I'm a Professional Disney Adult. Here Are My BEST Tips for Dealing With Long Wait Times.

Lines are an inevitable part of a Disney World vacation. No matter what you do, you will likely encounter a line at some point during your trip.

Magic Kingdom

While it would be absolutely magical if you never had to wait in line at Disney World, that is one thing that even lots of pixie dust can’t prevent.

The good news is that we have lots of tips for how to deal with long lines while you are in the parks! Our first tip is to consider purchasing the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, or Lightning Lane Premier Pass. These are all additional purchases, but if you want to decrease your wait time for attractions, these guys will help you big time. With a pass for the Lightning Lane, your wait time will be less than the normal standby line.

Frozen Ever After Lightning Lane

Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to make three selections in advance for select attractions. Once you use a selection, you can make an additional selection. You can always have up to three selections at a time. With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you select an hour window to return to the attraction and hop in the Lightning Lane.

Lightning Lane for Feathered Friends in Flight show

Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to purchase a Lightning Lane for some of the most popular attractions in each park. It is an a la carte service, and your purchase allows you access to Lightning Lane one time for one attraction. You also have a time window, but the attractions that use Lightning Lane Single Pass are not available through Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

Expedition Everest Lightning Lane

Finally, you can also purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which is the most expensive but most inclusive and flexible option. With Premier Pass, you can enter Lightning Lane once for each attraction in the park. Premier Pass is purchased for one park, and you don’t need to reserve a time window; you can just show up at the attraction when you want to ride.

Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane

If you are willing to spend money but want the whole park to have fewer guests, then you might want to consider a Disney After Hours Event. These limited-capacity events are available with a separate ticket purchase. During the event, attractions will have shorter wait times, and there will be fewer people in the park. You can also enjoy complimentary snacks such as Mickey Bars, Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, popcorn, and more.

Magic Kingdom After Hours

If you prefer not to spend any extra money to avoid long lines, then make sure you are taking advantage of your hotel perks. If you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you have some exclusive perks that can help you avoid some of the long lines. All Disney World hotel guests can take advantage of Early Entry, which allows entry 30 minutes before the park opens at all four parks each day.

Early Entry at EPCOT

If you are staying at a Deluxe Resort, you also have access to Extended Evening Hours. Extended Evening Hours allow you to stay in select parks on select nights for an extra 2 hours past normal closing time. Both of these perks can help you cut down on the number of long lines you have to stand in.

Extended Evening Hours in Animal Kingdom

Even if you aren’t staying at a Disney World hotel, getting to the park early can help you save some time in line. Plan to show up at the park right when the park opens and choose some of your top priority rides to knock out first thing. While it may look crowded as you are heading in, the lines will continue to build throughout the morning, so you will likely end up waiting less first thing in the morning.

Rope Drop at Hollywood Studios

You can also take advantage of the evenings when wait times tend to go down as people start to leave the parks. Wait times will likely slowly come down, and as long as you are in line before the Cast Members close off the queue, you will be allowed to ride (as long as the attraction is operating and not experiencing technical difficulties).

EPCOT

Finally, one of the biggest tips we have for you about long lines is to simply embrace them! It is a great time to chat with your group or even play a game like Heads Up, Mad Libs, or 21 Questions. Some attractions also have special games available on the Play Disney Parks app. Plus, a lot of the time, even the queue is a part of the experience. Disney World puts a lot of effort into their queues, and with long lines, you can take the time to admire them. Long lines can seem intimidating, but they can actually be lots of fun with the right mindset!