Menu

“Ghost Town No More,” Disney World Crowds Return With a Vengeance

Main Street is busy in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World rope drop
Credit: Jason M Ramos/ Flickr

Walt Disney World Resort is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Disney World draws millions of Guests from around the world each year. As a result, Disney Parks can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons and holidays. While the popularity of Disney World adds to its charm, it also means dealing with larger crowds.

Disney World consists of four distinct theme parks, each with its unique charm and thematic elements. Magic Kingdom is the most popular of the Disney Parks due to Guests being able to spot Cinderella Castle as its centerpiece and taking Guests on a journey through different lands, including Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. EPCOT includes the main focus on technology, innovation, and cultural exploration. EPCOT offers a thrilling blend of entertainment and education. Guests can travel the world at the World Showcase, where 11 pavilions showcase the culture, architecture, and cuisine of various nations.

cinderella castle disney world

Credit: Disney

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a tribute to the world of showbiz and filmmaking. Guests can experience the magic of blockbuster movies through immersive attractions, live shows, and thrilling rides, such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Last but not least, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a perfect blend of entertainment and conservation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates the wonders of the natural world. From the lush landscapes of Pandora – The World of Avatar to thrilling encounters on Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris, this Park provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

walt disney world tree of life hottest theme park animal kingdom 10 degrees

Credit: Disney

Disney World experiences higher crowd levels during certain times of the year, such as school holidays, summer vacations, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Additionally, special events and festivals like Halloween and EPCOT Food and Wine Festival attract more Guests. While these periods offer unique experiences, they also mean longer wait times for attractions and larger crowds at dining venues and entertainment shows.

Disney Genie+

Credit: Disney

ParkTwister tweeted a photo of the beloved Magic Kingdom. In this photo, Guests can be seen lined up, waiting to go into the Parks. Guests may be filling the Parks due to Summer coming to an end, and children will soon be heading back to school.

Tips For Higher Crowds

Disney Guests can arrive early or stay late with early access or rope drop or special events such as Disney After Hours. Being at the parks during the first hour after opening or the last hour before closing can be less crowded and offer shorter lines for attractions. Another tip is Guests can take breaks and pace themselves and take breaks throughout the day. Guests could even head back to their hotel for a swim or a nap during the busiest hours and return to the parks refreshed later in the day. Something that could cut the wait times down is for Guests to utilize Genie +.

Disney World offers a Genie + system that allows Guests to reserve access to certain attractions, entertainment, and character meet-and-greets. This system can significantly reduce wait times for popular rides and allows Guests to use the lighting lane instead of the regular standby line.  One important reminder is Guests should remember to be flexible and patient. Guests should embrace the fact that Disney World will be crowded and be patient with fellow Guests and Cast Members. Maintaining a positive attitude will enhance your overall experience.

About Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.