Tips for Avoiding Crowds at Walt Disney World
Insider tips beating the crowds at Walt Disney World
As a travel advisor, I’m often asked about the best time to visit Walt Disney World, or when are the parks less crowded?
Here are the most frequently asked questions I receive about avoiding crowds and long lines at Walt Disney World.
Tips for avoiding crowds at Walt Disney World in Florida
What is the best time to go to Walt Disney World to avoid crowds?
Anytime schools are session. If you live in a school district that starts school after Labor Day, consider going to Disney World in late August. It’s one of the least crowded times of the year!
Other less crowded times:
All of September and October
Early November
Early December
Late April
All of May
Early June
What time should we arrive at the parks?
To avoid crowds at Disney World, I recommend arriving at the theme parks about 30-40 minutes prior to the posted park opening time. If Magic Kingdom opens at 9 am, plan to be at the gate for 8:30 am.
The parks often open early, by as much as 20 minutes.
If you’re at the park when it opens, you’ll enjoy 60-90 minutes of lighter crowds. The majority of the guests will begin to arrive mid-morning.
Allow 60-90 minutes to get to the park entrance if using Disney buses in the morning.
Is it worth it for us to buy Genie+?
Yes! If you’re concerned about waiting in long lines and crowds, (I assume you are if you’re reading this article) then Genie+ is a great tool for you. If you don’t like standing in long lines, Genie+ is designed for you.
Is Disney World more crowded on weekends?
Yes and no. During peak times there is no difference between a Saturday or a Tuesday. During off-peak times of the year (see above), yes there will be a slight uptick in crowds on weekends, Especially around Halloween and Christmas.
But don’t let that discourage you, off-peak is still off-peak and you’ll still enjoy fewer crowds.
To help you plan the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, contact me now. I can help you find the best time visit for weather, crowds and discounts.
Have a great tip for avoiding crowds at Disney World? Use the comments below to start the conversation.
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For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas Coming to Central Florida
The world’s only 7,000-passenger ship is sailing from Central Florida.
The world’s largest cruise ship is now calling Port Canaveral home. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas sails from Cruise Terminal One in Orlando (Port Canaveral) Florida.
Port Canaveral is located about 60 minutes east of Orlando, Florida. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort, you can easily add a Royal Caribbean cruise to your vacation.
Wonder of the Seas | Royal Caribbean
From Port Canaveral (Orlando, FL) Wonder of the Seas offers Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
What makes Wonder of the Seas different
Eight unique neighborhoods on the ship, including an all-new suite neighborhood
A redesigned pool deck
An AquaTheater with entertainment and ocean views
An all-new Playscape with slides, climbing walls, and games
Fan favorites like the FlowRider and Ultimate Abyss
This Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Cruise ship can hold nearly 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members, making it the largest passenger ship in the world.
Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship.
Wonder of the Seas specializes in family-focused cruises that rival land vacations like those to Walt Disney World by offering a wide array of activities onboard and a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Wonder of the Seas | Royal Caribbean
Wonder is 236,857 gross tons, measures 1,188 feet in length, and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,988 passengers, in addition to 2,300 crew.
Bookings for Wonder of the Sea’s Orlando itinerary are available now. The is very high demand to travel on the largest cruise ship in the world. Don’t wait to book!
Contact me to start planning and to receive special offers.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Disney Cruise Line Deals from Magical Vacations Travel
Double onboard credit offer from Magical Vacations Travel on some of the most popular cruise itineraries.
Magical Vacations Travel has arranged a special offer on some of the most popular Disney cruise itineraries and ships like Disney Wish and Disney Dream.
Visit Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay - no passport required!
The following offers are limited and will sell out so early booking is highly recommended.
Disney Wish
Receive a double onboard credit from Magical Vacations Travel when you book the following cruises.
By the way, onboard credits are based on the cruise fare and can be used on virtually anything you can charge to your stateroom like a relaxing treatment at Senses Spa, fine dining at Palo, or even a private photo package to capture your favorite cruise memories
4-Night Bahamas Cruise - Disney Cruise Line
July 17, 2023, Disney Wish from Orlando, Florida. Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s Castaway Cay.
5-Night Bahamas Cruise - Disney Cruise Line
July 19, 2023, Disney Magic from Miami, Florida. Enjoy 2 days at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise - Disney Cruise Line
August 12, 2023, Disney Fantasy from Orlando, Florida. Mexico, Jamaica, and Disney Castaway Cay.
5-Night Bahamas Cruise - Disney Cruise Line
March 17, 2024, Disney Dream from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Enjoy 2 days at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.
4-Night Bahamas Cruise - Disney Cruise Line
April 1, 2024, Disney Wish from Orlando. Nassau, Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Icon of the Seas Offers Unique Ways to Have Fun at Night
From the Overlook Pods to Casino Royale, you’ll have a night out like never before onboard Icon of the Seas
A night out on Icon of the Seas will be a totally unique experience. Turn up the volume on unforgettable with rockin' set lists. Make it a party for two with starlit sips set to the soundtrack of soulful classics. Or fuel your whole team’s competitive spirit with a rousing round of darts, brews over billiards, and retro arcade classics
Check out Exclusive Offers for Icon of the Seas here ▸
Icon of the Seas will be completed in early 2024
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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MagicBand+ Coming to Disney Cruise Line as "DisneyBand+"
Disney Cruise Line announced it will be introducing “DisneyBand+” this summer starting with the Disney Wish.
Disney Cruise Line announced it will be introducing “DisneyBand+” this summer starting with the Disney Wish. DisneyBand+ is a wearable wristband, similar to MagicBand and MagicBand+ currently available at Disney’s U.S. theme parks.
DisneyBand+ will have functionality at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, just be sure to link the band to your Disney account.
DisneyBand+ does everything your complimentary Key to the World card does but with a little more style (and maybe a surprise or two).
Solid bands cost $34.99, and themed designs cost $44.99, plus tax. Shipping is included at no extra charge. DisneyBand+ cannot be shipped outside of the United States.
What you can do with DisneyBand+
Stateroom entry
Charging purchases to the payment card in your stateroom folio
Linking photos to your shipboard account (photos must be separately purchased).
Also works as an Oceaneer Band for kids age 12 and under.
DisneyBand+ requires charging if you want it to light up at select events onboard and the battery must be sufficiently charged to receive photos.
Bands should be charged overnight and charged every six months to maintain a healthy battery.
→ Check out these Agency Exclusive Cruise Deals from Magical Vacations Travel (you won’t find them anywhere else!)
Fortunately, the Disney Wish has plenty of USB ports near the bed and by the desk. If you have multiple devices that need overnight charging you can bring a USB charging hub (but not a powerstrip!).
Remember to pack your DisneyBand+ charger!
Disney will be testing DisneyBand+ on the Disney Wish this summer and it will be rolled out on other Disney Cruise Line ships at a later date.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!