Really, is there *that* much of a difference between crowd levels at different dates?

[vinotinto]

We just returned from our first Disney trip! We would like to return in 2010, either in May for Memorial Day week (High Crowds, week #29 in terms of "best" week for fewer crowds) or October/November (Low crowds, weeks #2-#12 in terms of "best" week for low crowds).

My kids' daycare is closed for Memorial Day week, so it makes sense for us to go back then. But, we went this year, during the 12th best week of the year, and thought it was really, really crowded. So that got me thinking: "It's Disney World; it's going to be crowded no matter when you go." I mean, we had 70-80 minute waits at Kali River in the afternoon, 40-minute waits at Test Track, 40-60 minute waits at Soarin. Does it get perceptibly more crowded than that?

I know there are many people on this board with multiple visits during different times. Not counting the top 3-4 weeks for peak crowds (X-Mas, Thanksgiving, Easter, 4 of July), is there a large difference between "high crowds" weeks and "low crowds" weeks? TIA!

[princessmom29]

yes, there is a HUGE difference and we saw it first hand last year. We were there Thanksgiving day through the tuesday after and the difference between thurs, fri, sat and sun,mon,tues was striking. Less than half what the crowd was early in our trip.

[Dan Murphy]

I have generally used TGM on my visits. Whether at a crowded time of the year or not, I am always able to visit the low crowd park/s each day/night. Makes vacation time more enjoyable.

[vinotinto]

Originally Posted by princessmom29

yes, there is a HUGE difference and we saw it first hand last year. We were there Thanksgiving day through the tuesday after and the difference between thurs, fri, sat and sun,mon,tues was striking. Less than half what the crowd was early in our trip.

Yeah, I would imagine that would be one of the most clear scenarios, since Thanksgiving is a top 5 week for crowds and the following is a top five week for lack of crowds. We witnessed that too between Columbus Day weekend and the end of the following week.

[Jillisa]

I second the TGM strategy. We went last year the week before Easter and yes, it was crowded but we knew which parks to go to and utilized the rope drop, early night, etc. strategies. The week after we left, Easter week, the MK was closed a day or two due to being at full capacity. I think it may have even gotten to level 4 (I'm not 100% sure). I can only imagine what that is like.
Unfortunately this year our spring break is Easter week. So no disney for us

[vinotinto]

Originally Posted by Dan Murphy

I have generally used TGM on my visits. Whether at a crowded time of the year or not, I am always able to visit the low crowd park/s each day/night. Makes vacation time more enjoyable.

Is TGM Tour Guide Mike? What times of the year have you visited and how were the crowds?

[PAcpl]

Originally Posted by vinotinto

Is TGM Tour Guide Mike? What times of the year have you visited and how were the crowds?

Yes, TGM is Tour Guide Mike and I couldn't agree more. We try to religiously follow TGM as well and the couple times we broke away from it we saw first hand how accurate he is. This past trip we had no intention on going to the MK on a Monday. Monday is historically the busiest day in the MK and TGM had it listed as a park to avoid. DW wanted to do some last minute shopping so we stopped by the MK and it was MUCH busier then it had been the week prior.

I have also read trip reports from people who were in Disney the same week we were and had a completely different experience then we did with crowd levels since we used Tour Guide Mike. TGM is well worth the money IMHO.

[Dan Murphy]

Originally Posted by vinotinto

Is TGM Tour Guide Mike? What times of the year have you visited and how were the crowds?

Yes.

I have been there most months of the year, except the summer months. Probably three of the busier times have been Memorial Day week/end, F&G and F&W in Epcot. By using his recommended park/s for each day/night, I have never experienced huge crowds.

[mickeyluv'r]

I've gone many times and never felt the need to use TGM, but I can attest to huge variations in crowds. Sometimes holidays are not packed. Sometimes deals that DIney offeres have an impact. One year our visit preceded a holidy week and we had a newbie with us. He looked at teh long queues with skepticism. "Is WDW really ever that popular to need these?" he asked. Well a few days later his perspective totlaly changed whenthe crowds arrived.

When crowds are low you can be lazy in your touring...when it is crowded, you have to tighten up the rules a bit, but you an still more or less zig when the rest of the crowd zags. You may not get to do the e-rides quite as much, but you can still do plenty of fun attractions with minimum wait. Er, except the two big shows at AK - you pretty much always need to arrive early for those.

[tndisneyfan]

We typically go around Memorial Day, but this year we went in mid October. There was a huge crowd difference. Late May was very crowded compared to October.

[vicki_c]

Huge differences between low crowd and high crowd times. Always crowded, yes, but hugely different between the two. You can see by my signature I have been most months of the year except the peak of summer. I couldn't even begin to describe the differences between late January and Christmas week.

We also use TGM though and never have any issue with crowds ourselves, relative to getting things done.

[itchin2go]

Originally Posted by vinotinto

We just returned from our first Disney trip! We would like to return in 2010, either in May for Memorial Day week (High Crowds, week #29 in terms of "best" week for fewer crowds) or October/November (Low crowds, weeks #2-#12 in terms of "best" week for low crowds).

I'm curious where you're getting these #s for the weeks.... I have seen complaints about how busy the parks have been lately, so

IMO, there's a big difference in crowds. We have always had nice low crowds in January. When I see pictures posted here of busier weeks and the gridlock, it makes me so thankful we can go in January.

For instance, if you go at a less busy time, you won't have to worry about them shutting the parks because they're at capacity. On Memorial Day, I would suspect that would be a concern .....

[Tinkerbellie16]

There is definitely a difference! With that being said though, unless you are going at an extremely crowded time (like Christmas), you can absolutely do the parks with little wait times and a fun experience. I've never done their tour plans, but I'm a master at fastpasses, eating at off times, getting early, utilizing extra magic hours, and frankly just not going on rides if the wait is too long!!

[vicki_c]

Originally Posted by itchin2go

I'm curious where you're getting these #s for the weeks.... I have seen complaints about how busy the parks have been lately, so

\.

There's a newer(?) website out there where the creator has the weeks of the year ranked that way, for recommendation for first time vistors who may not return soon - which weeks are the best to go, relative to crowds, park hours, special events, etc. I think that's what the PP is referring to.

I don't have the link - it was posted here a few weeks ago. Personally, I didn't agree with the rankings when I took a quick look at it, but then again, I'm not a first time visitor not planning on returning in the near future.

[figmentgirl]

Good question vintinto

The answer IMO is yes and no. Yes because once you've gone to WDW on a low crowd level day you'll see what we're all talking about. 15 minute wait times change your whole experience. it's wonderful!
No because the crowd level predictions are estimations. They are based on a lot of facts but the bottom line is that you just never know for sure what a certain park will be like at the exact time you go (holidays excluded). You can get a strong guess, but like the weather you never know for sure. I would aim for slow times of year, but if you have to go when it's busy then do it and don;t worry about it.
Expect the best, plan for the worst. Use the Unoffivial Guide touring plans