Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer at Disney World. With school out and a long weekend ahead, many families choose this time to embark on their magical vacation. But how busy is Disney World on Memorial Day weekend? Let’s dive into the data, explore the crowd levels, and provide some tips to maximize your visit.
Disney World during Memorial Day weekend can be moderately busy with crowd levels peaking at about 3/10. However, it is less crowded compared to other holiday weekends. Average wait times for rides tend to be around 31 minutes. Despite the increase in visitors, with strategic planning and utilization of services like Genie+, you can efficiently navigate the park and enjoy your visit.
Understanding Crowd Levels
During Memorial Day weekend in 2023, Disney World experienced surprisingly low crowd levels. The weekend peaked at 3/10 crowd levels, with wait times averaging 10 minutes lower than the same dates in the previous year. The average wait time at Disney World during Memorial Day weekend going back to 2016 is just over 31 minutes. In 2023, the average wait time was 29.25 minutes.
Despite being a holiday weekend, the parks were not as packed as expected. Some areas experienced congestion and long lines for popular rides and stores, but overall, the parks were not as crowded as during Spring Break 2022.
Comparing with Other Holiday Weekends
Compared to other holiday weekends, Memorial Day weekend tends to experience lower crowd levels. Holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day result in increased crowds. Easter, Thanksgiving, and the weeks before and during Christmas and New Year’s Eve bring moderate to heavy crowd levels.
Wait Times for Popular Attractions
The average wait times for popular attractions can surge up to well over an hour during Memorial Day weekend. However, with strategic planning, you can still enjoy these attractions without spending your entire day in line.
Special Events and Parades
Disney World does not typically host special events or parades specifically for Memorial Day. However, the weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season at the park, which can contribute to increased crowd levels. One event that takes place throughout May is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which adds to the park’s appeal.
Park Hours During Memorial Day Weekend
During Memorial Day weekend, park hours may change to accommodate the increased crowd. For example, during Memorial Day weekend in 2023, Magic Kingdom was open from 9 am to 10 pm, EPCOT from 9 am to 9 pm, Hollywood Studios from 8:30 am to 9 pm, and Animal Kingdom from 9 am to 7 pm. It’s crucial to check the park hours for your specific visit dates, as they can vary.
Navigating the Crowds: Tips and Strategies
Here are some tips to help you navigate the crowds and maximize your time at Disney World during Memorial Day weekend:
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowd by arriving at the park before it opens.
- Plan Your Day: Research the attractions and shows you’re most interested in and create a rough itinerary.
- Use Genie+ Services: Reserve access to certain attractions in advance and bypass long lines.
- Take Advantage of Mobile Ordering: Save time by ordering food in advance and avoid waiting in line at busy dining locations.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Try to visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Take Breaks During Peak Hours: Rest and recharge during the busiest times of the day.
- Utilize Single Rider Lines: Reduce your wait time by using single rider lines, if you don’t mind riding separately from your group.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Be prepared for longer wait times and adjust your plans as needed.
Booking Accommodations, Dining, and Genie+ Services
For Memorial Day weekend at Disney World, it’s recommended to book accommodations, dining, and Genie+ services as early as possible to ensure availability. Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Accommodations should be booked as soon as you know your travel dates, as rooms can fill up quickly, especially during holiday weekends.
Weather and Crowd Levels
The weather in Orlando, Florida during Memorial Day weekend can be quite warm and humid, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. When the weather is sunny and warm, more people are likely to visit the park, leading to higher crowd levels. On the other hand, if the weather is rainy or stormy, fewer people may visit, resulting in lower crowd levels.
Promotions and Special Ticket Packages
While there are no specific promotions or special ticket packages offered by Disney World during Memorial Day weekend, there are some ongoing offers that you can take advantage of. For example, you can save up to $1,000 on a Disney Dining Promo Card with a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort Hotels for arrivals on specific dates.
Conclusion
Despite the increase in crowds during Memorial Day weekend, the magic of Disney World can still be enjoyed with some strategic planning. By understanding crowd levels, planning ahead, and utilizing available services, you can make the most of your Disney World vacation during Memorial Day weekend. Happy planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Genie+ Service mentioned in the tips?
Genie+ is a service offered by Disney World that allows guests to reserve access to certain attractions in advance. This service can help guests avoid long lines and maximize their time at the park. Please note that Genie+ is not included in the regular park admission and requires an additional fee.
Can I make dining reservations on the same day of my visit?
Yes, you can make dining reservations on the same day of your visit, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll find availability, especially during high crowd levels like Memorial Day weekend. It’s highly recommended to make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance to ensure availability at your preferred dining locations.
What is the Disney Dining Promo Card mentioned in the promotions section?
The Disney Dining Promo Card is a special offer by Disney where guests can save up to $1,000 when they book a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort Hotels. The Promo Card is for use at select food and beverage locations in the park. It’s recommended to check the specific terms and conditions of this offer on the official Disney World website.
What should I wear to Disney World during Memorial Day weekend?
Given the warm and humid weather in Orlando, Florida during Memorial Day weekend, it’s advisable to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Also, considering the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, you might want to pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
