As we get closer to spring break and the summer months (yes, they are coming, I promise), the crowds will also start to increase at Walt Disney World. So many of us look forward to getting away from the cold and snow and heading to the magic during these times of year.
To help you have a wonderful time, we wanted to suggest how you can wait less in line while visiting Walt Disney World.
We have taken time to break down how to experience the top rides in each of the four Theme Parks in Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT; however, we wanted to also provide some overall suggestions.
Get to the Parks Early
Our first tip isn’t one a lot of people like to hear when on vacation, but it can make a huge difference during busy times, and that is getting to the Parks early.
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or a Disney Good Neighbor hotel, you will want to take advantage of the Early Entry option that you have. Guests at these hotels can get into each of the four Theme Parks and the water park a half hour before they open to regular Guests.
Even though this doesn’t seem like a huge amount of time, thirty minutes allows you to get at least one, if not two, big rides done before the park opens, putting you ahead the whole rest of the day.
Let’s take a minute to discuss what getting there early means, though. Understand that if you are staying at a Disney hotel and want to take advantage of early entry at, say, Magic Kingdom, which offers it starting at 8:30 a.m., this doesn’t mean showing up at the bus stop at 8:20 a.m.
Getting to the Parks early means being at your mode of transportation anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes before you want to be in the Park itself. If you wait until a few minutes before opening to head to the buses, you aren’t going to be saving any time. It takes a while to get to the Theme Parks, walk to security, get through security, then to the touch points, and finally into the Park.
If you really want to take advantage of that early entry time and early mornings at the Parks, you will have to set some alarms. We know this isn’t super fun; however, it is a great way to wait less in line.
Stay Late at the Parks
If you are thinking, “There is absolutely no way I am setting that alarm during my vacation,” then consider taking advantage of the evenings in the Parks. Most Parks during spring break and the summer months stay open later, so think about staying after the fireworks and evening show to hop on some rides with lower wait times.
Many families with little ones will call it a night following the nighttime shows if they are able to make it to them in the first place, clearing out the Parks. If you have older kids or adults who can hang out for later hours, consider that a way to wait less in line.
Another way to enjoy the Parks in the evenings is to take advantage of the extended evening hours that Guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Resorts can participate in. These hours are available at either Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (starting in April) on specific evenings. On select nights, the Theme Park will stay open an extra two hours following closing for those specific Resort Guests.
This is a great way to experience low wait times and a wonderful, special experience within a Disney Park. If evening hours would work best for your family, consider looking into a split stay. A few nights at a deluxe resort could really help save time in line.
Purchase Genie+
A new way for guests to wait less in line is to look into purchasing Genie+. This feature and Disney Genie and Individual Lightning Lanes were added to the My Disney Experience app.
For $15/day/person, Guests can add Genie+ to their Disney Park day (check out more on how to purchase it HERE). This gives Guests access to the Lightning Lanes (think path to the ride) instead of using the standby line.
This is a new feature that is constantly changing and adjusting, so if you think you might want to use it, make sure to take some time to read posts about what rides you should prioritize (see HERE) and what frustrations people are having with it HERE.
Purchase Individual Lightning Lanes/Individual Attractions Selections
If Genie+ isn’t for you, purchasing some Individual Attraction Selections might be better. At each of the four Theme Parks, there are some rides that aren’t included in Genie+. This is fluid, so make sure you check before your trip. Mostly, it is the top rides such as Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and Avatar Flight of Passage.
If Guests want to use the Lightning Lanes for these rides, they must purchase them al-a-carte. We have more information on how to do this and how much they typically cost HERE if you want to know more about this option.
Skip the Afternoons
It isn’t a secret or a surprise that the Walt Disney World Theme Parks get the busiest in the middle of the day. If you want to avoid waiting in long lines, skip out on this part of the day. Consider booking a nice meal or heading back to the Resort to relax. If you know your family will just be frustrated having to wait in the crowds, avoid that by skipping out and finding other things to do.
Walt Disney World Resorts offer great activities throughout the day that are fun for the whole family. Try Resort hopping or mini golf. Disney is more than just the four Theme Parks, and you can have fun without waiting in line at some of the other options.
We hope that this helps you as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World. Think about how you will wait less in line. Look for more tips and trips on our site, where we work to help you have a magical vacation.
