Disney World guests heading to EPCOT might want to get their ticket refunded as the crowds are here and they are bigger, meaner, and scarier than ever.
EPCOT Guests Stunned as Post-Thanksgiving Crowds Reach Unpredictable Levels
The days following Thanksgiving used to feel like a deep breath after the holiday rush—a rare pocket of calm when Disney World fans could slip into the parks and experience manageable lines, cooler temperatures, and open walkways. But a new viral video is sparking a heated discussion: what happens when even the slow season doesn’t feel slow anymore? One clip shared online has left many questioning whether EPCOT’s once-reliable quiet period is officially gone for good.
The Video That Has Guests Re-Evaluating Everything
The clip, posted by TikTok user @bibbidi_bobbidi_beard, captured a jaw-dropping scene inside EPCOT: massive waves of guests moving shoulder-to-shoulder with virtually no space between them. The crowd looks more like what you’d expect on New Year’s Eve—not during a week historically promoted as one of the best times to visit.
This is what it’s like visiting Disneyland in California during the holidays Remember one holiday single day ticket can go for $224, with park hopper the cost is $1,256 for a single day for a family of 4 Is it really worth it with these crowds? Could it even be enjoyable?
This is what it’s like visiting Disneyland in California during the holidays
Remember one holiday single day ticket can go for $224, with park hopper the cost is $1,256 for a single day for a family of 4
Is it really worth it with these crowds? Could it even be enjoyable? pic.twitter.com/gPwkoS0BlD
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) November 28, 2025
The imagery is shocking enough, but the undercurrent is even more significant. If these are the “light” crowds, what does that mean for the future of Disney trip planning?
EPCOT’s Seasonal Festival Quietly Changes the Game
EPCOT has always leaned into cultural celebration, but the International Festival of the Holidays has evolved into something much larger than just a seasonal overlay. What was once a charming, educational add-on has transformed into a winter tourism magnet—and this year’s attendance proves it.
Guests aren’t just showing up for a stroll around the World Showcase. They’re coming for an immersive experience that blends global traditions, holiday storytelling, culinary adventures, and high-energy entertainment.
Here’s what’s drawing unprecedented turnout:
A Global Holiday Celebration Through Food
The park’s popular Holiday Kitchens offer dishes inspired by traditions around the world. For travelers looking to eat their way through the season, the festival is a culinary playground. This alone is enough to fill EPCOT’s walkways.
The Candlelight Processional’s Timeless Appeal
Featuring celebrity narrators, a full orchestra, and a massive choir, the Candlelight Processional remains one of Disney’s most beloved holiday offerings. Longtime fans plan their entire winter trips around this performance.
Storytellers Who Bring Culture to Life
Each pavilion introduces live holiday storytellers—from international folktales to traditional celebrations—giving families a rare opportunity to experience holiday customs from around the world.
JOYFUL! Concert Series Brings the Energy
The JOYFUL! ensemble delivers a seasonal lineup of gospel, R&B, and holiday favorites. These performances often draw dense, enthusiastic crowds that spill into surrounding walkways.
Interactive Family Activities
From Olaf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt to the wildly popular Holiday Cookie Stroll, EPCOT has pivoted toward hands-on seasonal fun that appeals to families and collectors alike.
Park-Wide Decorations and Exclusive Merchandise
Elaborate décor, special lighting, and limited-edition festival items have turned the park into a holiday must-visit destination.
Why Crowds Have Reached New Heights
The holiday festival has grown consistently year after year, but the dynamic in 2024 and 2025 is different. Travel volume across Orlando continues to rise, and guests planning winter trips seem more eager than ever to pack their itineraries with culturally rich experiences. When combined with EPCOT’s shift toward food-forward events and its reputation for festival-driven attendance, the result is a park that increasingly sees heavy traffic—even during previously quiet periods.
The viral video didn’t just reveal a moment of congestion—it highlighted a pattern. “Off-season,” as longtime fans knew it, is becoming harder to find.
The Future of Disney’s “Slow Season”
For travelers hoping to visit during low-crowd periods, EPCOT may no longer offer the breathing room it once did. As festivals continue to rise in popularity and Disney leans more heavily into annual event programming, traditional crowd predictions may need to be redefined.
If EPCOT’s current attendance is any hint, the weeks after Thanksgiving may be moving permanently into “busy season” territory—especially as festival programming continues to evolve and expand.
Whether this shift represents a new normal or a temporary spike remains to be seen, but one fact is undeniable: EPCOT’s holiday draw is now strong enough to erase the concept of a predictable off-season.
