How Busy Is Disney World Presidents Day Weekend?

Disney World is one of the most beloved theme parks worldwide, and it’s no secret that it can get quite crowded during popular holiday weekends. One such busy time is Presidents Day weekend. This article will provide an in-depth look at just how busy Disney World gets during Presidents Day weekend, including crowd sizes, wait times, special events, and tips on how to navigate the park during this busy time.

Crowd Sizes and Attendance

Presidents Day weekend is traditionally the start of the spring break season at Disney World, which results in heavy bookings at resorts and extra crowds in all parks. For instance, in 2022, all four of Disney World’s theme parks were fully booked for the entirety of Presidents Day weekend. Although Disney does not release official attendance numbers, it’s clear from park reservation availability and past experiences that the parks are quite crowded during this time.

Comparatively, Presidents Day weekend is considered one of the busiest weekends of the year at Disney World, on par with other holiday weekends like Thanksgiving and Spring Break.

Wait Times

With increased crowd sizes come longer wait times for attractions. On average, guests waited for about 55 minutes per attraction during Presidents Day week in 2023. These wait times are significantly higher than those on regular days, as many schools have mid-winter breaks during this time, leading to an influx of visitors.

The peak hours for visitation typically coincide with the opening and closing times of the parks. However, these hours can change, and it is recommended to keep checking the park hours while planning your trip and even during your visit.

Special Events and Attractions

While there are no special events dedicated to Presidents Day, you can visit attractions that celebrate American history and the presidents, such as The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom and the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. Additionally, the Disney Presidents Day Soccer Festival is held at ESPN Wide World of Sports from February 17 to 20, 2023.

Tips for Navigating Disney World During Presidents Day Weekend

Despite the crowds, it’s still possible to have an enjoyable experience at Disney World during Presidents Day weekend. Here are some tips to help optimize your visit:

1. Plan Ahead: Research park hours, special events, and crowd levels to choose the best days for each park. Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and character dining experiences.
2. Use Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes: These services allow you to bypass standby lines for an additional cost. They can save you time, especially on popular attractions.
3. Take Breaks: Consider taking a break from the parks during the busiest times of the day and return later when crowds may have thinned out.
4. Stay Informed: Keep checking park hours, special events, and crowd levels as your trip approaches and even during your visit to stay updated on any changes.

In conclusion, while Disney World is indeed busy during Presidents Day weekend, with proper planning and flexibility, you can still have a magical experience. Happy planning!