Walt Disney World is known for its magical experiences, but crowds and wait times rise as the summer months approach.
That doesn’t mean you must spend your entire vacation in long lines! With careful planning, you can enjoy Disney’s most popular rides while minimizing wait times.
This guide covers the busiest attractions at each Walt Disney World theme park and provides expert strategies for efficiently experiencing them.
Magic Kingdom: Iconic Attractions With High Demand
Magic Kingdom boasts the most attractions of any Disney park, helping to attract crowds.
However, certain rides consistently see long wait times.
Jungle Cruise (Adventureland)
Since receiving updates and a movie adaptation, Jungle Cruise has become one of the most popular attractions in Magic Kingdom.
This slow-moving boat ride takes guests on a humorous adventure through exotic rivers, led by a witty skipper.
How to Ride With Minimal Wait:
- Book a Lightning Lane reservation at 7 AM.
- Rope drop the attraction at the park opening.
- Ride during fireworks for lower wait times.
Due to its slow-loading nature, Jungle Cruise’s wait time can exceed an hour early in the day.
Plan accordingly.
Peter Pan’s Flight (Fantasyland)
Peter Pan’s Flight remains a fan favorite, consistently drawing long lines despite its continuous loading system.
Guests board flying ships to experience the classic story of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.
Best Ways to Ride Without the Wait:
- Book a Lightning Lane reservation.
- Rope drop during Early Entry (Disney Resort Guests).
- Ride during Extended Evening Hours (Deluxe Resort Guests only).
- Ride during fireworks for shorter wait times.
While Peter Pan’s Flight is a magical experience, it’s a short ride.
We recommend minimizing your wait time with the above strategies.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Fantasyland)
This family-friendly roller coaster is one of Magic Kingdom’s most sought-after attractions.
Guests race through the mines with the seven dwarfs in a smooth, swinging coaster experience.
How to Ride With Minimal Wait:
- Purchase an Individual Lightning Lane.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
- Ride during Extended Evening Hours (Deluxe Resort Guests only).
- Hop in line during fireworks for reduced waits.
While the ride is fantastic, waiting hours isn’t the best use of your time.
Plan ahead.
EPCOT: New Rides, Big Demand
EPCOT is home to some of Disney World’s newest attractions, drawing high demand and long lines.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (World Discovery)
This groundbreaking coaster features reverse launch and ride vehicles that rotate 360 degrees, ensuring guests never miss the action.
- Use Lightning Lane.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has transitioned from a virtual queue to a standby queue as of February 25, 2025, which allows you to experience this ride more than once in a day.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France Pavilion)
This family-friendly, trackless dark ride shrinks guests to the size of Remy as they race through Gusteau’s kitchen in a thrilling chase.
Best Ways to Ride Without the Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
- Ride during Extended Evening Hours.
- Hop in line during the nighttime spectacular Luminous The Symphony of Us.
Since many guests are still experiencing Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure for the first time, wait times remain high.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: A Single Must-Do Ride
Animal Kingdom has one ride that consistently draws massive crowds.
Avatar Flight of Passage (Pandora – The World of Avatar)
Even years after its debut, Flight of Passage remains one of Walt Disney World’s most breathtaking attractions.
It offers a simulated banshee flight over Pandora.
How to Ride With Minimal Wait:
- Purchase an Individual Lightning Lane.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
- Ride later in the evening when wait times drop.
This attraction is a must-do.
With careful planning, you won’t have to endure a long wait.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Park With the Longest Wait Times
Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most thrilling rides, making it one of the busiest parks in Walt Disney World.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)
This immersive attraction is more than just a ride—it’s a full-scale Star Wars adventure with breathtaking sets and thrilling encounters.
Best Ways to Ride Without the Wait:
- Purchase an Individual Lightning Lane.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
- Ride later in the evening when crowds die down.
Even though wait times can be long, this is a must-do experience for Star Wars fans.
Slinky Dog Dash (Toy Story Land)
This family-friendly roller coaster is a fun-filled adventure with mild thrills, making it one of the most popular rides in Hollywood Studios.
How to Ride With Minimal Wait:
- Book a Lightning Lane reservation at 7 AM.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
- Ride just before the park closes.
Since Toy Story Land lacks shade, avoiding the midday heat and lines is highly recommended.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster & The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Sunset Boulevard)
These two thrilling attractions are found at Sunset Boulevard’s end, drawing long lines.
How to Ride With Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane for both attractions.
- Rope drop during Early Entry.
- Visit at night when crowds thin out.
- For Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, consider the Single Rider line.
Both rides provide intense thrills.
With a strategy, you can enjoy them without the long wait.
Final Thoughts
The most popular attractions at Walt Disney World are also the ones with the most extended lines.
However, by using Lightning Lane, rope dropping, and taking advantage of evening hours, you can minimize your wait times and maximize your Disney experience.
Make a plan, stay flexible, and enjoy the magic without spending hours in line.
