My SECRET to Overcoming Disney World Crowds During Peak Vacation Season

Avoiding the crowds in Disney World is like an Olympic sport.

Crowds in Magic Kingdom

Okay, maybe it’s not quite that intense, but it can be daunting and very challenging nonetheless. So how do you deal during the peak vacation season? If you’re visiting during Spring Break, summer, or the holidays, what’s the strategy? Well, let me tell you our favorite method for avoiding the masses!

Extended Evening Hours, Baby!

One of Disney World’s BEST hotel perks is Extended Evening Hours. This perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, but it can help you accomplish so much in the parks!

An empty park during Extended Evening Hours in Animal Kingdom

Basically, on select nights each week, Disney World will keep one park open an extra two hours for those staying at Deluxe Resorts, and you’ll be able to hop around to some of the park’s top rides, enjoying them with incredibly short wait times and low crowds.

Test Track during Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT

We’ve been to Extended Evening Hours several times, and our team agrees that it’s one of the most efficient ways to do a theme park. We’ve been able to get quite a few rides and attractions accomplished in short amounts of time, and there’s something relaxing about being in the Disney parks after dark with very few people around.

The Problem…and the Solution

However, to stay at a Deluxe Resort or a Disney Vacation Club villa, you’ll need to shell out the big bucks. These rooms are often upwards of $400, $700, or $1000 per night. And for many people, that’s simply not in the Disney budget!

Riviera Resort

The good news is that there are some great ways to save on your stay! First of all, we ALWAYS recommend checking out the Special Offers page on the Disney World website before you book your stay. They often have discounts for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and even the general public that can help you save on a hotel room.

Wilderness Lodge

But one of the best ways to save big is by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. We’re big fans of using David’s Vacation Club Rentals for this. Essentially, you’ll use their system to rent points that DVC owners can’t use. By doing that, you can cut down the cost significantly for a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort.

Yacht Club

You don’t have to be a DVC member to stay in a DVC room, and the rooms are often nicer than your standard hotel rooms, with a bit more space and a kitchenette that can come in handy. Plus, the DVC hotels in Disney World are some of the nicest places to stay, with great transportation, locations, and restaurants.

Grand Floridian Resort

So staying at a Deluxe Resort doesn’t always have to break the budget! In fact, getting that extra time in the parks can often make the cost so much more worth it. Who doesn’t love running from ride to ride with minimal lines?!

Polynesian Resort

Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on how to successfully navigate Disney World during your upcoming vacation. We’ll keep you in the loop on all things Disney!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Have you ever been to Extended Evening Hours in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!