If there’s one thing this week has shown us at Walt Disney World, it’s that the crowds are back! With parks bustling and excitement in the air, it’s clear that more families are flocking to the magic. But with larger crowds often come longer wait times and busier spaces, which can add stress to your vacation. Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to navigate these busy periods smoothly.
For those planning a trip to Walt Disney World this summer, having a solid plan is key. Here are ten tried-and-true tips to help you avoid the crowds, minimize wait times, and make the most of your magical vacation.
1. Arrive Early for Rope Drop
While setting an early alarm during vacation may not sound like fun, it’s one of the best ways to avoid the crowds at Walt Disney World. By arriving at the parks for rope drop—when the gates officially open—you can enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Guests staying at a Disney Resort can take advantage of early theme park entry, which lets you enter any of the four parks 30 minutes before they open to the general public. This extra time can make a big difference, allowing you to ride high-demand attractions before the midday rush.
Pro Tip: Arrive at your chosen Disney transportation option at least 60 minutes before the early entry time. This way, you’ll breeze through security and be ready to make the most of those precious early morning moments!
2. Stay Late for Extended Evening Hours
If early mornings aren’t your thing, consider staying late at the parks. As summer approaches, park hours often extend, allowing you to enjoy the magic after dark. Not only is the ambiance special in the evenings with beautiful nighttime shows, but the crowds also tend to thin out.
Guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts can benefit from extended evening hours at select parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These extended hours are a fantastic way to experience shorter lines and cooler temperatures.
3. Skip the Weekend Rush
Weekends are when many locals and short-term visitors flock to Walt Disney World, making the parks busier than usual. If your vacation allows, plan your park days for mid-week and take a break on the weekends. Relax at your resort, enjoy the pool, or explore Disney Springs.
If you must visit a park on the weekend, Disney’s Animal Kingdom tends to have lighter crowds compared to the other parks. It’s a great time to explore Pandora – The World of Avatar or take a leisurely stroll through the trails.
4. Explore Beyond the Parks
Walt Disney World offers so much more than just theme parks! Consider spending time at your Disney Resort, enjoying the pool, participating in fun activities like trivia or movie nights, or trying your hand at mini-golf.
Fort Wilderness is another hidden gem, offering activities like visiting the Tri-Circle-D Ranch to see the horses. You can also rent boats or try your hand at fishing for a relaxing day. Exploring these options is a great way to enjoy the magic without the crowds.
5. Plan Your Meals Wisely
Dining at Walt Disney World is a big part of the experience, but it can be stressful when the parks are crowded. Avoid long waits by using the mobile order feature in the My Disney Experience app. This allows you to pre-order meals at quick-service locations and pick them up when ready.
Plan your meal times outside of peak dining hours. Avoiding lunch between 12 PM and 2 PM and dinner between 5 PM and 7 PM can make a big difference in wait times and crowd levels. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed meal and can use the busier hours for rides or shows.
6. Dine Outside the Parks
Some of the best dining experiences at Walt Disney World can be found at the resorts. For a unique meal without the crowds, take a quick monorail, boat, or Skyliner ride to nearby resorts for a great meal.
Magic Kingdom visitors can explore dining options at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. EPCOT and Hollywood Studios guests can head to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts or Disney’s BoardWalk for fantastic dining options.
7. Discover Hidden Relaxation Spots
Even during peak times, there are hidden corners of the parks where you can find a bit of peace and quiet. Seek out these lesser-known areas to take a break and recharge.
In Magic Kingdom, rides like the PeopleMover offer a relaxing break. At EPCOT, exploring the pavilions in World Showcase often leads to quieter spots. Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers peaceful trails like the Maharajah Jungle Trek where you can unwind away from the hustle and bustle.
8. Monitor Wait Times on the App
Make the most of the My Disney Experience app to stay on top of wait times throughout the day. Instead of walking across the park to find a long line, use the app to see where the shortest waits are.
By keeping an eye on wait times, you can adjust your plans on the fly and avoid unnecessary walking. The app also offers tips and suggestions, helping you make smarter choices about where to go next.
9. Take Frequent Breaks
One of the biggest keys to a successful Disney vacation is knowing when to take breaks. With the Florida heat and the crowds, stepping away for a bit can make all the difference.
Consider taking a mid-day break at your Disney Resort to rest or swim. This way, you can return to the parks refreshed and ready for more fun. Even within the parks, finding a quiet bench or shaded spot can be a great way to recharge.
10. Stay Flexible with Your Plans
Planning is crucial at Walt Disney World, especially during busier times, but it’s just as important to be flexible. Sometimes, the crowds may shift, or an unexpected opportunity might pop up. Being open to changing your plans can help you make the most of your day.
For example, if a showtime changes or you notice a drop in wait times for a popular ride, don’t be afraid to adapt your plan. Flexibility allows you to go with the flow and keeps the magic alive.
Final Thoughts:
With crowds returning to Walt Disney World, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip a magical one. By arriving early, making use of extra hours, and having a flexible plan, you can enjoy the parks and create unforgettable memories.
Use these ten tips to navigate the crowds and make the most of your Disney vacation, no matter how busy it gets!
