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Top Tips to Avoid Long Lines at Walt Disney World

Nobody wants to spend their precious Walt Disney World vacation waiting in line. Most visitors plan their Disney trip hoping for low crowds and short wait times, but sometimes, the parks are busier than expected. If you find yourself facing longer lines, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some effective tips to help you experience shorter waits, maximize your day, and enjoy more of Disney’s magic.

1. Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds

Getting up early on vacation might not sound ideal, but it’s one of the best ways to enjoy shorter lines at Disney Parks. If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, make sure to take advantage of early entry. This exclusive perk allows Disney Resort Guests to enter any of the four parks 30 minutes before the general opening time.

Though 30 minutes may not seem like much, arriving early gives you a significant head start. We recommend arriving at the park 30 to 45 minutes before early entry starts. This allows you to be among the first at the touchpoints, ready to go once the gates open. By arriving early, you can enjoy several rides with minimal wait times, setting a smooth pace for the rest of your day.

Guests walking down Main Street, U.S.A. in Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

For Guests not staying at a Disney Resort, plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before the official opening time. Arriving early ensures that you’re ahead of the main crowds, saving hours in line and allowing you to make the most of your day.

2. Make the Most of Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Although the Lightning Lane Multi Pass feature may evoke mixed feelings, there’s no denying that it helps save time in line. Available within the My Disney Experience app, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid option that ranges from $15 to $45 per person per day, depending on the park and date. You can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass access for a single park or opt for a multi-park option.

Once you’ve purchased Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can reserve return windows for specific attractions at the Disney Park(s) you’re visiting. This feature lets you skip long standby lines and focus on experiencing more of Disney’s magic. For busy days, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an excellent way to make the most of your time and avoid waiting in lines for popular attractions. Take some time to explore resources on how to make the best use of Lightning Lane Multi Pass for your trip.

3. Use Lightning Lane Single Pass for Top Attractions

If you’re aiming to experience some of the most popular attractions, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Avatar: Flight of Passage, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, consider purchasing Lightning Lane Single Pass. This option allows you to reserve a spot on high-demand rides, bypassing the long lines that often build up for these top attractions.

Pricing for Lightning Lane Single Pass varies by ride and crowd levels, typically ranging from $10 to $25 per ride. While it may seem like a hefty price for a single attraction, the time saved can be well worth it, especially if you’re avoiding a three-hour wait. Evaluate which rides are must-dos for your group and consider whether this option can help make your Disney day more enjoyable.

4. Stay Late to Enjoy Low Crowds

Just as early birds enjoy shorter lines, night owls can take advantage of low wait times toward the end of the day. Disney Parks allow guests to enter lines right up until the official closing time. For example, if Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes at 9 p.m., you can join the line for Slinky Dog Dash exactly at 9 p.m. and still get a chance to ride.

During the last hour of park operation, many guests start leaving after fireworks or evening shows, which means lower wait times for popular rides. At Magic Kingdom, for instance, lines often decrease significantly following the fireworks display, offering you the perfect chance to experience headliner attractions with minimal wait.

A row of blue cars with the Chevrolet logo on the front grille, parked indoors in a well-lit area with a blue and white background reminiscent of Disneyland Resort. The cars have a sleek design, and the number "25" is visible on the side of one car in the foreground.
Credit: Disney

If you can stay up, try exploring Disney at night—some rides like Big Thunder Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Test Track offer a unique nighttime experience with fewer crowds.

5. Take Advantage of Single Rider Lines

Single Rider lines can be a fantastic way to save time, though they’re only available at select Disney World attractions. This option allows you to skip the main line by filling in single spots in ride vehicles, which is ideal if you don’t mind riding separately from your group.

Here’s where you can find Single Rider lines at Disney World:

  • Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Test Track in EPCOT

If these rides are on your must-do list, consider using the Single Rider option to significantly cut down your wait time. It may not work for every family, but for those willing to split up temporarily, it’s a handy way to bypass the lines.

6. Plan Your Ride Strategy with My Disney Experience

The My Disney Experience app is an essential tool for planning your day and monitoring wait times. Familiarize yourself with the app before your trip, as it provides real-time updates on wait times, attraction closures, and dining availability. With the app, you can adjust your plans on the go, taking advantage of shorter lines and making reservations for meals or snacks.

Additionally, the app allows you to book Lightning Lane return windows, check park hours, and view showtimes for entertainment offerings. Having the app handy can make all the difference in a busy Disney park, so make sure your phone is fully charged, and consider bringing a portable charger to keep the magic going all day long.

7. Use Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours for Resort Guests

Disney Resort Guests can take advantage of exclusive time in the parks through Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours. Early Entry allows resort guests to enter any Disney park 30 minutes before the official opening, while Extended Evening Hours are available on select days for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas.

Disney Resorts
Credit: Disney

These perks give you extra time in the parks with fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy popular attractions with reduced wait times. Check the park hours and plan your schedule to make the most of these benefits.

Final Thoughts: 

Walt Disney World is an incredible destination, and a well-planned approach can help you avoid the long lines and focus on the magic. From arriving early and staying late to using Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, there are plenty of ways to maximize your time and minimize waiting. Don’t forget the Single Rider lines and the My Disney Experience app to stay informed and flexible throughout your day.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to make the most of your Disney adventure, experiencing more rides, attractions, and memories with less waiting. Enjoy your magical vacation to Walt Disney World, where every moment counts!

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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