Crowd Levels

Question

We fly in just over 5 weeks🎉🎉

Just wondering what crowd levels are like at present

I ask as what I read and hear is that in Disney and Universal crowd levels are down on previous years

If honest I never would of thought Disney or Universal would have low crowd levels

Answer

It's great to hear you're excited about your upcoming trip to Orlando! 🎉🎉

In general, crowd levels at Disney and Universal have been fluctuating over the past couple of years, with some periods seeing fewer visitors compared to pre-pandemic times. However, it’s important to keep in mind that crowd levels at these parks can still vary depending on the time of year, special events, and school holidays. That said, it’s possible to experience lower crowds during certain times, especially during off-peak seasons.

Here’s what you can generally expect for crowd levels during your visit:

Summer and Holiday Seasons (June–August, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) – Typically the busiest times, with large crowds due to school vacations and special events. However, since you mentioned flying in just over 5 weeks (late November), you're going to miss the peak holiday crowds.
Late Fall (mid-November to early December) – This period is considered a sweet spot for crowd levels. You’re likely to see fewer crowds compared to peak times like summer and the holidays. Many families avoid the parks around this time because it’s not a school vacation period, which often results in a more relaxed experience.
Midweek Visits – If you're visiting on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday), you'll typically see fewer crowds, even during more popular times. Weekends tend to be busier, so planning visits to the parks during the week could help you avoid crowds.
Weather – The weather during this time of year is usually mild (temperatures in the low 70s to 80s°F), which makes for a comfortable park experience, but the weather could also contribute to some unpredictability. If there’s rain, crowd levels may be lower in the parks, but certain outdoor attractions may close or be delayed.

In terms of specific trends, both Disney and Universal have been adjusting their capacity limits and implementing new systems (like the Genie+ system at Disney) to manage crowds better. Some guests have noticed lower crowd levels, especially during non-peak seasons, due to a combination of factors like changes in travel habits and park policies. However, with both Disney and Universal continuously evolving their operations, it’s always a good idea to check for any new updates (such as events, promotions, or changes to park capacity) before your trip to get a clearer idea of what to expect.

In summary, while Disney and Universal tend to be busy year-round, you’re likely to experience lower crowd levels compared to peak times. Late November is often a good time for shorter wait times and a more enjoyable experience overall, so you're in for a treat!