14 Ways to Avoid Lines at Disney World
Are you wondering how to avoid lines at Disney World?
Disney World is notorious for its crowds, long wait times for rides, and lines for EVERYTHING. The immersive theming, the nostalgia factor, and amazing cast members put Disney on top when it comes to theme parks. And this level of popularity means that crowds continue to flock there. If you’re hoping for a super relaxing and peaceful vacation, Disney World is probably not the first place that comes to mind.
If you have highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids, they are more likely to become overstimulated easily. Rubbing shoulders with strangers, standing in one spot for a long time, hearing conversations all around you, and having to wait during hot weather is a LOT for anyone.
Imagine how much more difficult it is for someone who experiences all their sensory inputs in a more heightened way.
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RELATED: REASONS WHY DISNEY WORLD CAN BE HARD TO HIGHLY SENSITIVE KIDS
PLACES WHERE MIGHT YOU ENCOUNTER LINES AT DISNEY WORLD
Usually the first thing you think of when we talk about waiting in line is… waiting in lines for rides. And yes, I would say the bulk of your time in line at Disney World is probably for rides. But there are loads of other times when you may have to stand in line.
Waiting in Line for Transportation / Security / Tickets
So if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, it’s possible that you will wait in line for transportation to get to the park. I will say I have very rarely waited in an actual line for Disney’s bus transportation when going from the resort to the park. But for Disney’s Skyliner, the monorail, and the boats, it’s pretty common to wait in line.
Before you enter a theme park, you will have to wait in line for security. You will walk through a metal detector, and if you have a bag, they may check that as well. Then, you wait in another line to scan your Magic Band or ticket to officially be “in the park”.
Phew, that’s a lot of waiting already and you haven’t even gotten in line for a ride yet!
Waiting in Lines for Shows / Fireworks / Parades
In addition to the rides, you may have to wait in line for shows. For example, this includes things like Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom or Lightning McQueen Racing Academy at Hollywood Studios.
Fireworks and parades also involve waiting as well. No, you’re not really waiting in a line per se, but you may find yourself standing or sitting in one spot for awhile.
Waiting in Lines for Food
If you’re hitting up Woody’s Lunch Box at Hollywood Studios right at noon, be prepared to wait in line! And any of the places that sell Starbucks will have a line out the door, especially in the mornings. Yes, keeping your family nourished and hydrated (or caffeinated, for the adults) may require some waiting in line.
Waiting in Lines for Characters
Meeting your favorite Disney characters can also involve waiting in line. The lines can be even longer when they are pretty rare characters aka only found in one spot or during certain times of the year.
Waiting in Lines to Buy Merchandise
Another time that you might have to wait in line is when purchasing your favorite merchandise at the various shops throughout Disney World and Disney Springs.
I hope I haven’t made you anxious with the amount of waiting in line that could happen at Disney World! In my mind, it’s good to know what to expect.
Why?
Because if you know what to expect, you can do some good planning and preparation. And that means finding practical ways to avoid lines at Disney World.
And hopefully by spending less time waiting in line, that can reduce sensory overload for your sensitive kids, and help mitigate those quintessential Disney meltdowns.
RELATED: WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD TO DISNEY WORLD
If you’re looking for specific tips on how to avoid lines at Disney World, you are in the right place!
Here you will find 14 ways to avoid lines at Disney World.
- 1. Go During Low Crowd Times
- 2. Rope Drop and Early Entry
- 3. Go on Rides during Parades & Fireworks
- 4. Get in Line Right Before Parks Closing
- 5. Go to Special Ticketed Events like After Hours Events & Holiday Parties
- 6. Check for Extended Evening Hours
- 7. Use Single Rider Lines
- 8. Pay for Genie+
- 9. Use the DAS (Disability Access Service) Pass if You Qualify
- 10. Reserve Dining Packages or Dessert Party Packages
- 11. Use Mobile Ordering for Food
- 12. Eat During Off-Peak Times
- 13. Reserve Character Dining
- 14. Use Merchandise Mobile Checkout
