Any Disney fan worth their salt knows that crowds happen. Whether it’s Disneyland or the Walt Disney World Resort, they are some of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet.
That doesn’t mean packed crowds have to ruin your Disney trip; planning and knowing how to schedule your trip appropriately can take your trip from tragic to magic.
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Weekends and holidays like the Fourth of July, Christmas, Halloween, or any time school is out could be an absolute trainwreck at the parks. Labor Day weekend is notorious for being packed, but this writer managed to survive a full day at Walt Disney World, tracking through multiple parks and checking everything off on our to-do lists.
Disney World on Labor Day
Any seasoned Park Hopper knows that weekends are absolutely murder when it comes to crowds, and Labor Day weekend was previously predicted to be one of the busiest this year. Over the recent three-day weekend, this writer made the trek through the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, and EPCOT and discovered that the crowds (while large) were much more manageable than some might suspect.
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After rope-dropping Animal Kingdom, crowds at Magic Kingdom were surprisingly low. Clocking in at only 6% crowded (with 4% room for error), that’s nowhere near what most were predicting. However, EPCOT had a much larger crowd flow with a whopping 28%.
With that all in mind, snaking through three parks in one day was challenging but not impossible. In fact, Magic Kingdom alone would’ve been milder if it hadn’t been for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that night.
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It should be stated that my experience will differ greatly from anyone else’s. I tend to travel as a party of one and “Han Solo” my way across the parks, meaning I only follow my own schedule.
Even with that all on the table, that doesn’t mean the average family with kids can’t work around a fun day at the parks. If you know how to manage time and follow through, cutting through the crowds can be remarkably easy, even on holidays.
Rope-Dropping All the Way
Early birds meet the mouse, and the best thing any Disney park guest party can do is show up early. Guests staying on Disney property also get early access to the park, beating out the waves of people that flood throughout the day.
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As Mary Poppins once said, “Well begun is half done.” That concept is especially helpful for parts that open earlier, like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, essentially expanding your time window.
Disney World Downpours
Florida might be known as the sunshine state, but it’s also prone to random weather. Take it from someone who’s been visiting the parks for years: When it rains, it pours.
Rain can absolutely drench your Disney day, but it can also be a powerful ally if you are willing to brave the elements. Rain causes hundreds of unprepared guests to form a mass exodus, often pouring out of the parks in droves. Keep an eye on the weather, and use your best judgment to brave the storm.
There’s an App for That
The My Disney Experience app is essential for any party and can be a massive timesaver if utilized correctly. While this writer encourages all guests to avoid being glued to their phones, keeping an eye on wait times and making reservations on your way into the parks can be a game changer.
If you’re in it for the rides, the wait time map can ensure you get the most out of the attractions. If you’re a foodie, you can order ahead from almost any quick-service restaurant, as well as make reservations for many great dining experiences.
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It should be stated that not everyone will have the same kind of Disney trip, and multiple elements are subject to change. However, it all boils down to correct planning.
Whether it’s your first time or your 101st, planning a Disney trip begins long before you even step foot on the plane. Knowing when to go and how to manage your time can be the difference between a place where dreams come true and an absolute nightmare.
Were you at Disney World on Labor Day? What did you think of the crowds? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
