When you go to Walt Disney World, the idea of NOT standing in a line is unheard of. That being said, we’ve learned that there are “good” and “not-so-good” queues to be in during the hottest time of year…the summer!
MAGIC KINGDOM
When you spend time at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll see that there are a number of queue lines that are exposed to the sunlight and not covered. This may be great during the morning or in the evening, but during the midday heat and direct sun that only Florida can offer…it’s painful!
The winner for the worst attraction summer queue line is a tie between:
- Prince Charming’s Royal Carousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Restaurants are usually all indoor or covered at the Magic Kingdom, but there’s one that will give you a run for your money after you’ve checked in and before you get to head inside.
The winner (by far) for the worst restaurant summer waiting area is Be Our Guest
And finally, our honorable mention goes to the 3 O’Clock parade! Not only do you have to find a spot and wait for the parade to come by, but you’re also dealing with the scorching hot pavement IF you decide to wait on the curb instead of standing for at least 20 minutes to more than an hour if you want a Cinderella Castle view!
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EPCOT
EPCOT is lacking in a number of things, but one of the better aspects of the park is the fact that most of the attractions have indoor queue lines! The one that stands out just makes my heart melt because in the late afternoon & evening…it’s a walk-on!
The winner for the worst attraction summer queue line is:
Spaceship Earth
Restaurants at EPCOT are usually indoor OR have a covered outdoor seating area…except for one that has an outdoor bunch of tables with no shade at all!
The winner for the worst dining area at EPCOT is:
Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK
Honorable mentions go to two completely different activities that are both incredibly difficult to deal with.
2nd Rope Drop
This is actually more of a frustration because the amount of time that you’re stuck under Spaceship Earth with no shade and around folks who are excited for a day at EPCOT.
First off, you’re dealing with decorative items (like the fountain) that people of all ages decide are now climbing obstacles.
Secondly, the difference between the welcome shows at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are night and day…so seeing the Jammitors bang on trash cans at 845am is EXACTLY what we all wanted!
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ANIMAL KINGDOM
My goal is to never be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom between the hours of 1pm and 4pm! It just gets way too hot and sweaty for anyone to really enjoy themselves.
The worst summer queue line to wait in is Flight of Passage!
Most of the queue is indoors, but you still have to make it through the extended outdoor line which can at times be clocked at upwards of 180 minutes in the midday. The mix between smelly guests, lack of washrooms (yes, imagine waiting 3 hours in 100% humidity without having a washroom available) and dealing with an attraction that has a tendency to stop working when there’s unpredictable weather….top of our list for a reason!
Kilimanjaro Safaris isn’t far behind Flight of Passage, and it’s mostly due to the boring slightly covered queue that just keeps going on forever with very few fans. With nothing interactive at all to speak of, you’re basically stuck inching your way through a queue that’s playing a preshow video that was filmed when the attraction first opened and had a completely different storyline. #SimbaOne
And why on earth would you wait for Na’vi River Journey? It’s a walk-on after the sun sets and during evening Extra Magic Hours! 5 Things We Learned on our Last Disney Vacation
Although the food is awesome, our worst summer line for quick service dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Flame Tree BBQ! Just use Mobile Ordering…it’s so much easier!
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HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
With Disney’s Hollywood Studios being involved in a reimagining, including the closure of classic experiences like Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour and the addition of Toy Story Land & Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge…it’s impossible to give a grade on the queue lines. Things change and adapt throughout transition, but you should know ahead of time that there are a couple of lines that just flat out cook the guests because of the lack of shade and cover.
Top Three Worst Summer Lines are:
- Imperial March
- Slinky Dog Coaster (and really all of Toy Story Land)
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
As experiences and attractions move from the “new and exciting” into more mature lands, you’ll actually see the foliage and landscaping take effect and make these lines more manageable.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Had to put this on the list because of how unbearably hot it gets with zero covering during the day, but avoid the Disney Springs Bandshell at all costs when the sun is out! The metal benches will take no prisoners when you’re wanting to eat your sandwich or drink a nice non-alcoholic beverage from Starbucks or Joffreys!
What are your thoughts? Are there lines at Walt Disney World that are absolute torture during the summer heat and think that others should know? What do you do to get through the wait? Let me know over at the Steps to Magic Facebook Page!