Back from GF and Poly - Simply Addicted

[jcf]

Stayed at Poly Concierge on points (6 nights) and GF Concierge cash (free upgrade from garden view for 4 nights)
[Poly Conc- fun and nicer people; GF Conc - stuffy and average people]

First, I am hopeless, of course right now I am also cash poor at the moment

Second, if anyone ever is there during any special events such as Pirate and Princess party DO IT. My son and I repeatedly WALKED on his favorite rides with either no wait or minutes

Third, from high level to low level employees 100% said building near Contemporary was DVC. Some said not on sale until AKV sold out. I didn't see any workers from the monorail from 4/11-21

Fourth, going back to Poly 12/27-1/3 (maybe), anyone want to do fishing with my son and I? Too expensive for just 2 people

Fifth, ever see a Chinese man (cutting the line) and European lady get into a fist fight? My son and I almost had front row seats waiting in line for Indiana Jones show

Sixth, I am not prejudiced but for the love Mickey can some people PLEASE not cut a friggin line.

Some Questions:
1. Did I get the upgrade at GF b/c I was Annual Passholder, DVC member or just came from Poly? I wasn't about to ask. Anyone experience that?

2. How many special events like Pirate and Princess do they do each year? Are there set events annually?

3. 12/27-1/3 what should I expect crowd wise, we were pretty lucky on this April trip (nothing more than 30 minute wait except for 2 rides [50 minute]).

 

[castleri]

The only one of your questions I have first hand knowledge of is the Dec 27-Jan 3 timeframe. The three times we have done it the crowds are heavy and the lines are looooong. Be prepared to do only those rides you really care about and make good use of fast passes. It is a great time to go but not if you want to have short lines and few people.

 

[Pennyguy23]

"3. 12/27-1/3 what should I expect crowd wise, we were pretty lucky on this April trip (nothing more than 30 minute wait except for 2 rides [50 minute])."


Get ready for ridiculous crowds and 2-3 hours wait in lines. ITS NUTS that time of year.

 

[jcf]

"3. 12/27-1/3 what should I expect crowd wise, we were pretty lucky on this April trip (nothing more than 30 minute wait except for 2 rides [50 minute])."


Get ready for ridiculous crowds and 2-3 hours wait in lines. ITS NUTS that time of year.

Come on

 

[Pennyguy23]

Its true. I think the shortest I saw the whole week we were there this past year was 100 minutes for one of the VERY unpopluar rides.

 

[jcf]

Any better?

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I have very good news for you- I was at WDW this past year from dec. 30-jan.5
I will give you my crowd report:
12-30: MK- arrived at 7pm- NOT CROWDED- walked on Pirates, Aladdin, small world, about 70 minute wait for BTTMR and Space Mtn- but fast passes were avail. (It was open until 4am and got very empty after midnight)
12-31: I DID NOT STEP FOOT IN A PARK - MET SOME PEOPLE ON THE MONORAIL WHO HAD JUST LEFT MK AND SAID IT WAS TERRIBLE- YOU COULD NOT MOVE OR SEE- THEY SAID IT WAS LIKE TORTURE. THEY DID RESTRICT ENTRY TO MK THAT DAY FOR A WHILE
1-1: MGM- ARrived at 10am- NOT CROWDED- RNRRC was about 40 minute standby so grabbed FPs- everything else was fine- went on the Movie Ride, Muppets, Beauty and the Beast... Crowds picked up at lunch but were manageble
1-2: Epcot- freezing and pretty crowded- used FP for Soarin- 5 min wait for Spaceship Earth, Did Nemo twice - once it was 30 minutes wait- around dinner time there was no wait. Waited 20 minutes for CRush. Longest wait was for our table at Teppan Edo. They called us about 40 minutes after our reservation time.
1-3: AK- Pretty crowded- 30 minute wait for the Dinosaur twirl ride, 20 minutes for the triceratops that are like the dumbo ride- about 40 minutes for Dinosaur- long wait for EE- we used FP. Walked onto the Safari in the morning- but it was cold and there hardly any animals.
1-4: MK- SUPER CROWDED, WORSE CROWDS I HAVE EVER SEEN AT MK- NOT ENJOYABLE, we couldn't move in tomorrowland- it was crazy- this is why it would have been nice to have hoppers because we picked the WRONG park on 1-4.

The restaurants were crowded all week- make sure you have ADRs

 

[jcf]

After 10 days I guess the line cutting drove me nuts!!!!!!! But, good point.

What can I expect weather wise?

Would you say better to go at Thankgiving? Better weather? New Years Eve at Disney with my 8 year old son seems like it would be a blast.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I have never been at Thanksgiving so can't comment- but I imagine the weather would be better.

12/30 - 1/5: We had one nice day suitable for swimming- a few chilly but comfortable days and 2 REALLY cold days (low 30s I think). The day we left it was in the high 70s and sunny and low 80s were forecast for several days after- so you can get any weather that time of year.