Are evenings less crowded?

[gotdbltrbl]

Hi all, we went to Disney during April vacation and the parks were crowded. We got up early, got to the parks and it seemed like we were done by 5pm and back to our room missing all the night time shows (except our last night, I was determined to see Fantasmic! And that was an event making it there!). My kids are teens, it was very hot so I think that got to us. We might have an opportunity to go again next April (Easter week ) and again the parks will be packed, but this time we are going to bring my in-laws. It may be their last time ever going so we want to make it a great time. My FIL has Parkinsons so he needs to take it slow. We will split up and do our own thing for most of the time as he doesn't like to hold anyone back and they just want to enjoy the sights (no rides). So to get to my question....are the parks less crowded at night? If they got up late, didn't rush breakfast, hung by the pool and hit the parks in the evening, would it be less crowded for them or are the crowds pretty much steady all day? Thanks!

 

[mesaboy2]

Hi all, we went to Disney during April vacation and the parks were crowded. We got up early, got to the parks and it seemed like we were done by 5pm and back to our room missing all the night time shows (except our last night, I was determined to see Fantasmic! And that was an event making it there!). My kids are teens, it was very hot so I think that got to us. We might have an opportunity to go again next April (Easter week ) and again the parks will be packed, but this time we are going to bring my in-laws. It may be their last time ever going so we want to make it a great time. My FIL has Parkinsons so he needs to take it slow. We will split up and do our own thing for most of the time as he doesn't like to hold anyone back and they just want to enjoy the sights (no rides). So to get to my question....are the parks less crowded at night? If they got up late, didn't rush breakfast, hung by the pool and hit the parks in the evening, would it be less crowded for them or are the crowds pretty much steady all day? Thanks!

In general, yes. Standard park day starts off with the least crowds all day, builds until mid-afternoon, then slowly wanes until close. There are special exceptions to this--New Year's Eve is an obvious example--but that's the usual pattern.

This is not say that evenings aren't crowded, only that they are generally less so than earlier in the day.

A better strategy to beat the crowds is to not sleep in and beat the crowds there. Mornings are the best time to go.

 

[W.E.D.]

They only park we typically spend evening hours in would be EPCOT. Crowds will build around World Showcase as 9pm approaches and people come in for Illuminations. A lot of times, by 8 there is a human ring around the lake. That being said, I guess the same thing probably occurs at MK for the evening parade and fireworks as well.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Less crowded? Im not so sure. Different crowded might be a better way of looking at it. A lot of little kid families try to keep their schedules similar to home so they leave the park earlyish so bedtime stays about the same. So the percent of small kids will go down, but there is also the group that doesnt get to the parks till noon and goes all night.

If you stay very late in the parks, it does quiet down quite a bit. 1, 2, 3am are some of the best times in the parks. Teens are practically nocturnal. They would probably have more fun in the night.

 

[Sheilby]

Hi all, we went to Disney during April vacation and the parks were crowded. We got up early, got to the parks and it seemed like we were done by 5pm and back to our room missing all the night time shows (except our last night, I was determined to see Fantasmic! And that was an event making it there!). My kids are teens, it was very hot so I think that got to us. We might have an opportunity to go again next April (Easter week ) and again the parks will be packed, but this time we are going to bring my in-laws. It may be their last time ever going so we want to make it a great time. My FIL has Parkinsons so he needs to take it slow. We will split up and do our own thing for most of the time as he doesn't like to hold anyone back and they just want to enjoy the sights (no rides). So to get to my question....are the parks less crowded at night? If they got up late, didn't rush breakfast, hung by the pool and hit the parks in the evening, would it be less crowded for them or are the crowds pretty much steady all day? Thanks!

My mom has Parkinson's so I know the difficulties. Is your FIL going to rent a scooter? Even if he is fine walking around at home (w/ or without a walker) the added walking at Disney will exhaust him quicker. Plus, stress tends to aggravate Parkinson's and a crowded day could have him shakier than usual. Not to mention that Parkinson's causes balance issues and I wouldn't want him to fall if someone bumped into him.

I don't know how far his has progressed, but I know my mom needs LOTS of extra time in the morning to get going so I like the idea of them staying back at the resort and enjoying time there and then going with you in the evening (as long as he is up for late nights). The busiest times at the parks tend to be between 11am and 6pm, although I have never been there during spring break. I think it would be very important to you guys to try to hit the parks on the most recommended days with your FIL. EMH days at the park may be too much for him anyway.

I hope it all works out.

 

[mmdisneylover]

Hi all, we went to Disney during April vacation and the parks were crowded. We got up early, got to the parks and it seemed like we were done by 5pm and back to our room missing all the night time shows (except our last night, I was determined to see Fantasmic! And that was an event making it there!). My kids are teens, it was very hot so I think that got to us. We might have an opportunity to go again next April (Easter week ) and again the parks will be packed, but this time we are going to bring my in-laws. It may be their last time ever going so we want to make it a great time. My FIL has Parkinsons so he needs to take it slow. We will split up and do our own thing for most of the time as he doesn't like to hold anyone back and they just want to enjoy the sights (no rides). So to get to my question....are the parks less crowded at night? If they got up late, didn't rush breakfast, hung by the pool and hit the parks in the evening, would it be less crowded for them or are the crowds pretty much steady all day? Thanks!

Dhs less crowded since everyone moves to see fantasmic so it seems less crowded. Mk I think is probably the same but ride lines get shorter since people are waiting to see parade and wishes. Epcot yes but showcase is crowded. Animal is closed but the last 2 hours are less crowded. Have fun.

 

[jenjordan]

We did RD every day this week and left the parks by 12 - 12:30, went back to our resort for a nap and some pool time and then came back to the park around 5 - 5:30 each night (with the exception of AK due to the early closing). We definitely found that the crowds were lower and since we had hit all the headliners that morning, wait times for the attractions we wanted were very low and the temperature was much more comfortable.

 

[DCbride]

Easter week the crowds are going to remain high into the evening. (We go every Easter- my least favorite time to go) we are going this Easter with my MIL who uses a cane. Our plan is to meet them at some point each day and have 1 meal together each day. Discuss with them what they would like to do with you. Their list might be as simple as riding 2-3 rides and be perfectly content having coffee and enjoying the Disney from a bench. My MIL decided she wants to do a half day at 3 parks and spend the majority of her vacation at Epcot to see the flowers.

 

[gotdbltrbl]

My mom has Parkinson's so I know the difficulties. Is your FIL going to rent a scooter? Even if he is fine walking around at home (w/ or without a walker) the added walking at Disney will exhaust him quicker. Plus, stress tends to aggravate Parkinson's and a crowded day could have him shakier than usual. Not to mention that Parkinson's causes balance issues and I wouldn't want him to fall if someone bumped into him.

I don't know how far his has progressed, but I know my mom needs LOTS of extra time in the morning to get going so I like the idea of them staying back at the resort and enjoying time there and then going with you in the evening (as long as he is up for late nights). The busiest times at the parks tend to be between 11am and 6pm, although I have never been there during spring break. I think it would be very important to you guys to try to hit the parks on the most recommended days with your FIL. EMH days at the park may be too much for him anyway.

I hope it all works out.

It has been progressing, which is why I think they really want to get a trip in before it gets much worse. He does take a long time to get ready in the morning, and he is slower as well. I don't think his pride would not let him rent a scooter and he doesn't want to slow anyone down. Which is why I was thinking of doing the parks in the evening if they were less crowded (and hopefully cooler). And yes, stress does aggravate it. I know that week, no matter what time of day, will be very crowded, but I want to try to plan as much as I can for them, without it seeming like I am. They are more night people, I don't see them going on rides as I think he would have a hard time getting in and out, but they would just love to stroll around, people watch and I know my MIL will love to see all the children, especially the princesses. Thanks for your reply, I know every day and every trip will be different then you planned, I just feel better knowing that it might be doable for him.

And on a side note, he talked to his Parkinson's Dr. the other day and they told him there have been some big advancements over the past year. So hopefully for him and your Mom new medications/treatments will soon be out there. Thanks again!

 

[gotdbltrbl]

Easter week the crowds are going to remain high into the evening. (We go every Easter- my least favorite time to go) we are going this Easter with my MIL who uses a cane. Our plan is to meet them at some point each day and have 1 meal together each day. Discuss with them what they would like to do with you. Their list might be as simple as riding 2-3 rides and be perfectly content having coffee and enjoying the Disney from a bench. My MIL decided she wants to do a half day at 3 parks and spend the majority of her vacation at Epcot to see the flowers.

I was surprised Easter fell on my kids spring break this year, which I knew is one of the most crowded weeks. I think our best bet would do breakfast and then our own thing, then meet up later and maybe take them to the parks late afternoon. They would want to see the shows, I don't see him trying to get on rides, so we would plan around those. I have to try to plan it without it seeming like I am so he won't feel like he is a bother (he thinks that no matter what). Thanks for the reply, I know I am a worrier and crowds will be out of my control, so hearing other ideas helps. Thanks!

 

[hookedonears]

Generally yes, somewhat, but FP's are typically gone, though with FP+, that may all change. We've been to the MK and HS during EMH and both parks were absolutely packed at mid-night, so it kind of depends.

 

[gotdbltrbl]

Thanks All ~ I feel a little better at least knowing what to expect. Going later to parks with regular hours sounds like the best bet. And just taking our time and let my FIL set the pace. I know there are a million other factors like weather and such, but it is nice to hear from others that have been similar situations and how you handled it.

 

[elgerber]

We found the parks to be very crowded in the evenings in mid August.

 

[Sheilby]

It has been progressing, which is why I think they really want to get a trip in before it gets much worse. He does take a long time to get ready in the morning, and he is slower as well. I don't think his pride would not let him rent a scooter and he doesn't want to slow anyone down. Which is why I was thinking of doing the parks in the evening if they were less crowded (and hopefully cooler). And yes, stress does aggravate it. I know that week, no matter what time of day, will be very crowded, but I want to try to plan as much as I can for them, without it seeming like I am. They are more night people, I don't see them going on rides as I think he would have a hard time getting in and out, but they would just love to stroll around, people watch and I know my MIL will love to see all the children, especially the princesses. Thanks for your reply, I know every day and every trip will be different then you planned, I just feel better knowing that it might be doable for him.

And on a side note, he talked to his Parkinson's Dr. the other day and they told him there have been some big advancements over the past year. So hopefully for him and your Mom new medications/treatments will soon be out there. Thanks again!

I'm sure if you manage expectations you will all have a great time. Ride the big attractions at most recommended park in the morning when you first go and before you leave in the afternoon grab some fast passes for the night if they are available. Then you can all hang back at the resort for the hottest hours and head back to the park in the evening with the grandparents. Make sure he does some rides too though. Some of them aren't that hard to get in and out off and it will give him a big sense of freedom.

I'm glad to hear he won't let pride get in the way of riding in a scooter. My mom did at first. She would only use a scooter up at the stores near me so that no one she knew would see her. Drove me BATTY. I kept telling her that people are far to self absorbed to give a rats patootie that she is in a scooter. You can rent the scooter in advance and have it waiting at the resort when you get there. It's better than renting in the parks because then he can use it to get around the resort too, although it is a bit of a pain to deal with getting them on and off the buses. Disney does allow scooters first dibs on the buses though which is nice for people that really need it.

We aren't taking my mom, which I still feel guilty about. My dad died a long time ago so I would have to stay back at the resort with her all morning or she would be lonely. Then the kids would miss me since I'm the one that goes on the rides with them and I don't want them resenting her. There is no way she could be up and ready to go any morning, she just needs too much time to adjust. plus she has to nap in the afternoon now too especially after taking her medicine.

I hope that what your FIL's doc said was true, it's terrible watching people get robbed of their life. Best wishes and have a great trip.

 

[Micca]

I think mesaboy makes good points. Less crowded? Sure. Not crowded? Nope, still crowded. Maybe fewer strollers?

People generally don't like to get up early on vacations, which is why the very earliest part of the morning is the best time to go (and to beat the heat).
If you like sleep, go early in the morning and go take a nice long nap after lunch.

 

[Dsnyfireman]

We find the nights less hectic, more relaxed. The kids fall asleep in the stroller, and the wife and I can just walk around and talk and see the sights. We like to go to epcot at night for that reason.

 

[ZoZo]

I think using a site that recommends "best" parks for each day would really help you. From what I read here on the DIS, Josh's site (easyWDW.com) is one of the best.