Credit: Alice S.Ghost Town reports at Walt Disney World Resort are something you can never be quite sure of.
Crowds at Walt Disney World Resort can fluctuate dramatically, creating a dynamic experience for visitors. The ebb and flow of crowds can be attributed to various factors that influence the number of guests flocking to the park.
Seasonal variation plays a significant role in crowd levels at Disney World. Peak times, such as summer, major holidays, and spring break, see the park bursting with families eager to make the most of their vacation time. This is when school-aged children are out of school, making it an ideal time for family trips. Conversely, the off-peak seasons during early spring and fall are characterized by fewer visitors, providing the opportunity for shorter lines and more comfortable weather.
Disney World is also known for its special events, which introduce unique experiences and can lead to increased crowd levels. Events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival— both of which are going on right now– attract additional visitors looking for these exclusive festivities. Promotions and Discounts can likewise affect crowd levels. Disney periodically offers deals and discounts on tickets or accommodations, which can lead to a surge in visitors during those promotional periods as visitors seek to make the most of cost-effective opportunities.
The opening of new attractions is another factor that can significantly impact crowds. In the past few years, Disney has opened several new attractions, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Additionally, extreme weather conditions can influence crowd levels. For instance, hurricane warnings can lead to temporary park closures and the rescheduling of visits. Disney World Annual Passholders are a vital part of the park’s visitor demographic. However, some pass holders have blackout dates during which they cannot visit the parks. These dates tend to be less crowded due to their absence.
Visiting Disney World during the low season, on weekdays, or during the early mornings and late evenings can result in a more relaxed and enjoyable experience with shorter lines and milder weather. Many locals and weekend travelers tend to visit on Saturdays and Sundays, so weekdays often offer fewer crowds. Additionally, arriving early or staying late allows you to enjoy attractions with shorter wait times, as many visitors tend to arrive later in the day.
Conversely, if you’re seeking vibrant crowds and a lively atmosphere, there are steps you can take to experience Disney World at its busiest. Visiting during peak seasons, such as summer and the holidays, guarantees larger crowds, so it’s crucial to plan your visit meticulously and make reservations for dining and attractions in advance during these times.
Special events are sure to spike crowd levels, so checking Disney’s event calendar is essential for those who want to immerse themselves in the festivities. If you have your heart set on dining at the most popular restaurants, you can expect increased crowds. Some eateries are incredibly sought after, and securing reservations can be a competitive endeavor.
Over the course of the last several months, there have been numerous reports of Disney World turning into a “ghost town.” Numerous days over 2023, we’ve seen Disney park crowds at crazy lows at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As a matter of fact, there have been some reports to indicate that crowds have been at their lowest in years.
Well, those reports are simply not an accurate way to describe the parks currently, and most likely not for the rest of the year.
Disney crowds are in full swing as the Halloween festivities are underway. As soon as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party comes to an end, Walt Disney World Resort will transform into its Holiday-themed attire for the remainder of the year. Though there can be a small lull in crowds in early November– before Veteran’s Day– and then in mid-November– before Thanksgiving– the days of “ghost town” are likely done for a while.
We may see a few days of smaller crowds, but the truth is that if you’re planning to visit Disney in the next few months– either during October, November, or December– you can expect Holiday crowds to be quite heavy. As we said, there may be a day or two here or there that are light, but most days will become increasingly heavier until the Holiday season has come to an end.
What do you think about crowds in Walt Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!