Walt Disney World Resort is used to drawing large crowds, but this weekend, EPCOT was flooded with an unexpected group—teenagers. Guests reported massive crowds throughout the park, leading to long lines, packed walkways, and frustration for some families.
Guests Overwhelmed by Massive Teen Presence
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is always a big draw, but guests were surprised to find the park teeming with high school students this weekend. Many turned to social media to ask what was happening, with some describing the crowds as overwhelming.
Reddit user u/Vast-Badger-6912 posted, “What’s going on in EPCOT today? Seems like there is a larger than normal crowd for today. Is it just Saturday, or is there something else going on today at EPCOT that I’m missing?”
Other visitors quickly responded, confirming the high attendance.
“It really was crazy. We went back last night and it was better than the day hours,” one guest commented.
“It was really crowded!” another added. “We got there first thing, but after 12, it definitely got more crowded. We had a good time though.”
What Brought So Many Guests to EPCOT?
Several guests pointed to Florida Resident Annual Passholder blockout dates as a possible explanation, noting that many locals were visiting the parks before restrictions kicked in.
“It’s Saturday and the weather is nice,” one guest noted, suggesting that the warm conditions after weeks of colder temperatures brought more people to the parks than usual.
“Festival of the Arts and lots of Florida Residents are blocked out next weekend, so they are getting it in while they can,” one Reddit user explained.
Others mentioned that a major cheerleading competition at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex could have contributed to the large groups of teenagers flooding the parks.
“Of course, kids in Disney are always gonna be there, but there were literal hoards of them everywhere,” one guest wrote. “So annoying.”
How to Avoid Crowds at Walt Disney World Resort
For those hoping to avoid overwhelming crowds, some longtime Walt Disney World Resort guests suggest visiting on weekdays or planning trips during slower times of the year, such as mid-September or early November.
What time of the year is busiest at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
