Wondering what all 7's for our trip will be like

[BriAlie]

Hello, all!

I'm very excited, my first trip to Disney World is coming sooon! This will be my first time ever there, and our first trip as a family (DH and his DD15, and me). They've been once before, during the peak of summer. We are staying at Coronado Springs and are driving so we'll probably skip the buses and just drive each morning to the park du jour. We aren't big planners but I am reading the Unofficial Guide and will have a general "game plan" to make things easier.

The crowd calendar on touringplans.com shows that the days we'll be there (Dec. 19, 20, 21, and 22) all have crowd levels of 7. Having never been, I have no idea what that means. Is this going to be a decent introduction to The World for a first timer like me, or will it be overwhelming? My frame of reference for the worst crowds I've experienced is Disneyland in Anaheim during some fairly crowded times (summer, Thanksgiving, and President's day weekend, to name a few). I've also been in Paris and Hong Kong, where the crowds were non-existent and the place was practically a ghost town.

Either way, I'm very very excited about the upcoming trip.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom and advice.

~Alie

[mickey916]

When we went in May in 2006 UG had mostly 7s listed and so we made sure we followed the touring plans and really had no problems at all. We waited maybe a half hour at most but for the most part just walked onto rides, doing some of our favorites more than once. We followed all of the UGs advice about parks to avoid, etc. and had a great time. Have a great trip and I hope you enjoy CSR. We'll be staying there in April.

[tinkbyday]

As long as you have a general plan like going to the park that is best for the day, you will be fine. We went for our spring break last year with it being all 9's and we were able to do everything we wanted.

Have a great time!

[tinkatheart111]

I had checked awhile back and the crowd calendar had the 19-23 at an 8. We are arriving on the 18th, now a 4! The other days dropped to a 7. We have been over Thanksgiving which was an 8 and Christmas which was a 10. That's why we planned to go earlier and get out before the huge rush. I'm thinking it will be pretty nice if it's correct.

We are also staying at CSR. Have a great trip!

[quantumottle]

No offense to the work the guys at TP do, but in my experience the crowd calendar is not very accurate at all. Like others have already said, have a good touring plan and you'll be fine. I was at at the parks the week of Christmas when the crowd calendar has every day a 10, we used Ridemax and we did everything we wanted and them some (including afternoon breaks and meals).

It's hard to not be a bit concerned (or worried), especially on your first trip, but you're actually doing some planning just by being here on The DIS so you're already miles ahead of most people in the parks.

[BriAlie]

Thanks everyone, for your words of encouragement. I have a feeling that this will be a great trip no matter what the crowds are like. This board has been very helpful and I have some ideas about what is important for us to experience and what we would fit in if it works out that way, but wouldn't be heartbroken to miss. Besides, anything we miss this time is a reason to return!

Thanks again!

Alie

[NeverBeen2DW]

Originally Posted by quantumottle

No offense to the work the guys at TP do, but in my experience the crowd calendar is not very accurate at all. Like others have already said, have a good touring plan and you'll be fine. I was at at the parks the week of Christmas when the crowd calendar has every day a 10, we used Ridemax and we did everything we wanted and them some (including afternoon breaks and meals).

It's hard to not be a bit concerned (or worried), especially on your first trip, but you're actually doing some planning just by being here on The DIS so you're already miles ahead of most people in the parks.

She was talking about UG not TP (Tour guide Mike). I find UG to be more accurate than TP. We will be there the same time frame 12/15 to 12/20. We were staying at CSR but switched to POR at the last minute for some variety and the more traditional xmas decorations. We have spent several xmas at CSR and it was wonderful though lacking activities for children. CSR is one of our favorite resorts! I would not worry about the 7's just have a good touring plan for each day and follow it. Use FP's and you will be fine!

[theblondebee]

We've stayed ar CSR several times, twice during Christmas, and found the bus service to be great. They don't share busses with other resorts and since it is a large resort, the seem to come quite fraquently. I'd give it a try since there will be a lot of people driving in from all the hotels off property.

[Mrs. Charming]

We went in May 2009, and our trip was all 7s and 8s. It was a tad crowded, but totally manageable. It was just the "big" rides that had the longer waits, but fastpasses really helped us avoid long lines.

Enjoy your trip!

[quantumottle]

Originally Posted by NeverBeen2DW

She was talking about UG not TP (Tour guide Mike). <snip>

Are you certain? It's my understanding that UG (Ultimate Guide) and TP (TouringPlans.com) are the same thing, seeing as how I got a free year membership to TP when I purchased the UG. Not sure how anyone could confuse TP (Touring Plans) with TGM (Tour Guide Mike).

[NeverBeen2DW]

Originally Posted by quantumottle

Are you certain? It's my understanding that UG (Ultimate Guide) and TP (TouringPlans.com) are the same thing, seeing as how I got a free year membership to TP when I purchased the UG. Not sure how anyone could confuse TP (Touring Plans) with TGM (Tour Guide Mike).

well, apparently I just did

With that said UG aka Touring plans for me, in my experiences with Christmas time AND spring break has been spot on. TGM has been off when I have subscribed.