Disney World can get crowded! There’s no way around it.

And sometimes it feels like there’s nowhere to get away from those crowds with the millions that flock in every year. But that’s why we’re here. We’re bringing you a list of places you’ll definitely want to avoid if you’re trying to escape the Disney World crowds!

We’re coming off the most crowded week of the year at Disney World — the week between Christmas and New Year’s — and that got us thinking about all the places we avoid crowds (some of us are INTROVERTS, and we’ve been perfecting this list over years of going to Disney parks every day). Here are the places to avoid if you need to feel a little less people-y for awhile! 

Main Street, U.S.A., during any of the parades

Typically, Main Street, U.S.A., is charming — it can even feel like the quaint small town it was built to resemble on busy park days. But during parades, it becomes like Grand Central Station!

If you’re not a fan of elbow-to-elbow action, you’ll want to steer clear from here!

Do you know about the Disney World parade that only happens one weekend a year? Click Here!

EPCOT during any of the festivals

EPCOT’s festivals are a feast for the senses. The food, the flowers, the fun — it’s all there. But so are the people.  Expect crowds vying for a taste of the magic.

Whether it’s the International Food and Wine Festival or the Flower and Garden Festival, they’re all like magnets for crowds, so brace yourself for lines and bustling streets if you happen to be there during one of the festivals.

Here’s a Guide to Every EPCOT Festival!

The Most Popular Attractions During Rope Drop

Rope drop is the moment when the park opens its gates, and avid Disney-goers rush to their favorite rides. Ironically, this can be the worst time to escape crowds, if everyone is headed to the SAME popular ride. We see this happen especially often in Animal Kingdom, where it seems everyone at rope drop is rushing to Avatar Flight of Passage.

Time and again, we see the wait times for Disney World’s most popular rides go down later in the evening, near park close. Remember that you can get in line for an attraction even 1 minute before the park closes and still be able to ride — so if you don’t want to be in the wall-to-wall mad dash for a popular ride in the morning, maybe head to a differet area of the park first thing and check back later in the day.

Expect to Wait a LONG Time for These 6 Disney World Rides.

Any of the Shows

Disney World has some pretty spectacular shows like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond, and they draw audiences into a world of wonder.

However, these enclosed spaces can become breeding grounds for crowds, so if you’re seeking solitude, you’ll want to opt for open-air attractions instead.

Have You Heard About the NEW Show Coming to Disney World in 2024?

Any of the restaurants during popular meal times

Hungry? Join the club. But if you’re thinking of hitting a restaurant during the usual lunch or dinner hours, be prepared for a serious dining hustle.

Maybe consider brunch or a late lunch to avoid the hungry masses — and don’t forget that at many of the fast food locations in Disney World, you can use mobile order to minimize your wait in line! It works through the Disney World app, and we have a guide to mobile order right here to help.

Those are just a couple of places you’ll want to steer well clear of when you’re trying to find your zen in the Disney chaos. Until then, don’t forget to check back to DFB for more Disney tips and updates.

6 Mistakes to Avoid in Disney World in 2024

What Disney World cravings do you have? Let us know in the comments!