Welcome to planDisney, Amanda! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your question with us.
The new year may have just kicked off, but it’s never too early to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World.
There is so much to look forward to in 2026 that any time of year is a great time to visit. I’m especially looking forward to the new Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, which is planned to be open by the time you visit in fall 2026.
Crowd levels at Walt Disney World are difficult to predict, partially because what’s busy to one person might be a chill day to someone else. It’s true that “Jersey Week,” when many families in the Garden State have off from school, has elevated crowds compared to other times of the year, but I don’t think it's comparable to the week of Thanksgiving or the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. “Jersey Week” sometimes overlaps with Veterans Day, which can result in higher crowd levels, but that’s not the case for 2026. So if I had to rank the crowd levels based on my own experience and tolerance, I’d say it historically falls between a 5 and 7 on a scale of 10.
There are a few ways to ensure you get the most out of your Disney Day if you’re worried about crowd levels. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, make sure you take advantage of
Early Entry. This awesome perk allows guests staying at eligible hotels to enjoy select attractions 30 minutes before official park opening. I’d also suggest purchasing
Lightning Lane Passes to skip standby lines for select attractions and experiences.
Early November is the beginning of the winter holiday party season, and purchasing tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights can be a good way to avoid larger crowds. Information about the 2026 party schedule hasn’t been shared yet, but the
Disney Parks Blog will be the best place for updates and news.
I hope this info helps with your vacation planning, Amanda. Don’t hesitate to come back if you have any other questions. You're as welcome as can be at planDisney!
Magical travels!
Matt