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Avoid the Crowds with These Attractions & Experiences in Walt Disney World

Country Bear Jamboree
Credit: Disney

One of the biggest issues that many Guests face on a Walt Disney World Resort vacation are high crowd levels which can lead to long wait times, busy restaurants, and more. The vacation destination has become so popular that almost all times of the year are sure to be crowded, but there are some great ways to avoid heavy crowds and save some time and frustration.

Guests who plan accordingly and visit the Disney Parks early in the morning or late at night will avoid the heaviest crowds, but there are some days that are so packed that the crowds seem unavoidable. Never fear! When the crowds become too much, check out these attractions and experiences which tend to be overlooked and have few Guests, making them a respite from the heavy crowds.

Swiss Family Treehouse

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Swiss Family Treehouse

The Swiss Family Treehouse in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is rarely ever crowded and offers Guests the opportunity to feel miles away from the crowds below while taking in beautiful views of the Disney Park. The attraction invites Guests to climb several dozen steps to explore the innovative home that the Robinson family created after being shipwrecked. With clever ideas used to make the tree truly feel like a home, Guests will love checking out all of the details and gazing across the Magic Kingdom from the very top.

Exterior

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Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Many Guests in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom head straight for the Jungle Cruise or Pirates of the Caribbean, but there is another wonderful attraction that they should be sure to check out that rarely has crowds. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room features a huge cast of singing tropical birds, flowers, and tikis who serenade Guests below with some catchy and loveable songs. Offering up the chance to sit down in air conditioning and enjoy an entertaining show, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a welcome break from heavy crowds in the Magic Kingdom.

Country Bear Jamboree

Credit: Disney

Country Bear Jamboree

Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom is home to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain, two attractions that always boast huge crowds, but the chaos can be avoided at another nearby experience. Country Bear Jamboree is a fun and entertaining show where Guests can kick back in Grizzly Hall and watch a variety of country performances by loveable bears. Featuring memorable moments like Big Al crooning “Blood on the Saddle” and a huge finale, Guests won’t want to miss out this wonderful attraction that is rarely crowded.

Stage at The Hall of Presidents

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The Hall of Presidents

Another great attraction in the Magic Kingdom that is rarely ever crowded is The Hall of Presidents found in the heart of patriotic Liberty Square. This historical and entertaining attraction can be found inside of a stately building and invites Guests to learn about the history of the office of the president over the years. Featuring a wonderful exhibit in the lobby and a stunning finale where all of the presidents stand together as one on stage, The Hall of Presidents is a great way to escape the crowds for a bit while also relaxing in comfortable chairs and air conditioning.

Mickey's Philharmagic

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Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is a fun attraction that is almost always overlooked by Guests resulting in it rarely being crowded. Once seated in the large theater, Guests don 3D Opera Glasses and enjoy a medley of favorite Disney musical numbers as Donald gets into all sorts of trouble trying to retrieve Mickey’s magical sorcerer hat. Featuring wonderful music and characters from favorite films like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Coco, and Aladdin, Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a great attraction to enjoy!

Family on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

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Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Tomorrowland is home to many popular attractions that regularly have lengthy wait times and heavy crowds including Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, but Guests who are looking to avoid the crowds also have several options. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a gentle and relaxing ride above Tomorrowland that offers up beautiful views of the area as well as a special glimpse of Cinderella Castle. Lasting about ten minutes, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a great way to literally go above the crowds and relax for a few while enjoying the beauty of Tomorrowland.

Carousel of Progress

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Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Another often overlooked attraction in Tomorrowland that is rarely ever crowded is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which was originally created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. This innovative attraction rotates Guests around central stages and offers them the chance to check out how technology advanced throughout the century to make life at home more convenient for the family. With the favorite Sherman Brothers Song “There A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and classic characters and moments, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a great way to relax and avoid the crowds of the Magic Kingdom.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

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The Seas with Nemo and Friends

World Nature in EPCOT is home to The Seas with Nemo and Friends, a beautiful pavilion that is also home to an attraction of the same name. The attraction itself brings Guests through familiar scenes from Finding Nemo and shares the story of how Marlin and Dory searched the seas for Nemo. After enjoying the attraction, Guests can wander through the rarely crowded pavilion to check out large aquariums with dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and more and interactive exhibits to help them learn more about the oceans.

Greenhouse on Living with the Land

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Living with the Land

Also found in World Nature in EPCOT is The Land Pavilion, where many Guests flock to enjoy a ride on the popular Soarin’ Around the World. Also found in The Land Pavilion is Living with the Land, a rarely crowded boat attraction that serenely glides Guests through beautiful greenhouses and environments to show how the growing techniques are being developed to help protect the land. With a soothing narration and gentle speed, Living with the Land is a relaxing experience that is the perfect opportunity to escape heavy crowds on any day in EPCOT.

Finale scene The American Adventure

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The American Adventure

World Showcase in EPCOT tends to get very crowded throughout the day, especially as the sun sets and Guests gather to enjoy a showing of Harmonious. While crowds are definitely common, Guests can always head to The American Adventure in the pavilion of the same name to escape the chaos and relax for a bit. This massive production shares the story of the American people through a mix of artwork, narration, music, animatronics, and large sets, and Guests can enjoy it all from a truly huge theater that is rarely ever crowded. With pumping air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a wonderful show, The American Adventure is the perfect escape from crowds.

Credit: Disney

Impressions de France

Another great opportunity to get away from the crowds for a bit in EPCOT’s World Showcase is Impressions de France in the France Pavilion. This smaller theater rarely attracts crowds and shows a beautiful film that showcases the diverse locations found throughout France. With a panoramic screen, score from French composers, and beautiful camera shots, Impressions de France will make Guests feel as though they are exploring across the Atlantic and not in the middle of EPCOT on a crowded day.

Credit: Disney

Muppet Vision 3D

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is typically a very busy Disney Park thanks to its many popular and thrilling attractions that Guests love to enjoy like Toy Story Mania in Toy Story Land and all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. When the crowds get to be too much, Guests can head over to the Grand Avenue area of the Disney Park to enjoy Muppet Vision 3D. This over-the-top 3D show brings Guests into the headquarters of the Muppets, where everyone tries to get in on the fun and general chaos ensues. Featuring favorite characters, hilarious moments, and a massive finale where things go totally haywire, Muppet Vision 3D is an amazing attraction that also offers an escape from heavy crowds.

Exterior

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Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Another great option to avoid crowds in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! in the Echo Lake area of the Disney Park. This live show is performed several times each day in a large open-air theater, and Guests can check out recreations of famous scenes from the film franchise and learn how the stunts and effects were safely created. Featuring Indy, Marion, and other favorites and huge amounts of action, Guests can enjoy spreading out in this massive theater and relaxing away from the crowds for a while.

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

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Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the Disney Park’s signature attractions and always features heavy crowds, but many Guests tend to overlook a quiet experience found right next to it in Harambe. The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a self-guided walking path that winds through lush jungle areas, habitats, and beautifully themed buildings where Guests can check out various animals including gorillas. With quiet corners, calm pathways, and stunning animal habitats, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a wonderful way to avoid crowds in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Conservation Station

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Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Also found in Harambe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Wildlife Express Train, which brings Guests on a gentle ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch offering up some backstage glimpses along the way. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a wonderful area of the Disney Park that is rarely ever crowded and is home to Conservation Station, where Guests can check out veterinary rooms and exhibits, as well as the Affection Section where goats and other animals roam free and can be pet. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a quiet and very overlooked area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a great escape from crowds on a busy day.

Maharajah Jungle Trek

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Maharajah Jungle Trek

The final experience to enjoy while avoiding crowds in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia area of the Disney Park, not far from Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. This second self-guided walking path leads Guests through the Anandapur Royal Forest where jungles, temple ruins, and massive habitats can be explored. While wandering along the quiet paths, Guests can encounter a massive aviary with many species of birds, majestic Asian tigers, and more, making it a wonderful way to enjoy some calm and avoid heavy crowds in the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Be sure to check out any of these attractions and experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort if you are in need of a break from heavy crowds!

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying seeing the magic through the eyes of her children. When not in WDW, Caitlin can be found at home in New York dreaming of a ride on Living with the Land and counting down the days until her next trip.