Avoiding the Crowds in Disney World

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.