This holiday season, Walt Disney World has witnessed an influx of visitors like never before. The combination of peak season, popular attractions, and sold-out Disney Park Pass reservations has caused massive crowds to swarm the four major parks. As the busiest week of the year between Christmas and New Year’s Eve just wrapped up, Disney World has found itself tackling a wave of eager guests—many of whom have been left facing longer-than-usual wait times at the parks’ biggest attractions.
As the first week of January begins, the crowds show no sign of letting up. With many guests still on holiday breaks, Disney has recognized the need to alleviate crowding in key areas—and has taken proactive measures to provide additional entertainment options for those still planning a visit.
Managing the Holiday Rush: Extreme Wait Times Across the Parks
As expected, wait times for Disney World’s most popular attractions hit extreme levels over the holiday season. Avatar Flight of Passage, a standout ride at Animal Kingdom, saw an average wait of 102 minutes, while Magic Kingdom’s TRON Lightcycle / Run reached an 85-minute wait. Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios also reported waits of around 78 minutes, while Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After at EPCOT logged wait times of 61 and 59 minutes, respectively. The parks’ walkways were packed, dining reservations were snapped up well in advance, and Lightning Lane passes sold out early.
Walt Disney World responded with the addition of a rare third performance of Fantasmic!, the nighttime spectacular that serves as one of the main entertainment options at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, guests will have the chance to attend an additional showing of Fantasmic! at 6 p.m., in addition to the regular 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. performances. This added showtime comes as Disney anticipates large crowds to continue in the first week of 2025, ensuring guests will have more opportunities to catch this incredible show.
A Brilliant Solution to a Busy Season
As one of Disney’s most beloved nighttime experiences, Fantasmic! has a massive following, and the addition of a third performance is a direct response to the overcrowding that typically occurs during peak season. The amphitheater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can hold up to 6,300 guests, plus another 3,000 in standing room areas, but it fills up quickly during high-demand periods. By adding an additional show, Disney hopes to give guests more flexibility and access to this unforgettable spectacle.
For guests trying to dodge the heavy crowds, the 9:30 p.m. performance of Fantasmic! tends to have the least crowded seating. While the early show may offer more availability, the later show tends to offer a more relaxed experience.
Updated Fantasmic!: A Fresh Take on a Classic Show
Disney World fans are in for a treat when it comes to Fantasmic! in 2025. The show received a major overhaul in Fall 2022, after a pandemic-induced hiatus. The update features new characters from beloved Disney films like Frozen, Moana, and Mulan, as well as enhanced lighting and special effects. The Pocahontas scenes have been removed, making way for fresher content that resonates with the current audience. These updates give the already magical show a new life, making it a must-see for both first-time visitors and seasoned Disney fans.
With the addition of a third showtime, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not only accommodating the holiday crowds but also ensuring that the magic of Fantasmic! is accessible to all who wish to experience it. With extra showings and a newly updated show experience, Disney is setting the stage for a fantastic start to 2025.
So, if you’re visiting during the first week of January, don’t miss your chance to see the updated Fantasmic!—now available at three different times for a limited period. It’s just one more way Disney is managing the peak season and ensuring guests get the most out of their holiday visit.
