Disney World is a popular vacation destination for people from all over the world, and as such, it can get quite busy at certain times of the year. In this post, I’ll take a look at some of the busiest days at the parks and discuss some strategies for dealing with the crowds. I’ll also share below my Disney World Crowd Calendar for 2024.
My Disney World Crowd Calendar for 2024
For a helpful overview of the crowd levels take a look at my Disney World Crowd Calendar below. Crowd levels are easy to identify by the easy to use color levels with green being light crowds and red being heavy crowds.
Feel free to share my crowd calendar on social media and you can also pin it on Pinterest to save it for reference.
Tips for Dealing With Crowds at Disney World
- One way to avoid the crowds at Disney World is to visit the parks during the weekdays, when the crowds tend to be lighter.
- If you’re planning on visiting Disney World during a busy time of year, it’s a good idea to arrive at the park early, before the crowds start to build.
- Arrive early and get into the parks for rope drop and head straight to popular attractions before the wait times build up.
- You can also try visiting during off-peak seasons, such as the fall or early spring, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are not as heavy.
- To make the most of your visit to Disney World during a busy season, it’s a good idea to prioritise the attractions you want to see and try to visit those first, before the crowds start to build.
- You can also take advantage of the DIsney Genie+ system and also consider purchasing a Park Hopper pass, which allows you to visit multiple parks in a single day and take breaks at the less crowded parks.
- Eat lunch and dinner very early or very late. This means you will spend less time waiting in restaurants when they are their busiest.
- If you have seen the fireworks before consider not watching them again as wait times for attractions will drop a lot when the crowds gather to watch the evening firework display.
The Busiest Days of the Week at the Disney World Parks
The busiest days of the week at Disney World can vary depending on the time of year and any special events or festivals that may be taking place. However, in general, the weekends tend to be the busiest, with Friday and Sunday being the busiest days. The parks can also get quite crowded during the weekdays of major holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s Day.
One way to avoid the crowds at Disney World is to visit during the weekdays, when the parks tend to be less crowded. You can also try visiting during off-peak seasons, such as the fall or early spring, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are not as heavy.
If you’re planning on visiting during a busy time of year, it’s a good idea to arrive at the park early, before the crowds start to build. You can also take advantage of the Genie+ system, which allows you to reserve a time slot for popular attractions and skip the regular line.
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What Are the Quietest Days of the Week at Disney World?
The quietest days of the week at Disney World tend to be the weekdays, as the parks tend to be less crowded during these times. Monday through Thursday are typically the least crowded days at the parks, with Friday through to Sunday being the busiest.
I have always found Tuesdays and Wednesday to generally be the quietest days inside the Walt Disney World parks. I think this is because a lot of people tend to stay at Disney World for long weekends which usually includes Fridays and Mondays as part of a short stay.
How Busy is Disney World During RunDisney Half Marathon Weekends?
Disney World can get quite busy during RunDisney half marathon weekends, as these events tend to draw in a large number of runners and spectators. These events typically take place on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the parks can be crowded during these days.
If you’re planning on visiting Disney World during a RunDisney event, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the crowds. The parks can be especially busy on race days, as runners and spectators flock to the parks to cheer on the participants. To avoid the crowds, try visiting the parks during the weekdays or taking a break in the afternoon to relax at your hotel or visit one of the less crowded parks, such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In addition to the crowds, there may also be road closures and traffic delays in and around the park during the event, so it’s important to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you may also want to consider taking advantage of the complimentary transportation options, such as the bus, monorail, or boat, to get around the parks
The Easter Crowds at Disney World
Disney World can get quite busy during the Easter holiday too, as many families take advantage of the spring break to visit the parks. The parks can be especially crowded on Easter Sunday and the days leading up to it, as people come to enjoy the special events and activities that are held during this time.
If you’re planning on visiting Disney World during the Easter holiday, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the crowds. The parks can be especially busy on Easter Sunday and the days leading up to it, as people come to enjoy the special events and activities that are held during this time. To avoid the crowds, try visiting the parks during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night.
How Busy is Disney World at Thanksgiving
Disney World can get quite busy during the Thanksgiving holiday, as many families take advantage of the long weekend to visit the parks. The parks can be especially crowded on Thanksgiving Day and the days leading up to it.
If you’re planning on visiting Disney World during the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the crowds.
Summer Months at Walt Disney World
Another busy time of year at Disney World is during the summer months, when children are out of school and families are taking vacations. The parks can get especially crowded on weekends and during peak tourist periods, such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Crowds however do drop in August as schools begin to reopen for the new academic year. Mid to late August can be very hot but also quiet in the Disney theme parks.
How Busy is Disney World at Christmas?
Disney World can get extremely busy during the Christmas holiday season, as the parks are decorated with festive lights and there are special events and attractions, which draw in huge crowds.
The parks can be especially crowded on Christmas Day and the days leading up to it, as people come to enjoy the parks during the holidays. It isn’t unusual for the parks (especially Magic Kingdom) to hit capacity or get very close to it.
You can find out more about what happens when DIsney World hits capacity here.
What About New Years Eve at Disney World?
New years eve can often be the busiest day of the year at Walt Disney World as guests look to see the new year arrive whilst inside the theme parks. Magic Kingdom is usually the busiest with crowds pouring into the park to see the Fireworks show above Cinderella Castle that rings in the New year in style.
Crowd Levels For Epcot Festivals
There are also certain events and festivals throughout the year at Epcot that can bring in large crowds to Disney World. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are two popular events that draw in foodies and garden enthusiasts from all over. If you’re planning on visiting during one of these events, it’s a good idea to arrive early.
Busy Days at Disney World
In conclusion, Disney World can get very busy at certain times of the year, such as during the holiday season, the summer months, and special events and festivals. To avoid the crowds, try visiting the parks during the weekdays or off-peak hours, and take advantage of the Genie+ system and other strategies such as arriving early and purchasing a Park Hopper pass.
By following these tips, you can have a more enjoyable and stress-free visit to the parks. So, whether you’re visiting Disney World during a busy time of year or during a quieter period, with a little planning and flexibility, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories.
Other Disney World Planning Posts
If you have found this article and my Disney World Crowd Calendar helpful take a look at the posts below.
- Try My Disney Dining Calculator
- How Far is Disney World From Orlando (MCO) Airport
- How to Do a Disney and Universal Vacation
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