Disney ParksPlanningTips

Essential Disney World Tips for Beating the Crowds

We have seen extremely large crowds at Walt Disney World since the beginning of 2022.  People are ready to be back in the magic and the crowds and lines are reflecting this.  We are seeing longer than normal wait times and pathways that are crowded.

We have some essential tips to help you beat the crowds during your Walt Disney World vacation.  These are ways to help you be successful and have a magical time even if you see larger crowds during your vacation.

family refresh
Credit; Disney

Plan Ahead

The first tip for avoiding large crowds in Walt Disney World starts before you even leave for the magic.  Once you have booked your Walt Disney World Resort tickets, you will want to make sure you head to your My Disney Experience account and make your Park Pass Reservations.  Since reopening in 2020, Walt Disney World is having Guests make park pass reservations so they are able to control Park capacity.

Since park pass reservations are limited, you will want to make sure that you make these as soon as possible.  We have seen both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom Park pass reservations book up quickly.  Don’t miss out on your chance to visit a park while on vacation by forgetting this important step.

The other big area that Guests need to do before leaving for their Walt Disney World vacation will help them beat the crowds is making their dining reservations.  At 60 days prior to check-in, Guests can make their dining reservations.

If this is something that is important to your family, you will want to make sure that you do this at 60 days.  Many popular dining locations book up at the 60-day mark so being ready to snag those dining reservations is key.

WaltDisneyWorld Bus
credit: Disney Tips

Plan Extra Time

With larger crowds, it will take some time to get around Walt Disney World.  When making your plans, leave some extra room for travel time.  This is important when it comes to traveling between your Walt Disney World Resort and one of the Disney Parks.

Plan extra time is also important when it comes to moving around the Theme Parks themselves.  With larger crowds, it will take you longer to move from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Batuu. Because of this, you will want to make sure you leave some flex time so you aren’t rushing from place to place.

By scheduling in some extra time to move around the Parks and Walt Disney World overall, you will be a lot less overwhelmed by the crowds.

Aren’t Going to do Everything

Before you head down to Walt Disney World, make sure you have realistic expectations.  If you know that the Parks are going to be busy, go in with lower expectations for what you will be able to accomplish throughout the day.

Focus on your top must-do choices and know that everything else will be additional magic.  No matter how long your trip is, you won’t be able to see and do it all.  Don’t set yourself up for frustration by packing your plans too full.  Instead, focus on the big goals and enjoy them.

MK_Ride_JungleCruise_Skipper
credit: Disney

Rope Drop

Another essential tip for beating the crowds in Walt Disney World is rope dropping.  If you want to be ahead of the crowds, we highly recommend being in the Theme Parks prior to the listed opening time.

For Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, we would also highly recommend taking advantage of early entry.  This allows Guests to be in the Parks a half-hour before the official Park opening.  Although this might not seem like a big deal, this half-hour will put you ahead of the big crowds.

Start heading to the bus stops or transportation at your Resort a good hour before the Park opens.  This will allow you to get through security and into the Parks before the listed opening time.  By doing this, you will be at the front of the line when it comes to those highly popular rides.

Disney Genie
Credit: Disney

Genie+

Even though we might not like the fact that we have to pay for Genie+, the new version of Fastpass+, if you are wanting to beat the crowds, it might be an essential part of a Disney vacation.

Genie+ allows Guests to book lightning lanes (this is the queue they use to get to the attraction, therefore, bypassing the standby line) and save time in line.

For those wanting to beat the crowd, it might be worth the additional cost to have access to Genie+ and those lightning lanes.

carousel of progress
Credit: Disney

Visit Hidden Gems

Another way to beat the crowds at Walt Disney World is to spend time visiting those hidden gems that don’t attract as big of crowds.  Take time in Magic Kingdom to see the Carousel of Progress or the Country Bear Jamboree.  In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, visit the trails so you can enjoy the animals.

By knowing where the hidden gems are throughout the four Theme Parks, you will be able to stay in the magic but away from the crowds.

Dig Site Pool Coronado Springs Resort
Credit: Disney

Take a Break

The Theme Parks get extremely busy during the middle of the day.  If you are truly not a fan of crowds, allow yourself to take a break during the middle of the day.

Breaks can be taken back at your Walt Disney World Resort where you can enjoy the pools or a nap.  Breaks could also be taken at nearby Resorts.  Consider having a meal at a neighboring Resort such as Disney’s Contemporary Resort while at Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Riviera while in EPCOT.

By allowing yourself time to step away from the Theme Parks during the busiest times of the day you will be able to refresh and reset for the evenings.

Be Flexible

Finally, an essential part of beating the crowds at Walt Disney World is to be flexible.  We know having a plan is important for a successful trip to Walt Disney World, especially when it is busy, but also allow yourself to be flexible within that plan.

If you were planning on staying for fireworks at the Magic Kingdom but the crowds are just too much for you, allow yourself to leave the Park.

Being flexible will allow you to enjoy the magic when it surprises you during your trip which is important for enjoying a Walt Disney World vacation.

Walt Disney World is extremely busy right now and having these essential tips for beating the crowds will help you have a more relaxing and magical trip.

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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