These 7 Maps Reveal the Disney World DEAD ZONES to Avoid at All Costs

When you’re visiting Disney World’s theme parks, you’re likely facing a time limit…so you’ll want to navigate the parks as efficiently as possible!

If you’re a go-go-go, maximize your time kind of person, then we’re here to help! We visit Disney World nearly every day, and we’re here to expose the “dead zones” in the parks — places you can skip if you’re short on time or stops that you don’t want to use too much of your valuable park day.

First of all, we’ll start by saying that we’re not here to hurt any feelings. If any of the spots we mention are among your favorite places to visit in the parks, feel free to spend your day however you like! These maps are just based on the lands and areas that currently have the least to offer the average guest.

Animal Kingdom

Starting out at Animal Kingdom, we’ve got to mention the very first land you come to when you enter the park — The Oasis. This spot often “traps” visitors because they think they need to stop and look at every exhibit and wander every pathway as they’re entering the park, when in reality, the more exciting attractions lie ahead. It’s fine to explore The Oasis a bit and maybe stop here for some character meets, but don’t spend too much time in this land — it has much less to do than other areas of the park.

Right now, one of the tricky spots in Animal Kingdom is the pathway between DinoLand, U.S.A., and Asia. While DinoLand remains open for a little while longer, you may have to take this route to get to your last ride on DINOSAUR or last visit to Restaurantosaurus. But once that closes? This pathway is a loooong slog that may be a waste of time. If you’re not heading for the Finding Nemo show, then there are much faster ways to get to Asia — take the pathway directly from Discovery Island.

These pathways may shift significantly when the land closes fully, so we’ll have to wait and see.

Hollywood Studios

There are a couple of “dead zones” in Hollywood Studios right now, starting with Commissary Lane and Grand Avenue. Commissary Lane is mostly restaurants and a Mickey and Minnie meet and greet, so while it’s worth visiting if you’re interested in those things, it’s not really a land to “explore.” Sadly, Grand Avenue doesn’t have much going on right now due to the closure of Muppets Courtyard. This is mostly just your pathway to get from the Hollywood sections of the park to Galaxy’s Edge.

Speaking of closures, Animation Courtyard is looking pretty sad these days. The only attractions open here are Walt Disney Presents and The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure. The rest of the courtyard is blocked by walls as construction continues on The Magic of Disney Animation and the Disney Junior theater.

Thankfully, this one isn’t really a dead zone that’ll “trap” you because it’s blocked by so many walls.

EPCOT

EPCOT‘s dead zones are less about construction projects and more about World Showcase Pavilions that aren’t living up to their full potential. To start, we’ve got some serious beef with the African Outpost! This space has such potential to be a really cool country or experience that’s African-inspired, and since the pandemic, the shops remain largely closed, and Refreshment Outpost has some of the lamest snacks in the park. Womp womp.

The poor, sweet Morocco Pavilion has really gotten the short end of the stick the past few years. Only one restaurant is truly still open, while Tangierine Cafe has become a bizarre hybrid festival booth. There’s not much happening in the back of the pavilion at all besides a pop-up bar and a meet-and-greet with Jasmine. This space used to be so lively, and the architecture is gorgeous. We want more!

Finally, you know we have to give a nod to the Canada Pavilion. It’s home to one restaurant, one 10-minute show, and a small gift shop. That’s pretty much all. The scenery is stunning, but it’s lacking in activities, snacks, and quick service options when compared to other pavilions.