Busiest Times for DVC

[elk with mouse ears]

Thank you! That's exactly what I wanted to hear!

 

[JimMIA]

I understand that December would be busy for DVC members because of the low points... but how does that translate to park attendance? Are they packed with people?... because I just reserved for the second week in december thinking I was brilliant for going at this time... now this thread gives me the impression I just screwed up... did I?

We've been the first week of December, and except for the weekends when a lot of locals go, the parks were pretty manageable. DVC is crowded, and ressies are hard to get, but the parks themselves were fine.

One caution though -- make ADRs as far in advance as you can. We saw signs up in MK saying there was no TS availability, for any restaurant, at any time, for the whole day on several occasions. We also ran into situations where Epcot restaurants were so oversold with CP packages that they were not even accepting walkups.

 

[LilGMom]

I understand that December would be busy for DVC members because of the low points... but how does that translate to park attendance? Are they packed with people?... because I just reserved for the second week in december thinking I was brilliant for going at this time... now this thread gives me the impression I just screwed up... did I?

The first two weeks of December are usually pretty good attendance wise - not too packed. The week before and up through the New Year is when the parks start getting super busy.

 

[Nadine&Scott]

We stayed at SSR this past Dec. 9-15. Although SSR was a full house it did not seem crowded at all and the parks were fine too. We did make our ADR's well in advance, a good decision.

Scott

 

[mickeymarcor]

I've been to WDW twice in late Jan. and once in late May. By far the better time for the park was late Jan. The weather is cool and crowds are thin. The longest I've had to wait was 30 minutes for Soarin' and Peter Pan's Flight. Usually I walked right onto the ride or waited just five minutes. May on the other hand was hot (85°F) and crowded (90 minutes for Sorarin' Standby, 3 hours to FastPass it). Although I didn't mind the heat, I certainly did mind the crowds.

 

[dwelty]

Just wondering, if December continues to be such popular time for DVCers to go, could we anticipate a point increase for that time of year? Again, just wondering...

No and here is why, One of the main reasons December is busy for DVC is BECAUSE points are low. Disney made this a low point time because they need people comming to the parks during the first 2 weeks of December. (The rest of the resort is dead during this time). This is the same for early Janurary. The points will always be the lowest when vacancy rates are generally low at non DVC resorts.

 

[Pinmaniac]

We go about 8 times a year (7 weekends and one 5 day trip). As Florida residents you won't find us at WDW after mid May until the end of August. Too hot, too crowded and blackout time for our seasonal pass.

We have found in the last couple years that the least crowded times are early Jan, early May, late Aug, and most of Sept. Early December used to be low crowds but recently has been getting more and more crowded. This past Dec we were there the first week of the month and constantly heard comments from CM's that they couldn't believe the high level of the crowds. We were able to do everything we wanted and have seen the parks more crowded but were surprised at the number of people around. AK was the worst - HUGE lines to see the new Nemo musical and to ride Everest.

This year we are going to try the second week of Dec for comparison purposes.

 

[JWG]

Who has experience staying during mid/end of July? We'll be there the 22-29 and I'm curious as to what to expect in the parks?

It'll be hot - I know. We have a teacher in the family.

 

[photobob]

Thanks Dwelty, that makes perfect sense. I know Disney does try to entice people to come at times when attendence is low with things like free dining plans and discount room codes etc. I'm looking forward to the day that I can travel at lower attendance times.

 

[aes74]

June, July, and to a lesser degree August, are busy at Disney generally because of school being out. Floridians don't go then, and there is a reason for that. Several reasons, actually.

That's right baby!!! You won't catch me near WDW during the summer months! I can't handle the crowds and humidity, and I live here!!!