Things are about to become even more crowded at Walt Disney World Resort this weekend, but there might be a way to beat the crowds.
While any guest visiting Disney World may think that any day of the week is a busy one at Disney, especially if they are standing on Main Street, U.S.A., waiting for Happily Ever After to begin at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, there are days that will be busier and more hectic than others.
This upcoming weekend is Labor Day weekend, and holiday weekends typically tend to be busier as there are extra days that many get off of work and school, making it an easier time to travel. The same goes for Universal Orlando Resort, which also has the added “busy” factor of this being the opening weekend of Halloween Horror Nights.
Plus, based on a recent study, in theory, the Orlando theme parks should be among the busiest in America this weekend.
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom once again claimed the title of the most visited theme park in the world for 2023, according to a new report.
The 2023 Theme Index Report, published by AECOM, Themed Entertainment Association, and Storyland Studios, revealed that the park attracted 17.7 million visitors last year. Disneyland in California followed closely behind, with just under half a million fewer visitors.
EPCOT saw an attendance increase of 19.8% in 2023, reaching 11.98 million visitors.
Universal Orlando Resort’s parks had a less favorable year, with attendance at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida decreasing by 9.3%. Other Florida parks in the top 20 included Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 8.77 million visitors, SeaWorld Orlando with 4.34 million, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with 4 million.
Overall, the eight Florida parks in the top 20 attracted 76.9 million visitors, while global attendance rose by 3%.
“According to AAA booking data, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%,” AAA’s Labor Day travel trends report says, with Orlando being the second most visited city in the States.
AAA advises against driving on Thursday and Friday evenings during the 2024 Labor Day weekend. If you’re returning home on Sunday, leaving early is recommended to avoid traffic congestion.
AAA’s report said:
“INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.”
Best Times to Travel on Labor Day
If you are visiting the Orlando theme parks this weekend, traveling during less busy times could save you waiting on the road, so that you can leave the waiting for attraction queues.
Best times for departing:
- Thursday, August 29 – Before 11 a.m.
- Friday, August 30 – Before noon, after 7 p.m.
- Saturday, August 31 – After 12:00 p.m.
Worst times for departing:
- Thursday, August 29 – 1 p.m. through 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, August 30 – 2 p.m. through 6 p.m.
- Saturday, August 31 – 8 a.m. through 11 a.m.
Best times for returning:
- Sunday, September 1 – Before 12:00 p.m.
- Monday, September 2 – Before 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 3 – After 1 p.m.
Worst times for returning:
- Sunday, September 1 – 2 p.m. through 8 p.m.
- Monday, September 2 – 11 a.m. through 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 3 – 8 a.m. through noon
If you are flying into Orlando International Airport, be aware of flight changes. Depending on weather, there can be more flight delays than usual, which could derail some of your vacation plans. If you are staying on property at either Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, both theme parks have complimentary transport to their parks, which will help avoid all traffic concerns.
Families Go Into Debt for Disney
The allure of Disney vacations has led many parents to spend thousands of dollars, often going into debt, to create lasting memories for their children.
Johnny Esfeller, a resident of Alabama, shared his experience with the New York Times, explaining how his desire to relive his childhood Disney magic influenced his family’s decision to visit Disney World. Despite careful budgeting, Esfeller was surprised to find himself exceeding his planned budget by $2,500. The fear of missing out on the Disney experience overshadowed financial concerns, leading him to prioritize the trip’s enjoyment over immediate costs.
The Esfellers, a middle-class family, ultimately found themselves in debt after their Disney vacation. An analysis by NerdWallet revealed the significant expense of such trips, with the average family of four spending nearly $6,500 for a week-long stay. Some families even surpass $15,000.
The rising cost of living has prompted many Americans to reduce their spending on Disney, resulting in a decline in theme park operating profit. However, Disney still generates substantial revenue from its resorts and amusement parks.
A LendingTree survey found that nearly half of families with children under 18 borrowed money to finance their Disney vacations. Many of these families expressed no regrets about their financial decisions.
Alyssa Leach, a frequent Disney visitor, was willing to go into debt to create memorable experiences for her young son. Despite earning a substantial income, Leach charged the entire cost of her family’s Christmastime trip to Disney World to her credit card.
The trip, which included accommodation, tickets, and a rental car, cost approximately $6,000. Leach made only minimum monthly payments on her credit card for two months, accruing interest before paying off the balance. However, she did not regret her decision, prioritizing her son’s experience over financial concerns.
Esfeller and his wife also encountered unexpected costs, such as the introduction of a daily fee for the line-skipping system (Lightning Lane Multi Pass) and changes to the shuttle service (Magical Express). These additional expenses contributed to their overall spending.
Rachel Cruze, a financial advisor, acknowledged the nostalgic appeal of Disney vacations but cautioned against excessive spending. She emphasized the importance of saving for future expenses, including vacations.
Rebecca Mitchell, a single mother, shared her experience of going into debt to provide her child with Disney vacations. Despite financial challenges, she prioritized creating memories with her child.
Do you plan on visiting Disney or Universal this weekend?