Walt Disney World Crowd Tips

With February vacation coming up next week (and spring breaks in March and April), Walt Disney World is going to be crowded with lots of families visiting the parks.  Last year, we visited Walt Disney World during Thanksgiving, which is one of the most busy weeks, and still had the chance to experience all of the parks and rides – it just took a little more strategic planning.  If you are headed on a Walt Disney World family vacation over the next few months, do some planning in advance and you’ll still have the chance to enjoy everything.

Walt Disney World Crowd Tips

Start your days early

Before going on vacation, it’s a good idea to make a list of everything that you want to see.  When on vacation, head out to the parks at rope drop (i.e., when they open).  If you are staying on property and have the opportunity to take advantage of Early Magic Hours, definitely do it, especially if visiting the park with the Magic Hours for the day.

Utilize FastPass extensively

I think all families should use the FastPass option, but it’s especially important during crowded times.  Remember that you can generally only have one FastPass at a time (although there are some exceptions), so pick wisely.  While you are waiting for your FastPass time, check out other attractions that don’t require a FastPass, or wait in the standby line for one that does. For instance – you arrive at Epcot and want to see both TestTrack and Soarin’.  Send one family member with your tickets to Soarin’ to get tickets, and then everyone wait in the standby line at TestTrack.  Lines can be shorter in the morning, and FastPasses DO run out, so that’s another reason to start your days early.  Disney is now strictly enforcing FastPass return windows, so make sure you keep track of time.

Get the park hopper option

I know that base tickets to Walt Disney World are already expensive, but I do recommend the park hopper option for your tickets.  It’ll allow you much more flexibility in your days, and if one park is too busy, you can just head to another one that may not be as busy.

The park hopper option is also great for families that may want to dine in one park while visiting another.

Make your dining reservations early
It can be very difficult to get into popular Walt Disney World restaurants any time of year, but during school vacations, it’s nearly impossible.  Make your dining reservations early to be more likely to get your choice of dining locations and times. 

Take breaks in the afternoon

We’ve found that the afternoon is generally when the parks are busiest (and often the hottest).  Taking a break in the middle of the day – either by napping in your room or checking out your resort pool, is a great way to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Download the Lines App

I used the Lines App extensively during our trip over Thanksgiving.  Although you have to pay for the service, it’s worth it 100%.  With the app, you can see crowd projections, and it also gives you recommendations of which parks to visit and which to skip based upon crowds.  You’ll also see wait times – both FastPass return time projections and standby projections.  That way, you’ll know whether it’s worth running to the opposite end of the park for a FastPass.  You can also access Touring Plans, based upon which attractions are must-dos for your family.

Have you traveling during school vacations to Disney World?  What are your Disney World Crowd Tips?