Summer crowds aren’t showing up to Walt Disney World this year, and it could get much worse very soon.
Walt Disney World is facing one of its slowest summer seasons in recent memory, as a confluence of economic pressures, waning international tourism, and increased competition from rival theme parks continues to depress attendance. According to industry analysts and park watchers, the Disney World summer crowds that traditionally pack the Orlando resort have thinned significantly—and all signs point to an even steeper decline following the July 4th holiday.
The Hall of Presidents in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Data gathered by crowd-tracking service Touring Plans reveals that average wait times at Disney World are down considerably compared to pre-pandemic years. For example, early June 2025 saw wait times that were nearly 50% lower than those recorded during the same period in 2017, which was considered a peak attendance year. These figures suggest fewer guests in the parks, despite summer typically being one of the busiest seasons.
In anecdotal reports shared on Reddit and other forums, guests have described the parks as “shockingly empty” and cited low wait times, sparse crowds, and last-minute restaurant availability as clear signs that demand has softened. A Reddit poll asking users why they were skipping trips this year yielded consistent themes: lingering economic uncertainty, Disney’s rising prices, and lack of new attractions.
The statue of Walt Disney in Dreamer’s Point in EPCOT at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Disney’s aggressive pricing strategy appears to be contributing to the attendance slump. Ticket prices, food costs, and the optional-but-encouraged Lightning Lane skip-the-line feature have continued to rise, with some families reporting vacation budgets stretched beyond comfort. A recent report from Disney Fanatic described this trend as Disney being “addicted to price hikes,” pushing out many middle-income visitors who once formed the backbone of summer attendance.
Dynamic pricing, resort fee increases, and the monetization of formerly free experiences have made the Disney vacation experience feel less accessible to a broad demographic. The continued perception that Disney vacations are becoming a luxury offering may be hurting their ability to attract crowds during non-holiday periods.
Spaceship Earth in the evening in EPCOT at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Of course, we must also say that decisions like destroying Splash Mountain probably aren’t helping with the more traditional crowd…
Another factor contributing to the decline is sluggish international travel. While domestic tourism has seen modest recoveries since the pandemic, international visitation to Disney World—especially from Canada, Europe, and Latin America—has not returned to pre-2020 levels. Rising airfare prices, currency fluctuations, and global travel concerns are keeping many overseas tourists away from Orlando this summer.
Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
In particular, a growing online trend of Canadian tourists boycotting U.S. travel due to political disagreements has been noted by some media outlets as a possible drag on attendance numbers.
The launch of Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in late May is also having a significant impact. Featuring new attractions based on Nintendo’s Mario franchise, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and How to Train Your Dragon, the park has become a major draw for both first-time tourists and seasoned theme park fans seeking something new.
The Entrance to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
Analysts estimate that as many as one million guests who would have otherwise visited Disney World in 2025 may instead opt to explore Universal’s expanded offerings. With no major new rides debuting at Disney this year, the contrast between the two resort giants is becoming increasingly apparent to vacationers weighing their options. And guess what? The announced rides coming to Disney down the road don’t seem to really be doing much either for excitement.
The Fourth of July holiday, typically a peak time for Disney attendance, may do little to reverse the downward trend. Last year’s July 4th crowds were already lighter than expected, and early indicators suggest 2025 may follow suit. Theme park blogs report that average wait times on Independence Day have actually decreased compared to late June, and Disney’s lack of blackout dates for annual passholders this year may further dilute the crowd surge typically associated with the holiday.
The statue of Walt Disney in Dreamer’s Point in EPCOT at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Moreover, while Disney continues to promote patriotic nighttime entertainment and exclusive fireworks shows, the lack of accompanying major events or new offerings appears to be limiting the holiday’s drawing power.
Looking ahead to the rest of the summer, the outlook remains cautious. With no major new attraction openings on the calendar and guests increasingly sensitive to pricing, attendance is likely to remain soft throughout July and August. Economic headwinds, such as interest rates and inflation, continue to weigh on discretionary spending for many American households.
Unless Disney makes significant adjustments to pricing or announces new guest incentives, attendance may not rebound until Halloween or the holiday season—a time when seasonal events traditionally lift visitation.
Cinderalla Castle Magic Kingdom in Disney World – YouTube, Park Hoppin’
The one exception: as we’ve covered before, the Disney World water parks are insanely crowded this summer do to overly zealous promotions.
For now, the once-booming summer crowds that defined Disney World for decades appear to be fading into memory, replaced by a quieter, more uncertain era for the world’s most famous theme park resort.
The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit M. Montanaro
Nobody can blame consumers, but rather the poor decisions and planning by Disney executives. Unfortunately, there’s no end of that in the near future.
How do you feel about Walt Disney World summer attendance? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
