Disney World, a magical place where dreams come true, is a popular destination for millions of visitors each year. Known for its iconic Cinderella Castle, thrilling rides, and immersive experiences, it’s no wonder that Disney World draws such large crowds. However, when it comes to the busiest times of the year, the week after Christmas stands out. This article will delve into just how busy Disney World is during this period and provide tips on how to navigate the park during this peak season.
Disney World is extremely busy the week after Christmas, with peak attendance levels and long wait times for attractions. This period, starting around December 21st and lasting until after New Year, is considered the busiest stretch of the year at the park. Despite the crowds, with strategic planning and use of Disney’s crowd management strategies, visitors can still have a magical experience.
Crowded, But Magical
Historically, the week after Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year at Disney World. Starting around December 21st, every single day sees peak attendance, with a solid string of 10/10 dates on the crowd calendar. The last 10 days of December are the busiest stretch of the year at Disney World. Crowds typically remain at a high level until after New Year.
To give you perspective, during this period, wait times for attractions can be very high, sometimes reaching up to 4.5 hours. For instance, in 2022, guests at Magic Kingdom experienced an average wait time of 30 minutes during Christmas week. It’s important to note that crowd levels and wait times can vary each year, but overall, you can expect Disney World to be quite busy during the week after Christmas.
Comparing with Other Peak Times
When comparing this post-Christmas period to other peak times throughout the year at Disney World, the last 10 days of December are even busier than summer vacations or spring breaks. During this time, wait times for attractions can be significantly longer, with some popular rides having wait times of four, five, or even six hours.
Managing the Crowds
Despite the large crowds, Disney World has implemented several crowd management strategies to ensure a pleasant experience for its guests. Some of these strategies include tiered ticket pricing, Extra Magic Hours for guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, the FastPass+ system, mobile ordering at many of its quick-service restaurants, multiple shows and events to disperse crowds, and capacity limits during particularly busy times.
Busiest Attractions
During this week, certain attractions, shows, and areas within the park tend to be busier than others. At Epcot, the flagship attraction, The American Adventure, is a popular choice. In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the park’s trails and exhibits can be quite busy. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a major crowd-puller.
Navigating the Park During Peak Season
While Disney World can be crowded during the week after Christmas, there are strategies you can use to make your visit more enjoyable. Arriving early at the parks, using the Disney Genie+ service to reserve quicker lines for select attractions, and being flexible with your schedule can significantly enhance your experience. Despite the crowds, the magic of Disney World is still very much alive during this time, and with some planning, your visit can be a memorable one.
In conclusion, while Disney World is particularly busy during the week after Christmas, it’s still possible to have a fantastic time with some careful planning and patience. Remember, every day at Disney World is a chance to create magical memories that last a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FastPass+ system mentioned in the article?
The FastPass+ system was a service provided by Disney World that allowed guests to reserve access to certain attractions, entertainment, and Character Greetings in advance. However, please note that as of 2021, Disney has retired the FastPass+ system and replaced it with Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
What is the Disney Genie+ service?
The Disney Genie+ service is a new offering from Disney World that allows guests to choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance. There is an additional cost for this service.
What are Extra Magic Hours?
Extra Magic Hours were special times when Disney World would open early or stay open late for guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels. However, this program has been replaced by Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
What is tiered ticket pricing?
Tiered ticket pricing is a pricing strategy that Disney uses for its park tickets. The cost of a ticket varies depending on the date, with higher prices on peak days and lower prices during less busy times.
What are the peak times at Disney World?
Peak times at Disney World typically include major holidays, spring break, and the summer vacation period. The week after Christmas is considered one of the busiest times of the year.
