December is known for its festive atmosphere, and we know it's traditionally one of the busiest months at Disney World, but the peak is usually observed at the end of the month during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
However, visitors were met with an unexpected surge in crowds this early in December, creating an unexpectedly bustling scene throughout the parks. We know that during previous years it was a very common advice to visit Disney right after Thanksgiving, but it seems we all got the same info because things got a little more packed than usual in 2023.
Should we really be surprised?
Even at the crack of dawn, the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios was teeming with activity, setting the tone for a day that turned out to be exceptionally busy. The crowds on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom were described as intense, with visitors facing an overwhelming sea of people no matter which direction they turned.
Surprisingly, even Animal Kingdom, often considered a THE MOST underrated destination during the holidays, experienced heavy crowds. Animal Kingdom, which typically flies under the radar during the festive season, seemed to have attracted a considerable influx of visitors, giving the impression that everyone had received a memo to converge there with their extended families.
The impact of these unexpected crowds was evident in wait times, with some attractions reaching a staggering 120 minutes wait as early as 10:30 AM.
The unusually high demand for rides and attractions added an element of CHALLENGE for visitors looking to make the most of their Disney World experience.
This early December hit serves as a reminder that the holiday season can bring unexpected surges in attendance, catching even seasoned Disney World enthusiasts off guard. As guests navigate the bustling parks, it becomes evident that the magic of Disney is not immune to the realities of peak holiday crowds.
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