If we are to believe the tracking data from third-party sources and the analysis of Disney Tourist Blog, the Walt Disney World parks in Orlando, Florida, have been experiencing one of their lightest times of the year during September 2025. The average wait time per ride dropped to approximately 24 minutes, which is significantly lower than the usual wait times seen during the peak season. This marks the shortest three-week stretch for the parks since the 2021 period, indicating a notable decline in visitor activity.
Some visitors, however, have shared their experiences on platforms like TikTok, where they describe the parks as feeling almost ‘ghost town’ like. These accounts suggest that the actual number of visitors present in the parks could be much lower than usual, resulting in extremely minimal wait times for attractions. The viral nature of these reports has led to a range of responses from various sectors, including the analysis by industry experts, who have attempted to provide a more balanced view of the situation.
Disney’s latest financial reports show that the company has reported mostly unchanged attendance, even as its earnings indicate a rise in revenue. The discrepancy between public perception and the company’s financial statements has sparked a number of questions about the actual impact of these attendance figures on Disney’s operations and the broader market. The company has also rolled out aggressive pricing strategies aimed at increasing visitors during what is traditionally a slower period for parks, offering discounts and promotional deals to attract more guests.
Analysis from industry experts suggests that several factors are likely contributing to the observed trend. These include a shift in visitor behavior, the impact of back-to-school schedules, and the influence of peak hurricane season. Moreover, the change in how guests access the parks, such as the increased reliance on Lightning Lane rather than traditional standby lines, may also be playing a role in the reduced wait times. These changes, while aimed at improving guest experiences, may have contributed to a decrease in overall visitor numbers, as guests opt for a more efficient queue system over traditional waits.
Despite these reports, there is still a notable trend of tourists visiting the parks, particularly on special event days, where the parks operate at a lower capacity to accommodate themed events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These events, where the parks close early, are known to have the shortest wait times, often less than a few minutes. However, even with these events, the overall attendance rate is still significantly lower than in previous years, raising questions about the future of Disney’s tourism industry.