Warning: Disney World Crowds Are BACK - and Way Worse Than You Think

If you thought the crowds were gone and summer was safe… think again. Visiting now may ruin your vacation. After a brief window of relatively light attendance, the massive summer crowds have returned to Disney World—and they didn’t just trickle in.

They surged. Attractions that were seeing 30-minute waits just a few weeks ago have ballooned back to 70 minutes or more. Rides like TRON Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are again drawing long lines, and even attractions that usually have lower wait times—like Pirates of the Caribbean or Living with the Land—aren’t offering much relief.

You may have missed your window if you thought you could sneak in a quiet summer trip. The early part of summer offered a short reprieve, but July crowds have overtaken the Disney parks. But the crowds aren’t the only factor making summer trips miserable.

Relentless Heat

Orlando’s summer weather is no joke, and this year it’s turning up the intensity. Daily temperatures are sitting between 90 and 100 degrees, with humidity readings reaching nearly 80% on some afternoons. That kind of weather can wear you down fast.

It’s not just a matter of being uncomfortable—it’s downright exhausting. Standing in the sun for over an hour to ride something like Slinky Dog Dash or Expedition Everest feels like a test of endurance. Add in the cost of staying hydrated, managing sunscreen, and constantly seeking shade, and the experience feels more like survival than fun.

Wait Times Have Skyrocketed

While there are still a few attractions with relatively low wait times if you time them right, it’s getting harder to find those windows. Rides across all four parks are averaging longer waits than they were even two weeks ago.

Magic Kingdom is especially crowded. By 11 a.m., most of the major rides are showing wait times of 50 minutes or more. And good luck hopping over to EPCOT to find relief—Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure are among the worst offenders when it comes to lines that stretch well beyond an hour. Hollywood Studios isn’t far behind, either, with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Rise of the Resistance both testing guests’ patience.

Don’t Let the Past Weeks Fool You

Not long ago, it looked like Disney World might be entering a rare summer slump. There were whispers among fans that Epic Universe anticipation or travel delays might have created a temporary dip in park crowds. But if that was true, it didn’t last.

What we’re seeing now is a full-blown summer surge. Families are taking advantage of school vacations, international travelers are returning in higher numbers, and events like the Fourth of July and EPCOT’s summer offerings are drawing in big crowds. If anything, the short period of calm just made this new wave of guests feel even more intense by comparison.

Should You Postpone Your Visit?

That depends on your tolerance for heat, crowds, and long lines. If your trip is already booked, there are still ways to make it manageable—early entry, Lightning Lane, midday breaks at the resort, and plenty of hydration can help you survive and even enjoy your visit.

But if you’re on the fence or haven’t committed yet, waiting for a cooler, less chaotic window might be worth it. September often brings a slight dip in crowds, and early November offers the magic of the holidays without the full brunt of the heat or holiday pricing.

For now, though, it’s safe to say the calm before the storm is over—and Disney World is once again packed, hot, and intense.