Anyone else go last week? Was that crowd level normal?

[Lindy Loo]

You guys are scaring me... we leave on Sunday. I can handle 2 hour waits on rides (we go early or FP them) but that picture makes it look like you can't even walk around!

Our frineds first time, all the way from the UK. They were sooo upset as the crowds were so big, their 2 small children we scared. it wasnt the relaxing walk around the parks they had hoped for. even with loads of hints from me. they missed alot of rides. However they did enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable stay at Hard Rock, for 4 nights. they loved the FOLA and not having to be up for rope drop, like at Disney.

I know its not Disneys fault, but they said in a few years time they would go back to Florida, but prob skip Disney and do IOA US and Seaworld !

 

[magpie889]

WOW! That does seem busy, however it was spring break! When I went in January it was not crowded at all! It was completely dead! and I barely had to wait on lines it was wonderful!

 

[GrayC25]

I'm sorry to say that you are going during Easter weekend, so your crowds will be very heavy. Unless you are arriving after Easter, but if you arrive on Easter Sunday (April 4th), it's going to be a mad house! Hopefully, you'll be ok, but if it's like last week, I wish you luck!

Thanks, I think I will need the good luck! We are arriving in Orlando on 4/4, but only have 4 day park hoppers, so no parks for us on Easter Sunday! We might hit up DTD or a water park, but more than likely will just hang around the hotel, maybe go to the outlets (Kate Spade, whoo hoo!!) and maybe go to DTD for dinner/evening. We aren't going to our first park until Monday, 4/5. Do you think that will help at all with crowds?

Thanks!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

My family usually travels to WDW during our fall break in October. This year, my sister and I had the same spring break (she's a teacher in Alabama, I work at a school in Tennessee). We took a sisters only trip to WDW last week. I expected crowds to be heavier than October, but WOW! We arrived on Monday and had a great time Monday late afternoon/evening at Epcot. Tuesday at MK was great too - especially the first couple of hours. We had the GAD fastpasses for MK, so we rode non-fp rides first, then used our fp as it got more crowded. The only "bad" crowds on Tuesday were early-mid afternoon in Fantasyland, which we all know is a usually crowded time for that area of the park. I was surprised to wait 30 minutes for IASW.

Wednesday was another Epcot day. We walked through the International Gateway and were at the Land building by 9:10. I waited 25-30 minutes just to get to the Fastpass machine! Crazy! All of Future World was very crowded, just trying to move around was difficult. When we got back to World Showcase, the crowds were more dispersed and easy to manage.

I was very thankful that we had another GAD voucher to use for fastpasses at DHS on Thursday morning! We got there shortly before opening, but had to wait in line at the Will Call window to exchange our vouchers, so we actually made it into the park a little after 9:00. We rode Great Movie Ride first, because my sister LOVES Wizard of Oz. It was walk on. Then we went to ToT -- 70 minute stand-by wait already. Used the magic fp and got right on. Then proceeded to RnRC -- another 30 minute wait just to get a fp. During that time, we watched the stand by line go from 80 minutes to 100 minutes to 120 minutes. Fortunately, after getting our fp, we got right on within 5 minutes. We actually needed one of our "Daisy" fp to get into VotLM! We met Mickey in the Animation building and then went over to TSM at 11:30. Regular fp were all gone. They had one kiosk only open for Volunteer fp and an attendant to get them for you. After riding TSM, we hopped over to AK. It was a green day at AK, according to Tour Guide Mike, but it was very crowded! We used the single rider line for E:E, because the stand by was 110 minutes and fp were gone.

Sorry this got so long. Even though I was expecting crowds, I was still surprised at the volume of people! While waiting to be seated for dinner at Les Chefs de France, I lost count of the number of people turned away at the podium because they were booked. People were upset because they were on the dining plan and they were unable to find availability at any table service restaurant in Epcot that evening. One lady asked the CM about availability to eat there on Saturday (this was on Wed). He told her they were completely booked all week and through the weekend. Her face fell. I really felt sorry for those who come to WDW without doing their homework and knowing to book ADRs 6 months in advance! I was also thankful that I am "in the know."

My sister and I had a great time. It was her first visit to WDW and my first without kids since having kids. I got to try some great drinks that I don't normally do with my kids in tow. But I think I'll stick with fall break from now on.

 

[lemondog]

The monorails had the worst service I have ever experienced. Breakdowns, delays...in fact on Thursday the entire system was shut down. The worst was trying to leave Epcot on Sunday 3/14 after Illuminations. The line to board was all the way down the ramp. And there was a VERY long wait between trains. I asked a CM how many trains were running, and he said 2. He then went on to tell me that sometimes during the busy season they run 3 at a time on the Epcot beam, but at that time there were only 2.

Um hello...if a crowd level of 10 is not busy season, I don't know what is!

 

[Disfan3]

Us as well. It's amazing how much you can get done in the first 2 hours. We rode almost every ride!

OK...this is just simply NOT true in our case. We WERE there at opening. We got in line for Space (short wait) while I went to get FP for BTMRR. It was chilly so the kids rode Splash because it was a short wait...but even the old stand by attractions that usually do not have too long of a wait (Stitch, Haunted Mansion, well a wait but NOT an hour...the line was all the way down to the riverboat pier...it was LOOONG... Philharmagic...etc...) they all had waits...LONG waits.

By the time you ride and stand in line there is a line for other things that should mostly not have lines...etc.

Like I said...we are TGM subbers and FOLLOWERS....and it was doable but stressful.

FP for Soarin was out by 9:30 am...on a GREEN day.


The FP line for TSM I was in for 45 mins and yes...I was one of the firsts but i am not going to kill myself to get to the FOTL to ride something I have done 10 times before...

Park hours were extended on a TUESDAY at MK (green day) from what was supposed to be 9, then 10 then 12 midnight and an added Spectro that night as well that was not planned!!

It was INSANE. If you did not think so, you must not have small children to wag around!!

Getting in lines for things...well lets talk about that. We were practically herded like cattle... "FILL IN ALL THE SPACE...IF YOU SEE FLOOR SPACE..STAND IN IT!!!" Little kids were crying in Voyage of the Little Mermaid because we were crushed in there like sardines. It really was uncomfortable!!


And yes...I have been at that exact week before. In 2007 we went and it was NOT like this!!!! NOT AT ALL!!! It was a bit crowded but manageable. I have no idea what happened but it was crazy!


highlights:

Saratoga Springs 2 br villa!! We stayed there on points and it was gorgeous!!
the busses were great and we caught one right away almost every time!

No rain (a plus)

Baby swap! Thank you Disney Gods!!

 

[Shasta]

We got a lot done but we were there at rope drop. I'd say that 80% of what we achieved was done by noon. after that, it was a battle to keep from loosing my wife and daughter in the crowd.

At HS, I ran/walked as fast at the CMs would allow to get to TYM to get FPs. I was about #12 in line and had a return of 10:40. Great! When we came back, the standby line was 120+ and FP return wait was 45 minutes.

The worst of all by far was animal Kingdom because once the parade starts, it shuts down the entire park's access. I know they hold back a walk way behind the ropes but it was locked down with people. The cast members lost control of keeping them moving.

I've been to Disneyworld 8 times in total and this was by far the worst crowds. My wife is a teacher so Spring break is naturaly perfect for us but we won't do it again. I'd rather take 2-3 day quick trips off season than a week during spring break.

Lastly as another measure of the crowds, we had 7 day park hoppers. we were discouraged enough to only use 3 days. Before I left I had to add the non-expire option so I wouldn't loose the days.

 

[Tiger926]

OK...this is just simply NOT true in our case. We WERE there at opening. We got in line for Space (short wait) while I went to get FP for BTMRR. It was chilly so the kids rode Splash because it was a short wait...but even the old stand by attractions that usually do not have too long of a wait (Stitch, Haunted Mansion, well a wait but NOT an hour...the line was all the way down to the riverboat pier...it was LOOONG... Philharmagic...etc...) they all had waits...LONG waits.

By the time you ride and stand in line there is a line for other things that should mostly not have lines...etc.

Like I said...we are TGM subbers and FOLLOWERS....and it was doable but stressful.

FP for Soarin was out by 9:30 am...on a GREEN day.


The FP line for TSM I was in for 45 mins and yes...I was one of the firsts but i am not going to kill myself to get to the FOTL to ride something I have done 10 times before...

Park hours were extended on a TUESDAY at MK (green day) from what was supposed to be 9, then 10 then 12 midnight and an added Spectro that night as well that was not planned!!

It was INSANE. If you did not think so, you must not have small children to wag around!!

Getting in lines for things...well lets talk about that. We were practically herded like cattle... "FILL IN ALL THE SPACE...IF YOU SEE FLOOR SPACE..STAND IN IT!!!" Little kids were crying in Voyage of the Little Mermaid because we were crushed in there like sardines. It really was uncomfortable!!


And yes...I have been at that exact week before. In 2007 we went and it was NOT like this!!!! NOT AT ALL!!! It was a bit crowded but manageable. I have no idea what happened but it was crazy!

We couldn't believe it either - after 14 trips, I was a bit stunned! It was an absolute madhouse - I've been telling my colleagues for 2 days now just how nuts it was! The herding of cattle and squishing people in was driving us crazy - if there was an emergency, there would have been some serious issues. The ride and monorail malfunctions/breakdowns were also crazy. I can't imagine how Disney didn't know it was going to be like this as I'm sure most if not all resorts were sold out. Maybe there were tons of off-siters and this messed things up?

Regardless, we are still degriefing from last week...Tiger

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

My college dd and friends were there --YIKES.........it was Crazy Busy she said. We have been in August so many times, she said she never saw so many people!!!! They actually waited 2 hrs. for splash , and a few others. Its to bad ,cause her Friend was home from Iraq , so they did have fun but she said it was CRAZY busy...........They stayed at Pop. They really liked it to.

 

[that's nice]

We were in Disney from 3/6-3/16. We experienced very heavy crowds. I think there was a perfect storm brewing that led to the crazy crowds.... a few are obvious.

1) 4/3 deal
2) up to $700 in gift card deal
3) spring break
4) huge groups... baseball teams, cheerleading, etc.
5) the weather brought out many locals who have been hunkered down inside for 2 months. with temps in the 70's people wanted to get out.
6) 2 days of non-stop rain on Thursday 3/11 & Friday 3/12

While the crowds were busy, we still had a great time. There were traffic jams throughout the park, especially around PP & IASM. On Monday 3/15 MK was a zoo. I couldn't believe how busy it was. We got out of there around 1pm. We came back after dinner (8pm) and it was much more manageable!

Here are a few pics for ya to chew on!

PP on left- IASM on right

30 minute waits for IASM-

Trying to get to BTMRR...

15 minute wait to get a FP at BTMRR

 

[DisKate]

I thought I was the only one who thought it seemed crowded! Glad it wasn't
just me! We were there 3/13-3/20...We went to EPCOT on the 17th and the line for Spaceship Earth wraped around both sides of the ball...MK extended hours all week it seemed...The line to get FP's for Soarin' on the 17th was a 20-25 minute wait, if not longer! And FP's were gone by 2pm. When we went to DHS on the 19th we decided to skip the TSMM FP line b/c it was backed up next to the Walt Disney exhibit (One Man's Dream, I think). The standby line started by the entrance to TSMM, went down by Backlot, wrapped around the fountain, and continued back to TSMM...We frequently saw HM's line backed up past the Liberty Bell's area...

On the plus side though, we stayed at Boardwalk for the first time and had a wonderful trip despite the crowds!

 

[Disfan3]

IASW had an 80 MINUTE WAIT on that Tuesday we were there(green day) during the middle of the afternoon!!

I HAVE NEVER!!!

I texted all my DISNEY friends (also TGM subbers and Disney freaks from the Dis) and they COULD NOT believe it!

I hate to go on and on about it but DANG!! It was nutso!!

It was like a regular amusement park to me on this trip...sorry but that is the way I feel. There was no magic to be had for us this trip.

Of course we had fun despite the crowds for sure but we are definitely VALUE season people.

Problem now is, I am a teacher and when do we do that trip again in September?? I will never be off at a good time for it.

Either way...need time to de-stress from the situation and think of the positives.

 

[pixarmom]

We were in Disney from 3/6-3/16. We experienced very heavy crowds. I think there was a perfect storm brewing that led to the crazy crowds.... a few are obvious.

1) 4/3 deal
2) up to $700 in gift card deal
3) spring break
4) huge groups... baseball teams, cheerleading, etc.
5) the weather brought out many locals who have been hunkered down inside for 2 months. with temps in the 70's people wanted to get out.
6) 2 days of non-stop rain on Thursday 3/11 & Friday 3/12

While the crowds were busy, we still had a great time. There were traffic jams throughout the park, especially around PP & IASM. On Monday 3/15 MK was a zoo. I couldn't believe how busy it was. We got out of there around 1pm. We came back after dinner (8pm) and it was much more manageable!

[

We were with you the 10th-14th! Short visit for us. Great day on the 10th, but that non-stop rain on 3/11 and 3/12 was a challenge! I've been in rain before - just threw on the poncho and all was well - but this non-stop and pouring rain with 3 kids and a stroller was another matter! Once the rain stopped, the crowds arrived! EMH, rope drop, FP and rider swap helped us to cover our favorites with no problems - mornings were great. But it was just difficult to get around the parks, as others have mentioned.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Trying to get to BTMRR...

15 minute wait to get a FP at BTMRR

Wow! No wonder my parents didn't use FP all week. Yet, they said they went on BTMRR. They must have stood in line forever.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

At some point, it becomes easier to just get on the line rather than waiting 15 minutes for a FP

 

[that's nice]

Wow! No wonder my parents didn't use FP all week. Yet, they said they went on BTMRR. They must have stood in line forever.

I think at that point the stand by line was 70 minutes.

At some point, it becomes easier to just get on the line rather than waiting 15 minutes for a FP

I split up from my DW cuz we were making our way out. She took the stroller and headed to the resort. I was the lucky one to wait in line... we were coming back to MK after dinner.

 

[that's nice]

IASW had an 80 MINUTE WAIT on that Tuesday we were there(green day) during the middle of the afternoon!!
<Snip>
Either way...need time to de-stress from the situation and think of the positives.

80 Minutes????? That is crazy!!!! Was the line all the way to toontown? I love IASM but I would of been talking my DD out of riding that!

Sorry your trip wasn't what you envisioned... something magical did happen though... right?

We were with you the 10th-14th! Short visit for us. Great day on the 10th, but that non-stop rain on 3/11 and 3/12 was a challenge! I've been in rain before - just threw on the poncho and all was well - but this non-stop and pouring rain with 3 kids and a stroller was another matter! Once the rain stopped, the crowds arrived! EMH, rope drop, FP and rider swap helped us to cover our favorites with no problems - mornings were great. But it was just difficult to get around the parks, as others have mentioned.

It rained really hard!!! Then the wind picked up for a while too. We had 2 kids that went to the BBB and it was fun trying to keep them dry. We were stuck in Toontown... this is what it looked like.

 

[KLK]

We went from the 14th-21st and had a great trip. We knew it would be busy so we planned to go to the parks most mornings and leave by 1. We did MK 3 days, HS twice and Epcot once. Previously we've gone in April, May and November when it was less crowded, but went fewer days.

We did everything we wanted to do in the morning, took the afternoon off, and returned at night only to do fantasmic (dinner package) and world showcase (for supper and to walk around). Crowds weren't really an issue wandering around the world.

I didn't realize that it was so crazy there until I returned home and read it here.

March certainly isn't my favorite month to go, I like it hotter, and would prefer less crowded if I chose to stay in a park for the day, but my kids are at an age now where they really can't miss a week+ of school, so I'd def. go again but with the same strategy.

We also had no issues with transportation, never had to stand on the buses, or wait very long for a bus to show up. (We stayed at BoardWalk and had a car so only needed to bus to MK).

 

[Disfan3]

80 Minutes????? That is crazy!!!! Was the line all the way to toontown? I love IASM but I would of been talking my DD out of riding that!

Sorry your trip wasn't what you envisioned... something magical did happen though... right?


It rained really hard!!! Then the wind picked up for a while too. We had 2 kids that went to the BBB and it was fun trying to keep them dry. We were stuck in Toontown... this is what it looked like.

Honestly, no. Nothing magical happened as much as I wanted it to...as much as we kept the trip positive...we had fun and we will be back and will probably even buy DVC but it will be at times that we can enjoy a little wiggle room like September or beginning October.

 

[Disfan3]

The busses from SSR were great and our villa was in an excellent location!!