Top 12 Ways to Manage Disney Crowds & Get the Most out of Your Disney World Vacation

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You’ve likely researched which Disney crowds calendar is most accurate. You’ve planned which days you will visit each park, and made your dining reservations based on that. Then you arrive and it’s worse than predicted.

As the years go by, it seems like the peak crowd season at Walt Disney World gets longer and longer. While you might be lucky during a week in January or early February, there are now generally two seasons at Walt Disney World: busy and busier.

Just take a look at this photo below of the Big Thunder Mountain queue.

This wasn’t taken on New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. This is not even a phone of the typical Disney crowds in December. It was on Monday, in March. Granted, many schools are on spring break at the end of March, but this time period isn’t generally considered peak for crowds. Even the most accurate Disney crowds calendars did not predict this.

Besides the whopping three-hour wait for Thunder Mountain, many other attractions (including Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise) had waits that clocked in at well over an hour.

Crowded theme parks are one of the reasons that many people looking for a relaxing vacation opt-out of choosing Walt Disney World as their destination. However, with a little planning and knowledge, there are plenty of ways to you can enjoy everything a trip to Disney World has to offer while managing the bulk of the crowds.

1. Plan Ahead for Disney Crowds

Planning ahead and booking Lightning Lanes goes hand-in-hand. Check the Disney crowds calendars. There are several available online, but each is a bit different. They use historical data to try to estimate what the crowds may be like each day. However how accurate Disney crowds calendars are vary. If you are planning in advance, they may be helpful, but they are subject to change.

You should also review our Disney crowd calendar. It is not a day-by-day, park-by-park prediction. Instead, it gives you a more general sense of what to expect. Since even the best Disney crowd calendar is not always accurate, this helps you plan in broader strokes and make a plan that fits around your family instead of your family trying to fit around an algorithm.

Once you decide which days to visit each park, you can Plan your Lightning Lanes accordingly.

If you like spontaneity in your vacation, it might seem daunting to plan out the majority of your vacation several months in advance. However, if your goal is to avoid crowds, this planning ahead is the best way.

Having said that, we all know what’s said about best-laid plans. You may need to make adjustments due to the weather or an attraction is temporarily closed, so maintain some flexibility.

When you can’t plan in advance

If a last-minute trip is what you are doing, the same is still true—be flexible. You can check the Disney crowds calendar, but make your plans based on what Lightning Lanes you are able to get.

You will also want to consider getting park hoppers. This way you have the flexibility of switching to a different park if your first turns out the be more crowded than you expected. Plus, you can start in a park where you can get good Lightning Lane selections and have dinner in another where you can get a better reservation.

2. Take Advantage of Genie & Lightning Lanes to Beat Disney Crowds

The easiest way to limit your time waiting in line (and feel like a VIP) is to fully take advantage of the Lightning Lane system. Set an alert on your phone for 7:00 a.m.on the morning of your trip (park opening time if you are stying off Disney property). Those are the times that you’re able to start booking Lightning Lanes for each day of your trip.

There is some good news regarding popular Lighting Lane attractions. When a new attraction opens, it generally increases the availability for others, because everyone wants to try the new ride. However, sometimes, the newest rides offer a virtual queue.

Be sure to get your Lightning Lanes passes as soon as you are able—every 2 hours or as soon as you enter another Lightning Lane line.

For more tips on scoring the best Lightning Lanes, read:

Complete Guide to Disney Genie and Lightning Lanes

3. Get an Early Start on Disney Crowds with “Rope Drop”

Getting up early is the single best way to get the most rides into your day. You will find you are able to get on more rides in the first hour than you might get on the rest of the day—especially a crowded day.

Getting to the park about 15-30 minutes before it officially opens is like getting an unofficial third Lightning Lane. You’ll be allowed through the turnstiles and you will then line up at a certain point just inside the park. A couple of minutes before the time that the park opens, cast members will “drop the rope,” and you will be allowed to speed-walk (not run!) to your favorite attraction and experience it before the Disney crowds show up with little to no wait.

Head for the most popular rides first, especially if you were not able to secure that Lightning Lane.

If you are planning to go to rope drop, you may not want to get your first Lightning Lane for an hour after park opening. As mentioned, the lines in that first hour will be shortest so don’t waste your Lightning Lanes.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, one of the perks is Extra Magic early entry. Be sure to check the park hours and Extra Magic entry time the day before your visit as posted hours may change.

All of the parks have several breakfast options, so if you skip breakfast in favor of getting to the parks for rope drop, or for an extra few minutes of shut-eye, you can have a nice breakfast after your first few rides of the day.

4. Make Dining Reservations or Mobile Order in Advance to Avoid Disney Crowds

Counter service restaurants are some of the most crowded places you’ll find at all of Walt Disney World. You’ll have to wait in line to order (especially at peak meal times) and then wait in another line to receive your food. Once you have your trays, then it’s time to hunt for available seating.

While that seems daunting, Disney has simplified this process for technologically-savvy guests. The My Disney Experience app (more on that below) allows you to place mobile dining orders at select counter service restaurants. Simply place your order, pay for it, and let the restaurant know when you’re nearby so they can start preparing your food. This app is a great way to avoid long lines caused by Disney crowds.

You’ll receive a notification when your order is ready, and you go to a separate area to pick the food up. That eliminates the need to wait in two lines and also gives more time for you and your party to find a place to sit without trying to maneuver around tables and chairs while balancing a full tray.

You can also go ahead and avoid the lunch and dinnertime rush by making some dining reservations. Each park and resort have plenty of table service offerings, while Disney Springs and the Boardwalk are full of additional options. Being able to sit down, take your time, and enjoy the air conditioning of a restaurant can do wonders for your relaxation levels.

Be sure to take advance of Mobile Ordering through your My Disney Experience app. Not only is it a huge time saver, but some restaurants have secret menu items that are only visible on the app.

5. Take an Afternoon Break From Disney Crowds

Turn your Disney trip into a Disney vacation by pacing yourself.

Particularly if you’re taking advantage of “rope drop,” you may need an afternoon break. However, this is a good idea no matter when you arrive at the parks. The Florida sun is at its most intense between noon and 3:00 p.m., and during the wet season in the summer months, you can almost set your watch by the thunderstorms that roll in nearly every afternoon.

Before things get too hot, sticky, and wet, consider hopping on the bus or boat back to your resort for some lunch, pool time, or a nap. You’ll then be refreshed to go out and enjoy the evening when it’s a bit cooler and less crowded, as the afternoon thunderstorms have passed. Plus, those storms are known to send many people to the exit for the day.

On the park’s busiest days, Disney schedules the parks to be opened longer hours. Taking an afternoon break, during the time when the Disney crowds are at their peak, will not only get you out of the crowd but also allow you to catch a second wind for the night.

Disney parks are beautiful at night and many people stay only until the fireworks. On very busy days the park is opened later than that. You can get some great park time in during the last hour or two without the Disney crowds.

6. Take a Private Tour to Avoid Disney Crowds

Of course, the easiest way to avoid the Disney crowds is to feel like a VIP and take a guided tour. Disney has increased offerings in this area over the years and they are a great way to enjoy the magic in a very unique way.

Tours are a great way to experience everything that Disney has to offer (and then some!) at more of a leisurely pace. Some tours feature access to backstage areas that the public doesn’t have access to, and where you can learn a lot about the history of Disney. Others allow you immediate access to many of the best attractions, which usually also have the longest waits. So even though there is an extra cost, the memories you make may be worth it.

While some tours can be expensive, such as Private VIP Tours, there are others, such as Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot, that is a minimal charge and delivers an interesting and educational experience in a small group setting.

A Private VIP Tour is a very special experience and added expense. Although expensive, it can be well worth the cost, especially if your goal is to do everything in the parks or you are short on time. The price is the same for groups up to 10 so if you have a large group, it can make it more reasonable.

If you are working with a Disney travel agent, they can help guide you to the best VIP tour option for your group.

For learn about some of the tours and special experiences offered by Disney, read:

VIP Tours
Disney Tours
Special Experiences

What can be even more elite than a Private VIP Tour? The World of Dreams Tour! Two guides, 12 hours, a tour of Cinderella’s Castle. To learn more about this special tour read VIP Tours

7. Skip the Crowds & Enjoy the Parks Earlier and Later Than Everyone Else

There are 2 ways you can get extra time in the park with fewer guests.

Extra Magic Hours

First, If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can partake in Extra Magic Hours for no additional cost. They either take place for one hour prior to the park opening or for three hours after park closing. Check the Disney calendar to see which parks are offering Extra Magic Hours during your visit.

Keep in mind that parks that offer extra magic hours, especially extra magic mornings, tend to be the busiest parks that day. That is mainly due to those guests that do not have a park hopper ticket and want to get every minute of park time they can.

Special Ticketed Events

Disney After Hours is another option to consider. On select nights, one of the four theme parks offers after-hours access. There are a limited number of tickets sold for each of these events which limits the number of guests.

There are no Lightning Lanes offered, which can actually be a good thing. This way the lines move steadily for everyone.

The tickets are currently priced at about $125 for the event which typically lasts about 3 hours. However, you are permitted into the parks several hours early so you can still experience the parks for a good part of the day.

If you arrive take advantage of early entry, this may be a great option instead of paying for a full-day ticket.

If you’re weighing both the free and paid options, consider that due to the vast number of Disney resort guests, the lines during the free Extra Magic Hours may not be longer than anticipated. The lines at the After-Hours Parties are typically much shorter than those during Extra Magic Evening events

8. Download the App!

The My Disney Experience app is a treasure trove of both information and convenient amenities. We already talked about placing mobile dining orders at counter service restaurants. You can also check wait times at any attraction in any park to plan your next move and side-step Disney crowds.

My Disney Experience is also available online. The online version often works better when trying to book your initial Lightning Lanes, to link your reservations, and to make dining reservations.

As wonderful as the app is, it can be a bit quirky and not always perform as expected, especially when there is high traffic volume. You may want to take screen capture for the day so you have a quick glance at your ride times.

The My Disney Experience app can also work as your room key. You can avoid the check-in line at your resort by checking in days ahead of time, proceeding directly to your room (you’ll receive an email or text message when it’s ready), and using the app to unlock your door! If you have a MagicBand that’s linked to you and your reservation, you’ll also be able to use that as a room key as well.

By doing online check-in, you can skip the front desk and head right to the resort.

9. Make the Most of Waiting on Line When Dealing with Disney Crowds

Waiting on line is inevitable. Make the most of the time you have together with your family. Consider playing a game that everyone can join in on such as 20 questions. Or download some party game apps that can get everyone involved like Heads Up.

Disney also has its own free app: Play Disney Parks App which promises to connect family and friends to the theme parks with unique experiences and activities that bring surrounding environments to life. There is trivia, games, and Disney music. Plus, there is a new Star Wars addition to the app that will allow you to interact with droids.

Whichever games you choose, remember to keep them family-friendly as there are lots of little ones around.

For more tips and ride recommendations, read:

Best rides for Young Children
Best rides for the Whole Family
Best Rides for Adventurers.

10. Take Advantage of Your Resort to Escape the Crowds at Disney Parks

One of the best ways to make your Disney vacation feel more relaxed is by scheduling in some downtime at your resort. Many travelers will spend one or two full days away from the park and take it easy at their hotel.

While the number of amenities ranges depending on which tier resort you are staying at, even value resorts have plenty of things to do. All resorts have large swimming pools (complete with pool bars), dining locations, places to walk or jog, arcades for the kids, and more perks like free movies each night at the pool. Bring some books, a deck of cards, or some board games to enjoy some quality downtime in your room, as well.

If you are staying at one of the Deluxe Villa Resorts, most have a Community Hall. There you will find books, games, puzzles, and crafts for the kids. Some also have a ping-pong table or video games. On rainy days, you may even get a visit from one of the Disney Characters.

Many people return home from their Disney World vacation more exhausted than they were prior to the trip but scheduling a couple of R&R (rest and relaxation) days will go along way. Your legs and feet will thank you – plus, it will give you more energy to visit the parks, and strength to deal with the crowds.

The foundation of a luxury vacation begins with a fabulous resort. There is no shortage of fine accommodations in Disney World.

11. Check Amenities at Other Resorts

You don’t have to be a guest at a particular resort to take advantage of its amenities. For no additional cost, you can do things like set up shop on the beach at the Polynesian Resort or view the animals on the savannah at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. These are all things you can do on your leisure and at much more of a relaxed pace than the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

However, the use of pools at any resort besides the one you are staying at is the one activity prohibited by Disney.

If you don’t have your own transportation to get from one resort to the next, consider taking a bus from the theme park or from the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center). You can also take a scenic boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to several resorts such as The Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, or The Wilderness Lodge. Besides the leisurely ride along the lake, you can take a break from the parks crowds and have relaxing lunch at one of the deluxe resorts.

12. Explore the Outdoors & Get Some Space From Disney Crowds

If you’re looking to escape the Disney crowds completely, consider spending some quality time outdoors. Take a day trip to Fort Wilderness. You can start your journey with a relaxing boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to the campground, where you can partake in a number of low-key activities.

You can rent a bike, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, go kayaking, take archery lessons, and more.

You can also partake in a bass fishing excursion on Bay Lake or rent a boat for a day on the water. Fishing and boat rentals are available at several of the resorts besides Fort Wilderness. They are a great way to escape the crowds for a few hours.

In the evening, you can roast marshmallows and sing campfire songs along with Chip and Dale

To help plan the perfect vacation, Disney Travel Planners are available to make sense of all the options. Many offer free services when you book with them. To learn more, read Disney Travel Planners.

Bonus Tip: Remember, You Can’t Do Everything

A common mistake people make when heading on their vacation to Disney World is a need to try and do everything. Besides the four theme parks, there are two water parks, two miniature golf courses, plus the gigantic Disney Springs. You might be able to spend a whole vacation at Disney Springs – among the things you can do there is shop, eat, catch a movie, and go bowling.

It’s important to remember that it’s just about impossible to do everything. Pick things that are important to you that will make for a fulfilling vacation.

For more helpful planning tips, check out these articles:

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