A parent’s worst nightmare is a screaming child on a hot summer day while standing in a two-hour wait for a ride at a Walt Disney World — but it’s Disney, what did you expect?
Most people typically try to avoid the masses that show up to Disney year-round, but sometimes it’s inevitable. Disney serves millions of guests worldwide, which usually results in long lines and a volume of people. It can be hard to judge when crowds are minimal and lines are short, because even on a slow day, the more popular rides can have lines of 40 minutes or more, while on a busy day three to four hours.
Here are some of our top tips to help you enjoy the fun and avoid long lines, crowded walkways and traffic.
Go During Off-Season
The busiest times at the parks center around the school calendar breaks, weekends and holidays. If possible, avoid the summer and plan your trip earlier or just as summer turns into fall, as the crowds will be insane and it will be miserably hot.
Some of the best months to visit are late January, February, early May, late August, September, October and early November. While it is memorable to visit around Christmastime, with the parks and hotels decked out, make sure you come in with an agenda, so you don’t waste time and get the most out of your trip.
Get to the Parks Early and Stay Late
While it is vacation, you don’t want to miss prime opportunities in the parks because you are asleep. Plan for a character breakfast another day, or early in the morning at the park then head to the rides. The best time to ride the more popular rides is early in the morning; get them out of the way before mid-morning when the lines start building-up. Purchase FastPasses for the rides in the afternoon when the wait times are at maximum. The early evening, around dinnertime, the wait times begin to drop. If it is impossible to make an entire day out of the park, rest up at the hotel then plan to come back in the evening.
FastPasses
FastPasses are a must at Disney. This service is the primary program Disney uses to help park-goers avoid long lines. Since lines are usually shortest in the mornings, you’ll save the most time by reserving FastPasses for the afternoon.
Stay on Disney Property
If you are staying at one of the Disney Resorts, you are one of the lucky ones as you receive extra magic hours. Each day, one of the four theme parks provides guests a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy additional park time. You and other Disney Hotel guests can enter one of the parks one hour early or up to two hours after the park opens/closes to the public.
Eat at Odd Times
While you may be hungry at noon for lunch, try to eat at off times, as you will have less competition for the rides and restaurants. Have a snack around 11 a.m., so you are able withstand eating until 2 p.m.
Use the My Disney Experience App
Disney’s My Disney Experience App can help you navigate around the parks. You are able to set your FastPass reservations, view ride wait times, parade schedules and entertainment show times and make dining reservations — all from your phone.
Read This Next
Seven Must-Know Tips For Visiting Disney World
Tips / Destination
May 27, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Sponsored Content
Experience Ireland’s
Wild Atlantic Way
From the windy tip of Malin Head in County Donegal to the colorful harbor town of Kinsale in County Cork, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way amazes at every turn. Feel the blast of fresh sea air with a lighthouse walk. Get up close to history, grab a fireside seat at a traditional music session, experience the world-famous Irish hospitality and explore some of Ireland's most exhilarating coastal scenery. It is a place that inspired dreamers and travelers, poets and painters with a landscape filled with stone walls, thatched cottages, deserted beaches and breathtaking views. Charming towns and villages, 1,500 miles of soaring cliffs, incredible landscapes and unique experiences await.
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
ShareThis