Six BEST Tips for Surviving a Crowded Disney World
There’s no denying it. It’s been an exciting (and busy) time to visit Walt Disney World. New park expansions are coming. New themed bars are opening. And seasonal events, like Jollywood Nights, are better than ever before.
But because of that, we have bigger crowds. More people are buying into Disney’s Vacation Club or are moving to become Florida locals.
Disney Vacation Club Merchandise – Acorns Gifts & Goods
This means we have to be strategic. Reminding people to be patient and “smell the roses” can fall flat on a crowded park day.
Instead, let me offer some practical tips for surviving the busy seasons at Disney World. (Please note: Patience is still required.)
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Tip #1: Use Ride Share Services
As a WDW visitor, I love that I don’t need a rental car. Eliminating the expense of the car, insurance, and gas is excellent for my souvenir budget.
But I don’t recommend relying only on the free shuttles. Aside from the elimination of the Magical Express, I still book services like Lyft, Uber, or Minnie Vans a couple of times per trip.
This convenient, and often affordable, option is great for situations like:
- Faster park hopping
- Visiting a resort for breakfast/dinner
- Avoiding crowded resort bus stops
- Shuttling a child back and forth for midday naps
Also, sometimes it’s just worth it after a 12+ hour park day. I know I’ve had too many exhausted, standing-room-only bus rides.
If I can treat myself once in a while to Uber, I’m more patient with the jammed buses.
Photo: Uber
Tip #2: Book Hotels with Non-Bus Options
I’ve given this advice before, and I stand by it. Prioritize hotels with at least one form of non-bus transportation. (And understand all of the transportation options!)
Splurge on a hotel that sits on the monorail. Book one of the resorts within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And don’t forget that two value-tier hotels have Skyliner access.
Personally, I haven’t stayed at a bus-only resort in over six years, and that’s not about to change.
Especially during busy times, having a free non-bus transportation option is crucial to my sanity.
Disney Skyliner
Tip #3: Mobile Order and Use Mobile Checkout
Picture this. You got up at the crack of dawn for rope-drop. You desperately need coffee, but the line for Joffrey’s cart rivals the Rise of the Resistance queue.
What do you do? You place a Mobile Order!
Photo: Disney
One of my favorite Disney World app features is the ability to order quick-service food and drinks ahead of time. I’ve saved myself a lot of unnecessary frustration.
I suggest placing orders well in advance, but I’ve had luck ordering at the last minute. I’ve even left regular queues because my mobile order was ready before I reached a Cast Member.
Disney
Another underutilized feature is Mobile Checkout. At some larger stores (i.e., The Emporium, Mouse Gears), you can check out purchases yourself via the app.
If you’ve ever balked at the never-ending checkout line at the World of Disney, this feature is for you. Plus, who doesn’t want shorter lines!
Mobile Order
Tip #4: Understand the Wiggle Room for Lightning Lanes
Booking Lightning Lane reservations and being on time for them has been a struggle ever since Disney’s original FastPass system.
When you’re juggling Advance Dining Reservations, crowded buses, and shopping, being on time for anything can feel impossible.
Well, just remember the following tips when adhering to Lightning Lane return times.
- There is a grace period if you don’t show up exactly on time. If you get delayed significantly, the Cast Members will probably still be able to help you.
- If you miss a return window due to an ADR, just bring your meal receipt, and the Cast Member will admit you.
- Lastly, be warned that there is less wiggle room if you book an LL for priority show seating. In those instances, you may be directed to a standby line, especially for popular shows.
Frozen Ever After
In general, though, if you do your best to be prompt, Disney will give you grace. (At least in my experience!)
Tip #5: Skip the Nighttime Spectaculars
I’m a sucker for fireworks. Whether it’s Happily Ever After, Fantasmic!, or whatever show is currently running on Epcot’s World Showcase lagoon, I get chills.
But, as a seasoned visitor, I realized something else. During busy seasons, I don’t love dealing with crowds.
If you’ve seen these shows enough to memorize the soundtrack, consider avoiding them during that Christmas or spring break visit.
Not only will this save time, but it will save you frustration. And it will save you from the hordes of end-of-night crowds.
Recently, I skipped the Magic Kingdom fireworks and used the time to ride low-wait attractions. (This is a popular hack!) Even better, I waited out the mass exodus of people and got to stroll down a peaceful Main Street.
I understand that the fireworks are a rite of passage, but when crowds are crazy, it’s okay to skip them or watch at a distance.
Tip #6: Don’t Maximize Your Days
Because Disney World isn’t cheap, it’s natural to want the most bang for your buck.
I support that, but it can be overdone. And it can lead to more parent and toddler meltdowns than necessary.
When visiting during peak season, go in with the expectation that this trip won’t be the most efficient. You may ride less rides, see less shows, and you might even need midday park breaks to rest.
Your focus should be truly enjoying what you get to experience. Don’t obsess over what you missed or which attractions had downtime.
Photo: Disney
By adopting a “go with the flow” approach, you invite opportunities for unexpected magic. Some of my favorite character interactions, snacks, and streetmosphere moments were 100% unplanned.
It’s hard to experience this when every minute is scheduled. So, take a deep breath, go about your day, and see where it takes you!
Disney
Even during busy times, it’s hard to beat the thrill of Disney World. I hope that these suggestions make your next trip simply unforgettable!
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Feature Image: Disney
