- Mar 13, 2024
- 8,604
- 36
WHAT is going on with the crowds in Disney’s theme parks?! Are they getting worse? Or are things slowing down, perhaps providing you with a glorious little window to visit without feeling like you’re being squished by hundreds of people around you? Well, we’ve got a bit of insight.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-Atmo-May-the-4th-Star-Wars-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-World-Photo-May-04-2026-9-37-57-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Ronto Roasters
On May 6th, 2026, Disney released its earnings report and held its earnings call for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Q2 of FY 2026). Thanks to this report, we got a peek behind the curtain when it comes to the finances at Disney. AND it gave us an interesting look at attendance trends at Disney’s theme parks.
For context, during the last earnings call (Q1 of FY 2026), attendance at the domestic parks was up 1% in the quarter, and per capita spending was up 4% in the domestic parks. Domestic parks brought in about $6.9 billion in revenue, and international parks account for about $1.7 billion.
Galaxy’s Edge
So just how did this go in Q2? Well, Disney revealed that for Q2 of FY 2026, attendance has actually gone down!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Crowds-EPCOT-Flower-Garden-Festival-Disney-World-Photo-Mar-04-2026-5-16-46-PM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
So many people!
Compared to the prior-year quarter, domestic park attendance has gone down 1%, while per capita spending at the domestic parks was up 5%. Disney believes that the current dip is due to reduced international travel and the “macroeconomic uncertainty consumers are facing today.” Despite the decrease in attendance, the report states that “current demand at our domestic parks and resorts is healthy.” And they expect attendance to remain positive year-over-year.
Magic Kingdom means LOTS of walking
Disney is working on a variety of projects for the theme parks that could bring in more crowds (and increase spending) in the coming years. At Disney World alone, we’re looking at a Villains land in Magic Kingdom, a Cars-themed space in Magic Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc. space in Hollywood Studios, Pueblo Esperanza in Animal Kingdom, a brand-new hotel, and much more. It will be interesting to see just how these impact attendance and other financial figures in the coming years.
©Disney
Even with this dip, the crowds in Disney can be intense, so if you’re looking to beat some of the crowds, you may want to consider visiting during those times when Disney World tends to be a little bit emptier. Or, you can look into paying for Disney’s Lightning Lane service to help you skip the standby lines.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Lightning Lane
You may also want to look into things like Early Entry or Extended Evening Hours (Extended Evening Hours is exclusive to Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and other specific qualifying spots), exclusive to Disney World hotel guests and those at select other resorts. Or, see if something like an After Hours event is right for you! You may not be able to avoid all the crowds, but there are certainly things you can do to make your experience a little less stressful and people-y!
Crowds
We are constantly searching for the latest Disney news, testing out hacks and trips, trying the latest snacks, and MORE so that we can bring you the tastiest, most interesting, and unique updates from Disney. So be sure to stick around for more!
What do you think about the crowds in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-Atmo-May-the-4th-Star-Wars-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-World-Photo-May-04-2026-9-37-57-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Ronto Roasters
On May 6th, 2026, Disney released its earnings report and held its earnings call for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Q2 of FY 2026). Thanks to this report, we got a peek behind the curtain when it comes to the finances at Disney. AND it gave us an interesting look at attendance trends at Disney’s theme parks.
Galaxy’s Edge
So just how did this go in Q2? Well, Disney revealed that for Q2 of FY 2026, attendance has actually gone down!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Crowds-EPCOT-Flower-Garden-Festival-Disney-World-Photo-Mar-04-2026-5-16-46-PM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
So many people!
Compared to the prior-year quarter, domestic park attendance has gone down 1%, while per capita spending at the domestic parks was up 5%. Disney believes that the current dip is due to reduced international travel and the “macroeconomic uncertainty consumers are facing today.” Despite the decrease in attendance, the report states that “current demand at our domestic parks and resorts is healthy.” And they expect attendance to remain positive year-over-year.
Magic Kingdom means LOTS of walking
Disney is working on a variety of projects for the theme parks that could bring in more crowds (and increase spending) in the coming years. At Disney World alone, we’re looking at a Villains land in Magic Kingdom, a Cars-themed space in Magic Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc. space in Hollywood Studios, Pueblo Esperanza in Animal Kingdom, a brand-new hotel, and much more. It will be interesting to see just how these impact attendance and other financial figures in the coming years.
©Disney
Even with this dip, the crowds in Disney can be intense, so if you’re looking to beat some of the crowds, you may want to consider visiting during those times when Disney World tends to be a little bit emptier. Or, you can look into paying for Disney’s Lightning Lane service to help you skip the standby lines.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Lightning Lane
You may also want to look into things like Early Entry or Extended Evening Hours (Extended Evening Hours is exclusive to Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and other specific qualifying spots), exclusive to Disney World hotel guests and those at select other resorts. Or, see if something like an After Hours event is right for you! You may not be able to avoid all the crowds, but there are certainly things you can do to make your experience a little less stressful and people-y!
Crowds
We are constantly searching for the latest Disney news, testing out hacks and trips, trying the latest snacks, and MORE so that we can bring you the tastiest, most interesting, and unique updates from Disney. So be sure to stick around for more!
Click HERE to Check Out our Magical Guides Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Vacation
Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
YOU CAN, TOO.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Magical Guides-Guide-Covers-Fan-11-11-24-2.png
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
GET YOUR GUIDE NOW
What do you think about the crowds in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
