Disney World Week of 8/20/23 Recap

This week (8/14 to 8/20/2023), wait times across Walt Disney World were the same as compared to last week, with an average wait time of 33 minutes (last week was down 3 minutes compared to the previous week, for reference). Out of the past 85 weeks, this week would rank #72. The same week last year ranks #61 with an average wait time of 35 minutes. It is definitely at the start of the slower season, but that doesn't mean there are no crowds.

Disney World daily average wait times the past month. A pattern of a slow weekend with a busy Monday just about every week.

Daily wait time profiles were pretty consistent throughout the week. Sundays remained a low day too.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

At DAK, Avatar Flight of Passage led the way with an 85 minute average wait time, followed closely behind by Navi River Journey at 76 minutes. Wait times were higher this past weekend than most of the weekdays. Overall, wait times were down 1 minute compared to last week, park wide.

Lightning Lane availability was good, with everything at least lasting into the early afternoon.

EPCOT

At EPCOT, Test Track and Frozen Ever After had the highest average wait time at 71 minutes, follow by Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at just over an hour.  Overall, wait times were down 2 minutes compared to last week, park wide.

Lightning Lane slots became tough to get for the 3 major Genie+ options just into the afternoon. Snag Test Track first you if have to make a choice.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

At DHS, Slinky Dog Dash continues to have high wait times, averaging a 99 minute wait the past week. This was 25 minutes higher than Rise of the Resistance, which has waned some in popularity (Is ROTR Too Expensive?).  Overall, wait times were up 1 minute compared to last week, park wide.

If you want to ride Slink Dog Dash, grab a Lightning lane at 7 AM. It has been selling out very quickly. Everything else is lasting into the afternoon.

The Magic Kingdom

At the Magic Kingdom, you know have two distinct patterns: Halloween Party days and non-party days. If you visit on a party day, expect well below average crowds before 4 PM (but the park does close at 6 PM and you will not get fireworks). Party days are typically each Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. This leads to the non-party days being busier though. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan's Flight had the highest average wait times, both at or above 70 minutes.  Overall, wait times were down 2 minutes compared to last week, park wide.

Lightning Lane availability last week was very good. On party days, Genie+ is probably not worth it if you are trying to cut costs as it has been expensive relative to the crowd levels.

Genie+ prices were maxed at $25 during the week last week, only dropping on the weekend.