Über Crowded

[NHKristy76]

I'm sitting in Epcot right now, just outside the Chinese pavilion. I can not put the crowd situation into words. It is absolutely insane! Now, to be fair, i don't usually come here during crowded periods.

But this is crazy!

I was literally run over by a drunk woman pushing a wheelchair 30 MPH. In a mass of people... And as I landed on the ground and looked up, she didnt even pause!!!

I'm throwing in the towel and heading back to the hotel to ice my "behind"

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I'm sitting in Epcot right now, just outside the Chinese pavilion. I can not put the crowd situation into words. It is absolutely insane! Now, to be fair, i don't usually come here during crowded periods.

But this is crazy!

I was literally run over by a drunk woman pushing a wheelchair 30 MPH. In a mass of people... And as I landed on the ground and looked up, she didnt even pause!!!

I'm throwing in the towel and heading back to the hotel to ice my "behind"

November was when I used to go, but over the years I hear it's just gotten insane. Now, having done it once, early October is the time for me. Though we're doing late Jan and the crowd forcasts are so low it's scary... Maybe that's when we will go from now on.

 

[NHKristy76]

All indicators say the crowds should disappear by Monday morning at the latest. Here's hoping!

I'm just sad at those few people who think its okay to act like animals because they are on vacation...

 

[supernova]

Thanksgiving weekend? I don't want to be the one to say "I told you so," but...

 

[NHKristy76]

LOL! This is my third trip at this time of year and I've never seen it like this...

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I have family there now and they've been only during this time of year, more than 10 times collectively, all agree that they've never, ever, ever seen the parks this packed. I guess it's hellish at some points. I heard TSM was hitting well over a 140 minute standby wait.

 

[andyman8]

LOL! This is my third trip at this time of year and I've never seen it like this...

Well, I guess this is both good and bad. This is good because it shows maybe the economy has slightly improved if people are willing to pay the insane hotel rates. Obviously, this is bad because all parties involved (like you, I feel you pain) are stuck waiting. I think you are right about Monday, by then these crowds should calm a bit.

I am also sorry to hear about the drunk lady who hit you. Hope your trip gets better. Happy Holidays!

 

[goofyboyzmom]

I have family there now and they've been only during this time of year, more than 10 times collectively, all agree that they've never, ever, ever seen the parks this packed. I guess it's hellish at some points. I heard TSM was hitting well over a 140 minute standby wait.

We have gone at this time for years. We just came home yesterday and I have never seen it like it was the last couple of days we were there! It was nuts. It wasn't even enjoyable at the parks - but we had a great time relaxing at the hotel and actually playing putt-putt.

 

[NHKristy76]

Don't get me wrong... Other that being mowed down by that "$)-$& we are enjoying ourselves. I can't get over the crowds though... We have ADRs tomorrow otherwise I might have just scrapped the plans and stayed by the pool.

 

[andyman8]

Don't get me wrong... Other that being mowed down by that "$)-$& we are enjoying ourselves. I can't get over the crowds though... We have ADRs tomorrow otherwise I might have just scrapped the plans and stayed by the pool.

That is good to hear. Hope you have a great trip and just remember the crowds leave in just two days. Happy Holidays!

 

[mwmom]

I agree! This was our third trip in 4 years and it was the most crowded I have seen it. I have always felt it was manageable, but we were greatly limited on rides this year over years past. I just returned home today and for the first time I am not even anxious to start planning for next T'Giving! We had fun, but it is a lot of money to spend to be so limited on ride time.

 

[goofyboyzmom]

I agree! This was our third trip in 4 years and it was the most crowded I have seen it. I have always felt it was manageable, but we were greatly limited on rides this year over years past. I just returned home today and for the first time I am not even anxious to start planning for next T'Giving! We had fun, but it is a lot of money to spend to be so limited on ride time.

I feel the same way! I am not in a hurry to go back, just yet!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I'm sitting in Epcot right now, just outside the Chinese pavilion. I can not put the crowd situation into words. It is absolutely insane! Now, to be fair, i don't usually come here during crowded periods.

But this is crazy!

I was literally run over by a drunk woman pushing a wheelchair 30 MPH. In a mass of people... And as I landed on the ground and looked up, she didnt even pause!!!

I'm throwing in the towel and heading back to the hotel to ice my "behind"

That's terrible. Your post made me laugh -- I hope you feel better.

Be careful and enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[mom2elle]

Funny, it is all about perspective. We are here now, have been since last Sat. I don't think the crowds are better or worse than I was expecting. But then again we have only ever come here over waste/spring break before.

 

[wdwgrannyb]

Insane, we usually come at this time, but this is wild, far too many people for this time of year.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Thank you so much for the info. Still lots of people will come and then COMPLAIN how awful the crowds were. They'll never learn.

 

[mesaboy2]

Even when the parks are super-busy it is possible to get a lot done with a plan and some Disney street smarts. If you go in unprepared and with unrealistic expectations, the day will be very disappointing.

Here's what I did two days ago on Thanksgiving Day at MK. We entered the park at 9a on an AM EMH day as offsiters, so resort guests had an hour head start on us. We left the park at 11p.

Get FP Mickey/Minnie
Get FP but Splash closed so no FP
Get FP BTMRR
HM
IaSW
PhilharMagic
Get FP Space
Lunch at Cosmic Rays @ ~11a
Rabbit/Alice M&G
TTA
BTMRR (with FP)
Get FP Splash
Space (with FP)
Get FP Space
Teacups
Splash (with FP) but closed again while in queue
Mickey/Minnie M&G (with FP)
Ride resort and Epcot Monorail loops for downtime
Castle lighting @ 6:15p
Dinner at PVH @ 6:30p
IaSW
Splash (with FP)
Re-ride Splash using standby closed again while on ride
Watch MSEP from Splash during offload
Wishes
Space (with FP)

 

[maxiesmom]

OP, I hope you feel ok today. It is sad that someone would run you down and leave you there like roadkill. People can be nuts~

Does anyone there have any pics of the crowds they would care to post?

 

[sukhakuli]

The crowds yesterday were the most that we've seen since we got here on Tuesday, but we were expecting that. We still got a lot done yesterday, though. Aside from having to walk slow through some choke points at the walkways at HS (we didn't run in to any crowds to speak of at Epcot, but we were there at opening and left by noon), we were still able to do everything we wanted to do, and get back to the room in time to watch the fireworks from Illuminations from our balcony. We're having a great trip!

I'm expecting crowds today, as well. We're taking the morning off from the parks and going minigolfing instead and spending time enjoying the Yacht Club pool. Then we have reservations in Epcot this evening.

 

[jnfr2424]

This is our 6th Thanksgiving and by far the most crowded but the warmest one thus far!
We went to TL on Thanksgiving since the weather was perfect for it
Friday we headed to AK got there at 10 am - it was crowded but the rides were still Mangable (20-25 minute wait) got FP for EE and went to FotLK then got FP for Dinosaur went on EE and then immediately to Dinosaur... park was getting even more packed so we left and went to DTD - wall to wall people grabbed sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich and went back to the room.
Ventured back out later this time DHS to see Osbourne Lights.....TSM and RnRC was 120 min wait saw F! and then lights until closing wall to wall people. Epcot had EMH got there at the end of Illuminations so tons of people leaving but Soarin still had a 50 min wait at 11:30 just walked around WS did SE and went back to the room