What if there were secret MAPS to help you escape Disney World crowds?!

The parks can get seriously crowded, especially during holidays, school breaks, or the summertime. And during those days, we often find ourselves looking for shortcuts to avoid those packed main walkways. Today, we’re sharing some helpful maps that will guide you to the best secret pathways to avoid crowds!

Africa-Pandora walkway; Asia-Africa secret path; Tron-Storybook path; Emporium path; Oasis rope bridge; Frontierland boardwalk; Tree of Life trails (with caveat that they’re not all open atm), friendship boats

The Secret Africa-Asia Path

Starting this series of maps out in Animal Kingdom, we have one of our favorite secret pathways, because it’s typically EMPTY! There’s a small path that ventures through the woods between Africa and Asia, with an entrance near Caravan Road. 

This path crosses over some lovely creeks, and there’s even a hidden seating area on the Asia side. You’ll be able to skip the busy main walkway if you take this side road.

Discovery Island Trails

Some truly underrated shortcuts are the Discovery Island Trails, which wind around the Tree of Life. Currently, part of these trails are closed due to construction on the Tree of Life Theater (where the new Zootopia show will be going).

Right now, the best way to utilize these pathways is to enter at the Tree of Life Garden sign, OR over by the Russell and Dug meet-and-greet. You’ll be able to cut off the main parts of Discovery Island, and you’ll get some stunning up-close views of the park’s icon along the way. Photo op, anyone?

Skip the Lap Around World Showcase

If you’re trying to cut halfway across World Showcase in one leap or you just don’t want to walk through every pavilion again, you can take the Friendship Boats! This boat service starts at 11AM and runs until a little after 7PM (it has to close before fireworks). 

There used to be boats that ran on both sides of the World Showcase, but only one leg reopened after the pandemic. You can currently ride across the lagoon from near Canada to Morocco.

The TRON Shortcut

When TRON Lightcycle / Run opened in Magic Kingdom, we got this great shortcut that goes underneath the roller coaster. It connects Storybook Circus (near the Walt Disney World Railroad station) to Tomorrowland — coming out by the TRON entrance. 

This path is partially shaded, has some great benches that are often vacant, and gives you a nice view of the coaster during its outdoor leg. We highly recommend it over taking the crowded main path that travels past Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

Frontierland Boardwalk

We may not get to use it much longer with the changes coming to Frontierland, but the Frontierland boardwalk is a favorite of ours during parade time. This wooden walkway runs along the Rivers of America and helps you avoid the crowds lining the street before and during the Festival of Fantasy parade. 

It’s also a great shortcut to use if the main walkway is just busy with crowds. You get a nice view of the water, and you can often use it to take the fastest path to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

A Classic Shortcut

If you’ve been a Disney World visitor for a few years, you probably know all about the shortcut through The Emporium. This massive gift shop connects the castle hub area to the Town Square area of Main Street, U.S.A. — and you don’t even have to set foot on the street!

If there are people lined up down the street for a parade or fireworks show, you can simply avoid the crowds by cutting through Casey’s Corner and The Emporium. Warning — this one doesn’t work as well AFTER the fireworks or parades because it gets super crowded in the gift shops at that time.

The Scenic Route

Perhaps one of the prettiest pathways on this list is the walkway between Pandora and Africa in Animal Kingdom. This pathway starts at the back of Pandora near Satu’li Canteen and ends near Festival of the Lion King. It can get pretty busy around showtimes for that theater, but other than that, it’s usually empty.

Along the way, you’ll walk beside the Discovery River and get to stroll in the shade of the trees. It’s truly lovely!

These pathways can be a lifesaver when it’s particularly crowded in the parks — you’ll navigate Disney World like a PRO! For more Disney World tips, check out the video below.

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Which of these shortcuts is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!