Their first line of the day, not their last. There’s a long line at Seven Dwarfs or the Jungle Cruise waiting for them. We had a 45 min wait on a dole whip so we watched the tiki birds then got our dole whip. Waiting in line is WDW (even genie+ won’t spare you from standing in line–we only got 3 lightnings all day).
You can book another as soon as you redeem you Lightning Lane. Also, don’t be so discriminating. If you want to ride an attraction book the Lightning Lane and you’ll get on the ride. Don’t bother paying for the upcharge rides. See if there is a short stand-by and make the decision to wait for something like Seven Dwarfs. You get on more rides and have a better time.
We were at MK today and walked on to every ride except Pirates and Space Mountain. There were a lot of people but it was definitely manageable and nowhere near spring break crowds
Forced? 😂 None twisted their arms to go 🤷♀️
I’m not a huge fan of the new system, but as Florida AP’ers we know what we’re in for when we go.
We were at EPCOT all day Friday. Nothing was too bad of a wait except for Ratitoille. It’s the calm before the summer storm.
People who complain about long lines must have never been before.
And those that say they are never going back until it changes…I’m good with that.
It means less people in the park.
I have been a passholder for many years, as long ago as 1997, the park has gotten money hungry as well as anti passholders.
If you want to eat at a restaurant you can’t, if you want to go on the sper of the moment, fat chance. This is nolonger a park that is concerned about us who would visit several times a year and bring the family kids.
Disney has changed for the worst, its dead to me. How many people do you know that has a picture of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at one time. Try to find one.?
This is NOT my idea of a good vacation! Standing in line, in the hot sun, stressing about ALL the money I spent to barely get in to do anything. Nah, just let me stay at an amazing luxury hotel with it’s Hugh beautiful pool, with a gorgeous, tropical Florida beach, hammock and tiki bar on the side! Kiddos will be splish slashing away, I’ll be cooling off and just relaxing!
The lines are out of control. Getting fast pass a waste of money only got to use 2times whole time there. Everything was booked by 6am. I won’t be going back till Disney can assure me with new system I will get on more then 5 rides in a day. Too much money for only a few rides. Greed pure greed Disney . What a rip off
We were down there in April. Suggest going down there at a better time of the year. The Lightning Lanes were easy to use. Can book them at 7AM not 6. Can book another 2 hours later. As soon as one has been redeemed book another one. It’s actually pretty easy. If you don’t think you’ll stand in a line at WDW…THEN YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND.
Not really. When you go on the off season half the rides and attractions are closed for maintenance. Even the restaurants won’t all be opened and the weather won’t be warm en6 for swimming.
Who in their right mind would buy an expensive Disney ticket and then pay even more for a Lightning Pass. Get with it people…..Disney is out to screw you all of every penny you have. Lightning Pass or not, your going to spend most of your expensive day standing in line. Is this what you call your “Magical Moment”?
You nailed it! Disney parks are the greediest place for anyone to go for a good time!
I am repulsed by that overpriced amusement park. They should put a cap on the tickets sold and lower all the outrageously overpriced food and all the junk they sell from China.
Well to respond to Dave, who obviously knows it all, not everyone is comfortable using a cell phone all day!! So, I never go to Magic Kingdom, except to shop main street at Christmastime. Magic Kingdom is ALWAYS busy!!!! ALWAYS
Parks are full just like before the pandemic. Just came back from 5 days. Lighting pass is a must in addition to your entry. Be prepared to spend most of the day on your phone. The trip sucked. Nothing like previous trips. Use to go 2-3x per year. Never again.
We literally just got back yesterday from a 6 day stay. We thought it was awesome. Genie + and Lightning Lane were a breeze. We rode EVERY ride In EVERY park. Space mountain 5X and getting on Rise and Ratatouille was no problem!! We loved it and thought the crowd was light. I think this is getting way overblown or we got extremely lucky 6 days in a row!
I agree Jonathan. Disney has gone down hill ever since this new CEO has taken over. Free fast passes have worked well in the
past… .you might say it leveled the playing field for everyone to get a chance to ride the more popular rides regardless of income or status …Disney used to be the ‘most magical place on earth!” …however now it has become the
” MOST greedy and money hungry place on earth” ..children, families and people in general are not their real concern!
As a huge long time Disney fan, even went there on my honeymoon, I cant believe I would ever say I am done with Disney but I am. We went to Universal three time last year, stay on proberty, had wonderful time, long lines, but not that bad and the team members were great, all for a fraction of what Disney wanted for one trip!
We celebrate our Fifty wedding Anniversity next year..Quess where we will NOT be going!
You are talking 50 years ago. I think it would be safe to say, given the advancements in technology over a span of 50 years, your experience will not be the same, yes?
That said, I went in March and it was a zoo. If those crowds were considered regulated by the new reservation process, I’d hate to see it on a day it was not. Any park like this, expect to wait in long lines.
Amazing that people are shocked by long lines. That’s been the Disney I’ve known as an 8-year annual pass holder. You have to know when to go and when not to go. Like now? Not a good time of year to go. If this is the only good time of year for you, then you shall have to cope with long lines. Your kids may learn some patience and that good things don’t come easy.
Don’t go. Disney is not telling the truth about anything. It’s a money grab. They have altered the numbers to fit their narrative. They don’t give 2 craps about any customer. The people posting positive reviews are paid to do so.
When I would go before COVID. We would just go to what ever park we wanted to that day and ride what we wanted to. Didn’t have to plan or make park reservations, always got a park Hopper always stayed on property. If a ride had too long of a wait time we would go back later or the next day. Never missed a ride we really wanted to go on. We did stay for 2 weeks each time. But that was before all the new changes. Not sure now if I will go back.
No one is “forcing” anyone to stand in a long line at Disney, including the crowds at rope drop. People can enter the parks any time of day, so enter later if the rope drop crowd is too much for you. Ride something else if a line is too long. Park hop to a less crowded park. Or just don’t go.
Just got home yesterday from a 8 day stay. Lines were 40 minutes or much longer. Went to AK first thing in morning was the only time we got on and off any rides in a decent amt of time. We only used LL once for Rise of resistance. As a DvC owner, I don’t plan on paying more to ride a ride. What exactly does the park ticket cover if you are paying for a ride?
Not good advice. If you knew how the parks used to be, you might complain too. If you had to foot the bill for the family trip, you might complain too.
That line is first thing in the morning before they opened the gates. We were there the 2 weeks around Easter. There were lines but nothing really crazy. Never anything over an hour even without Genie except 7 dwarves mine ride and ROTR. By waiting til last ride of the day still only waited 30-40 minutes for both. If you think there will be no lines you’re going to be disappointed. Disney has, always has had, and always will have lines.
With park reservations Disney knows EXACTLY HOW MANY PEOPLE are in each park. They must know what they are doing. If the lines are too long, I am sure cast members are aware of issues. Whether or not Disney decides to decrease park admittance by selling less park passes daily, will remain to be seen. There are no more walk ups for day tickets so it’s no longer a guessing game for them. Disney loves this. Bad press is still press for them. Nothing will change with Disney; we are the ones that have to change how we feel.
This was my original photo and they posted it without context and did not ask for permission. MK was actually an ok day yesterday. Some attractions were longer waits but it’s to be expected during the summer months. We actually got on 19 attractions yesterday between MK and Epcot.
If the line is too long for you, then don’t stand in it. But no whining about the wait when they tell you how long the wait will be and you stand in line anyway.
We were there last week during the 50th Anniversary and the Epcot Flower and Garden Frstival. We go roughly twice a year and have for 14 years. We purchased the Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes each day but no park hoppers. Yes the crowds were heavy. Yes they are still working out the kinks with Genie+ but it is improving. There were more crowds this time than when we went mid-December yet Lightning Lanes were easier to get as well as easier to get through the lines in. If you start at 7am or park open and then set your timer for when it says you can book again (currently every 2 hours or when you ride one), you can get your money’s worth out of them. I’m happy they got rid of virtual passes for Rise. I actually got to ride this time which I hadn’t been able to in the 4 other trips I’ve taken since it opened. Yes I saw lines that got long as 90 minutes estimated wait times but 2 celebrations are going on right now and I’ve seen wait times as long as 210 in the past before. I also had Six Flags Season passes last year in San Antonio….ride lines are shorter at Disney at peak times, less rides are down at Disney, it’s cheaper and easier to purchase a quickpass at Disney, lines are certainly more entertaining due to the care Disney takes to theme their rides. Disney also takes more care to keep you out of the sun. Yes I miss the old fast pass system that was free but I think over time the Genie+ system will improve and it keeps the prices of tickets reasonable for those that don’t want to use it while raising the price on those that are more wiling to pay for the experience. The Disney app still eats battery power you you have to bring a charger and Genie+ keeps you on a phone which would have Walt turning in his grave but given progress, I think they are making improvements to control crowding but this is the 50th Anniversary! It should be crowded to the gills!
Not sure what your article is talking. I have been in the Magic Kingdom this week and have not noticed any unusually large crowds. I am an annual passholder and get into the parks daily. Crowds seem pretty tame to me. This picture appears to be from park opening when yes the “crowds” seem to be most intense.
Visited last week of March with family. As a frequent visitor I felt it was very crowded. I don’t know if it was spring break or that it was because it was a Run Disney week. I don’t think we would have gotten on any rides if I did not have a grandson who qualified for the DAS program for he was on autistic spectrum. Yes autistic spectrum and PTSD will qualify. This program works much like the lightening program and is free. We were able to ride everything we wanted and these 74 yr old legs appreciated it.
This issue is happening at Universal’s Vacano Bay.
They overfill the small water park until people end up leaving in frustration.
Also, you have to take their shuttle system so it is another long line to get back to parking (easier to visit by their resorts transportation or stay onsite).
They really need to limit capacity, especially to the ghetto that show up later in the day. I believe APs will be limited so that helps.
TL;DR: You cannot be spontaneous when going to Disney. Plan early and book everything you want to do as early as you can.
We went to Disney last month (4/15/2022) and the process was… fine, I guess… It was difficult to understand completely and it made spontaneity almost impossible — everything had to be planned and booked as early as possible to guarantee a spot. We actually didn’t get a dinner reservation because we were indecisive at first thinking we could just wing it.
Our kids (7 and 5) did a GREAT job and were real troopers about the process. They didn’t see some of the frustration my wife and I had, but it was different than any other time I went to Disney over the years.
According to wait times on app doesn’t match what your saying on crowd levels or nobody is riding! But Disney was better with fast pass and no park reservations!
It’s normal to wait in line at Disney. It if you ask me if the crowd are less with the reservations no. They are still the same. Don’t even know why they have the system still in use. Doesn’t make sense. People are still going. And yes they are short staffed. Bc most people who worked there before the pandemic when to work at universal which treats there employees better. So are they short staffed yes. Are the crowds less with the reservations no. It’s Disney.
Crowd levels have been insane since the reopening. I can’t help wonder if the crowds have increased that much or if the “new and improved” changes are to blame for the crowded conditions or lack of shows and parades that disperse the crowds are to blame. Seems things weren’t as crazy as pre-covid, as they are now.
We just returned from a 6 day trip with Genie+ (may 9 – 14). Our party of 6 rode every single ride (except Test Track and Everest) in under a 15 minute wait. Yes, the parks reservation system showed they were at full capacity, but it was honestly a piece of cake traversing the parks. I can’t speak for non-genie+ users, because the standby lines were indeed long for a few of the attractions, but if you utilize Genie+ and ILL, you can pretty much get whatever ride you want. At MK, we had five genie+ right in a row; if you were OK with refreshing the genie+ app screen for 10-15 minutes at a time, you could land any genie+ you wanted. I could say I was just lucky, but considering it worked that way for 6 days straight, that would be quite the coincidence! Even slinky dog I was able to book at 10:35 for a 11AM ride; although I refreshed for about 20 minutes for that one. Most of these articles on the news and these sites are just playing up the crowds, it’s not nearly as bad as everyone makes it seem (as long as you have genie+). Like I said, I can’t speak for families without Genie+, though; as I’m guessing their experience was a bit different then ours.
I have been visiting Disney for 43 years. It’s always had crowds. Just went in October and it was crowded. I am not one to go for the rides (Although I do get on some) I go for the Disney experience. There is no place on earth like it. I will continue to go as long as I can. As for the cost, it has always been expensive, nice things cost money and as long as people are willing to pay (Me) they will keep going. You can pay less and go to 6 flags and you get what you pay for. No, I didn’t get paid to say all yhis either. Have a magical day!! ;0)
Peter L, very nicely put! I agree with you on every single thing you have said! It’s about the Disney Experience! That costs money. But, it’s worth it.
Ummmm I’m a pass holder and was there Friday and lines were great! Yes, long lines for Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, and few roller coasters but it’s that way year round all the time! My kids rode Thunder mountain 3 times, splash mountain twice, pirates of Car., small world, Buzz, people mover, little mermaid, 7 dwarf roller coaster, orbit, merry go round, all in 6 hours! On a Friday! Crowds were half of what normally are on a spring or summer day. I think some people just want to complain or have never been so not used to the waits but you will find that at any theme park.
Jason, I thank you so much for commenting. I am one of those ” Lucky People” who happens to have the same experience as you did. If there are long lines, I expect that! I rarely go to TMK or to MGM studios. I am an EPCOT ANIMAL KINGDOM person. I have already ridden all of the rides. I go because I love learning about other cultures and, I adore animals. Nobody is forced to do anything. You choose to wait 60 minutes for an attraction. DW and WDW are a business. Of course they make money! They try making more because it’s a business! As children, you don’t notice how much things cost. Someone else is paying your way. I have said enough. Have a DISNEY DAY!!
Peter L, very nicely put! I agree with you on every single thing you have said! It’s about the Disney Experience! That costs money. But, it’s worth it.
But wait they SAID they were limiting crowd size by use of the reservation requirement for a more enjoyable time for the customers! Why is it so OVERCROWDED now??? I was there in the first of December (my 7th trio) and I have never seen so many people in the park at one time!! Just maybe the UPCHARGE and park reservation system is just a ploy to get more people thre so tehy can get more of our money with less effort on their part! And now you have to pay for everything you do …. Walt never intended for HIS park to be a cash cow for those in CHARGE!
I am done with Disney, this after more than 100 visits with 2 children for the last 30 years. Here’s why. I went in September with my two adult daughters as a birthday gift they gave me. Four days. It was great! I am 72 years old with some issues (not seen by naked eye) which has forced me to begin using ECV’s to move around. I can walk, talk and generally can keep up with the crowd but I use the handicapped access. Or at least I DID until a visit in March with 5 people. We ALL PAID FOR THE GENIE PLUS ACCESS as well. When I entered the park MK I went straight to guest services and requested a handicapped access pass on our magic bands as well.. I was in my ECV. I was approached by a 20 something cast member who says “can you walk” I said yes …she said “well then you don’t get handicapped access” “our newly designed que lines can accommodate ECV’s so you can just go through the regular lines” I said “have you ever tried steering one through the maize without crashing into someone”? I am not obese of visually handicapped but I need handicapped access as my circulation problems cause a lot of issues when I stand for long periods of time. I wrote to disney and their handicapped team and they BACKED UP THEIR NEW POLICY….I AM DONE!
I really think if Disney World decided to offer everyone one free FastPass+, it would make so many people happy and improve customer morale/satisfaction. Disney would still make money by offering Genie+ and Lightning Lane, since that would essentially give people extra FastPass+ reservations and less waiting in line. Maybe the one free FastPass+ would be for any ride that isn’t a lightning lane offering. The genius of giving guests the one free FastPass+ is it almost guarantees someone the ability to go on one of their top rides without worrying about too long of lines. Could incentive guests to stay at a Disney resort by allowing them to make the selection up to 2 months in advance and everyone else would be 1 month in advance.
I digress with this writer, human beings aren’t forced to stand in long lines. They can choose not to stand in line, so they don’t have to piss and moan about waiting.
It’s BS! We paid to take our whole family in March. Paid for the genie pass. Made arrangements 4 months in advance for each park and reservations for food. Ended up waiting about an hour and a half for each ride. Had many of the roses break down. Went on 3 rides at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars and tower of terror both broke down while we were on the rides. I have never felt more taken advantage of in my life. Wasted of time & money. I suggest going anywhere else but Disney.
And this is why free passes should of never have gone, & you had to pay for lightening lanes.
You pay enough to get into park alone people won’t pay more to get lightening lanes, the public is making a stand that people won’t pay more money.
so disney is going to have to put up with long long queues biggest mistake disney done was take away free fast passes it kept the queues down, but now all its done is made more queues & people frustrated, disney now known as the most greddiest place in the world
God help disney when June, July, August holidays arrive 🙈🙈🙈 big mistake
I was there this day. I had genie plus, but I didn’t wait more then 30 minutes in line at any point. Literally hit every ride but thunder mountain, splash mountain, and the kiddie park. It was a great day! I will admit we got lucky as I saw a few rides go down right after we rode them through.
I arrived at MK at 845 today and never saw anything like this. In fact, crowds were lighter today than I’ve seen them all year. Wide open spaces in Adventureland where the usual bottlenecks are. 35 min wait for BTMRR. Not bad.
Comments for Guests Forced to Stand In Long Line Due to Intense Crowd Levels at Magic Kingdom
beautiful gorgeous
Their first line of the day, not their last. There’s a long line at Seven Dwarfs or the Jungle Cruise waiting for them. We had a 45 min wait on a dole whip so we watched the tiki birds then got our dole whip. Waiting in line is WDW (even genie+ won’t spare you from standing in line–we only got 3 lightnings all day).
Dave
You can book another as soon as you redeem you Lightning Lane. Also, don’t be so discriminating. If you want to ride an attraction book the Lightning Lane and you’ll get on the ride. Don’t bother paying for the upcharge rides. See if there is a short stand-by and make the decision to wait for something like Seven Dwarfs. You get on more rides and have a better time.
Alison
We were at MK today and walked on to every ride except Pirates and Space Mountain. There were a lot of people but it was definitely manageable and nowhere near spring break crowds
Terra
Forced? 😂 None twisted their arms to go 🤷♀️
I’m not a huge fan of the new system, but as Florida AP’ers we know what we’re in for when we go.
We were at EPCOT all day Friday. Nothing was too bad of a wait except for Ratitoille. It’s the calm before the summer storm.
People who complain about long lines must have never been before.
And those that say they are never going back until it changes…I’m good with that.
It means less people in the park.
Kit
I have been a passholder for many years, as long ago as 1997, the park has gotten money hungry as well as anti passholders.
If you want to eat at a restaurant you can’t, if you want to go on the sper of the moment, fat chance. This is nolonger a park that is concerned about us who would visit several times a year and bring the family kids.
Disney has changed for the worst, its dead to me. How many people do you know that has a picture of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at one time. Try to find one.?
Christy
That’s what I was thinking. Forced? They can get out of line, hop back in their cars, and leave. 😁
Maria
This is NOT my idea of a good vacation! Standing in line, in the hot sun, stressing about ALL the money I spent to barely get in to do anything. Nah, just let me stay at an amazing luxury hotel with it’s Hugh beautiful pool, with a gorgeous, tropical Florida beach, hammock and tiki bar on the side! Kiddos will be splish slashing away, I’ll be cooling off and just relaxing!
Patty
What do you mean by don’t pay upcharge just get lightning? Do you need genie+ in order to buy lightning?
Peter
The FREE fastpass+ worked great. Greed has ruined the Disney experience.
Patty
You can pay for lightning without having genie+
Patty
Buy both is best?
Thoughts?
Vicki
The lines are out of control. Getting fast pass a waste of money only got to use 2times whole time there. Everything was booked by 6am. I won’t be going back till Disney can assure me with new system I will get on more then 5 rides in a day. Too much money for only a few rides. Greed pure greed Disney . What a rip off
Dave
We were down there in April. Suggest going down there at a better time of the year. The Lightning Lanes were easy to use. Can book them at 7AM not 6. Can book another 2 hours later. As soon as one has been redeemed book another one. It’s actually pretty easy. If you don’t think you’ll stand in a line at WDW…THEN YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND.
Christy
Isn’t it funny how long lines at Disney is a surprise to some people? Going a better time of year is good idea.
Grace
Go to your local parks. It’s a lot more fun and you won’t get as ripp d off. Disney should relocate to China. Perfect location for them
Peter
The lines are longer with genie+ being implemented.
Maria
Not really. When you go on the off season half the rides and attractions are closed for maintenance. Even the restaurants won’t all be opened and the weather won’t be warm en6 for swimming.
Rroe
Who in their right mind would buy an expensive Disney ticket and then pay even more for a Lightning Pass. Get with it people…..Disney is out to screw you all of every penny you have. Lightning Pass or not, your going to spend most of your expensive day standing in line. Is this what you call your “Magical Moment”?
Maria
I totally agree! There’s SO much to see and do in Florida. I never would go to Disney anymore.
Tina
You nailed it! Disney parks are the greediest place for anyone to go for a good time!
I am repulsed by that overpriced amusement park. They should put a cap on the tickets sold and lower all the outrageously overpriced food and all the junk they sell from China.
Deb
I agree. The management has sucked the fun out of what was once a magical experience.
Greed
Nancy Thorsby
Well to respond to Dave, who obviously knows it all, not everyone is comfortable using a cell phone all day!! So, I never go to Magic Kingdom, except to shop main street at Christmastime. Magic Kingdom is ALWAYS busy!!!! ALWAYS
Don Knotts
Are you SURE about that? One time, a Guest went to the Park and walked onto a ride.
fm
Parks are full just like before the pandemic. Just came back from 5 days. Lighting pass is a must in addition to your entry. Be prepared to spend most of the day on your phone. The trip sucked. Nothing like previous trips. Use to go 2-3x per year. Never again.
Jason
We literally just got back yesterday from a 6 day stay. We thought it was awesome. Genie + and Lightning Lane were a breeze. We rode EVERY ride In EVERY park. Space mountain 5X and getting on Rise and Ratatouille was no problem!! We loved it and thought the crowd was light. I think this is getting way overblown or we got extremely lucky 6 days in a row!
Peter
Yeah, right!
Jonathan
I’m so done with this crap. Ever since this new CEO has taken over is been all downhill. Free fast passes would greatly alleviate this problem.
Shelly Catron
I agree Jonathan. Disney has gone down hill ever since this new CEO has taken over. Free fast passes have worked well in the
past… .you might say it leveled the playing field for everyone to get a chance to ride the more popular rides regardless of income or status …Disney used to be the ‘most magical place on earth!” …however now it has become the
” MOST greedy and money hungry place on earth” ..children, families and people in general are not their real concern!
As a huge long time Disney fan, even went there on my honeymoon, I cant believe I would ever say I am done with Disney but I am. We went to Universal three time last year, stay on proberty, had wonderful time, long lines, but not that bad and the team members were great, all for a fraction of what Disney wanted for one trip!
We celebrate our Fifty wedding Anniversity next year..Quess where we will NOT be going!
Juniper
You are talking 50 years ago. I think it would be safe to say, given the advancements in technology over a span of 50 years, your experience will not be the same, yes?
That said, I went in March and it was a zoo. If those crowds were considered regulated by the new reservation process, I’d hate to see it on a day it was not. Any park like this, expect to wait in long lines.
Peter
You are 100% accurate on the return of free pastpass+
Renee
Doesn’t sound like disney is limiting capacity that much if lines are 3 hr wait times.smh.nope not for me.
Christy
Amazing that people are shocked by long lines. That’s been the Disney I’ve known as an 8-year annual pass holder. You have to know when to go and when not to go. Like now? Not a good time of year to go. If this is the only good time of year for you, then you shall have to cope with long lines. Your kids may learn some patience and that good things don’t come easy.
Peter
Genie+ has made long lines even longer. You even have to pay more to go during peak times. It’s all about the dollar.
dsnyscks
Don’t go. Disney is not telling the truth about anything. It’s a money grab. They have altered the numbers to fit their narrative. They don’t give 2 craps about any customer. The people posting positive reviews are paid to do so.
Leslie Brown
When I would go before COVID. We would just go to what ever park we wanted to that day and ride what we wanted to. Didn’t have to plan or make park reservations, always got a park Hopper always stayed on property. If a ride had too long of a wait time we would go back later or the next day. Never missed a ride we really wanted to go on. We did stay for 2 weeks each time. But that was before all the new changes. Not sure now if I will go back.
Ben Y. Dover
One time, I saw Guests lined up in the Park. Is this normal? What do you think?
Kat
No one is “forcing” anyone to stand in a long line at Disney, including the crowds at rope drop. People can enter the parks any time of day, so enter later if the rope drop crowd is too much for you. Ride something else if a line is too long. Park hop to a less crowded park. Or just don’t go.
Kathy
Just got home yesterday from a 8 day stay. Lines were 40 minutes or much longer. Went to AK first thing in morning was the only time we got on and off any rides in a decent amt of time. We only used LL once for Rise of resistance. As a DvC owner, I don’t plan on paying more to ride a ride. What exactly does the park ticket cover if you are paying for a ride?
Mr Ed
Your park ticket includes the right to complain.
Peter
Not good advice. If you knew how the parks used to be, you might complain too. If you had to foot the bill for the family trip, you might complain too.
Ringo
Yesterday. Disney was such an easy game to play.
All my complaints seemed so far away.
Now I line up every day.
Racefan
That line is first thing in the morning before they opened the gates. We were there the 2 weeks around Easter. There were lines but nothing really crazy. Never anything over an hour even without Genie except 7 dwarves mine ride and ROTR. By waiting til last ride of the day still only waited 30-40 minutes for both. If you think there will be no lines you’re going to be disappointed. Disney has, always has had, and always will have lines.
Anne
With park reservations Disney knows EXACTLY HOW MANY PEOPLE are in each park. They must know what they are doing. If the lines are too long, I am sure cast members are aware of issues. Whether or not Disney decides to decrease park admittance by selling less park passes daily, will remain to be seen. There are no more walk ups for day tickets so it’s no longer a guessing game for them. Disney loves this. Bad press is still press for them. Nothing will change with Disney; we are the ones that have to change how we feel.
Tiffany
This was my original photo and they posted it without context and did not ask for permission. MK was actually an ok day yesterday. Some attractions were longer waits but it’s to be expected during the summer months. We actually got on 19 attractions yesterday between MK and Epcot.
Allen
MK was packed yesterday because it closed at 4:30pm on Sunday for a staff celebration- park levels are once again manageable
Trixie
No one FORCED anyone to stand in line.
If the line is too long for you, then don’t stand in it. But no whining about the wait when they tell you how long the wait will be and you stand in line anyway.
Move on to another ride with a shorter line.
Jeannie White
We were there last week during the 50th Anniversary and the Epcot Flower and Garden Frstival. We go roughly twice a year and have for 14 years. We purchased the Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes each day but no park hoppers. Yes the crowds were heavy. Yes they are still working out the kinks with Genie+ but it is improving. There were more crowds this time than when we went mid-December yet Lightning Lanes were easier to get as well as easier to get through the lines in. If you start at 7am or park open and then set your timer for when it says you can book again (currently every 2 hours or when you ride one), you can get your money’s worth out of them. I’m happy they got rid of virtual passes for Rise. I actually got to ride this time which I hadn’t been able to in the 4 other trips I’ve taken since it opened. Yes I saw lines that got long as 90 minutes estimated wait times but 2 celebrations are going on right now and I’ve seen wait times as long as 210 in the past before. I also had Six Flags Season passes last year in San Antonio….ride lines are shorter at Disney at peak times, less rides are down at Disney, it’s cheaper and easier to purchase a quickpass at Disney, lines are certainly more entertaining due to the care Disney takes to theme their rides. Disney also takes more care to keep you out of the sun. Yes I miss the old fast pass system that was free but I think over time the Genie+ system will improve and it keeps the prices of tickets reasonable for those that don’t want to use it while raising the price on those that are more wiling to pay for the experience. The Disney app still eats battery power you you have to bring a charger and Genie+ keeps you on a phone which would have Walt turning in his grave but given progress, I think they are making improvements to control crowding but this is the 50th Anniversary! It should be crowded to the gills!
Rob
Not sure what your article is talking. I have been in the Magic Kingdom this week and have not noticed any unusually large crowds. I am an annual passholder and get into the parks daily. Crowds seem pretty tame to me. This picture appears to be from park opening when yes the “crowds” seem to be most intense.
Pat
Visited last week of March with family. As a frequent visitor I felt it was very crowded. I don’t know if it was spring break or that it was because it was a Run Disney week. I don’t think we would have gotten on any rides if I did not have a grandson who qualified for the DAS program for he was on autistic spectrum. Yes autistic spectrum and PTSD will qualify. This program works much like the lightening program and is free. We were able to ride everything we wanted and these 74 yr old legs appreciated it.
Jarvis
This issue is happening at Universal’s Vacano Bay.
They overfill the small water park until people end up leaving in frustration.
Also, you have to take their shuttle system so it is another long line to get back to parking (easier to visit by their resorts transportation or stay onsite).
They really need to limit capacity, especially to the ghetto that show up later in the day. I believe APs will be limited so that helps.
Trevor English
TL;DR: You cannot be spontaneous when going to Disney. Plan early and book everything you want to do as early as you can.
We went to Disney last month (4/15/2022) and the process was… fine, I guess… It was difficult to understand completely and it made spontaneity almost impossible — everything had to be planned and booked as early as possible to guarantee a spot. We actually didn’t get a dinner reservation because we were indecisive at first thinking we could just wing it.
Our kids (7 and 5) did a GREAT job and were real troopers about the process. They didn’t see some of the frustration my wife and I had, but it was different than any other time I went to Disney over the years.
Jerry
According to wait times on app doesn’t match what your saying on crowd levels or nobody is riding! But Disney was better with fast pass and no park reservations!
Sue
It’s normal to wait in line at Disney. It if you ask me if the crowd are less with the reservations no. They are still the same. Don’t even know why they have the system still in use. Doesn’t make sense. People are still going. And yes they are short staffed. Bc most people who worked there before the pandemic when to work at universal which treats there employees better. So are they short staffed yes. Are the crowds less with the reservations no. It’s Disney.
Mickeymouse3
Crowd levels have been insane since the reopening. I can’t help wonder if the crowds have increased that much or if the “new and improved” changes are to blame for the crowded conditions or lack of shows and parades that disperse the crowds are to blame. Seems things weren’t as crazy as pre-covid, as they are now.
Mark Cippel
We just returned from a 6 day trip with Genie+ (may 9 – 14). Our party of 6 rode every single ride (except Test Track and Everest) in under a 15 minute wait. Yes, the parks reservation system showed they were at full capacity, but it was honestly a piece of cake traversing the parks. I can’t speak for non-genie+ users, because the standby lines were indeed long for a few of the attractions, but if you utilize Genie+ and ILL, you can pretty much get whatever ride you want. At MK, we had five genie+ right in a row; if you were OK with refreshing the genie+ app screen for 10-15 minutes at a time, you could land any genie+ you wanted. I could say I was just lucky, but considering it worked that way for 6 days straight, that would be quite the coincidence! Even slinky dog I was able to book at 10:35 for a 11AM ride; although I refreshed for about 20 minutes for that one. Most of these articles on the news and these sites are just playing up the crowds, it’s not nearly as bad as everyone makes it seem (as long as you have genie+). Like I said, I can’t speak for families without Genie+, though; as I’m guessing their experience was a bit different then ours.
Peter. L
I have been visiting Disney for 43 years. It’s always had crowds. Just went in October and it was crowded. I am not one to go for the rides (Although I do get on some) I go for the Disney experience. There is no place on earth like it. I will continue to go as long as I can. As for the cost, it has always been expensive, nice things cost money and as long as people are willing to pay (Me) they will keep going. You can pay less and go to 6 flags and you get what you pay for. No, I didn’t get paid to say all yhis either. Have a magical day!! ;0)
Trish
Peter L, very nicely put! I agree with you on every single thing you have said! It’s about the Disney Experience! That costs money. But, it’s worth it.
Karen
Ummmm I’m a pass holder and was there Friday and lines were great! Yes, long lines for Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, and few roller coasters but it’s that way year round all the time! My kids rode Thunder mountain 3 times, splash mountain twice, pirates of Car., small world, Buzz, people mover, little mermaid, 7 dwarf roller coaster, orbit, merry go round, all in 6 hours! On a Friday! Crowds were half of what normally are on a spring or summer day. I think some people just want to complain or have never been so not used to the waits but you will find that at any theme park.
Trish
Jason, I thank you so much for commenting. I am one of those ” Lucky People” who happens to have the same experience as you did. If there are long lines, I expect that! I rarely go to TMK or to MGM studios. I am an EPCOT ANIMAL KINGDOM person. I have already ridden all of the rides. I go because I love learning about other cultures and, I adore animals. Nobody is forced to do anything. You choose to wait 60 minutes for an attraction. DW and WDW are a business. Of course they make money! They try making more because it’s a business! As children, you don’t notice how much things cost. Someone else is paying your way. I have said enough. Have a DISNEY DAY!!
Trish
Peter L, very nicely put! I agree with you on every single thing you have said! It’s about the Disney Experience! That costs money. But, it’s worth it.
Richard Edwards
But wait they SAID they were limiting crowd size by use of the reservation requirement for a more enjoyable time for the customers! Why is it so OVERCROWDED now??? I was there in the first of December (my 7th trio) and I have never seen so many people in the park at one time!! Just maybe the UPCHARGE and park reservation system is just a ploy to get more people thre so tehy can get more of our money with less effort on their part! And now you have to pay for everything you do …. Walt never intended for HIS park to be a cash cow for those in CHARGE!
STEVE
I am done with Disney, this after more than 100 visits with 2 children for the last 30 years. Here’s why. I went in September with my two adult daughters as a birthday gift they gave me. Four days. It was great! I am 72 years old with some issues (not seen by naked eye) which has forced me to begin using ECV’s to move around. I can walk, talk and generally can keep up with the crowd but I use the handicapped access. Or at least I DID until a visit in March with 5 people. We ALL PAID FOR THE GENIE PLUS ACCESS as well. When I entered the park MK I went straight to guest services and requested a handicapped access pass on our magic bands as well.. I was in my ECV. I was approached by a 20 something cast member who says “can you walk” I said yes …she said “well then you don’t get handicapped access” “our newly designed que lines can accommodate ECV’s so you can just go through the regular lines” I said “have you ever tried steering one through the maize without crashing into someone”? I am not obese of visually handicapped but I need handicapped access as my circulation problems cause a lot of issues when I stand for long periods of time. I wrote to disney and their handicapped team and they BACKED UP THEIR NEW POLICY….I AM DONE!
Figment
I really think if Disney World decided to offer everyone one free FastPass+, it would make so many people happy and improve customer morale/satisfaction. Disney would still make money by offering Genie+ and Lightning Lane, since that would essentially give people extra FastPass+ reservations and less waiting in line. Maybe the one free FastPass+ would be for any ride that isn’t a lightning lane offering. The genius of giving guests the one free FastPass+ is it almost guarantees someone the ability to go on one of their top rides without worrying about too long of lines. Could incentive guests to stay at a Disney resort by allowing them to make the selection up to 2 months in advance and everyone else would be 1 month in advance.
Chris Wood
I digress with this writer, human beings aren’t forced to stand in long lines. They can choose not to stand in line, so they don’t have to piss and moan about waiting.
Ronda
It’s BS! We paid to take our whole family in March. Paid for the genie pass. Made arrangements 4 months in advance for each park and reservations for food. Ended up waiting about an hour and a half for each ride. Had many of the roses break down. Went on 3 rides at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars and tower of terror both broke down while we were on the rides. I have never felt more taken advantage of in my life. Wasted of time & money. I suggest going anywhere else but Disney.
Kelli
We just went. It was absolutely horrible wait times. Seriously don’t see the appeal.
KTS
And this is why free passes should of never have gone, & you had to pay for lightening lanes.
You pay enough to get into park alone people won’t pay more to get lightening lanes, the public is making a stand that people won’t pay more money.
so disney is going to have to put up with long long queues biggest mistake disney done was take away free fast passes it kept the queues down, but now all its done is made more queues & people frustrated, disney now known as the most greddiest place in the world
God help disney when June, July, August holidays arrive 🙈🙈🙈 big mistake
Doug
I was there this day. I had genie plus, but I didn’t wait more then 30 minutes in line at any point. Literally hit every ride but thunder mountain, splash mountain, and the kiddie park. It was a great day! I will admit we got lucky as I saw a few rides go down right after we rode them through.
Beth Mc
I arrived at MK at 845 today and never saw anything like this. In fact, crowds were lighter today than I’ve seen them all year. Wide open spaces in Adventureland where the usual bottlenecks are. 35 min wait for BTMRR. Not bad.
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