of events will especially impact on the moderately priced hotels and resorts located off Walt Disney World. Best times: The week after Labor Day until the week before Thanksgiving when the kids have just returned to school, the week after Thanksgiving until mid-December, and the 6 weeks before and after school spring vacations (which generally occur around Easter). Worst times: The absolute worst time of year to visit is during spring break -- usually the two weeks prior to and after Easter. The crowds are unbelievable, the lines are unbearable (my kids have waited upwards of 2 hours to hop on some of the most popular attractions), waiting times at local restaurants can lead to starvation, and traffic -- particularly on International Drive -- will give you a headache. The December holidays and summer, when out-of-state visitors take advantage of school breaks and many locals bring their families to the parks (taking advantage of Florida resident discount months, which usually fall in May and November) can also prove a challenge. Packed parking lots are the norm during the week before and after Christmas, and the summer brings with it oppressive heat and humidity. Seriously consider pulling your kids out of school for a few days around an off-season weekend to avoid the long lines. (You may be able to keep them in their schools' good graces by asking teachers to let them write a report on an educational element of the vacation. Epcot, SeaWorld, and the Orlando Museum of Science offer the most in the way of educational exhibits.) Even during these periods, though, the number of international visitors guarantees you won't be alone.

Note: If you're taking advantage of a land/cruise package, make sure you take into account the Florida hurricane season, which runs from around June 1 to November 30. Inland, the worst may be sheets of rain and enough wind to wipe the smile right off your face. But on the coastal areas or at sea, these storms can be very extremely dangerous. Also, don't take tornadoes and lightning -- two particularly active summer curses -- too lightly.

Weather Wise -- Florida is known for its afternoon downpours. As they don't usually last long, most people simply run for cover then go on with the rest of the day's activities when it slows to a drizzle or stops completely. I suggest you bring along some type of rain gear, including a small fold-up umbrella. If you forget your gear, rain ponchos can be purchased throughout the parks for about $5 for a child-size poncho, or $7 for an adult size. The child-size poncho covers the average stroller quite well, protecting camera equipment, souvenirs, and the child sitting inside of it.

Speaking of rainy days, don't let them spoil your fun. The crowds are dramatically thinner on these days and there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, particularly at Epcot and Universal where the majority of attractions are actually indoors. The flip side, of course, is that many of the outdoor rides at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld are temporarily closed during downpours and lightning storms.