The holidays at Walt Disney World Resort are billed as a magical time, but for many guests, the reality of overcrowded parks and skyrocketing prices turned the enchantment into frustration. EPCOT, home to the International Festival of the Holidays, was no exception, with long lines and record-breaking crowds prompting some to rethink their plans. Even Disney cast members weighed in, advising guests to avoid the Central Florida Disney parks during the busiest week of the year.
Crowds Cause Chaos at EPCOT: Spaceship Earth
Tess (@fl_tess on TikTok) shared her experience visiting EPCOT on December 28, 2024. She posted a video highlighting the unusually long line for Spaceship Earth, an Omnimover-style dark ride that typically boasts short wait times. The line extended into EPCOT’s World Celebration neighborhood, with wait times reaching 55 minutes.
@fl_tess We waited about 5 minutes for spaceship earth with a lightning lane. The actual wait was 55 minutes! #disney #epcot #spaceshipearth #epcotball #disneywaittimes #disneycrowds
“It’s so busy we actually had to wait for our Lightning Lane for Spaceship Earth,” Tess said in her video.
“I’m at EPCOT today too and I can’t believe how insane it is!” @dominiquelyn16 replied. “I’ve never seen it this busy before!”
Other guests commented on the unusual wait times across the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. TikTok user @dana.rindler wrote, “Parts of today, Muppet Vision had full capacity in the theaters for like an hour.”
Holiday Prices and Crowds Spark Warnings
The surge in holiday crowds wasn’t the only challenge for Disney Parks fans. With sold-out Disney Park Pass reservations and $400 Lightning Lane Premier Passes reaching capacity, families struggled to justify the costs. For many, the combination of high prices and long waits made for a stressful holiday experience.
Even Disney cast members offered stern warnings. TikTok user @madison.breanne, who identified themselves as a current cast member, said, “The absolute worst time ever to visit the parks is between Christmas and NYE.”
“We did in fact run out of strollers today, which was a first for me and I’ve worked here nearly a year,” @claudiacurcion replied.
What’s the longest wait time you’ve seen at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
