How to Skip the Lines at Disney:
5 Essential Tips
A trip to Disney World is filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable memories—but it can also come with long lines. Luckily, with the right strategies, you can minimize your wait times and maximize your fun. Here’s a guide on how to skip the lines at Disney World, using proven tips and tricks that will make your vacation smooth and stress-free.
KNow Crowd Levels
know crowd levels
Research the expected crowd levels before selecting your dates. Holidays, school breaks, and special events can have a significant impact on the number of guests attending the parks. By visiting during less crowded times, you will be able to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter wait times.
Stay on-site
know crowd levels
Staying at a Disney resort comes with many perks, one of the most valuable being Early Entry. Guests who stay onsite can enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. This early access allows you to get a head start on the day, riding popular attractions with minimal wait times.
ARrive for Rope drop
Rope Drop is a strategy that I always recommend to my clients. This technique involves arriving at the parks before they officially open—ideally, around 45 minutes early. If you have early entry, arrive 45 minutes before early entry begins as well. Disney often opens the gates ahead of schedule, allowing guests to enter and queue up inside the park. Cast members use a rope to contain the crowd until the official opening time, and when the rope drops, you’ll be among the first to enter the park.
Use Lightning Lanes
Disney’s Lightning Lane service is a game-changer for skipping lines. For a fee, you can access Lightning Lanes, which are reserved queues that allow you to bypass the regular lines at select attractions. Additionally, you can purchase Individual Lightning Lane selections for the most in-demand rides, such as Rise of the Resistance and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. At Disney World, you can purchase up to 3 Lightning Lanes per day, starting 7 days in advance if you're staying onsite at a Disney resort, or 3 days in advance if you're staying offsite. You can also select 1 Individual Lightning Lane per day. This gives you a great head start on your day!
have a custom
itinerary
Having a custom itinerary tailored to your family’s needs and interests is by far the most valuable tip. As a travel planner specializing in Disney vacations, I use my expertise and carefully track line data to create personalized plans, guiding you on what to ride and the best times for each attraction. Your day is organized from start to finish so you can enjoy all that Disney has to offer without the pressure of making on-the-spot decisions. In addition to creating a custom itinerary, I match you with the perfect resort, and obtain dining, activity, and lightning lane reservations for you. I’ll take care of all the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
These essential tips are key to a seamless and memorable Disney vacation. With a good plan in place, you can relax and enjoy every magical moment.
My name is Kailey, and I’m an Independent Travel Consultant with The Enchanted Traveler. My extensive knowledge of the parks and effective touring strategies ensure every trip is both magical and meticulously planned.
kailey@theenchantedtraveler.com