We love visiting Walt Disney World, whether for a family vacation or a solo trip, but it’s no secret that certain challenges can make planning and enjoying your trip a bit more complicated. By understanding these issues in advance, you can prepare and make the most of your magical Disney vacation.
Here are some challenges guests face at Walt Disney World and tips to handle them effectively.
Increasing Crowds
When Walt Disney World Resort reopened, the parks operated at limited capacity, resulting in low crowds. However, as travel has rebounded, crowd levels have surged beyond pre-pandemic norms. Even traditionally slower months like January and February have seen record attendance levels in recent years.
If you’re visiting during peak seasons, expect larger crowds and longer wait times. Consider planning more resort days to enjoy the amenities or leveraging strategies to avoid crowds, such as arriving early, staying late, or taking advantage of less crowded areas within the parks. Check out our tips on avoiding crowds for more details.
Limited Entertainment Options
While Walt Disney World has brought back many entertainment offerings, some beloved experiences remain unavailable or modified. For instance, Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is expected to return with updates, but the absence of this iconic nighttime show is noticeable.
Additionally, atmospheric performers like the Citizens of Main Street at Magic Kingdom and the Streetmosphere actors in Hollywood Studios have yet to return, leaving gaps in the immersive magic these shows provided.
Despite these gaps, there are still plenty of fantastic entertainment options to enjoy, such as the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom or the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Hollywood Studios. Make a point to include these in your plans, but be prepared for a slightly different entertainment lineup.
Ongoing Construction
Disney is always evolving, but with progress comes construction. EPCOT, in particular, is undergoing a massive transformation as it shifts to its four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.
While these changes promise exciting new attractions and experiences, the construction walls throughout the park can detract from its charm. Keep an eye on updates before your trip to know what areas might be impacted. This way, you can plan your visit around any closures or detours.
Long Wait Times
With increased crowds, long wait times for attractions are unavoidable. Even during traditionally quieter periods, popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway often see extended standby lines.
Prepare for this by prioritizing your must-do attractions and checking wait times through the My Disney Experience app. Arrive early or use strategies like mobile ordering food while waiting in line to maximize your time in the parks.
Things Are Still Different
While Disney has worked hard to bring back the magic we know and love, certain experiences are still not quite the same as they were pre-2020. Character interactions, for example, are gradually returning to their original formats, but many remain modified. Hugs and autographs are limited, though photo opportunities are becoming more personal.
Some dining experiences also continue to adjust. For instance, character dining locations like Crystal Palace have brought back characters, but interactions remain less immersive than before. Similarly, dining formats have shifted at some locations, with buffets replaced by family-style service.
While these changes are noticeable, embracing the new opportunities and experiences can still make for a memorable trip.
Final Thoughts
Walt Disney World continues to evolve, and with that comes both excitement and challenges. By staying informed about crowds, entertainment updates, construction, and other potential obstacles, you can better plan your visit and focus on the magic.
Understanding these issues will help you manage your expectations and make the most of your vacation. With the right mindset and a little preparation, you’ll create unforgettable memories at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
