Anyone just get back?

[Dallas_Lady]

If so, what are the crowds like? Packed I'm sure, but is it anymore or less than usual at this time of year? My SIL is leaving on Saturday for their first trip and I want to tell her what to expect.

 

[cougartrace]

We just got back. It was crowded but manageable.

Unfortunately, we experienced many ride break downs. My only day at Magic Kingdom and Space Mountain was closed almost all day.

Also, we got stuck on the Vertical part of Test Track for 10 minutes with our shoulders pinned and not one CM asked about our well being.

In EPCOT, I would go to Test Track first then go to Soarin. It seemed that Test Track was way more popular.

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

We just got back - it was crowded but not unmanageable. The crowds got worse as the week went on, and seemed to be heaviest at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We got there for park opening, and that was the most important thing! For the first two hours we had minimal waits, and then after that we used Fastpasses and did some of the attractions with minimal waits (shows, films, etc).

We also took an afternoon break almost every day to nap and swim at the hotel (Pop Century) and that seemed to make it easier to manage, as well. I can't count how many crabby adults and kids we saw in the evenings who clearly were exhausted and run down! I was so happy we took our break.

We love Epcot, so we spent nearly every evening there - the park just seems to handle crowds better, and never felt gridlocked there like we did at the MK in the afternoons/evenings (4pm at the MK in June: )

Hope she has a great time, even with crowds! Even a bad day at Disney is better than a day at work!

 

[Stinkerbell317]

I thought it was fairly crowded, but this is my first time during anything close to summer. We got to the park of the day at rope drop and tried to utilize FPs and EMHs as much possible. It was CRAZY at the Star Wars Weekend area of MGM. I'd skip that unless you're a die hard fan.

 

[Max Rebo]

I thought the crowds last week were slightly worse than I expected. On a scale of 1-10, I was expecting an 8, and experienced a 9. AK seemed to be having the biggest crowd problems to me.

That said, a little bit of planning makes the crowds manageable. Get there for rope-drop. Use FastPass. Take advantage of EMHs.

Also, be prepared to see some FastPass machines down for refurbishment. Space Mountain was down before we got there, and BTMR and Jungle Cruise were down while we were there. And FastPass machines for Splash Mountain ant Kali River were broke down at times. And, of course, FastPasses often run out for TT and Soarin' by the afternoon.

 

[auroralark]

I thought it was fairly crowded, but not awful. We got there early, used Fastpasses, and then left in the heat of the day to come back later. I found the waits listed at most of the rides to be over what the actual wait time was.

 

[kaf7878]

We got back yesterday and I thought it was more crowded than previous years. We went to rope drop every morning and left by early afternoon when parks were going crazy with people. MK esp was out of control and AK was not far behind. We left AK after we rode Everest and watched Bugs Life. It is just too hot there! We had a great time though. Go early and then go back around 5-6.