Magic Kingdom Crowd Report: Busiest Week of the Year
We’re back with another update on Magic Kingdom construction, crowds, and changes. This Walt Disney World park report will take a look at projects happening in advance of the 50th Anniversary, plus wait times, problem points, and congestion during the heart of summer tourist season on July 22, 2021.
The big topic today is crowds at Magic Kingdom. Towards the end of last month, there was a significant Disney Park Pass reservation refill for the remainder of summer. That was the last big replenishment, which might sound like good news for those hoping for reduced capacity during their Walt Disney World vacation, but it’s really not.
There are two reasons for this. First, the calendar has remained largely yellow or green since then, with no grey days. The yellow ones have meant no availability for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and/or Magic Kingdom. Second, Disney Park Pass reservations have been added periodically for the random dates that had diminished availability.
While it probably was not the first time this has happened (we don’t have the means to track that data), yesterday was the first time we saw Magic Kingdom green across all three reservation buckets for such a lengthy amount of time. Both in advance and through the morning-of itself.
This is significant because it means yesterday’s Magic Kingdom crowd level and wait time numbers are more or less a snapshot of organic demand, without any crowd throttles or meaningful limits on attendance. (To be sure, some guests who at some point wanted a Disney Park Pass reservation for Magic Kingdom were probably shut out, but this nevertheless would be close enough to unfettered attendance.)
Back when revising our July 2021 Crowd Calendar & Month Info, we indicated that Walt Disney World’s approach to refilling Park Pass reservations would have a massive impact on crowds, and could result in a huge swing in wait times. If the current (at the time) trajectory were maintained, overall crowd levels would be average or below.
If Walt Disney World “opened the floodgates” and stopped artificially limiting attendance, it would result in a busy summer. As of the last couple weeks, the latter approach has been increasingly adopted. Which brings us to yesterday at Magic Kingdom. Let’s start with a look at average wait times courtesy of Thrill-Data.com:
For perspective, the average wait time across all attractions and the entire day at Magic Kingdom was 46 minutes. This made it tied for the second busiest day of the last year, surpassing even Easter, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas week (save for December 22, the #1 day).
Splash Mountain averaged a triple digit wait, which is unsurprising given the triple digit feels like temperatures. After that, 6 other attractions also averaged wait times of over an hour. Several hours peaked above an hour midday, too.
As suggested above, July 22 was not an anomaly. Crowds and wait times have been trending in this direction for roughly the last two weeks. The graph above shows weekly average wait times at Magic Kingdom–this week is #1.
You might also notice the yellow lines in May and June, and think that doesn’t track with anecdotal reports of “feels like” crowd levels. However, those months are when Walt Disney World was in the process of reducing physical distancing–and thus improving hourly attraction efficiency–but had not yet increased capacity caps to a corresponding degree. July has seen capacity caps catch up to improved operational efficiency–and surpass it.
The wait time data should speak for itself, but we’ll add some corroborating anecdotal observations and color commentary.
All around Magic Kingdom, feels like crowds and posted wait times reflected elevated attendance.
Last Thanksgiving and Christmas, we routinely commented that even when wait times were higher and lines physically longer, it was easy to find pockets of uncrowded space away from other guests.
Not so anymore. You can still get away from the congestion, but it’s not the case that attractions are the only thing that’s busy. The whole park feels chaotic.
We’ve made several trips to Magic Kingdom in the last couple of weeks, and it has clearly been getting busier.
Nevertheless, there were some peak posted wait times yesterday that I haven’t seen in a long time. I can’t remember the last time I saw Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid hit 50 minutes outside a holiday week.
Here’s a look at the line for the Little Mermaid dark ride.
This snakes around towards Storybook Circus, using part of the meet & greet queue (or former meet & greet queue–the sign has been removed). On the other side of the walkway, there’s a 90 minute line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Over in Tomorrowland, it’s actually not looking too bad for Space Mountain! Earlier this spring, there were times when the queue was heading back towards the speedway.
Oh wait…
Turns out that the line for Space Mountain is now routed behind the old Stitch stage, by the restrooms, and beyond.
That “line starts here” marker is not for Carousel of Progress–it’s for Space Mountain.
Also in Tomorrowland, the lines for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (far left) and Astro Orbiter (right) both extend out of their designated and overflow areas.
This is almost certainly exacerbated by the brief refurbishment of Buzz Lightyear’s Spaceranger Spin, but it’s not like these waits would be short if that ride weren’t down.
While on the topic of Tomorrowland, here’s a glimpse at TRON Lightcycle Run construction. For more details and updates on the upcoming coaster—including several new photos from inside Magic Kingdom and California Grill—see TRON Lightcycle Run Info: Opening, Construction Photos & Concept Art.
After moving at a glacial pace for much of the last year, work here is now full steam ahead with a huge crew again. That bodes well for a probable 2022 opening date!
Also in Tomorrowland, work continues to remove the gears in the pavement. It’s impossible for me to view this objectively; it might’ve been dated, but I loved the aesthetic of Tomorrowland ’94.
Don’t let the lack of crowd here fool you; I waited to get this photo, and got several dirty looks from people wondering why I was standing in the middle of the walkway like a buffoon. That, or they were jealous of my super cool bucket hat.
In other Tomorrowland news, Walt Disney World announced that several shows would return in August 2021, including Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. [File photo above.]
We love the Laugh Floor, and are very pleased by this news. Hopefully a lot more is on the horizon–it’s needed!
Haunted Mansion’s line once again extends well outside the entrance, back towards the Rivers of America walkway.
When viewing these overflow queue photos, keep in mind that physical distancing is a relic of the past. So those photos from several months ago with similarly-long queues had significantly fewer people in them.
When I took this photo, the feels like temperature was 107º.
It’s thus understandable that Splash Mountain would be commanding the longest wait time in the park. Just think, after waiting only two hours, much of which is in a shadeless extended queue exposed to direct sunlight, you could enjoy a refreshing water ride! Long before that point, my shirt would be “naturally” soaked.
Here we have a huge crowd gathering as Liver Lips McGrowl waves to his adoring fans.
This photo is deceptive in the opposite way of the Tomorrowland archway one–here I waited until this area was reasonably congested so it looks like Liver Lips is a popular fella. Perhaps I have too much time on my hands.
Coming full circle back to the front of Magic Kingdom, there’s a restoration project underway on the Partners statue.
Per Walt Disney World, Partners is receiving routine care in preparation for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
For those who can’t read the small text:
“The process of removing oxidation buildup from patinated bronze is intensive – involving multiple phases to strip the sculpture to its bare metal before cleaning, reapplying a patina, and coating the entire figure in protective polymer and wax.”
After a decade of extensively photographing Partners and Cinderella Castle, this scene looks/feels like Bizarro Magic Kingdom to me.
Not that I’m complaining–if anything deserves some TLC ahead of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, it’s Partners!
In other news, the multi-month Confectionary refurbishment has been extended on paper until October 2, 2021.
This is hopefully a matter of the way the DisneyWorld.com calendar is programmed (same thing happened with the PeopleMover refurbishment). Disney has previously stated that this project would be finished by October 1, 2021. I have a hard time imagining the Confectionary won’t be open by that date–that’s prime real estate for selling those special anniversary cupcakes!
In the end, I try wrapping up these park reports on a positive note. Unfortunately, between the heat and crowds, it was not the most pleasant day in Magic Kingdom. Of course, I write this as someone who is able to visit any day of the year, popping in for a few hours here or there, often times at or after sunset. I’m very cognizant of the fact that’s a luxury the vast majority of people do not have. Those who have been stuck at home for the better part of the last year and are just now taking an overdue vacation probably have a very different outlook–hopefully they’re having a good time despite the weather and wait times!
In terms of forward-looking optimism, pent-up demand burning off during the summer months is ideal. While I have no delusions that any day between October through December will have low crowds, more casual guests vacationing now (theoretically) means fewer visiting for the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. I’m also optimistic that the return of more shows, entertainment, and other things to do–plus longer hours and better weather–will make the coming off-season and last quarter of the year a good time to visit Walt Disney World.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Thoughts on anything covered in this Magic Kingdom park report? If you’ve visited Magic Kingdom recently, what has been your experience with crowds and wait times? Do you expect Walt Disney World to bring back more shows/entertainment/dining/etc., or do you think staffing and/or other constraints will preclude that? Have you been able to loop the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
with all these unshaded lines, how many people are collapsing from the heat/sun? This actually seems dangerous.
I am a little nervous… we are going the third week of August and normally that’s a slower time. However, that looked unbearable. We don’t go to Disney world very often and are tied to school calendars. My kids have been remote for 18 months. Maybe things will improve with kids in school back, but Disney really needs to bring back shows. I know they’re starting to come back, but people eaters in AC are very important for summer crowds
My daughter and I visited the Disney Parks for the first time for six days last week. I had the vacation planned for 6 months, and honestly I was very disappointed with Disney… other then a money grab, I can’t understand why Disney has done such a horrible job of reopening. The lack of shows, huge crowds, and wait times were ridiculous. My daughter and I managed to make some great memories, but that was mostly because of all the research, planning, and $$$ I spent. The only time we were able to relax and get away from the crowds while still enjoying time in the parks was at add-ons (Savi’s & Astromech) and dining reservations (BOG, CRT, and character meals/nice restaurants). We managed to do every major attraction in 6 days, but I felt like we spent our whole time there in line…
I do want to thank you, Tom! Some of the items on your packing list saved the vacation. Those Frogg Toggs towels were life savers! The caffeine mints helped a bunch also…
So, we spent 4 days after Disney at Universal, and I have to say… We preferred Universal so much more! The way they have reopened makes so much more sense, that it has me scratching my head about Disney. We stayed at Lowe’s Pacific Resort which gave us unlimited fast pass access and we rode ever ride we wanted with short waits. Even Velocicoster was less of a wait then most of the Disney attractions and Hagred’s was easy to ride with the virtual line system. Shows are back to normal and people in the park aren’t nearly as congested. If anyone reading this is debating between Disney and Universal, for me it’s a no brainer!
Just curious…with the obvious over-crowdedness, is Disney putting out max ride capacity? Also, at what point does Disney make a change? Ex. Do they care the avg wait time for most rides, not just 1 or 2 headliners is 60 min? And if so, in what way and how quickly would they try to remedy this?
We are going next week & trying to stay positive but for the price with the lack of entertainment and long lines is making it difficult.
Rides are being operated at or close to full operational efficiency. The change Disney has made is to increase attendance caps–I don’t see them reversing course. They are adding entertainment, dining, and increasing hours, though.
It’s likely they’ll let the summer pent-up demand burn itself out, leading to a more normal mid-August and September.
We’ve been to all Disney Parks over summer numerous times…the lines for rides have NEVER been like this before! There is NO WAY they can say they are limiting capacity this week. We arrived on Monday and we leave tomorrow. All rides were beyond their normal que-lines so that on top of the heat was ridiculous! I don’t mind the heat if I’m at Disney having a great time but the lines and crowds like this pst week was like Disney opened the flood gates! We so looked forward to this vacation and even though we were all together and still made good memories, Disney parks disappointed! If ANYTHING, bring fast passes back!!! Having only special disabled services only using those lines meant they were completely empty most of the time. That in itself could’ve helped.
We will always enjoy coming and love Disney but sure hope next time is not as CHAOTIC as this time!
Lisa
“people wondering why I was standing in the middle of the walkway like a buffon.”
Either that’s a spelling error, or you’re secretly a big soccer fan with a soft spot for legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon?
I’m such a buffon I can’t even spell buffoon! 😉
Today (7/23) at MK wasn’t quite as hot as yesterday and there’s still lots of people- but Liver Lips McGrowl blew me a kiss and made my day!
Well, I am glad that my happy wife and I were there in June. Despite the heat, we had a great time because the crowds were small. I’ll take heat over smelly, rude people anytime. We’ll be back in early December and with schools in session, hopefully smaller crowds. I remember back in 2007 getting on Space Mountain with our son. It was so slow at the park that we actually boarded the same rocket we had just rode on, after going through the exit and boarding lines! Same number rocket! No people there and it was amazing during the last week in January. Too many people makes the worst scenario. I don’t understand why people go there at the worst possible times.
These crowds are all first timers-with lots of stimmy money. In Sept, WDW will be a ghost town.
This is a bummer, but I appreciate the heads up so I can reset expectations. I’m taking my six-year-old the last week of August. We only have two park days, but we’re staying on-site at Coronado Springs. So worst case, we’ll just hang out at the pool, or order room service and have fun movie time if the pool is also super crowded.
I don’t feel the present crowd situation is due to no fast passes at all.
Disney upped capacity without having the people eaters open to take up the slack from the headliners. With no shows that hold alot of people, and not all stores open, no wonder everyone is standing around waiting for the headliners (which BTW are breaking down all the time as reported over and over). Also there seems to not be enough open restaurants andn QS for the number of guests.
Why did disney open up like this? It only makes guests who pay alot of money to be there just miserable. If it was a move to make alot of money quickly, then I guess it did. However, they risk alienating their guests who are not happy with disney as it is now.
As for us, we have no plans to visit WDW at all. Maybe if and when things get back to “normal” we might. Disney just doesn’t seem like a fun, relaxing, or pleasant vacation at this time. I don’t want to spend thousands of dollars to have the experiences that guests are reporting now.
I have been following your blog for months now, leading up to our much anticipated trip WDW! We are currently driving home to Michigan & cant thank you enough for all of your insight, tips & tricks! The water bottles, “sweat towels” & handheld fans came in very handy this past week. We were also able to score a coveted ride on Rise of the Resistance thanks to your info! Epcot (7/20) Animal Kingdom (7/19) & Hollywood (7/22) were all hits and we rode nearly everything we set out to do. When we visited MK this past Sunday (7/18) it was wonderful, moderately low crowds & wait times & we rode almost every ride, but when we went back Wednesday (7/21) HOLY MOLY what a difference! There were SIGNIFICANTLY more people, the wait times were 2-3 times what we had seen on Sunday & it was just miserable. We waited over 2hrs for Mine Ride only for it to break down 2 trains away from our group . Overall our trip was wonderful, our stay at CBR was relaxing & comfortable and our kids are going home with some amazing memories of the magic! Thank you again!
Our family’s best “circles of hell” strategy is
A. Get to 30 minutes or more before rope drop
B. Maneuver through crowds like crazy people and ride everything we want and snack in line.
C. Eat a 1:00-2:00 pm lunch at a table service restaurant and enjoy the AC
D. Possibly do more attractions if we can handle it.
E. Return to hotel and spend rest of afternoon/ evening at the pool.
F. Eat pool bar quick service for dinner
(Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios always feel hotter than MK and EP – we get out of there by early afternoon.)
You can do this! It will be awesome!
Sara: You are 100 percent correct. We need Fast Passes NOW. Please.
Holy cow! Those lines are insane! I don’t understand why Disney hasn’t brought back Fast Pass. It makes no sense.
the crowds seem to be getting worse and worse and I have noticed that more seating benches have been taken away also…….apparently the two small ones at city hall wont be put back, ( its what a cm told us) and less benches across the way at the restraunt waiting area. , Other spots at the kingdom had less seating along the paths,,,,,,,,I guess they want people to be constantly moving.The wait times wernt as long as the signs said for the rides we went on, but we really did see long lines .We went to Epcot yesterday. The lines wernt long at the rides we went into but near the french restraunt and all around the park it was mostly small tables you had to stand at to eat and drink no benchs, people found seats around the fountain……..Now at my house it was 99 degrees when we got home………Thats a lot of standing on Hot pavement there. The walks into the parks from our cars is rediculous also. At MK the walk was 1700 steps from my car last thursday just to get to the ttc . We are locals and dont go as often now because of the conditions. We were in the 3rd row in imagine at Epcot yesterday and that was still quite a walk, like 800+ steps for me.
Almost wish I hadn’t seen this. We’re going July 31-Aug 7. Plans had to work around the school calendar. We were hoping the floodgates weren’t going to be open, but looks like that was a fantasy. Between the heat and the mobs, it looks like one of the circles of hell. We’ll be hanging our at our resort pool (hopefully, or is that going to be overcrowded too).
Tom, I am confused by your noting the crowds are heavy. Aren’t WDW parks still operating on a fraction of capacity? I mean if parks are only letting 40% in, then it can’t be crowded, right? I spend most Christmas weeks there and THAT’s crowded. Am
I misunderstanding?
This is the first complete and objective report that I see of true crowd sizes at the MK and WDW overall.
We just came back from WDW and I can tell you it feels very crowded. Maybe Disney claims that capacity is still reduced and that might be true , but it feels like it is limited to 99%. And if you consider that no meet and greets are available maybe the people per attraction could actually be similar or higher than normal.
Also WDW right now feels like an alternate universe where COVID doesnt exist for guests. About 95% of people choose not to wear masks and that includes most kids who obviously are not vaccinated. If you plan on going be prepared for lines for everything, even buying water from a cart could take 15 minutes. Also be prepared to make your own bed and feel like you are back in a college dorm since housekeeping is very limited and hotel housekeeping is truly understaffed and underequiped (we even asked to borrow a vacuum cleaner and it was worse than a dirt devil). So on the one hand Disney says no housekeeping for you because of COVID, but almost full capacity for me and COVID is nonexistent. Just go to any attraction and you will hear cast members asking people repeatedly to fill all available space, The Elsa sing along fills all 1000+ seats and yes people are there for 30 minutes singing laughing and unmasked. Only when you tell them “what about the virus” they might tell you ok take the space you need (this happened to us at the Haunted Mansion after the stretching room).
WDW also feels different because Disney lost all the magic its cast members brought. A key difference between WDW and other parks was that you could tell cast members loved their job and in other parks you would get the feel of “I just work here” WDW now feels like any theme park with lackluster employees -many do work very hard, but it was common to hear cast members say “I have 3 weeks here” In Epcot forget about the international cast on the country pavilions. The ratio of international to local now is heavily weighted towards local.
I dont want to deter people from going, but please be prepared for a very different experience. And please take care of yourselves cause Mickey wont do it for you.
And, of course, we’ll be at the MK on Monday.
FYI, current park availability for us shows both MK and Hollywood our of play today, July 23-28.
I’m dreading the lines and heat, so we’ll be definitely getting use out of Blizzard Beach and the pools at CBR and WL.
Looks like we’re about to experience why it’s important to have sponges to soak up crowds. With crowds like these, I’ll bet exiting after Happily Ever After is going to be its own event, They should use that: You’re not stuck in lines; you’re in the ultimate escape room.
We’re going to have fun, but our schedule for this trip was set up due to back in June, the Park Reservation System was heavy yellow all the way to July 17th, and then dictated by room availability, resulting in a rare double weekend (with weekend pricing) into the mix and us hitting Universal on that first weekend. So, it’s going to be crowd city for us.