Checked out early - Parks too crowded.

[GADisneyDad14]

I swore I'd never go during Spring Break season again (or Christmas week) but here I am going the first week of April. I know it will be crowded, I know I'll need my patience, I know I might get unplanned resort time (will have a huge sub cooler full of cold beer) and I know it would not be my ideal trip. BUT we'll go with the flow, be flexible and we are meeting friends we know we'll have a great time with ... and fingers crossed, I am hoping that all these awful crowd reports may mean most breaks will be over before we go.

Wait, you're going then too? I'm thinking that week is going to be one of the more "stout" crowd weeks we've had to date, but planning lots of resort time and just going with the flow as well! Are you sharing your cooler full of beer?

 

[mbrown2097]

We are here this week as well. TP showed 6-7-8 on their crowd calendar leading in but I think that it was closer to a 9 at most every park on most every day. We knew this going in when we saw all of the resorts were sold out weeks ago. I feel your pain, it is difficult to move right now let alone ride without fast pass. We are fairly seasoned at this and have strategies that work for us when it's crowded. I do feel sorry for those folks who are here for the 1st time and don't know the ropes. BTW guys, it's been 47 degrees for the low and 55 or so for the highs most of the week. Pools were out of the question IMO.

 

[twodogs]

I'm copying this from another thread so as not to have to type it again. I was there Monday through yesterday. Every park was, by my definition, insane. I have greater than 10 WDW trips and 5 DLR trips, so I am not a novice to this. Even Spaceship Earth was 60 minute standby! It was crazy. We tried to park hop and it was over 90 minutes wasted in waiting on the buses and then getting through security/entrance lines at the next park. There was no option to swim at the resort since the temps were in the 30s-50s all week. Water parks were closed down due to cold temperatures, so anyone who would have been dispersed to those parks was now most likely in one of the other parks, making the crowds there even worse! We did not cut our vacation short, but it was not the experience we were hoping for. I expected high crowds, and planned for them, but this was insane and not enjoyable. I did not feel that Disney responded well to the exceedingly high crowds, especially in regards to the buses.

Here is my other response:

We just got back tonight from our first (and last) trip over spring break. We typically pull the kids out at a non-holiday time in May but we added a few park days onto a short Disney cruise, so there we were. The crowds were so much worse than I ever expected. I'm sure someone will say "a crowded day at Disney is better than being at work" but I can't agree with that. I don't want to be using time off from work, spending this much money, to be herded and pushed around for 3 days.

Yes, we rope dropped, booked FP, tried to book 4th FPs on the app, had dining reservations, had a touring plan, etc. We did all the big rides we could with FP. There was very little 4th FP availability, as expected. Lines were awful (though FP lines moved quickly). I did not ride standby for much, as SB waits were over 150-180 minutes for SM, RNR and other headliners for hours each day. Even "lesser rides" like Spaceship Earth were 60+ minutes Standby. The places we really noticed the lines the most were at the buses at park close. We stayed at AKL, and buses literally came 30 minutes apart at night to the parks. It was made worse by the unpredicted cold snap that left many without clothes for the weather. We waited almost one hour last night for a bus from DHS to AKL. The temps were in the 40s! We had some warm clothes from the cruise, but many others didn't even have a long sleeved shirt or pants. Miserable. We will Uber next time, but I don't like feeling I'm being "forced" to spend money on Uber when transportation is one of the perks of staying onsite. I realize there can't be a bus to each resort every 5 minutes, but at park close, they should put every bus on a route to get people moved in less than one hour.

We still had a good time, but this is our one and only spring break trip. We have been numerous times and never felt like this. I felt buses were being diverted to the upgraded park to park transport service, so there were less buses on the regular routes. Bathrooms in all parks were dirty, and at least 30% of paper towel holders were empty ( this was at all 4 parks and was a noticeable change that I had never experienced). I'm used to seeing someone cleaning those bathrooms nearly all day long, and I rarely saw a CM in any bathroom. CMs overall were great, and AKL and their CM were superb. We did a VIP tour day with a plaid, and it was the saving grace of the trip. We met some other great park guests and had some pixie dust from another guest pin trading. We passed on some pixie dust by giving our paper fantasmic FPs from our lunch package to a family that had been in the hotel for the prior 4 days with the stomach flu!

Planning is going to help anyone going at a busy time, but I feel that even with the utmost planning, I do not enjoy this level of crowds. Everyone has their own threshold, and I met mine this week.

 

[AngiTN]

We are here this week as well. TP showed 6-7-8 on their crowd calendar leading in but I think that it was closer to a 9 at most every park on most every day. We knew this going in when we saw all of the resorts were sold out weeks ago. I feel your pain, it is difficult to move right now let alone ride without fast pass. We are fairly seasoned at this and have strategies that work for us when it's crowded. I do feel sorry for those folks who are here for the 1st time and don't know the ropes. BTW guys, it's been 47 degrees for the low and 55 or so for the highs most of the week. Pools were out of the question IMO.

Well, pools are just 1 of the ways to spend time away from the parks.
We don't even go to the pools and have no problems filling time. There is A LOT to explore at the resorts.

 

[MSPeeler]

I've been reading all kinds of terrible crowded park and cold evening weather trip reports, so my expectations make me want to stay home and throw up at the same time, but alas... Money is spent and "have to" go... I'm thinking my expectations are that trip will be absolutely miserable (3 kids in tow, 1 pre-teen, 1 with a full arm cast and 1 cranky teething toddler). WTH was I thinking

On our way now.

Sorry OP that your trip was less than magical

 

[AngiTN]

I felt buses were being diverted to the upgraded park to park transport service, so there were less buses on the regular routes.

This is not the case. It's been confirmed by the employees who drive the buses (yes, bus drivers but in this case, they are the authority on it, don't you think?) that they have been given additional schedules, not taken from the regular (free) routes.
And we have been there since this service started and the bus service was the same as our trips without the service.
That said, anyone planning to go park to park during a crowded time should find this service invaluable.

 

[eastendlights]

And yet they have not extended hours or added more EMH. That is what would fix a lot of these issues.

 

[AngiTN]

I've been reading all kinds of terrible crowded park and cold evening weather trip reports, so my expectations make me want to stay home and throw up at the same time, but alas... Money is spent and "have to" go... I'm thinking my expectations are that trip will be absolutely miserable (3 kids in tow, 1 pre-teen, 1 with a full arm cast and 1 cranky teething toddler). WTH was I thinking

On our way now.

Sorry OP that your trip was less than magical

The good news is the weather has broken and the cold temps moving out. Pools should return to being viable options.
Will be interesting to see where the crowds go though. I know one round of spring breakers were there this week, another, different round, coming next week. Will be curious to see if it's as big a round or smaller

 

[DisneyMim]

We have never left WDW early. We have left a park for another park (annual passes) or gone back to our resort or another resort to wander around, but never actually left a vacation early. We have been DVC members since 1991 and have been going during Christmas break for ten years now. We can only go during school breaks, my husband is a teacher and now both of our kids are teachers. As klayfish said, and I agree with him, I just don't get some people's "shock" at crowd levels. Disney is one of, if not THE most visited place anywhere. If you are there why wouldn't you expect others to be there also. Everyone had the same idea. We have been going to Disney forever and yes I will say that it had gotten more and more crowded over the years. More people are traveling. People are also so "shocked" every time Disney raises prices. Why the heck wouldn't they? It doesn't seem to be stopping the people from coming. You just really have to find a way to get used to the crowds (funny my family thought that this past Christmas was not as crowded as others) or find somewhere else to vacation.

ANYWAY, enjoy The Magic. I know I always do!!

 

[AngiTN]

We have never left WDW early. We have left a park for another park (annual passes) or gone back to our resort or another resort to wander around, but never actually left a vacation early. We have been DVC members since 1991 and have been going during Christmas break for ten years now. We can only go during school breaks, my husband is a teacher and now both of our kids are teachers. As klayfish said, and I agree with him, I just don't get some people's "shock" at crowd levels. Disney is one of, if not THE most visited place anywhere. If you are there why wouldn't you expect others to be there also. Everyone had the same idea. We have been going to Disney forever and yes I will say that it had gotten more and more crowded over the years. More people are traveling. People are also so "shocked" every time Disney raises prices. Why the heck wouldn't they? It doesn't seem to be stopping the people from coming. You just really have to find a way to get used to the crowds (funny my family thought that this past Christmas was not as crowded as others) or find somewhere else to vacation.

ANYWAY, enjoy The Magic. I know I always do!!

That seemed to be a recurring theme last year. In general, most all of it was not as crowded, from Spring break on through Christmas. May be what is working against things this year, people are going this year looking for something similar to last year and it's not similar. Crowds have picked back up following the 1 year lull, maybe even a pretty hefty increase, going on start of Spring Break, at least

 

[mbrown2097]

If you are going to the parks from 11 am to around 4 pm. Do yourself a huge favor and don't take any bags. The bag check lines yesterday and today have been a sea of people. The no bag line has been empty. I believe the bag check line has a 30-45 minute wait. Perhaps they should add a fastpass line for security.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

When the parks get super busy we enjoy resort hopping! I cry when I leave... I string it out as much as poss!

 

[yulilin3]

I've been reading all kinds of terrible crowded park and cold evening weather trip reports, so my expectations make me want to stay home and throw up at the same time, but alas... Money is spent and "have to" go... I'm thinking my expectations are that trip will be absolutely miserable (3 kids in tow, 1 pre-teen, 1 with a full arm cast and 1 cranky teething toddler). WTH was I thinking

On our way now.

Sorry OP that your trip was less than magical

I can't tell you what to expect and how to do it. If you know that it will be crowded and know that you have 3 kids in tow just plan for it. Go early, don't expect to do a lot of rides, work around your fps and take advantage of your hotel. It's all in how you see it. People would give anything to be coming to WDW right now and you are doing it. Put on a smile and pack your patience and you will be able to enjoy it

 

[J'aime Paris]

We leave next week Wednesday. This is our first time going during Spring Break timeframe.
I'm managing my expectations, knowing it will be the most crowded we've ever experienced.

We are staying at the CR, so at least we can pop in and out of MK easily as the crowds descend.

Plus, we are leaving snow behind at home...and that's always a good thing!

 

[No.1000]

I live in Florida in a college town. This week we have Spring Break for our Universities, our Community College, and all of our public K-12 schools. It is too cold for the beach. Many, many people I know from college age to families and many AP holders are in the World this week instead-preplanned or spontaneous trips.

I am sorry OP had a bad time and felt they had to leave. We have always just switched gears/waited the bad feelings out and pretty soon we find the magic again.

 

[bryanb]

I just checked out the wait times in the app, and I can't blame anyone for thinking that it's too crowded. I can't even imagine what it must feel like in the parks themselves.
All I can say is that the ticket price increases appear to have done little to curb demand during peak periods. I guess I'll definitely avoid spring break.

I agree with people who say there are plenty of activities to do at the resorts, Disney Springs, and even in the parks (that don't involve standing in lines). My last summer trip consisted of mostly using FP+ and waiting in lines at the very beginning or end of the day. The rest of the time was enjoying the lively atmosphere, resort activities, and exploring lesser known nooks around the parks. This answer might not be as acceptable to someone who doesn't go as often, and who spent months planning (and perhaps even saving) for a dream vacation. That's got to be disappointing when things don't go as expected.

 

[Metalliman98]

I feel you! We were there 3/3- 3/9 .....it was the most crowded in all of my 10ish (I'm getting old, can't remember exactly!) This trip was a birthday trip for me and we had grand plans on the 8th to park hop and do all my favorite rides in each since it was my birthday.....well we are NOT used to having such long wait times and crowds that we went to MK in the morning and I told my husband I just wanted to go back to the pool and relax, so we went to the pool and did laundry!! LOL We had dinner res. at Le Cellier, ate and then headed back to the resort again!! We usually visit more in the fall but a birthday trip was on my bucket list!

Really? We were there 3/4-3/12, so essentially same time as you, and it didn't seem overly crowded to us. Busy, yes, but not awful, some experiences at DAK on 3/5 and 3/11 aside. Wonder what the difference was? We specifically picked that week to beat the spring break crowds and avoid the mardi gras/marathon crowds, and in our eyes it worked.

 

[bbak30]

We left a day early a couple of weeks ago. The crowds were more than we could handle. Our last day was a Saturday and there wasn't a park we were interested in going to with the crowds the way they were. It was a pretty disappointing trip compared to past trips.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Really? We were there 3/4-3/12, so essentially same time as you, and it didn't seem overly crowded to us. Busy, yes, but not awful, some experiences at DAK on 3/5 and 3/11 aside. Wonder what the difference was? We specifically picked that week to beat the spring break crowds and avoid the mardi gras/marathon crowds, and in our eyes it worked.

I have to agree with you. I was there 3/5-3/9. I made a schedule that was so packed that a lot of people called me crazy. I was able to get everything done on my schedule. I got on all of my favorite rides with little to no wait. The longest stand-by line I waited in was 45 minutes, and that was FEA during EMH. To me, WDW that week was like smaller Disneyland crowds.

 

[twodogs]

Yeah, I've seen SM get a line that's listed as that long. When that happens, we go do something else. Like you said, we don't wait in lines more than 30 minutes either. But we never find it to be an issue in doing things we want.

I'm sorry, I just don't understand all of this whining about crowds. WDW is one of the most, if not THE most, visited tourist destinations in the entire USA. What exactly are you expecting? It's crowded, it's always going to be. Frankly, every time someone says "I'm done, I hate the crowds", my first thought is "Great, one less person who may be in the parks". To me, whining about WDW crowds (especially during a holiday season), is kinda like going to Alaska in January and complaining about how cold it is.

I agree that I don't want to wait standby for more than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, using that rule when we were there this week (Monday through last night) meant that we could not ride anything in any park at most points during the day and evening. EVERYTHING was greater than 30 minutes. As I said, rides like Spaceship Earth were 60+minutes! Magic Carpets was 50-60 minutes! There was nothing to ride at under 30 minutes.

In looking at your signature, you have taken 6 trips in a 12 month period from July 2015-July 2016. That is fantastic, and most of us are drooling with envy! However, I'd say most of the people complaining about the crowds and Disney's lack of response to the crowds, including me, are people who take 1 trip every year or every other year. We don't have another trip coming up in a few months to "make up" for a really crowded and unpleasant trip. We don't want to just do the resorts and DS when the parks are crowded because this is our chance to do the parks. We won't be back for 2 years. So I think you have a different perspective from me (and maybe some other posters) since you go more often. Not to say your opinion is wrong, but just to say that perhaps looking at it from the perspective of someone who is on the only Disney trip they will be taking for the next 2 years, might help you understand their opinion. I will be one of those people "not in the park" for a while, after my experience this week.

And unlike the weather in Alaska in January which can't be controlled, Disney CAN (and should) do something about crowd management. They can have more CMs, more buses, more options for dining/tables at QS, more people cleaning bathrooms and more bathrooms in general, re-hire some of the street entertainment that they let go in recent years, add more rides/attractions at better than a snail's pace, limit park capacity (I know they won't do this until it is at the extreme, as it cuts into profit). They could open all the ticket windows, open all the park entry lines, open all the bag check lines. I saw none of this happening while I was there. If Disney won't respond to high crowds, then I will have to take a break from Disney because it is not enjoyable to me. If I felt Disney was doing all they could do, I would not be upset. But I don't feel that they were.