Walt Disney World experienced a significant reduction in visitor attendance during September, marking its slowest three-week period of the year. Data from crowd trackers indicate average ride wait times dropped considerably, with some visitors describing the parks as "ghost towns." This trend suggests a quieter period for the popular Florida destination.
Key Takeaways
- Walt Disney World recorded its slowest three-week stretch of the year in September 2025.
- Average ride wait times fell to approximately 24 minutes, even lower than the July 4 holiday.
- Some visitors used social media to describe the parks as "ghost towns" due to low crowds.
- Disney introduced aggressive deals to attract visitors during this traditionally slow period.
- Industry experts link the slowdown to back-to-school schedules and peak hurricane season.
Reduced Crowds at Walt Disney World
September 2025 has been identified as a particularly slow month for Walt Disney World, with attendance levels not seen since 2021. Analysis of crowd tracker data, gathered from mid-August through mid-September, revealed average ride wait times decreased significantly. These times were tracked using information from Disney's My Disney Experience app, then compiled by third-party services like Thrill-Data and further analyzed by Disney Tourist Blog.
The average wait time for rides across the parks was approximately 24 minutes. This figure is notably lower than wait times observed during the busy July 4 holiday, indicating a substantial reduction in the number of guests. The decrease in crowd levels has led to a different experience for recent visitors.
"I'm at Magic Kingdom right now, and this place is a tomb," one user shared on TikTok. "There is literally nobody here. There is no wait time for anything. Space Mountain — walk on. Haunted Mansion — walk on. Pirates of the Caribbean — walk on. The longest I have even seen a wait time for … 30 minutes."
Fast Facts on Wait Times
- September Average: Approximately 24 minutes per ride.
- August Average: 28 minutes per ride.
- July Average: 30 minutes per ride.
- These averages are based on data from Disney's My Disney Experience app.
Understanding the Attendance Shift
Despite these observations, Disney's official financial reports present a different outlook. The company has generally reported stable attendance figures, alongside growth in revenue during its recent earnings calls. This suggests that while park experiences may feel less crowded, the financial impact might not be as direct as perceived by visitors.
Some industry analysts and independent trackers propose that changes in Disney's operational strategies could explain the faster-moving lines. It is suggested that Disney may have adjusted the allocation of guests entering through Lightning Lane versus standard standby queues. This adjustment could effectively free up capacity in the regular lines, making them appear shorter and move quicker.
Summer Trends and Seasonal Factors
Looking back at the summer months provides further context for the current trend. August 2025 was the slowest full month of the year leading up to September, with an average ride wait time of 28 minutes. July followed closely with an average of 30 minutes. These figures, according to Disney Tourist Blog's tracking data, show a gradual decrease in average wait times over the late summer period.
A notable shift in visitor patterns was observed in September, where weekends became busier than weekdays. This reverses a long-standing trend. Weekend visits added an average of 10 to 12 minutes to ride wait times compared to weekdays. This indicates a concentration of visitors during peak weekend periods.
Seasonal Influences on Park Attendance
Theme park attendance often experiences a natural lull during specific times of the year. The period immediately following the Labor Day holiday, when children return to school, typically sees a decrease in family travel. Additionally, September falls within the peak Atlantic hurricane season, which can deter some travelers from visiting Florida.
Disney's Response to Lower Demand
To address the traditionally quiet weeks after Labor Day, Disney has introduced several aggressive promotional offers. These deals aim to attract more visitors during what is typically a slower period for the parks. According to various Disney-focused blogs, these promotions include:
- An $89-per-day three-park ticket, which excludes Magic Kingdom.
- A 50% discount on children's tickets for certain packages.
- The reintroduction of free dining plans for specific dates and vacation packages.
These initiatives highlight Disney's strategy to stimulate demand and fill capacity during periods of lower natural attendance. Such promotions are common in the industry to balance visitor flow throughout the year.
Impact of Special Events and Demographics
Many of the days with the lowest crowds in September coincided with "party days" at Magic Kingdom. On these days, the park closes early to host Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which requires a separate ticket. These events consistently result in shorter wait times for regular park guests, sometimes only a few minutes, as many visitors either leave early or do not enter the park at all.
While some social media users attributed the slowdown to high ticket prices or political factors, others noted that Disneyland in California reportedly remains crowded by comparison. Hollywood Studios continues to record the longest average wait times across Walt Disney World resort, despite the overall trend of reduced crowds.
Florida Tourism Overview
Despite viral claims of "empty" parks at Disney, overall Florida tourism saw an increase this summer. Visit Florida estimated 34.4 million visitors from April through June 2025. This figure represents a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by CBS News. This suggests that while one specific attraction may experience fluctuations, the broader state tourism industry remains robust.
Future Outlook and Traveler Behavior
Both Thrill-Data and Disney Tourist Blog consistently report that September typically brings some of the shortest lines of the year to Walt Disney World. Analysts anticipated a slight increase in attendance towards the end of September as Florida residents utilized expiring discounted tickets. A larger surge is expected in October, particularly around the Columbus Day holiday weekend.
However, midweek visits in late September are still projected to remain relatively quiet. This pattern aligns with historical data and seasonal travel trends. Meanwhile, a growing demographic of adult travelers, including millennials and Gen Xers, are visiting Disney parks without children. Experts suggest this group seeks comfort, community, and an escape from daily life, indicating a broader appeal of Disney beyond traditional family vacations.
The shifts in attendance highlight the complex interplay of pricing strategies, seasonal factors, special events, and evolving traveler demographics that influence visitor numbers at major theme parks.
