Anyone else scared about the all new crowed levels?

[Dr Gunnie]

I'm not worried at all. Honestly, I've seen quite a few reports of insane crowds in specific parks on days when I was there and didn't feel it was any different from usual. Or in fact I thought the crowd level was pretty low and ride waits were awesome yet others thought it was completely unmanageable (as happened with a sold out Halloween party this year). So I tend to take these reports with a grain of salt. What others perceive as crazy crowds may not be what I think of as crazy crowds.

We had been sporadically in years prior up until about 5 years ago and since then have been pretty regularly. In that time I haven't noticed a difference. I'm sure actual numbers have increased, but not in a way that has impacted our vacations.

I agree with this!

Our last three trips were: July 4th week in 2013, New Years 2014/15, and Christmas just a couple weeks ago. I've read people report on how crazy the crowds were going to be, and while there were busy times of the day, we never really felt that the crowds were to big to discourage us from going. As others have said, get there early and you can get a lot done. FP+ are great for when the mid-day rush is there... also reservations for lunch will give you a nice break. You will be fine.

Our next trip is for Feb 2017 - no holidays or anything around. I'll be interested to see how much smaller the crowds are.

 

[JennyMP03]

Echoing what many people have said: Rope Drop is amazing, even during busy times. I went during a SWW in June and prepared for the worst. Arriving at the parks for RD gave us at least two hours of walk-on attractions or very short lines. We went to Frontierland in MK at RD and felt like we were the only people in the park for awhile. It was awesome. We missed RD one day and that day was grueling by comparison.

 

[momof2n2]

Yes. That plus needing to drastically change our touring style has me quite concerned.

We'll go trying to make the best of it, of course; but it's a far cry from my usual excited confidence.

 

[DavidNYC]

I've gone every year for last 15 (between October - January but not X-mas week). I don't find it any worse now and in many respects I like it a lot more. I really don't think lines are appreciably longer. Biggest difference is that some of the 2nd tier rides have definitely had a bump in wait times but if you're going other than a peak week, I haven't had trouble getting add'l fast passes for those, walking on at rope drop or end of day, etc.

All in all - no reason to second guess going back other than outrageous price increases.

 

[WIcruizer]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I love going when it's crowded. It just seems more exciting that way. We have been there when it's not very busy and it seemed weird somehow.

With that said, EMH are your friend. We have always taken full advantage of late hours and rarely have had any trouble getting on everything we wanted to. Sure, once in a while we didn't fit in something not very high on our list, but that's fine. We miss something every trip due to a ride being refurbished anyhow.

Like you said, if you go every other year (that's about our schedule too) yea you may miss something here and there, but you'll get to it next trip. All the more reason to go back! You're a pro by now I'm sure, so it's not like you'll only get a few rides in now matter how busy it is. It's just a matter of taking full advantage of FP+ and EMH.

Forgot to mention, not sure if we've ever been there at RD- ever. We're always out late the night before, so no RP for us. And all of the above is still true.

 

[slickpoetry]

The new M.O. for Disney must be accomplish less each day and make longer trips. lol.

We're going in a couple weeks, and then probably not going back for 3-4 years (we did October 2014 as well). So I'm worried about this coming up trip. We arrive the day before MLK day and I already know Sunday and Monday will be bad, but I have my fingers crossed that the rest of the week is OK.

 

[Dug720]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I love going when it's crowded. It just seems more exciting that way. We have been there when it's not very busy and it seemed weird somehow.

With that said, EMH are your friend. We have always taken full advantage of late hours and rarely have had any trouble getting on everything we wanted to. Sure, once in a while we didn't fit in something not very high on our list, but that's fine. We miss something every trip due to a ride being refurbished anyhow.

Like you said, if you go every other year (that's about our schedule too) yea you may miss something here and there, but you'll get to it next trip. All the more reason to go back! You're a pro by now I'm sure, so it's not like you'll only get a few rides in now matter how busy it is. It's just a matter of taking full advantage of FP+ and EMH.

I agree.

Granted I am often solo, and am not a commando tourist, but even since the advent of FP+ when I was on a CM day pass and couldn't get anything until I was in the parks because you couldn't link those to your MB or account at the time I've never NOT been able to do pretty much anything I wanted. Might I have had to wait a little? Sure. But I used it as chill time and either did something on my phone or occasionally had my nook with me and would read. If something was REALLY busy I'd skip it and go back to it if I got around to it later on.

I went way back in the early 2000s in October one week, and it just felt WEIRD to have so relative few people in the parks.

 

[cgattis]

I've realized the only week left that we can ever go is the last week in August since we won't pull the kids out anymore and that is the only low-crowd week when they are also out of school.

I refuse to go during Christmas, Presidents Week or Easter week which are our only school breaks. I can deal with some crowds but at a certain point it's not worth the money to us.

Our first trip was President's Week, and Sunday/Monday were the only two days that really felt busy. As long as it doesn't line up with Mardi Gras, you don't have to write it off just yet...I'd literally melt (or be standing in a puddle if sweat deep enough that it looked like I had.....blech) the last week of August. I'd do Presidents week again in a heartbeat, except if I want to ski, our school schedule really only accommodates it during that week.

 

[maryj11]

I used to be afraid of the crowd levels until I ended up being at MK with a 10 crowd level which was suppose to be a 7. We managed just fine and did pretty much everything we wanted. Go at rope drop ride some of your favorite things then do FP rides.
Eat at a sit down restaurant.
Ride the less popular rides that usually dont have long waits.
After the fireworks hoards of people leave go ride some more rides.

 

[scoutie]

I've only gone when it's busy (Christmas time and early August), so I don't know any better. I've never found the parks to be too busy or crowded, but I take a lot of time to plan. We go at rope drop, take a break in the middle of the day, and then go back at night. We utilize fast passes too.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Our first trip was President's Week, and Sunday/Monday were the only two days that really felt busy. As long as it doesn't line up with Mardi Gras, you don't have to write it off just yet...I'd literally melt (or be standing in a puddle if sweat deep enough that it looked like I had.....blech) the last week of August. I'd do Presidents week again in a heartbeat, except if I want to ski, our school schedule really only accommodates it during that week.

We were there last year for the Presidents Day/Mardi Gras week. Never again. Valentine's Day was also that Saturday.

But you're right, without the Mardi Gras part it's not as bad, the year before wasn't as bad, I don't think MG fell during the same time that year.

 

[maryj11]

We went this year last week of June leading up to July 4th (last day in park was July 3rd). And we had a GREAT time. Yes, it was crowded. But we easily got 6 rides and 6 character M&Gs done in the morning, just by rope dropping. We saved our FP+ for the "big" rides, and then focused on using rope drop for the other rides. July 1st was our last day at MK, it was a morning EMH day, red, non-recommended, crowd level 8, and we were off-site. Should have been a miserable time right? It was probably our best day there. Between 9-11:00, we were able to do all the character M&Gs at the Circus place (4 characters), Under the Sea, Enchanted Tales with Belle (FP+), Mad Tea Party, Alice & Rabbit M&G, Tomorrowland Speedway 2x, and Monsters Inc. Had we not bothered with the M&Gs, we easily could have gotten more rides done, including the bigger rides if we'd rope dropped them. We took an afternoon break, then went back for the evening where our FP+ included A&E, Peter Pan, as well as reservations for BBB and CRT.

This is the week we will be going this year. I worry more about the weather being hot and stormy. How was the weather when you were there?

 

[Poppybeach]

We just went the week before Thanksgiving and I had fear of crowd levels as well prior to leaving. However, we found it very manageable. This was our 4th trip in 5 years and I do have to admit that crowd levels have risen even in that time but because we now know to take advantage of rope drop.....we got in a lot of what we wanted to do early before big crowds hit. We did an Xmas Party as well and loved it. Walked onto most rides....even did the Osborne lights and though that was a little intimidating in terms of crowds at first glance....we relaxed and just let ourselves wander through the crowds and enjoy it. You have to plan ahead, use your FPs wisely, do rope drops and most of all.....relax. If you can't get a FP for a fave ride prior to leaving, don't rule out hitting up a kiosk at the park....we managed to get a few we wanted that way and were pleasantly surprised.

 

[MainMom]

We went in mid July as a party of 11. We did more than I had even planned for. We took advantage of park opening & 1 EMH, used our 3 FP's, but never more. It was crowded, but honestly, we barely noticed.

 

[Dis703]

This is the week we will be going this year. I worry more about the weather being hot and stormy. How was the weather when you were there?

This wasn't directed at me, but having grown up in Florida I figured I'd offer my input. Summer weather you can often expect a storm just about every day. But they are usually brief and in the afternoon. The clouds blow in fast, the skies open up with what can seem like a crazy violent storm and it can be gone within 15 minutes and sunny again. It can also be a downpour in Epcot and never touch MK or vice versa.

I wouldn't worry so much about the storms. But yes it will be hot. Some people don't mind it, but personally I'm not a fan of the level of heat in the summer down there. Just make sure you take steps to manage it. Start your days with rope drop, drink lots of water, plan on afternoon breaks if needed, use misting fans or frog toggs if needed and you'll be fine.

 

[monkyby87]

Echoing what many people have said: Rope Drop is amazing, even during busy times. I went during a SWW in June and prepared for the worst. Arriving at the parks for RD gave us at least two hours of walk-on attractions or very short lines. We went to Frontierland in MK at RD and felt like we were the only people in the park for awhile. It was awesome. We missed RD one day and that day was grueling by comparison.

This 100%. Even on days when the level is an 8 or 9, RD is still your best friend. That combined with EMH and you shouldn't be worried about anything. As well-known as RD and EMH might be, it's still amazing how many don't understand the benefit they provide.

 

[BelleBriarRose]

I always go anticipating major crowds, and then I always do more than I had planned for. Previous trips have been in May, October, and March so I think we've experienced a variety of crowd levels. Honestly, I think it comes down to having a plan for the attractions that are a priority to you (FP+, rope drop, late in the evening when crowd levels go down) and then when you find extra time on your hands you can squeeze in the attractions that are a lower priority. It's never been a major issue for me, but I'm not terribly sensitive to crowds so take that with a grain of salt.

As well, you're going in September, which is the off season, so I think you'll be better off than you would be if you were going in the summertime, the holidays, or spring break.

 

[tlmadden73]

I've realized the only week left that we can ever go is the last week in August since we won't pull the kids out anymore and that is the only low-crowd week when they are also out of school.

I refuse to go during Christmas, Presidents Week or Easter week which are our only school breaks. I can deal with some crowds but at a certain point it's not worth the money to us.

I went last week of August in 2015.
It was pretty low crowd-wise - (definitely was not "shoulder-to-shoulder" traffic jams) ..
(It was the perfect storm of most other kids being back in school, but wasn't the week before Labor Day, plus it was the last days BEFORE Free Dining started).

Ya . .it was hot and humid in the mornings and early afternoons, but not unbearable if you are prepared for it. What was more troublesome was the daily (and I do mean EVERY day) thunderstorms for 2+ hours every afternoon (at various times). The rain was frustrating as we had longer mid-day delays than we wanted, (but not surprising).. but it was workable (we were prepared with ponchos) and made it a lot cooler throughout the day and cleared out the parks in the afternoons/early evenings.

We were surprised at how well that trip turned out despite the daily thunderstorms.

I'd probably go again that time of year, but not my first choice due to the heat and storms .. (it is also my son's birthday which is a nice way to celebrate)
I too definitely would not go during a traditional "school break" - it just feels it would be way too crowded for the money.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I went last week of August in 2015.
It was pretty low crowd-wise - (definitely was not "shoulder-to-shoulder" traffic jams) ..
(It was the perfect storm of most other kids being back in school, but wasn't the week before Labor Day, plus it was the last days BEFORE Free Dining started).

Ya . .it was hot and humid in the mornings and early afternoons, but not unbearable if you are prepared for it. What was more troublesome was the daily (and I do mean EVERY day) thunderstorms for 2+ hours every afternoon (at various times). The rain was frustrating as we had longer mid-day delays than we wanted, (but not surprising).. but it was workable (we were prepared with ponchos) and made it a lot cooler throughout the day and cleared out the parks in the afternoons/early evenings.

We were surprised at how well that trip turned out despite the daily thunderstorms.

I'd probably go again that time of year, but not my first choice due to the heat and storms .. (it is also my son's birthday which is a nice way to celebrate)
I too definitely would not go during a traditional "school break" - it just feels it would be way too crowded for the money.

We've gone that week for a few years along with some bonus trips in the winter/spring. We've always had a good time and the prices are definitely much better than the holiday weeks. The weather can be nuts though! But I'd prefer to deal with the weather than the crowds. So I think we'll just be cutting out the bonus trips and stick with that one It gets to be slim pickings when you're on a school calendar....crowds or weather, can't win!

 

[mshanson3121]

This is the week we will be going this year. I worry more about the weather being hot and stormy. How was the weather when you were there?

HOT! Haha. It was 90-93 every day, before humidex and most days with humidex it was around 110, one day it was 115 or 116. That day was really, REALLY hot, lol. But, it's very manageable. Everyone says the humidity is sooo bad there in June, but the average humidity by afternoon is only around 55-60%, which is actually less than we normally have where we live in the summer (we live right down in a river valley, so the air gets very steamy), so... while it was hot yes, we really didn't find the humidity as bad as everyone makes it out to be. BUT, if you're from a drier climate, it may bother you.

We found the hours of 9-11, to be perfect park hours - heat wasn't that bad, and crowds weren't that bad. Both start building around 11. By 1, it's pretty freaking hot (and crowded), and standing in line is hard because you notice the heat more. We typically were out of the parks by 1 or 2. A couple days we took afternoon breaks and came back for the evenings - we LOVED evenings in the summer, and I would seriously consider just doing all late afternoon/evenings next time. Evenings are still hot - easily 80+, but it's so much easier once the sun is not right overhead. Plus the parks are just beautiful at night with the lights. It's a whole different feeling altogether.

The key to the heat is - drink LOTS of water. And use cooling towels. Plan air conditioned sit down meals for breaks. Save your indoor, air conditioned shows/rides for the afternoon as much as possible.

As for storms, yes, there's storms every day. Typically when we were there the storms rolled in around 4:00 or so every day and lasted 30-45 minutes, so it wasn't such a big deal because we were out of the parks by then anyways. And no, the storms do not cool off the temperatures. Oh, technically they may drop the temperature 2-3 degrees, but they also raise the humidity. We did have one bad storm on July 1st, which lasted about 2.5 hours, however it didn't start until 8:00 or so that night. It rained out both the 9:00 MSEP and the 10:00 Wishes. We crowded in with thousands of other people under overhangs, and waited out the storm. They finally shot off Wishes at 11:00, and MSEP ran at 11:30. It was GREAT. Because, by that point THOUSANDS of people had given up and left - we watched them literally stream out of the park. Consequently, we had great spots to watch both Wishes and MSEP. So... stick it out through the rain, don't leave That night is actually one of our great memories, because after a while of being crammed into the restaurant, we made a mad dash through the storm for Mickey Mouse theatre, where we met Tinkerbell, and then sat on the porch people watching. DD sat and painted all our finger and toe nails (yes, even her father's and her grandfather's, lol - what men will do for a 5 year old girl).