How to Skip the Line at Disney World: Expert Tips for a Magical, Stress-Free Vacation
If you love a Disney World vacation but hate lines here are some easy tips to make sure you get the most out of your stay!
397155 06: Mickey Mouse rides in a parade through Main Street, USA with Cinderella’s castle in the background at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom November 11, 2001 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
A how-to guide to make the most out of your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Skip the lines at Disney World!
You plan. You save. You even consider selling your least favorite child, because you know that a Disney World vacation is worth it all.
Follow this guide to get the most out of your stay, including how to skip the line at Disney World.
Go During Off-Peak Times
Lower crowds = shorter lines! According to Travel + Leisure, September is the ideal time to visit for smaller crowds. Once Labor Day hits, kids are back at school, and the park clears out. As much as Disney World can 'clear out.' Here are some times to consider:
- Mid-January to early February
- Late April to mid-May
- Mid-September to early October
It should also be noted that wait times often drop dramatically in the last hour before the parks close. Many guests leave early, especially families with young kids.
Skip the Lines at Disney
Okay. You've committed to a time of year, and you are ready to take the plunge. But now you might realize there is a lot more to going to Disney than booking your hotel and buying park tickets. You don't want to spend so much money and spend your time waiting in line. Here are ways to skip the lines and get the most out of your Disney vacation.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane
These are Disney’s replacement for FastPass.
- Genie+ (paid): Lets you reserve Lightning Lane access (the shorter line) for many rides.
- Cost: Around $15–$35 per person, per day (varies by date/park).
- You can book one ride at a time, starting at 7 a.m. (if staying on-site) or park open (if off-site).
- Individual Lightning Lane (à la carte): Separate from Genie+, for top-tier rides (like Tron, Guardians, or Rise of the Resistance).
- Prices vary per ride/day.
Stay at a Disney Resort (or select partner hotels)
When you stay at a Disney resort or a participating partner, you get a couple of perks:
- Early Entry: Get into every park 30 minutes early each day.
- Extended Evening Hours (for Deluxe Resort guests): Select parks stay open later on specific nights with minimal crowds.
Rope Drop Strategy
Be at the park before it opens.
- Arrive 30 - 60 minutes early.
- Go straight to the most popular ride before the crowd builds up.
Prioritize Rides with the Longest Waits
Biggest offenders for long waits:
- Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)
- Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
Single Rider Lanes
There are four rides that consistently allow single riders, where you can skip the line at Disney World. Disney recommends you always check with a Cast Member to make sure the single rider line is available. It's also important to know that when you do the single rider line, you will not only bypass the line, but you will also bypass the storytelling that leads up to the ride. You may not skip the line completely, but it will make your wait time considerably shorter.
- Test Track - EPCOT
- Expedition Everest - Animal Kingdom
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - Hollywood Studios
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster - Hollywood Studios
