April is a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World. Spring is in full swing, and families enjoy school breaks to enjoy the magic.
With the changing season, expect larger crowds, exciting events, and important updates to be aware of before heading to the parks. Here’s everything you need to know to maximize your April Disney vacation.
Crowds Are on the Rise
Due to spring break vacations nationwide, April is one of the busiest months at Walt Disney World. Expect high crowd levels throughout the month and plan accordingly.
Tips to Navigate the Crowds:
- Arrive early or stay late: Many families don’t make it to the parks at opening or stay until closing, meaning these times often have lighter crowds.
- Take a midday break: Parks reach peak crowd levels in the afternoon. Consider stepping away for a resort pool break, a nap, or visiting another Disney Resort for a meal.
- Use Lightning Lane: This paid service allows guests to skip the standby lines for select attractions, making it a valuable tool during busy seasons.
Planning strategically allows you to maximize your park time while avoiding the worst of the crowds.
EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival is in Full Bloom
Spring at Walt Disney World means the return of EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival! Running from March 5 through June 2, 2025, this festival transforms EPCOT into a breathtaking display of flowers, topiaries, and outdoor kitchens.
Festival Highlights:
- Outdoor Kitchens: Savor fresh flavors from festival-exclusive food booths, which offer a mix of returning favorites and exciting new menu items.
- Stunning Topiaries: Admire beautifully crafted topiaries featuring beloved Disney characters across EPCOT.
- Garden Rocks Concert Series: Enjoy live music performances at the American Gardens Theater throughout the festival.
If you’re visiting EPCOT in April, make time to experience this stunning celebration of nature, food, and entertainment.
Changes to some attractions
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World this April, be sure to take note of these attraction closures due to refurbishments and updates. While the parks are still packed with exciting experiences, some fan-favorite rides and shows will be temporarily unavailable.
- Astro Orbiter: Undergoing a multi-month refurbishment since January, with reopening expected in the summer.
- The Hall of Presidents: This attraction has been closed for updates since January, and it’s expected to reopen later this year.
- Test Track: Temporarily closed for refurbishment, with a reopening planned for late summer 2025.
Permanently closed attractions:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: It has been closed for extensive refurbishment since January 6, 2025, and will reopen in 2026.
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug!: Permanently closed as of March 17, 2025, to make way for a new Zootopia-themed show debuting later this year.
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
From April 3 to the 6th, 2025, runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend will bring thousands of runners to Walt Disney World for a series of themed races.
Participants can choose between a 5-K, 10-K, and 10-miler, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the parks.
While the races primarily occur early in the morning, guests should be prepared for increased activity and minor transportation disruptions during race times. If you’re not participating, consider crowd surges near the race routes.
Plan for a Magical April at Disney
With exciting festivals, the return of favorite entertainment, and continued resort updates, April is shaping up to be a vibrant month at Walt Disney World.
To make the most of your visit:
- Plan for crowds with early mornings, late nights, and Lightning Lane.
- Don’t miss EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival for breathtaking displays and delicious eats.
- Stay aware of attraction updates and changes during your stay.
- Be mindful of the runDisney race weekend if you visit at the beginning of the month.
No matter when you visit in April, Walt Disney World offers endless magic. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a fun and memorable trip.
