This summer, something unexpected is happening at Walt Disney World Resort: the crowds are disappearing. For years, the theme parks have been packed during the summer months, especially leading up to the July 4 holiday. But in 2025, it seems that fewer guests are making their way to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Reports from Disney Parks fans about lower-than-expected attendance at Walt Disney World Resort started circulating earlier this summer. This news was especially surprising after a busy spring break, which had seen the parks filled to the brim. The drop in crowds has raised eyebrows, especially since discounts on theme park tickets and Disney Resort hotels have been offered in recent weeks. Many guests were shocked by the low attraction wait times and the availability of advanced dining reservations, both of which are typically scarce during peak seasons.
Several theories have emerged as to why crowds are thinner this summer. Some believe the political and economic climate in the United States, combined with boycotts from foreign tourists, is a major factor. Others point to the summer heat in Florida, with its unpredictable weather, as another potential reason for the drop in attendance. Still, some Disney Park guests argue that the parks are just as crowded as ever. However, with no official live crowd data available from Walt Disney World Resort, it’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
On July 2, Redditor u/reddituser6742 shared screenshots that highlighted unusually low wait times at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom during what would usually be a bustling summer afternoon, especially with July 4 fast approaching. For example, popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage had a 40-minute wait, Frozen Ever After had a 45-minute wait, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance had a 45-minute wait. Disney Parks fans would typically expect to wait 1–2 hours for these attractions on a summer day.
WDW parks seem to be EMPTY based off the wait times in the app
WDW parks seem to be EMPTY based off the wait times in the app
byu/reddituser6742 inWaltDisneyWorld
Commenters offered a variety of reasons for the empty parks. Some pointed to Florida’s infamous summer weather, with afternoon thunderstorms and intense heat deterring people from heading to the parks.
“The great realization that florida is miserable during the summer has arrived (I live in florida and treat july like a month-long blizzard.),” said u/Duox_TV. “I am shocked those 99 dollar a night offer didn’t pull ppl in. If I could have gotten it in time I would have gone during july instead of my plan in September.”
Others noted that Disney’s decision to block out many Annual Passholders ahead of the July 4th weekend may have contributed to the low attendance.
“Most Locals being blocked out probably plays a part in that,” u/wrestlefan44 commented.
While some fans speculated on the causes, many simply enjoyed the benefit of shorter lines.
“I’ve been here since Friday,” u/taflad wrote. “Whilst it’s not completely empty in any of the parks, we haven’t queued for more than an hour for anything yet. I’m [at] HS today, Mickey and Minnie RR was 45 mins, tower was 15 mins. RnRcoaster is currently closed. We hit tron on Friday and took 20 mins.”
“I hope it’s like this next week when I’m there,” said u/temporary-brother206.
Have you noticed declining crowd levels at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
