Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding which parks to visit on which days. While there’s no perfect formula, I’m here to help you create a strategy that maximizes your time and minimizes frustration. Let’s dive into how to schedule your park days!

The Best Days to Visit Each Park

Crowds at Walt Disney World vary throughout the week, and knowing how they flow can make all the difference in your experience.

The Golden Days

Your best bets for lower crowds at any park are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Why? While weekends are predictably busy, Mondays are practically an extension of the weekend in Disney terms. Many families begin their trips on Sunday or Monday and head straight to the parks, especially Magic Kingdom.

Rest Day Recommendations

If you’re planning a rest day to recharge, I recommend scheduling it on Monday or Saturday, when the parks are at their busiest.

Park-by-Park Breakdown

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide the best days to visit each park:

Magic Kingdom

Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Why: Magic Kingdom is the first park most people think of when they imagine Walt Disney World, so it’s also where many start their trips. While I love beginning my vacation here, I always avoid it on a Monday.
Pro Tip: If you have a park hopper ticket, consider returning to Magic Kingdom on your last evening to watch the fireworks. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the magic!

Epcot

Best Days: While Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday is best, you can plan Epcot any day to help with your schedule.
Why: Epcot is massive, which helps it handle crowds better than the other parks. If you need to schedule a park visit on a busy weekend, Epcot is your best bet.
Pro Tip: Many families with young kids skip Epcot because they think it’s not child-friendly (spoiler: it is!). This can work in your favor, as the park often feels less crowded.

Hollywood Studios

Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Why: Hollywood Studios is a mid-week gem. Keeping it away from the busier weekend days will give you more breathing room to enjoy its popular attractions.

Animal Kingdom

Best Days: Any day!
Why: Animal Kingdom is your best bet if you need to plan a park on a busier weekend day. With early entry, you can accomplish so much in the first two hours of your day, no matter when you visit.
Pro Tip: The natural beauty and layout of Animal Kingdom make it feel less chaotic even during peak times.

A Few Other Things to Consider:

Don’t Skip a Rest Day

Disney days are magical, but they’re also exhausting. Scheduling a rest day isn’t just a nice idea—it’s necessary for most families. Whether you sleep in, lounge by the pool, or explore Disney Springs, taking a break helps everyone recharge for more park fun.

Rest days are one of the most underrated parts of a Disney World vacation, but trust me, they can make or break your trip. Disney park days are long—often 12+ hours—and exhausting, with guests easily racking up 20,000+ steps in a single day. Between navigating crowds, standing in lines, and the sheer amount of walking, it’s no wonder so many families hit a wall halfway through their vacation.

By scheduling a rest day, you give yourself time to recharge physically and mentally. It’s the perfect opportunity to sleep in, enjoy your resort amenities, or explore Disney Springs. When you return to the parks, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to make the most of your day instead of dragging yourself around like a zombie. Trust me, a well-timed rest day can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

If your time is limited, a “slow day” at Animal Kingdom or Epcot can also work, as these parks tend to be less overwhelming and more forgiving when you need a slower pace.

Dining Reservations: Plan Around the Food

If dining reservations are a big part of your trip, your park schedule may need to revolve around when and where you can get the meals you want. Restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table are worth adjusting your plans for! It’s a good idea to have a schedule planned before we book your reservations so we know what to aim for, but have flexibility knowing this schedule may need to change based on restaurant availability.

Have a Game Plan Before Booking Lightning Lanes

Your park days don’t need to be set in stone, but having a loose plan is crucial before booking Lightning Lanes. Remember, you can start reserving these seven days before check-in. Knowing your park schedule ahead of time will make that process much smoother.

Planning your park days doesn’t have to be complicated! With these tips, you’ll create a schedule that gives you the best mix of magic and relaxation. If you have questions or need help customizing your itinerary, reach out—I’d love to help make your trip unforgettable!

How to Plan Your Park Schedule at Walt Disney World