Just Back (10/10 - 10/15): Hanging up my Disney Ears

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Oct 10 is Columbus day. Schools are closed. Schools may be closed other days that week. I wouldn't be surprised at those crowds.

I would say that many schools are closed for Columbus day but not all. Districts around me are not though they had October 14th (Friday) off due to it being the end of the 1st quarter.

 

[Minnesota!]

When we went to Universal in September 2015, the bus driver from our resort to the park told us that Universal IS working on a transport similar to Magical Express. I don't know when, but thats what we were told. I hope so, because I not only had to rent a car, but I had to pay a daily parking fee for parking at the US resort, and it would be nice to avoid that.

That would be AWESOME!! And, probably sway a whole lot of people to USO...

We decided to do a first time Universal trip and skip WDW this past September and I had the same thoughts as you. Universal is not Disney, but that doesn't make it a bad thing! We stayed at Royal Pacific which got us Express Pass-an awesome perk. When we booked there was not much price difference in a 3 day pass over the lower priced Annual Pass so we got those and booked the room with a discount. Hotel was amazing-beautiful grounds and very gracious staff. Honestly, we said several times that it was how Disney USE to be. Every single time we went to the dock to catch the boat it was there, never waited on it. The parks were so much fun and so different than WDW. Character meets were plentiful-walked right up to most of them. One morning while having breakfast, Marilyn Monroe came and joined us in the little cafe we were eating. The afternoon parade was a lot of fun and not 3 rows deep of people. And we are not big Harry Potter fans, but I have to say that walking into to Diagon Alley took my breath away. It really is another world. Escape from Gringotts, IMO, hands down beats anything Disney has to offer-and that's coming from a die hard WDW fan! Don't skip the Butterbeer-wish I had one now.

Don't worry about not finding as much info as you do about WDW, all of the planning is not needed. We spent 3 nights there and were able to do everything, most of it more than once. It's a fun and relaxing vacation without the planning you are use to doing for WDW. Google Orlando Informer, he has all of the information you will need. And the folks on the Universal boards are a friendly bunch too!

Loved it so much we are cutting our normal 9 day WDW vacation to 5 and spending the rest at Universal!!

Thank you SO much for this! I get anxious about new things, and as much as I am looking forward to my trip, the anxiety is HIGH! New things can be scary for me! I am hopeful it is fun, relaxing, calm, clean, and just what we need!!

 

[KCValerie1]

I think OP and those that concur with OP, or post similar opinions, are often a case of "there is a such thing as too much of a good thing." I've said it here before, and it's not a popular opinion, but I stand by it. Those with the biggest complaints of this type here are often people who are high frequency visitors to Disney. Look at how many people right in this thread say they felt the same way, took a break of a few years, and now love it again, and now see the value in not going to Disney every. single. year.


I'm actually disappointed and almost dreading that Pandora will be open before our next trip. By the time we go back, Pandora will have been open 3-4 months, and I just dread the crowds a new land is sure to bring. I'm not looking forward to that at all.

I think this is a valid point, but I would add that when you experienced the WDW magic the way it was it's hard to settle for what they are calling magical today.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

But do they make a string of dining reservations 6 months out? Do they plan whole days down to the minute?
We're lucky in that visiting different places / countries is possible for us. And living in a very small country (UK) it is more likely that we holiday outside our own country. For the cost of WDW can holiday in luxury in many countries. So it makes no sense to us to repeat visit there often.
Of course, now we are planning our last big holiday this is irrelevant

You said there isn't a slavish devotion to other vacation destinations like there is to wdw. I'm just pointing out that there is (but maybe it depends on the populace you're around). And yes, as an aside, the people I know do an insane amount of planning for non-wdw vacations.
(Although, sometimes I think people get WAY too wrapped up in their wdw planning. Who cares if one meal didn't turn out to be perfect, or they're not at X ride at an exact time? For our most recent wdw vacation in May 2015, it took all of 10 minutes to book all our (mostly very popular) ADRs and no more than 10 mins for all our FP+ reservations for 7 people over 8 days.)

Just as a general note, I wouldn't spend all my time and money going to only one vacation spot no matter where it is.

 

[pcstang]

That would be AWESOME!! And, probably sway a whole lot of people to USO...



Thank you SO much for this! I get anxious about new things, and as much as I am looking forward to my trip, the anxiety is HIGH! New things can be scary for me! I am hopeful it is fun, relaxing, calm, clean, and just what we need!!

Universal is terrible!
Lol, hope you are getting all the answers you need on the dark side of the DIS boards. Ask away if you have questions. Not a popular opinion but, my family hung up ours ears last year. Bring on the mummy dust!

 

[richkaryn]

We actually thought it was not crowded on our June 2016 trip...
But I am comparing it to spring break, which is when we usually go.

We also alternate a cruise with WDW as well - one for my wife, one for me ;-)

We just got back from Oct 8-15th, and while I see many people on here complaining about the crowds that week, I felt like it was less crowded for us too.....we have done the majority of our trips over spring break as well. This was our first fall trip. Now, I will make an exception as to MK on Wednesday the 12th....one of 2 non-party nights and open until 2am. We ran over around 7:30 to use our 7:45 FP for mine train. The line was almost to Haunted Mansion. We started to just turn around and leave but decided to see how far we got in 10 mins first. We actually made it through the FP entrance to scan our magic bands within 6 mins, so the line was moving very fast. We were off the ride by 7:50, stopped and got a LeFou's Brew, and headed out of the park and off to DS for a late dinner.

 

[richkaryn]

For everyone who feels like they have lot the magic when visiting WDW, I would really encourage you to change things up and go to Disneyland/Cal Adventure. And you can do many other things in SoCali to make the trip even more West Coast fun!

Honestly, when we did 3 trips in 18 months during 2013-2014 and had some bad experiences (especially the first of those 3...that's why trip #2 happened....I wanted a redo...trip 3 was a 2 day add on to a DCL cruise for DS's bday that year) I was ready to write off WDW for good. Then I got to thinking I really wanted to go to WDW for my bday and try a fall trip (MNSSHP AND Food & Wine--yes please!) I really figured it would be much of the same old same old this time too.....last few trips the CMs (at least all that we had encountered) seemed like they needed to go through more extensive training on the Disney difference...no magic, just rude. Now that we are back and reflecting on it, this was probably the best trip we ever had. We took a more relaxed pace, I didn't commando plan or tour this time. We still park hopped, but we didn't even have FP planned for every day. DS was finally tall enough to ride RNRC, so we did FP it 2 days. We never encountered 1 "unmagical" CM this trip. I felt like maybe Disney had "cleaned house" majorly since last trip and gotten everyone back on the same page. We also had several magical "pixie dust-ish" moments this trip, which may have skewed my perspective a little bit (Free frap at Starbucks on my bday- I only wore pin the day of, and no other things that day, so it wasn't just because of that that magic happened) silent upgrade when we switched over to AKL during split stay, free drink --because they made a wrong one-- at a stop during MNSSHP, DS was talking to a CM in the 30 min Chewie meet line and she asked us to step out of line with her....she took us directly to the front of the line and told them we were "dignitaries". We had made DS choose between Chewie and Kylo Ren because of time constraints, so after meeting Chewie so quickly we went to go on and get in line for Kylo Ren. They stopped us before we could get in the line and escorted us right to front of Kylo Ren line as well. There were a few other little things like this as well.....we made sure to pass some pixie dust on to a family at the hotel when we were in line to pin trade-- she had her daughter get in line and after waiting a while said "she didn't need anything first, right? Just get in line?" We asked if she had pins to trade, and she didn't, so I went to get some out to give her.....and proud momma moment, DS beat me to it and said "here you can have one of mine". The lady was very grateful and we told her that we'd had a lot of pixie dust happen this trip for us, so we were more than happy to spread a little in return.
We went home this trip feeling more relaxed than we had ever felt after a trip to WDW. (So now I'm back on my Disney high and ready to plan our next trip ASAP, although there are tons of other places we'd like to go....I'll save those for summers since I'm a teacher, and go to WDW during my other breaks )

 

[IrishNYC]

I think this is a valid point, but I would add that when you experienced the WDW magic the way it was it's hard to settle for what they are calling magical today.

This just validates my point. When you go to WDW year after year after year, sometimes more than once a year, it can't possibly be magical anymore. Taking a step away for a few years can renew that magic.

Nothing "is what it was before." Whether real, or perceived, nothing is ever as good as it used to be, or worth the value we think it once was.

 

[Roxyfire]

I can totally understand the OPs feelings. Universal was also *packed* 10/8 and 10/9 after the hurricane...to the point where my 15yo DD said she was tired of not being able to swing her arms when she walked because they were hitting people in front of and behind her (I thought that was a hysterical way to describe that sort of crowd). We were staying at HRH so had express passes and we were still waiting 20+ mins for some rides.

It's one thing when you plan to go at Christmas or Spring Break...you are prepared for the crowds. 10/8 and 9 were the last days of a 11 day WDW/UO trip for us so we were able to deal with the crowds just fine....we had hit all our must dos. However I can see how disappointing it would have been if we had gone for a short trip and the crowds were like that for the entire time.

I was there the same weekend and thought it would be much worse! But we get there at the crack of dawn for those early opening hours. We did not attend the Halloween nights nor stay past 5 pm in either park. The Wizarding World areas seemed the most congested of all. I was not surprised but it was still hard to get around during peak times.

 

[richkaryn]

I was there the same week and didn't find it over crowded, but maybe that's because I have different idea of "crowded". To me, trying to get out of MK after the 9o clock MSEP on 10/9 was CROWDED. The rest of the week? Not bad at all. Easy to navigate even with a baby stroller. I found it comfortable. That's just my opinion.

I agree completely

 

[Roxyfire]

I am guessing it had to do with Soarin being shut down. I was at Epcot on 10/10 and I heard that the entire Living with the Land building had issues and was shut down for hours. Friends of ours had to return to Epcot that night in order to use their FP from the afternoon to ride Soarin. They were very frustrated and had to change dinner plans, etc. And of course the FP line was very long at night, considering the ride was closed for a good part of the afternoon.

I guess it goes to show there's always a chance for something to go wrong no matter how much you plan. I lost a day and a half due to Hurricane Matthew. You can do "everything right" in your fastpasses, adrs, touring plans but that x-factor exists.

 

[KCValerie1]

This just validates my point. When you go to WDW year after year after year, sometimes more than once a year, it can't possibly be magical anymore. Taking a step away for a few years can renew that magic.

Nothing "is what it was before." Whether real, or perceived, nothing is ever as good as it used to be, or worth the value we think it once was.

Agreed. I validated your point. My point is that the level of service has declined over the years. I don't think anyone can dispute that.

 

[Nutmeg2016]

I feel our 3 year plan keeps things fun & fresh. There is usually several big new attractions in that time so there is something new to explore. It's a perfect amount of time to truly miss it, too. It also helps with budgeting, of course, so we can splurge more when we go. And its a perfect time to plan since (like many here) I am a bit obsessive with planning. Although I sometimes fantasize about unexpectedly coming into extra cash and heading down sooner, I really do feel that this wouldn't be the best idea. I think fondness DOES make the heart grow fonder, and if we went more often it would loose some sparkle and magic and I'd be more critical. Going every 3 years, we're SO excited when a trip comes around again. It also works great for our kids, because every 3 years they enter a new "stage" - e.g. at 4 DD was really into the Princess stuff, and at 7 she was excited to go on the thrill rides she wasn't tall enough for the first time. Next trip it will be DS's turn for the thrill rides since he went at 1YO and 4YO, and wasn't tall enough for Space Mountain & Rock N Roller Coaster (and too scared for TOT). He'll be 7 next trip. And now we have a new baby girl to do the princess stuff with again (yay!). When we went in 2012, the new Fantasyland wasn't built yet, so we were excited about that in 2015. When we go back in 2018, Pandora will be open (and maybe Star Wars/Toy Story expansion? Or, maybe not...). Shows and parades are new, etc.

I completely agree. We're an every 3 years or so family for the pretty much the same reasons: 1) Budget- I'm a big believer in quality over quantity when it comes to travel (fewer trips helps me justify deluxe resort prices, etc); 2) It's a big world out there. Personally, I really don't understand the we-only-vacation-at-Disney mentality, but different strokes. . 3) WDW retains it's charm and excitement (and yes, "magic"). Attractions don't get stale (new attractions are a bonus but not expected) and there's still lots we haven't even tried (e.g.never been to a water park or visited most resorts). I also think we're more immune to cutbacks, not enough experience to really notice them. 4) And since I don't do it that often, I actually enjoy all the planning now required, helps build excitement : - ).

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

This just validates my point. When you go to WDW year after year after year, sometimes more than once a year, it can't possibly be magical anymore. Taking a step away for a few years can renew that magic.

Nothing "is what it was before." Whether real, or perceived, nothing is ever as good as it used to be, or worth the value we think it once was.

I don't buy this..

I went for years several times a year and it was magical.

It's only been the last few years that even once a year is not 'magical'

And I haven't changed that much.... But Mickey has. he wants more and more money and delivers less and less. He's let my favorite park just fade away (Epcot... Sorry Disney importing Fantasyland and doing ONE other ride major ride update didn't offset the neglect and closures!)

Next year is Spain (which I have been to before and love) and Montana. Probably a few days at Food and WIne... just like this year.

 

[KCValerie1]

Agreed. I validated your point. My point is that the level of service has declined over the years. I don't think anyone can dispute that.

By the way, the decline in service and accompanying difficulties with planning a trip is not reflective of how many visits you have made over the years. Only that you may be aware of what once was...

That's not to say that it can't be enjoyable, but for some of us it is less so.

 

[mom2rtk]

Oct 10 is Columbus day. Schools are closed. Schools may be closed other days that week. I wouldn't be surprised at those crowds.

Our schools aren't even closed on Columbus Day.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Did the OP ever come back to explain why they didn't go on Soarin' with their FP+?

No, she never addressed this in follow-up posts.

Because this is a somewhat vague Just Back thread, moving to TP Community where the discussion can continue. If you have Alert Preferences set up for your Profile, you'll receive alerts to new posts.

 

[maxiesmom]

By the way, the decline in service and accompanying difficulties with planning a trip is not reflective of how many visits you have made over the years. Only that you may be aware of what once was...

That's not to say that it can't be enjoyable, but for some of us it is less so.

I've been going to WDW for 20 years now, and I say hogwash. I have yet to have any difficulties planning my trip, and I haven't noticed an overall decline in service. Maybe for some they get out of the trip what they put in--go expecting people to throw extras at you and you are setting yourself up to be disappointed. Go and think you don't have to say Please or Thank You because you are a paying guest, and you may not get treated that great in return. And yes I know the CMs are being paid to be nice, blah blah blah. That doesn't change the fact that CMs are human and just like any place the nicer you are the nicer others will be to you in return.

 

[aviva5675]

I went today to EP. Was there 9/8 and it was much less crowded. Today was supposed to be a 3 and somehow I doubt that. By 2pm when we left I thought it was pretty crowded. Yes food and wine, but its a Weds. Maybe someone else who was there can address crowd level. Walked on TT, MS both sides, 10 used our FP for Soarin, stand by was 45 minutes. Was 50 minutes when we walked out of it. 10 minute wait for LWTL. Food booths were actually ok. No more than a 3 minute wait, and most were walk up to the cashier. Thought the big store was understaffed. All but one CM was nice and friendly. We moved to Fl in May and bought AP last month. Planning to go once a month til about April. But can see next year maybe only doing the 4 day ticket. Food and merch prices are really high.

 

[KCValerie1]

I've been going to WDW for 20 years now, and I say hogwash. I have yet to have any difficulties planning my trip, and I haven't noticed an overall decline in service. Maybe for some they get out of the trip what they put in--go expecting people to throw extras at you and you are setting yourself up to be disappointed. Go and think you don't have to say Please or Thank You because you are a paying guest, and you may not get treated that great in return. And yes I know the CMs are being paid to be nice, blah blah blah. That doesn't change the fact that CMs are human and just like any place the nicer you are the nicer others will be to you in return.

My daughter worked at Disney on the college intern program. I know how hard they work! I also want to treat EVERYONE with kindness and courtesy, the same way that I wanted people to treat my daughter with kindness and common courtesy. I do not expect them to give me anything extra, that's not what I am looking for.

I'm thrilled that you are not having problems planning your trip. I am planning a trip for late November and am experiencing a lot of challenges. If I could plan my trip a year in advance perhaps it would be different.

I stand by my statement that CM are not as well trained or as friendly as they use to be.

An example that happened on our last trip...Disney's online check in did not work, then the CM at the resort had a hard time getting us checked in (it was after 4pm) this delay resulted in us losing our dining reservation and FP+ for the evening. The combination of technology not working properly, and the CM unable to complete their task in a timely manner cost us an evening at the parks.