Travel insiders know the term “shoulder season”. You should, too.

It would not be a surprise if you didn’t know just what it means. Most people do not.

In case you didn’t know, “shoulders” are the times when tourists visit during off-peak times.

Crowds are not as common.

Hotel prices are lower.

This is the best time to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando as well.

But don’t take our word for it.

Perfect Time of Year

The highly respected travel site “Frommer’s” recently listed some “Perfect Shoulder-Season Destinations in the US.”

Disney World was among them.

“Orlando is almost always in peak season with all the tourist attractions bringing in visitors year-round from around the world. But the busy city does have two very short shoulder seasons: May and September,” says Frommer’s.

Despite that, “many travelers don’t consider traveling during shoulder season,” the site says, adding that destinations ramp up their activities during these times.

Also working in its favor in Orlando: September has some of the best events of the entire season. These include “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party,” “Halloween Horror Nights” at the Universal Orlando Resort and Disney’s “Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.”

Adult Entertainment, too

For pure adult entertainment, a variety of other options include the area’s promotional agency, Visit Orlando, hosting 60 restaurants offering three-course menus for less than $33 a person at its Magical Dining Month.

There are often arguments over the best time to visit theme parks or other tourist attractions.

Because of its family orientation, Orlando is always busy when the kids are out of school.

That means spring break and Christmas are among the busiest times. And when hotels charge their highest rates.

Hotels have the simplest formula for pricing: you pay less when fewer visitors are in town.

But another lure during the “shoulder seasons” is Orlando’s semi-tropical climate.

For much of the year, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is the norm. So are umbrellas because of the rain.

September is perhaps not really the perfect time to visit. Afternoons can also bring rain.

Climate at its Best

Additionally, the hurricane season runs officially June 1 through November 30. But in the past, such full-fledged storms have usually bypassed and rarely impacted the area.

Generally, May has less rainy (though brief) afternoon showers than the area’s steamy and long summer seasons.

But if you had to choose between the two months, the winner might be September.

September is often not as cool as October (which would otherwise be a good candidate for the best month to visit), but afternoon showers are less frequent this time of year.

So considering lower prices, fewer crowds and the fair weather, if you’re coming to Orlando…

…Maybe we’ll see you in September. ###