Disney World Wait Times: How To Beat The Crowds

No one likes to spend their Disney World vacation waiting in long lines. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to avoid crowds and minimize wait times, from utilizing Extra Magic Hours to visiting during off-peak seasons. Read on as I will share insider tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time in the Parks to maximize your Disney experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, you will discover the best ways to avoid the lines and enjoy all the magic that Disney World wait times have to offer.

Also see: WHAT IS CHEAPEST TIME TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD?

Disney World Wait Time App

The Disney World Wait Time App is a powerful tool that can help you make the most of your time in the Parks. This app provides real-time information on wait times for all the attractions, as well as show times, park hours, and even dining information. With this app, you can easily plan your day and avoid wasting time in long lines. One of the great features of the app is the ability to set up push notifications for your favorite attractions.

This means you’ll get an alert on your phone when the wait time for that attraction is shorter, allowing you to quickly make your way there and enjoy the ride with minimal wait. Although at times you may be across the resort when the notification pops up, it is one of the best feelings in the world when you are located near the attraction and you get the ping on your phone that the line is short!

In addition, to wait times, the app also provides helpful information on attraction height requirements, park maps, and even a GPS-enabled feature that helps you find your way around the Parks. Although the GPS feature may sound like a needless option, for first-time parkgoers, it allows you to get to more rides and locations faster… which inevitably correlates to a better experience. 

Disney Digital

The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices and is regularly updated to ensure the most accurate information possible. However, it’s important to note that the app can drain your battery quickly, so it’s recommended to bring an external charger or portable battery pack to keep your phone charged throughout the day. Trust me when I say this, unless you have a portable charger with you, you may be disappoint when your phone is draining by the second. Overall, the Disney World Wait Time App is an essential tool for any visitor to the Parks. By using this app, you can avoid wasting time in long lines and make the most of your time enjoying all the magic that Disney World has to offer. I even still use it to this day and I know the map of the Park like the back of my hand!

How Long Are Wait Times In Disney World?

Long wait times are a common occurrence at Disney World, especially during peak seasons and for popular attractions. Some wait times can be as long as several hours, making it difficult to fit in everything you want to do during your visit. However, several factors can impact wait times, including time of day, day of the week, and season.

One of the biggest factors in wait times is the time of day. Generally, wait times are shorter in the morning and evening hours, when crowds are thinner. Midday tends to be the busiest time, as many visitors are taking a break from the heat or having lunch. To avoid this, I love to be one of the first in line when the Parks open!

Another factor is the day of the week. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier than weekdays, as more people are off work and have time to visit the Parks. Nevertheless, there can be exceptions to this rule, such as during special events or promotions. If you are worried about wait times, I suggest not even attempting to enter the Parks during the holiday season as every piece of the resort is with guests. 

Wait times are often impacted by the season

Finally, wait times are often impacted by the season. Summer is typically the busiest time, as families with school-aged children are on vacation. Spring break and Christmas break can also be busy times. On the other hand, fall and winter tend to be quieter, with shorter wait times and smaller crowds.

Despite the long wait times, there are several strategies you can use to minimize the time spent waiting in line, including utilizing Genie+, arriving early, and taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours. By planning and being strategic with your time, you can make the most of your Disney World experience and minimize wait times as much as possible. 

It is vital to come inside the Parks with a clear mind as at times the lines may be longer than expected. This will have you at ease and not stressing about how you are going to get everything done!

Taking Advantage Of Extra Magic Hours To Avoid Crowds

As I previously pointed out, Extra Magic Hours (EMH) is a great way to avoid wait times at Disney World. EMH are special hours exclusively to Disney resort guests, during which select Parks open early or stay open late. During these hours, crowds tend to be lighter, and wait times are often shorter, making it a prime opportunity to ride your favorite attractions with minimal wait. To take advantage of EMH, it’s important to make your day plan. Check the Park hours for the days you’ll be visiting and note any EMH opportunities.

Then, plan to arrive at the park during the EMH period and head straight to the attractions you want to ride to before the crowds arrive. It’s also a good idea to utilize the My Disney Experience app to check wait times and plan your strategy. Take advantage of the shorter lines during EMH to ride the sought-after attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Avatar Flight of Passage, which can have wait times upwards of two hours during peak periods.

Keep in mind that EMH can be busy, so it’s important to arrive early to beat the crowds. Also, be aware that not all attractions will be open during EMH, so check the schedule ahead of time to avoid disappointment. In conclusion, Extra Magic Hours offer a great way to make the most of your Disney World experience and minimize wait times. With a little planning and strategy, you can enjoy your favorite attractions with shorter lines and more time to explore the Parks. It is a complete win-win in my eyes!