Wait times at Walt Disney World are usually fairly predictable. Magic Kingdom typically reigns supreme due to its sheer volume of attractions. However, the data from this past week, the first week of May 2026, threw a curveball. For the first time in quite a while, EPCOT claimed the title for the highest average wait times across the resort.
The Power of Cosmic Rewind
The primary driver behind EPCOT’s surge is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This week, the attraction averaged a 78-minute wait, outperforming Magic Kingdom’s TRON Lightcycle / Run, which sat at 75 minutes. While 78 minutes might not sound like much compared to holiday peaks, seeing EPCOT consistently outpace the other three parks is a rare trend.
If you’re heading to EPCOT soon, you’ll need a strategy for the Guardians. You can purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip the queue entirely. For those looking to save some money, Early Entry is your best friend. Resort guests who arrive at the park before official opening are still seeing the most success in riding with a minimal wait.
Big Thunder Mountain Returns Tomorrow
The crowd shift at Magic Kingdom is likely due to the massive refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” has been closed for over a year, and we are officially in the final hours of that closure. The attraction is scheduled to officially reopen tomorrow, May 3, 2026.
We’ve already seen construction walls come down, replaced by rolling planters. The reimagined ride includes a brand-new Rainbow Caverns scene and updated effects. Perhaps most importantly for families, the height requirement has officially dropped from 40 inches to 38 inches. We expect Magic Kingdom’s wait times to skyrocket next week as guests flock back to Frontierland to see these “new magic” updates.
Updates from Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs
While wait times were relatively moderate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with Slinky Dog Dash leading at 62 minutes, the real news is happening behind the scenes. Walt Disney Imagineering recently filed four new permits for the Monstropolis expansion. These permits specifically cover signage and set elements for the Glob Theater and rethemed dining locations like Harryhausen’s. It is a clear sign that construction on the Monsters, Inc. land is moving into the detailed finishing stages.
Over at Disney Springs, changes continue as well. Another store has permanently closed, and Disney has made adjustments to the Moderate Tier Resorts. If you’re using the water transportation, keep an eye out for the fourth ferryboat at Magic Kingdom, which was recently named after Meg Crofton.
Where to Find Zero Waits
If the lines for the mountains and coasters are getting to be too much, there are plenty of places to find a bit of breathing room. This week, several attractions across the resort had zero wait times:
- EPCOT: American Adventure, Awesome Planet, and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Walt Disney Presents.
- Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which remains a fan-favorite for a quick indoor break.
Planning a trip during this transitional week requires a bit of extra research. Between the return of a Magic Kingdom icon and the continued dominance of EPCOT thrill rides, your strategy from last year might not work today. Keep a close eye on the My Disney Experience app and remember that a Lightning Lane Multi Pass can still be a life-saver on those busy Orlando afternoons.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.