Credit: Disney / Disney DiningChange is always around the corner at Walt Disney World, and with change often comes one unavoidable side effect: longer lines.
As Disney prepares for its 2025 update, guests should expect wait times to climb—not because Disney wants them to, but because more visitors will be pouring into the parks to experience what’s new. Add in the seasonal rush that’s already underway, and patience will remain one of the most valuable things you can pack for your trip.
Right now, the signs of busier days are already here. The crowds are swelling, and with major events on the calendar, the parks are shifting into one of their busiest stretches of the year.
So, what’s going on?
The Reality of Park Busyness
Walt Disney World never really has a “quiet” season anymore, but there are certain times when the crowds truly take over. Summer is always high on that list. Families across the country descend on Orlando to take advantage of school vacations, filling the parks from open to close. Combine that with Florida’s relentless heat; the experience can feel overwhelming if you aren’t prepared.
Weekends bring their own wave of guests, even outside the peak summer months. Locals with annual passes, short-term vacationers, and those looking for a quick getaway often choose Saturdays and Sundays for park visits. That makes lines longer, walkways more congested, and popular shows more crowded.
Then there are the holidays—by far the busiest times of the year. Christmas and New Year’s are legendary for their shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, but even fall holidays like Halloween bring in massive attendance thanks to seasonal celebrations. And this year, one of Disney’s most significant holiday events has just kicked off, adding to the buzz.
A Huge Holiday Celebration Has Begun
The Halloween season has officially arrived at Walt Disney World, and with it comes a surge of energy, excitement, and—yes—crowds. Pumpkins and fall décor now line Main Street, U.S.A., and guests are snatching up seasonal snacks and merchandise faster than they can be restocked.
Halloween may not be a national holiday on the level of Christmas, but at Disney, it’s treated with the same level of spectacle. That means higher attendance, as guests come for the rides and the exceptional experiences that only appear this time of year. The combination of cooler weather, school breaks, and themed events makes September and October some of the busiest months on the calendar.
An Event That Changes Everything
The season’s biggest draw is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which has officially returned for 2025. The after-hours event has become a must-do for Disney fans, and several dates are already sold out. For many, it’s the highlight of the fall season, complete with exclusive parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets you won’t find any other time of year.
But even if you don’t have a party ticket, you’ll still feel its effects. Magic Kingdom closes early to regular guests on nights when the event is held. That drives many daytime visitors to squeeze as much as possible into shorter hours, which means longer daytime waits. At night, guests with party wristbands keep the park buzzing until midnight, filling rides, shops, and trick-or-treat trails.
The party’s popularity also attracts more daytime visitors who want to soak up the festive atmosphere before the park transitions. This has a domino effect that ripples through the entire resort.
Crowds Flooding In
As if the Halloween season weren’t enough, fall breaks for many year-round schools are starting soon. Families looking for a mini-vacation often choose Disney as their go-to, which adds another layer of crowding. These breaks may not get as much national attention as summer or Christmas, but they bring significant attendance spikes nonetheless.
This creates a unique challenge: daytime guests are already pushing capacity, and then party nights mean Magic Kingdom shuts its gates earlier for non-ticket holders. The result? Evening crowds shift into EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, spreading the impact across all four parks. No matter where you go, you’ll likely see wait times climbing.
How to Still Enjoy Your Time
Even with the seasonal rush driving wait times up, it’s still possible to have a fantastic Disney trip. It just requires some thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility.
1. Rope Drop Wisely
Arrive early, but don’t follow the herd straight to the headliners. Lines for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run balloon instantly. Instead, consider targeting mid-tier attractions first, then doubling back later when the crowds thin out.
2. Use Lightning Lane Strategically
Disney’s Lightning Lane system remains one of the best tools for tackling long waits. Use it on attractions where the time savings are most dramatic.
3. Embrace the Party Perks
If you have a ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, don’t forget that the rides stay open during the event. While many guests are busy trick-or-treating or watching entertainment, wait times often plummet for Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion.
4. Manage Expectations
This might be the most important strategy of all. Go into your trip knowing the parks will be busy, lines will be long, and some experiences will take patience. Focus on the atmosphere, the shows, the snacks, and the once-a-year magic that makes Disney so special. Sometimes, slowing down leads to the best memories.
What This Means For You
Disney’s 2025 update may not officially “add” to wait times. Still, with fresh experiences on the way and seasonal events already swelling attendance, the reality is apparent: guests should prepare for longer lines. Pair that with fall holidays, school breaks, and the wildly popular Halloween party, and you’ve got one of the busiest stretches of the year.
But busier doesn’t mean impossible. With thoughtful planning and flexibility, you can still find the magic in a parade, a spooky treat, or a rare character sighting. After all, Disney isn’t just about how many rides you check off a list. It’s about the memories you make, even if some happen while waiting in line.