Disney World vacations are packed with unforgettable fun. Take it from me firsthand, as I am a Passholder and DVC member, too. Unfortunately, much of the time is typically spent waiting in lines for rides, attractions, and food.
With an average of over 50,000 guests visiting each day, long lines tend to form in front of the most popular attractions and food vendors fairly fast. But, don’t panic! Consider these tips to help you spend less time waiting in line and more time experiencing the magic of Mickey and his world.
5 Easy Ways to Say Goodbye to Waiting in Lines at Disney
1. Show Up Early
Many vacationing families take a break from their schedules to sleep in later for a few hours when morning rolls around. This means DW isn’t generally as packed for at least a short time after opening the gates.
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While it may not be easy, getting your family up and moving early will help you get to the park before the crowds do. On your way, if you haven’t already done so, decide which popular attractions you want to see and head to those first. Save less popular rides and picture-taking for busier times of the day.
2. Take a Mid-day Break
Late in the evening, shortly before the park closes, lots of guests head back to their hotel rooms to rest up for another day of fun. So, if you stay until closing time, you’ll be able to get in some last-minute fun, while many other guests have already left the lines.
Of course, staying in the park all day can be tiring, especially for younger kids. Here’s an easy solution. Go back to your hotel room for an hour or two (to rest) while the park is super-crowded. Taking the extra time to relax and recharge means your family will more easily be able to enjoy the park for the remainder of the day.
3. Avoid the Busy Season
Like many other theme parks, Walt Disney World tends to be the busiest during the summer and around the holidays. This is because many families choose to wait to visit the park when their kids have time off from school.
That being said, you’ll find your Disney vacation to be much different if you go during peak times rather than during the offseason. You’ll be able to see and do so much more during the offseason, mostly because wait times for attractions remain lower throughout the entire day. Remember, two of the best times to visit DW is during late spring and mid-autumn. The weather is more pleasant during those periods as well.
4. Stop For Meals at Odd Times
It’s no secret that long lines tend to form in front of Disney World restaurants and food vendors at certain times of the day. Instead of spending the noon-time rush hour in line for lunch, try this. Eat a big breakfast and fend off hunger with snacks until around 2 PM, when most other guests are done with their lunch.
This way, your family can explore the park for another hour or two rather than waiting in line. If everyone enjoys a late lunch, it also means a late dinner, which can save you from even more waiting by avoiding the evening dinner rush.
5. Invest in GENIE+
Genie+ is an option provided free with your Walt Disney World ticket in the My Disney Experience Mobile App that allows you to reserve times for certain attractions and skip the line altogether if you purchase Lightening Lane Passes separately. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, you can use Genie+ and Lightening Lane Passes on the day of your park visit.
These are just a few simple ideas to help you cut down on the time you spend waiting in lines at Disney World. Honestly, with a bit of pre-planning, it’s easier than you think!
Dara says
Arriving early is my favorite tip!
Janine says
I agree, Dara!! π
Meredith Spidel says
Super tips! I am hoping so very much to return this summer, so saving this post! Thanks, Janine.
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure and excited for you to return this summer, too π
William Holland says
I’ve got nothing for this post. Just wishing you a brilliant Wednesday from Olympia.
Janine says
Aw, wishing you a brilliant Wednesday, as well now!! π
Jen says
These are all great tips! They work at Disneyland too. We are hoping to go sometime this year to visit!
Janine says
Aw, I hope you get to Disneyland soon, too now π
Aunt Gloria says
Good suggestions. I know you are all anxious to take your trip this month. The weather will be very nice! Enjoy! xxoo
AnnMarie John says
Early park hours if you’re a Disney Resort guest and fast pass is the easiest way for me. We were just there a few weeks ago and the lines for Pandora were over 4hrs long in standby. Since we’ve done almost every ride at Disney, we tend to book fast passes late afternoons and enjoy the cooler afternoon weather.
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and we will be there at the end of the week. And yes we will be doing very similar as to what you recently did, as well π
Bev says
Thanks for these tips! I hope to take Eve and (and future daughter) here one day. We may have to skip a few days of school π
Janine says
Bev, that is what we are doing and skipping a few days of school to go for the holidays now π
Dana says
Great ideas, Janine – we’ve taken advantage of all of them, especially showing up when the park opens. Jealous that you are going back so soon…we have to skip our trip next year because my kids’ vacations don’t coincide anymore.
Janine says
Aw, so sorry to here Dana and I am truly taking advantage of going while we can right now. As I know I will blink and this too shall pass here, as well.
Tamara says
We’re so awful that we didn’t even stop for a meal our first time there! We must have brought a LOT of energy snacks. That would never fly these days. Too much crankiness.
We always go in mid-January so we’ve never seen it REALLY crowded. That said, we still show up way before it opens and go straight to Peter Pan and all the princess stuff around there to do all that stuff before it fills up. Then we do an afternoon of FASTPass. So good!
Janine says
I like the way you strategize when you do go. From what I am hearing the crowds are insane right now. I am also not used to that as much in the summer. But going to keep all of this in mind still now!!