by Shannon Harris
Who wants to spend hours of their Disney World vacation waiting in line? It helps to visit during the off-season for the shortest lines and lowest prices, but even during peak season, it’s possible to skip ahead of the crowd. Are you ready to make the most of your vacation? Here’s how to avoid lines at Disney World:
- Consult your favorite crowd calendar.
Crowd calendars tell us which days are ideal for visiting each park. For example, Magic Kingdom tends to be fuller on Saturdays and Mondays—often great days to visit Animal Kingdom. This calendar is highly detailed; it shows crowd predictions for all four Disney World parks, Universal parks, and SeaWorld, and even features average temperature highs and lows. We at Travel Disney like to cross-reference it with this much simpler crowd calendar, which tells us things like when the dance/cheer competitions are. That’s a loud, loud group.
- Stay at a Disney Resort.
Disney Resort guests get early entry to every Disney World park—30 minutes of smaller crowds! You’ll also have access to easy transportation, whether by bus, boat, monorail, or the Skyliner gondola. To take advantage of early entry, you’ll need to line up for your transportation to the park. That may require extra cushion time. You’ll need proof that you’re a Disney Resort guest (e.g., MagicMobile pass). Eat early or bring breakfast bars and you won’t have to waste valuable time standing in line for food.
Pro Tip: Research your resort options. They range from budget hotels like the super fun Pop Century Resort to the ultra-luxurious Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- Live life in the Lightning Lanes.
The Disney FastPass is history. Next came the MaxPass, then Genie+, and now we have entered the world of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. These run out fast. Snag passes for the most popular rides first, the moment they’re available. That means if passes post at 7:00am, you should be on the app at 6:58am, because they disappear. Resort guests can buy their passes 7 days in advance. Standard guests can buy their passes 3 days in advance. “Tap in” at the designated spot at each ride entrance and you can immediately schedule your next one!
- Arrive early. Stay late.
It’s the same for every park. Early morning, late night, and during fireworks shows and parades are the best times to avoid lines at Disney World. If you get there early enough for “Rope Drop,” you can dash to rides before the serious crowds hit. If you’re willing to skip big shows, you’re in for short lines. Best of all: rides don’t shut down at closing. If you hop in line at 7:59pm and the park closes at 8:00pm, you’ll get to ride. The less crowded hours are ideal for popular ride that don’t have Lightning Lane pass options.
- Learn the hacks.
- Monitor the app, which has attraction wait times posted all day. Figure out which of your favorite rides have the longest wait and grab Lightning Lane passes for those.
- Head to popular rides that don’t have Lightning Lane or single rider options either during opening or late hours.
- When you enter the park, either turn left or head to the way, way back and work your way around. It’s our nature to turn right. More people will go that direction to start.
- Find out which attractions have a “Single Rider” (age 7+) option with shorter lines. Single Rider lines are often off-limits during low-crowd hours.
- Avoid areas where a Lightning Lane ride has broken down recently. Guests will leave that line and often head to others in the area, lengthening those waits. Monitor on the app.
- Become a VIP.
Go all out. Disney VIPs have access to unlimited Lightning Lanes, insider knowledge and guidance, and planned itineraries. The cost: $450 to $900/hour with a 7-hour minimum, plus park admission. You may visit multiple parks within your decided timeframe, though you must purchase separate entry for each one. Since up to 10 guests may be in a group, splitting costs with friends and family can make it more affordable. It’s considered an “Enchanting Extra” experience. Advance reservations recommended.
- Join the After Dark party!
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Typhoon Lagoon all offer “After Hours” tickets. Spots are limited, so you won’t have to deal with daytime crowds. However, while major attractions will be open, not all of them will be. This makes sense if you’re there for the rides. If you’re looking forward to shows, restaurants, parades, and character experiences, the daytime tickets are a better option. After Hours dates are available select days January through August.
- Request accommodations.
One accommodation is “Rider Switch.” It’s for guests that can’t ride together—for example, parties with young children or service animals. Riders #1 and #2 simply trade places rather than waiting in the same line twice. Another accommodation: People with developmental challenges such as autism may qualify for the Disability Access Service (DAS). This service does not make wait times shorter; it simply gives approved parties an option to wait elsewhere.
Disney Fansite 