Hey there, Rachel, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so excited to hear about your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World!
First of all, I totally understand your concern about crowds. When it comes to a long-awaited Disney World vacation, the dream is short waits, light crowds, and plenty of pixie dust! But the truth is that Disney World is a pretty hoppin' place, even on the calmest of days. So let's talk about what you can expect on your visit, and how to make the most of the magic!
As a New Jersey native, I can confirm that the 2026 NJEA Convention is scheduled for Thursday, November 5th, and Friday, November 6th. Some New Jersey families do indeed take advantage of the long weekend to travel. However, I hope I can ease your mind when I say it's certainly
not a mass exodus to Disney World! While you may experience moderate crowds due to "Jersey Week" and Veterans' Day, you probably won't see heavy crowds the way you would during Spring Break or other holiday weekends.
Rachel, a little planning goes a long way to a magical Disney World vacation! If you're concerned about crowds, I highly suggest using
Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass to expedite your wait times. My family loves the Lightning Lane system because it maximizes our time and allows us to enjoy other (very important!) experiences - like eating our favorite snacks and relaxing by the pool! Remember to purchase your Lightning Lane passes and pre-plan your selections through your
My Disney Experience app ahead of time. If you're staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you can do this 7 days before check-in. All other guests can do so 3 days before arrival.
As for free ways to beat the crowds, don't forget to take advantage of
Early Theme Park Entry (if you're staying at a participating hotel) and
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours (if you're staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or other select hotels).
I hope this information is helpful, Rachel, and that your upcoming stay is FULL of magic! If you have any other planning questions, you know where to find me right here at planDisney!
Magic awaits,
Allison