How to avoid long lines and big crowds at Disney World

Recently, one of Disney groups I follow took an informal poll about the one thing everyone hates most about Disney World.

The answer was overwhelmingly high crowds causing long wait times.

There’s nothing more annoying than planning the perfect trip and spending a good part of your day staring at the backside of the family in front of you.

I get it.

I’ve experienced it too. It’s frustrating, makes you cranky, tempers flare and inevitably, someone in your party will need to use the restroom, when it’s totally inconvenient to leave the line.

Good news is, you can do something about it.

There are ways to circumvent the crowds and give yourself the trip you’ve been dreaming of.  

Everything I’m about to share, I’ve tested myself and can speak with authority.

These tips aren’t for everyone. Some of them may suit you and your vacation, some may not. But lets take a look… so you know your options.

Summer isn’t what it used to be

There was a time, when summer break was when you went to Disney. Crowds were high because everyone was out of school… then the word got out.

Summer in Florida is hot.

Like… seriously.

Over time, the summer crowds have thinned. In fact, the month of September has become one of the least crowded months to visit Disney World.  

Because of this, now going during the summer and in particular September, is one of the most cost-effective ways to have a low crowd vacation. And don’t let the heat scare you away, there are ways to manage the heat (check out this post on visiting Disney in the Summer)!

And there’s another bonus to September: lower prices! As if to confirm that statement, Disney just released a Dining Card Promo for Summer of 2023 that goes in to September. So, if you’re looking for savings (especially on Dining), you may want to have us check it out for you!

Early Entry

If you’re staying on property, Early Entry is a game changer.

On property guests can enter each park 30 minutes prior to the posted opening time.

Now this is where my tough love comes in… 😊

If you are really going to utilize Early Entry to your advantage, you need to get to your desired park at least an hour PRIOR to Early Entry time . I’ll tell you why…

Let’s use Magic Kingdom as our example.

On our hypothetical day, Magic Kingdom opens at 9. You are staying on property, which means you can enter at 8:30 for Early Entry. However, cast members open park gates at 8 am, letting crowds into Main Street as a sort of holding area. They do this to alleviate congestion at scan-in entry points.

Those with Early Entry will find further roped off areas closer to the hub where cast members scan your Magic Band+ again, to confirm you are staying on property at which time, you enter another holding area with other on property guests. At 8:30am, cast members will let the “rope drop” at this second holding station, so you and your fellow on-property guests can hustle to your desired attractions.

Keep in mind, not all attractions will open exactly for Early Entry. So make sure to check with your travel agent on which attractions to head to.

PRO TIP: The best part about arriving early? Getting those iconic photos in front of the castle with fewer guests around to crowd your shot.

Party Time!

Heading in to Fall, Disney starts celebrating Halloween and Christmas with special event parties.

These parties are separately ticketed events with unique entertainment, free treats, awesome parades and firework displays that take place after normal park hours.

With a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket you can enter Magic Kingdom at 4pm. Parties don’t begin until 7pm, so you’ll have 3 hours to get in a few rides prior to the party starting.

Also, these events have attendance caps and the only area where you’ll see any sort of real crowd, will be on Main Street, prior to or directly after a parade, stage show or fireworks… which is why Disney provides multiple viewing times for both the parade and stage show.

And my favorite part: just about every ride will be a walk on or have a minimal wait.

After Hours Events

Taking the place of parties, Disney After Hours just returned to Disney World.

Crowds are even lower than the holiday parties and come with more free drinks and snacks. Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom are currently the only parks with these After Hours events.

Again, lines here are excessively low or nonexistent. The sheer number of attractions you can knock out at one of these events makes the ticket price worth it… plus, during the summer, it’s a great way to beat the heat!

Deluxe Resort Perks

Sure, Deluxe resorts are great to stay in… but now there’s even more incentive: Disney’s Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Talk about low crowds, lol… I’ve walked around Epcot and Magic Kingdom not running in to any other parties other than the one I’m with. The park feels quiet and calm and is just amazing.

This perk isn’t flashy like an After Hours Event or Holiday Party – meaning you aren’t getting anything for free (no snacks or drinks) and some attractions may not be open during your time in the park (if you need a list, let your Travel Agent know)!

Expect a low key, low crowd, low wait time experience. And… you can get some amazing photos once the park really empties out and the night lights are on!

Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightening Lane

It’s the new paid version of Fast Pass… souped up, fancy and to be fair… sometimes complicated.

Prices are based on how busy the parks are (think Surge pricing with Uber or Lyft).

Depending on your overall travel party (how many people and their ages), this may work better for you than parties or Deluxe Resort accommodations. Individual Lightening Lanes (ILL’s) are available for one attraction per park and can be purchased in addition to Genie+. You do not have to purchase Genie+ in order to purchase ILL’s. I’ve used Genie+ a lot and it’s worked well for me and my smaller travelling party’s and saved us a ton of time in the parks.

Walt Disney World Private VIP Tours

This is the ultimate way to travel.

Led by a Disney trained tour guide, this option will allow you to customize your itinerary to your little heart’s desire. Multiple parks and line skipping are the main perks… but having someone else manage your day, really is the ultimate way to sit back and enjoy Disney World.  

While it is a bit pricey, if you’re traveling with a group and can cost share, it may be a great option for your family. VIP Tours are limited in size and availability, so if this is something you want to explore, we’ll need to plan well in advance.

Thinking about heading to Disney World and concerned about lines and crowds? We’ve got you covered! Request a quote here and let’s get started!