With the arrival of August, the quiet summer season at Walt Disney World is nearing its end, setting the stage for even lower crowd levels heading into the “fall” off-season and Halloween 2024. Surprisingly, this summer has been notably slow, defying the conventional wisdom that the hotter months are always bustling at Orlando’s favorite theme parks.
If you’ve visited Walt Disney World recently and felt that it was busy, you’re not alone. But understand, crowd perceptions are highly subjective. While wait times and congestion can still be present, a 2/10 crowd level means something different at Disney World than it does at other places. Today’s “uncrowded” Disney World might still show rides with hour-long queues and bustling corners, but that’s significantly calmer compared to peak days.
Adding to the equation, Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger, have been transparent about an anticipated attendance dip. This is consistent with trends observed during the last few quarterly earnings calls. Interestingly, this slowdown isn’t just a Disney scenario; even Universal is experiencing a similar decrease.
Breaking down park-specific wait times provides intriguing insights. July 2024 saw a notable decrease to a 2/10 crowd level, averaging 30-minute wait times for rides—quite the drop from July 2022’s 41-minute averages. In comparison, EPCOT has been exceptionally quiet, likely due to fewer festivals extending into the summer months. Magic Kingdom, even with the opening of attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, didn’t see a significant surge.
Looking ahead, weather could heavily influence crowd levels in the coming weeks. With school seasons creeping in and meteorologists predicting storms, the crowd dynamics could shift further. But as we head into the fall, expect some of the lowest crowd levels, making it an ideal time for those seeking shorter waits and a more relaxed experience.
What are your thoughts on this summer’s unexpected light crowds? Were you at the parks this season? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Source: Disney Tourist Blog
