The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort always brings magic—and mayhem. This year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park reportedly hit an unprecedented milestone during the busiest week of the year as guests braved massive crowds. Wait times soared to record levels, transforming their holiday vacations into a test of endurance.
A Historic Wait for Kilimanjaro Safaris
During the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, crowds swarmed the parks as thousands of families sought to experience the tail end of Disney’s holiday festivities. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the iconic Kilimanjaro Safaris ride faced a historic wait time, with guests reporting a staggering 210 minutes in line on December 28, 2024.
Reddit user u/traviscat described the chaos: “I saw the Kilimanjaro Safaris set a new record wait time today, 210 minutes. It opened at 8, by 8:24 it was at 60 minutes and it hasn’t gone below 85 since 9:06 with an average at over 100.”
“It’s my favorite ride but there is no way I would wait nearly 4 hours for one ride,” the Disney Park guest continued. “I’ve ridden it 8 times in a row in the same 4-hour window before, and waiting the same time for one ride would be insane.”
Holiday Crowds Take Over Disney World, Including Animal Kingdom
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a peak travel time for Walt Disney World Resort, and 2024 proved no exception. Multiple days during the holiday week saw Disney Park Pass reservations and the premium Lightning Lane Premier Pass sell out entirely, leaving guests with few options to avoid the congestion. Wait times across Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios skyrocketed as visitors flooded the parks.
While Walt Disney World Resort has not officially confirmed whether the 210-minute wait for Kilimanjaro Safaris set an all-time record, it undoubtedly felt like one for the guests stuck in line. The long wait exemplifies the challenges of visiting Disney Parks during peak holiday seasons.
Tips for Navigating Holiday Crowds
Preparation is essential for guests planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays. Arriving early, making park reservations in advance, and utilizing tools like the My Disney Experience app can help minimize wait times and maximize fun. Attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris may require extra patience as crowds continue to grow during the holiday rush.
What’s the longest you’re willing to wait for an attraction at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
