I visit Disney World 3 times a week. I've never seen the park this empty — so families should take advantage.

13.08.2023 - 16:53 / insider.com / Peter Pan

I've been taking trips to Walt Disney World since I was 3 years old. For most people, a trip to Disney World seems out of the question due to crazy crowd levels, high prices, and intolerable heat. However, right now, it's actually the best time to book a Disney World vacation. 

I'm fully aware I'm saying this as an annual pass holder who lives five minutes away, not a guest on vacation. However, I can confidently say that with how the parks look and feel right now, there's really been no better time to visit.

I visit Disney World three to four times a week and snapped some photos of what the parks currently look like. 

There's generally no time in the day that rides like Peter Pan's Flight have less than an hour wait. However, as of late, this ride has been spotted with a 50 to 60-minute wait time. Before you roll your eyes, usually it's above 90 minutes, so it's a significant reduction. The same goes for Space Mountain, which generally has a 60-minute wait, but has been clocked at 30 to 40 minutes even during peak afternoon. 

The last thing you want when it's super hot outside is for a person to be right in your personal space. Generally, at Disney World, this is pretty common due to crowds, but right now, there's lots of space.

I like to do what I call the "T-Test." Essentially, if I can put my hands out and walk without hitting people, then it's what I consider to be not busy. 

During peak season, most people tend to mark their territory for the Festival of Fantasy parade an hour or two before the start time. However, since it's been so dead, you can literally show up 30 minutes before and get a good spot along the route. If I had to guess, it's probably because it's so hot outside it's not worth it to stand directly in the sun for any longer than what's actually necessary. 

I know, Halloween in August seems crazy, but that's when it starts down here in Florida. Aside from enjoying the parks during daily operations, there's the opportunity to purchase tickets to special-ticketed events like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

At the party, kids and adults can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom. Normally, these parties are packed, but I have a feeling that many dates won't be at capacity this year, making them even more worth it to go.

Epcot has festivals all year round, but Food and Wine is arguably the most loved by guests. From August until November, you can stroll around the World Showcase and try different food and beverage offerings inspired by countries from around the world.

And since the crowds have been low, the lines for the booths are essentially walk-ups so you can say goodbye to waiting in the boiling sun.