Seven Things to Do at Walt Disney World When the Lines Are WAY Too Long

As springtime shifts into summertime in Florida, the crowds are ramping up at Walt Disney World!

The one time you don’t have to worry when your elevator breaks down.

With these crowds, wait times are increasing, too! And if you’re in the park and you just don’t want to wait in long lines, you may be wondering what else you can do. We’ve got you covered! We’re bringing you a list of things you can do in Disney World that don’t require a line.

Look for Characters

While you can’t meet Disney characters face-to-face or hug them right now, you can still see them hanging out in the parks! As you’re going about your day, keep an eye out for character cavalcades — they pop up every now and then, and you’ll see different characters in each park.

If you miss the cavalcades, you also have the chance to spot certain characters out and about in designated areas. Keep in mind that these appearances are “random,” so there’s no guarantee that you can see them at any given time.

However, these characters do tend to pop up in the same spot every day, so it helps if you know where to find them! In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, try to spot Chip ‘n’ Dale and Donald near Hollywood Brown Derby! In EPCOT, you can see Mickey and friends at the entrance near Spaceship Earth. And don’t worry — we’ve got a full guide on where to find the princesses, too!

Click to See Two New Characters You Can Find in the Parks!

Try a Walkthrough Activity

Not everything in the parks involves waiting in line! There are quite a few activities in each park that don’t require any wait. For starters, there are tons of exhibits in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to explore! There are three walking trails in the park (Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Discovery Island Trails) that have great views of tigers, Komodo dragons, and more. You can even try to spot a crocodile in DinoLand USA!

In EPCOT, take your time walking around the World Showcase and taking in all the details. Trust us, there are a lot of them! If you want something a bit more interactive, several pavilions also have exhibits, like The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure in the American Adventure Pavilion or Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture in the Japan Pavilion! And outside of the World Showcase, you can visit the aquariums at The Seas with Nemo and Friends.

The other parks don’t have quite as many options. In Magic Kingdom, take a trip on the Liberty Square Riverboat or visit Tom Sawyer Island! And in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, stop by Walt Disney Presents. You could learn some really fun facts about the history of the parks!

Click for More Underrated Disney World Activities!

Grab a Snack

If the lines are too long, you can also stop to do some snacking! You’ll find all your typical eats in the parks, like burgers and chicken nuggets — or you can opt for some more unique options.

The parks are constantly rotating out the snacks offered, particularly at Quick Service spots. For example, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a bunch of new treats arrived in April for Earth Month! There are also seasonal snacks for holidays or new arrivals just because.

Once you’re in the park (or at a resort!), scroll through all your options via Disney’s Mobile Order service on the My Disney Experience app. Pick your favorite snack, and show up to pick it up with little to no wait!

Check Out Our Favorite Snacks We’ve Tried Recently!

Explore the Shops

Take some time to browse the stores in Disney World. You may be surprised by how much unique merchandise you can find! While the bigger stores (think the Emporium in Magic Kingdom) feature all your typical Disney gear, some of the smaller shops have some pretty interesting finds!

Try Mitsukoshi Department Store in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion for some of our favorite unusual souvenirs. We’re talking sushi cats, unique snacks, and more! The Festival booths in EPCOT also have some fascinating offerings.

Click for More Stores in Disney World You Should Visit!

Hang Out at Your Hotel

If you know it’s going to be a crowded day in the parks — and if you really don’t want to deal with the lines — just don’t go! Try some activities around your resort instead.

You can never go wrong with taking a trip to the pool — although you should be aware that we’ve recently encountered lines to get in. And if you feel like hopping over to The Campsites at Fort Wilderness, there’s tons to do there! You can go boating, kayaking, or horseback riding, take archery lessons, and more.

If you’re staying at an EPCOT area resort, walk around the BoardWalk and enjoy the views (and maybe even rent a bike!). You can also stop to visit some of the other EPCOT hotels nearby — and the Skyliner is also within walking distance.

Learn More About All the Activities at The Campsites at Fort Wilderness!

Go to Disney Springs

Disney Springs has plenty of shopping and dining to keep you busy for quite a few hours. If the lines in the parks get too crowded in the middle of the day, take a break! Head to Disney Springs for a little bit, then go back to the park in the evenings once the crowds have died down.

Some of our favorite activities include cookies or cake from Gideon’s Bakehouse and a trip to Wine Bar George. You can also go bowling, catch a movie, or just shop around!

Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

There’s plenty to do around Disney Springs to keep you busy. If you want, you could make a full day out of it!

Click for More Things to Do in Disney Springs!

Take in All the Disney Details

No matter where you are in Disney World, there’s plenty to see! Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys — sure, they’re hidden in rides, but you can also spot them elsewhere in the parks and resorts!

Hidden Mickey at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

There are plenty of other Disney details, too, that pay tribute to important people or moments in history. Some are even a nod to the movies these lands were inspired by! For example, we bet you never noticed this Easter egg in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland.

We’ve got plenty of guides to help you spot all these details — or you can go on the hunt for them on your own!

Here Are 50 Details You’ve Never Noticed in Disney World!

Sure, rides make up a big part of the Disney experience, but there are plenty of other activities to do! Next time the lines are just way too long, try one of these things instead. And stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney tips!