Obviously, best way to avoid crowds at Walt Disney World (WDW) is to go during "off-season". Attendance is typically low during September up to Thanksgiving week, two weeks prior to Christmas, and the week after New Year’s up to Washington’s birthday. However, if you’re not going during these times, there are still plenty of ways to have fun in WDW while avoiding the crowds and long wait times.

It’s always a good idea to have a plan. Figure out what rides/shows you MUST do, what rides/shows you’d like to do and what you can miss. Remember Walt Disney World is a BIG place. Unless you’re staying on for a month or so, chances are you are NOT going to be able to see it all and do it all. But if you have a plan, you should be able to accomplish most of what you want to do and avoid long waits. While others are trying to decide where to go first, you can walk over to the ride of your choice. Knowing where you’re going is definitely the way to go.

The parks usually hit peak capacity between 11 AM and 3 PM. It’s also the hottest part of the day, the time when tempers can really flare up, even in the happiest place on earth! This is a good time to take a break and go back to your hotel and rest or enjoy the pool. Return to the park after 4 PM, when more people are leaving the park than are entering.

Each park also has an information stand which displays wait times for shows and rides. In the Magic Kingdom it’s towards the end of Main Street on the left hand side before you approach Cinderella’s Castle. In Epcot, it’s just behind Spaceship Earth. In MGM it’s at the corner of Hollywood & Sunset Boulevards. Remember, however, that these are just estimated wait times - actual time can be shorter or LONGER!

If you’re going to stick it out and spend a whole day in the park, make sure you take a break. If you’re going to eat in the parks, make priority seating as soon as you can (see section on priority seating). This will mean less waiting time for you when you get to your restaurant. If you eat early (lunch before noon) or late (lunch after 2 PM), you are less likely to get stuck with a crowded restaurant.

To avoid long lines at rides, go when the parades or evening fireworks are scheduled. Everyone will be lined up to watch the event and lines for rides will be minimal. If you want to see any of the parades in the Magic Kingdom and avoid the crowds, DON”T line up on Main Street. Try watching from Liberty Square or Frontierland.

At the end of the day when the park is closing, take your time. Everyone is rushing for the buses, boats and/or monorails. Why should you be caught in the crowds? Enjoy the shops of Main Street or Hollywood Blvd. Take in the early evening flora and fauna of the Animal Kingdom. Or enjoy the fountain in the center of Epcot. Part of the fun of WDW is relaxing and enjoying your surroundings.

How To Get Away From It All While In A Disney Park:

Tired of the crowds, but you don’t want to leave the parks?  There are some places in each park that are traditionally less crowded, calmer and/or cooler.

Magic Kingdom:
Walt Disney Railroad, Enchanted Tiki Room, Tom Sawyer Island, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Carousel of Progress

Epcot:
Spaceship Earth, The Living Seas, Universe of Energy, El Rio del Tiempo, Maelstrom, Wonders of China, American Adventure, Impressions de France, O Canada!

Disney MGM Studios:
Beauty & The Beast at the Theatre of the Stars, Voyage of The Little Mermaid, One Man's Dream , The Magic of Disney Animation

Animal Kingdom:
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Wildlife Express, Conservation Station, Flights of Wonder at the Caravan Stage.

If it all gets to be too much at any of the parks, find the nearest bench (preferably shaded), plunk yourself down and people watch. Take in your surroundings and take a few deep breaths. Relax, you’re in Walt Disney World!