Crowd-related terms & definitions
This page defines commonly used terms in a neutral, descriptive way. It is static reference only and does not reflect real-time conditions.
| Term | Definition | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rope drop | The opening of the park to guests at the start of the operating day. | Early arrival often changes how crowded the first part of the day feels. |
| Headliner attraction | A popular attraction that typically draws higher demand than average. | Wait times at these attractions often tighten before other areas. |
| Peak hours | The portion of the day when attendance concentration and movement are highest. | Crowding is often felt most strongly during these periods. |
| Holiday proximity | The days immediately before or after a major holiday. | Travel timing around holidays can shift crowds even if the holiday itself is brief. |
| School break | A period when schools are not in session for multiple days or weeks. | Weekday attendance often increases when families have more flexibility. |
| Capacity | The practical limit of how many guests can be accommodated at a time. | As capacity is approached, walkways and dining tend to feel constrained first. |
| Downtime | Periods when an attraction is unavailable due to maintenance or technical issues. | Crowds can shift toward remaining attractions when options are reduced. |
| Mobile order | A system that allows food orders to be placed in advance for pickup. | Order windows can tighten earlier as crowd levels rise. |