Is there any non-busy time at Walt Disney World these days? It doesn’t seem like it! But some days ARE actually significantly more crowded than others.
If you’re planning to visit Disney World during one of the many busy times, you may be wondering how you can possibly combat all the crowds. With some proper planning and a flexible attitude, it is absolutely possible to have a wonderful vacation at Disney World — EVEN on the busiest days.
We’ve taken our extensive experience at Disney World and compiled a few of our tips to help you plan for busy days at the parks.
Take Advantage of Mornings and Evenings
We always like to say “time is money” when it comes to a Disney World vacation. This is especially true during the busiest days. If you’re a morning person or a night owl you want to absolutely use this to your advantage.
If you’re up before the sun’s up anyway, you’ll want to head straight to the parks to be there before rope-drop. If you detest waking up early but you come alive at night, plan to stay at the parks as late as they’re open. The first hours and last hours of the day are typically the least crowded, and taking advantage of these hours will give you more time to enjoy the attractions!
Use Mobile Order
The Mobile Order feature on the My Disney Experience app can potentially save you so much time. While everyone else is waiting in the regular line to order food, you can skip it!
Locations like Aloha Isle and Columbia Harbour House can often have long lines, but using Mobile Order can majorly decrease your wait time. You can conveniently use a credit card or Disney Dining Plan credits to pay through Mobile Order, so there’s hardly a reason not to use it.
Learn more about Mobile Order and participating restaurants here!
Don’t Forget to Make FastPass+ Reservations
This one should hopefully go without saying, but make those FastPass+ reservations, and do so ASAP!
To guarantee a chance to enjoy your favorite attractions, you will need to book your FastPass+ reservations as soon as you can. If you’re staying in a Disney World-owned resort (or other select on-property hotels), you’ll be able to book your FastPasses 60 days in advance. You’ll be able to book them 30 days prior to your trip otherwise.
If you must ride the most popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it is super important to book your FastPasses well in advance.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Rest in the Middle of the Day
We get it, you might only visit Disney World every other year or so, and you want to make the most of your time. But, if the parks are going to be insanely busy during the middle of the day anyway, it may make more sense to hop over to a resort for a break.
If you’re in Magic Kingdom, consider taking a load off at Wilderness Lodge or grabbing a bite at the Contemporary Resort’s Contempo Cafe. Epcot and Hollywood Studios are both close to many resorts including Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn. If you need to escape Animal Kingdom for a bit, Animal Kingdom Lodge is hard to beat.
It may be hard to pull yourself away from the parks, but you’ll feel truly refreshed after a relaxing mid-day break.
Make Advanced Dining Reservations
Restaurants at Disney World really fill up during busy seasons, so you’ll want to make your Advanced Dining Reservations as soon as you can. The window for Advanced Dining Reservations opens 180 days out, so if you hope to dine at a popular spot like Be Our Guest Restaurant, your best bet is to book it right when the window opens.
If something does come up and you can no longer keep your reservation, you won’t have to pay a cancellation fee as long as you cancel at least a day in advance.
Consider Extra-Cost Events and Enhancements
If you’re planning to visit Disney World during a very busy time like spring break or the holidays, it may make sense for you to purchase tickets for extra events at the parks.
These events, such as Disney After Hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party do come at an extra cost, but they can be great for some families.
Disney After Hours - Magic Kingdom
If you have a family full of teenagers who love to sleep in, consider skipping out on a regular park ticket or attending a nighttime event instead.
On the other hand, if you have little kids who can’t stay up late, think about Early Morning Magic.
These hard-ticket events aren’t right for everyone, but they may be right for you!
Do you have any tips to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MORNINGS AND EVENINGS
Sorry, those are my worst times. I’m strictly an afternoon kind of guy. Refer to Starland Vocal Band for details.
USE MOBILE ORDER
That’s just not happing on my first generation Nokia flip phone.
REST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY
When I tried to do that as a kid, my dad woke me (and not with a gentle nudge) and made me mow the lawn.
MAKE ADVANCED DINING RESERVATIONS
Plan dinner six months in advance. I’m struggling right now to decide what a want for lunch in 5 minutes. As I always say, effort pays off later. Laziness pays off now.
Consider Extra-Cost Events and Enhancements
The only “enhancement” I’m going to pay extra for is……..well you know.