6. Fantasyland

Image: Disney

Crowd levels at Fantasyland have fortunately become somewhat easier to manage since the opening of New Fantasyland back in 2012. However, this hasn’t changed the fact that Fantasyland remains of the most insanely busy places in Magic Kingdom. For families with small children, there is no area of the park kids love more, and families from all over are willing to fight whatever crowds necessary to see their little ones get to meet Belle, ride the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, fly with Dumbo, and dive under the sea with Ariel.

Even for adults, I don’t recommend skipping Fantasyland entirely. It’s a seriously fun place just to walk through, even if you don’t ride any rides. However, if you want to minimize crowd frustrations, consider timing your Fantasyland visit either first thing in the morning or during the fireworks. You can also keep an eye on wait times on the My Disney Experience app to see if any dips in waits indicate an outflux of families to other parts of the park.

7. Any new major park expansion

Image: Disney

Disney has an extensive list of much-anticipated expansions opening in its parks over the next five years, ranging from new attractions at Epcot to the mega-immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening in summer 2019. If the success of The World of Pandora has taught us anything, it’s to expect that these new expansions will draw crowds—massive crowds that may stay well beyond the expected busy seasons.

Think about it… Who has actually seen the movie Avatar more than once or twice? While there are exceptions to every rule, many Disney regulars were left scratching their heads when Disney chose to base an entire land off a film not known for any major cult following. However, despite all odds, The World of Pandora has managed to appeal to audiences across the spectrum. You could have hated Avatar and still find yourself cooing with delight at The World of Pandora. Guests fell in love with this dreamscape land quickly, and it continues to boost attendance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to unforeseen levels.

There is no telling what effect more well-known properties like Guardians of the Galaxy and Toy Story will have on park attendance… and you can bet Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be packed for its first year. Hate crowds? Time your visit carefully and don’t set your expectations too high. We’re Florida resident passholders, and it took us almost a year to finally get a Fastpass to Flight of Passage!

8. Anywhere on major US holidays

Image: Disney

If you choose to visit Walt Disney World on the 4th of July, New Years Eve, or Christmas Day, there is nothing I or any other Disney expert can do to help you. There is no crowd hack that will save your trip on these days if crowds stress you out. Can you still have fun? Sure, kind of like how people can still have fun during the run of the bulls or the opening of a new IKEA. However, if you hate crowds, there is unfortunately very little that can be done to salvage your sanity if you visit Walt Disney World on a major holiday.

No matter what, Disney attendance rises on holidays, whether it be Labor Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or Memorial Day. The only exception to this rule would be Super Bowl Sunday which is actually an amazing day to visit. If you find yourself roped into a Disney trip on a holiday against your better judgment, do lots of research into touring plans and trip hacks. Plan thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to pace yourself with regular retreats back to your room or a quiet place.

Where else in Disney World do crowds test your stress to the limit?