Disney World might be known as the Most Magical Place on Earth, but that doesn’t mean it’s all pixie dust and rainbows all the time.
The parks can be a chaotic place even on a good day, let alone during a perfect storm of crowds and events. No matter when you’re planning a visit to Disney World, these are the places where absolute chaos reigns.
Disney World certainly isn’t a lawless place — but sometimes, you’d be surprised at just how chaotic things can really get. From dining woes to attraction troubles, these are the places where absolute chaos reigns in Disney World.
Post-Firework Pandemonium
If you’ve ever tried to leave Magic Kingdom after the fireworks show has ended, you know just how utterly terrifying it can be. Hordes of people have the same idea and all rush to the exit at once, being funneled in certain directions by Cast Members and roped off pathways. You can try taking a “shortcut” through the Emporium to make your way out, but that’s just as crowded most of the time.
And, even once you do make it to the Magic Kingdom exit and pass under the train station, you’re left with a choice on how to get back to the Transportation and Ticket Center or your Disney hotel. This usually means you’re one of the many people rushing to get to the monorail, ferry boats, and buses. It can be chaotic, but if you’re patient we promise you’ll eventually get to where you’re going.
Fools Rush In
Many Disney World attractions feature a “pre-show” of sorts that provides information to riders about what they might experience while also allowing Disney to keep things running smoothly for the ride. Some common examples are the Haunted Mansion Stretching Room and the Cosmic Rewind preshow room.
But, folks have figured out where to stand to be closest to the door — and thus the first ones into the loading area of the ride. Shockingly, people aren’t always very nice about trying to get to that coveted spot and will push past others to rush to it — resulting in some chaos and heightened emotions.
Seat Check!
Ample seating isn’t always easy to come by at Disney World restaurants, especially quick-service ones. You may have even seen it firsthand — people carrying heavy trays stacked with hot dogs and french fries yet no available tables (we’re looking at you, Casey’s Corner.)
Meanwhile, you spot several tables of people just sitting and not eating. Instead, they’re holding the table while someone else orders and picks up their food. The only problem with this is that usually, in the time it took that other person to order and pick up the food, that table probably could have been used by others to eat!
Festival Frustrations
Oh EPCOT Festivals, we love you so. If getting to eat and drink our way around the world while tasting some seriously delicious food were an Olympic sport, we’d be gold medalists. But, we certainly wouldn’t be the only ones competing — especially on opening day.
EPCOT Festivals draw huge crowds — and for good reason. But in many cases, everyone wants to be the first to try something out or check out the latest new dishes. Not only that, but we’ve seen some exclusive festival souvenirs fly off the shelves with fury. The first day of a festival brings out the die-hard fans and it can often lead to chaos.
Rainy Day Problems
Even in the Sunshine State, things can get seriously rainy. Severe storms and even brief downpours are no strangers to Disney World, and when people aren’t expecting them — they tend to freak out. This can happen at the drop of a hat when folks feel unprepared for the weather.
And, since standing out in the middle of a torrential downpour can really put a damper on your overall day, people tend to rush for cover. We don’t blame anyone for this, of course — we’d want to stay dry too! But hiding under overhangs and inside stores can have people packed in like sardines in some scenarios. Of course, these situations aren’t total trip bummers, so just try to go with the flow if you can!
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How To Escape the NIGHTMARE That Happens Every Day at Disney World
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What’s the most chaotic experience you’ve ever had in Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
People cutting in lines by passing everyone else waiting in them, allegedly because they, or their “little kid,” had to suddenly “go to the bathroom,” or some other lame excuse, and now they’re just “catching up with family.” I just spent the weekend at DHS and EPCOT, and and this happened (several times) in every.single.queue.
Guardians of the Galaxy pre-show lineup is a great example. Everybody lines up away to the right so when the doors open up they go running
Leaving MK fireworks in February was nothing short of a nightmare. They have had too few cast members working the crowds and many of us were legit worried of being involved in a stampede or crushed injury or worse situation in the hub. It was prob the worst crowd control I’ve experienced not only at wdw but anywhere. Terrifying and I do not scare easily.