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Crowds Disappear From Disney World Amid Theme Park Reckoning

This weekend, Walt Disney World Resort experienced a surprising shift in attendance as thousands of guests flocked to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park while other parks saw noticeably low crowds. The unusual weekend combined two major Disney Park events: the closure of most of DinoLand U.S.A. and the finale of the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

January 12 marked the final day for three of DinoLand U.S.A.’s beloved attractions: Chester & Hester’s DinoRama (including the Fossil Fun Games), Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and TriceraTop Spin. Fans nostalgic for the prehistoric-themed land gathered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to bid farewell to an area that had been part of the park for 26 years.

A carnival game booth at DinoLand U.S.A., showcasing the Mickey and Minnie Mouse and dinosaur prizes.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

At the same time, thousands of athletes and their families descended on the Central Florida resort for the culmination of the marathon weekend. Despite these simultaneous events, several Disney parks, including Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, experienced unexpectedly low attendance.

Low Crowds at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

While Disney’s Animal Kingdom drew substantial crowds for DinoLand U.S.A.’s final day, other Disney parks, including Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, saw a surprising dip in attendance. Redditor u/alysamh_ shared screenshots from the My Disney Experience app showing unusually low wait times, even for top-tier attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Slinky Dog Dash.

slinky dog dash
Credit: Edenpictures, Flickr

“Why are the wait times so low tonight?” they asked.

Why are the wait times so low tonight?
byu/alysamh_ inDisneyWorld

Local Disney Parks fans speculated that cold weather played a significant role in deterring visitors. This weekend, temperatures near Walt Disney World Resort dropped into the 40s, an unusually chilly forecast for Central Florida.

“It isn’t a super busy time, the marathon was this morning and it’s freaking cold out for those of us who live locally,” wrote Redditor u/sparty219.

Another user, u/Logical-Wasabi7402, agreed: “Not everyone comes from a place where mid 50s in January is considered nice.”

DinoLand U.S.A. Draws Crowds for One Last Time

Guests in DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Credit: Andrew Dupont, Flickr

DinoLand U.S.A. has offered Disney Parks guests a whimsical take on a roadside carnival, complete with family-friendly attractions and games, for over two decades. But on Sunday, January 12, most of the land closed permanently to make way for the upcoming Tropical Americas-themed land, Pueblo Esperanza.

The closure drew crowds to Disney’s Animal Kingdom as fans gathered for one last spin on TriceraTop Spin or a final chance to play the Fossil Fun Games.

“Everyone was over at DAK saying goodbye to Dinoland U.S.A.?” Redditor u/askewedview speculated.

A sign at DinoLand U.S.A. reads "SEE Y'ALL REAL SOON!"
Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Fanatic

Another user, u/clownbaby456, agreed: “There was a good crowd there. 30+ minute wait for triceratops spinners.”

However, it wasn’t just DinoLand U.S.A.’s closure that affected crowd patterns. Walt Disney World Resort also hosted its popular marathon weekend, bringing thousands of runners to Central Florida. Many athletes celebrated their accomplishments at Disney parks earlier in the day but retired early after enduring the physical demands of the marathon.

“Runners and family have called it a day after getting up early,” Redditor u/accurate_advice1506 pointed out.

Did you notice lower crowd levels at Walt Disney World Resort last weekend? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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