Closed due to capscity

[tarheelmjfan]

We're leaving tomorrow for our first NYE at WDW. Now, I'm concerned we won't be able to get into Epcot on the 30th & DHS on the 31st for our dinner ADRs. We're also planning to go to Epcot on the 31st, after dinner. I was planning to go to MK tomorrow to see the Christmas parade & maybe a Christmas show. Now, I don't know if we should bother taking a chance on getting in. We are staying at HBC, so not on property. We do have APs. Do you think we'll have a problem getting into those parks on those days? We're not going for the rides, so I don't care about the lines. I'm just concerned about the parks being closed due to capacity.

 

[lugnut33]

Here are some current posted wait times!!:
Big Thunder Mtn RR - 110 min
Buzz Lightyear - 80
Jungle Cruise - 110
Peter Pan - 105
Pirates - 95 (that is incredible)
Space Mtn - 150
Splash - 110
Soarin' - 116 min.
Test Track - 63 (not that bad)
Rock n RC - 70 min.
Star Tours - 75
Tower of Terror - 95
Toy Story - 150
Expedition Everest - 60
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 150

 

[lugnut33]

We're leaving tomorrow for our first NYE at WDW. Now, I'm concerned we won't be able to get into Epcot on the 30th & DHS on the 31st for our dinner ADRs. We're also planning to go to Epcot on the 31st, after dinner. I was planning to go to MK tomorrow to see the Christmas parade & maybe a Christmas show. Now, I don't know if we should bother taking a chance on getting in. We are staying at HBC, so not on property. We do have APs. Do you think we'll have a problem getting into those parks on those days? We're not going for the rides, so I don't care about the lines. I'm just concerned about the parks being closed due to capacity.

I don't think Epcot ever closes because it's so huge. I think I heard it holds 110,000 before they would start closing.

 

[Eventer98]

I can't even imagine..we went 12/17-12/27 in 2008. Crowds started on the 23rd and were full force when we were checking out. We arrive on the 7th to see Osborne Lights on their last night.

 

[doconeill]

We're leaving tomorrow for our first NYE at WDW. Now, I'm concerned we won't be able to get into Epcot on the 30th & DHS on the 31st for our dinner ADRs. We're also planning to go to Epcot on the 31st, after dinner. I was planning to go to MK tomorrow to see the Christmas parade & maybe a Christmas show. Now, I don't know if we should bother taking a chance on getting in. We are staying at HBC, so not on property. We do have APs. Do you think we'll have a problem getting into those parks on those days? We're not going for the rides, so I don't care about the lines. I'm just concerned about the parks being closed due to capacity.

Epcot, probably not. But getting around the World Showcase in the evening could be daunting. People will probably be lining up for Illuminations early.

DHS could be harder. Get there early (it likely wouldn't close until closer to noon if it does at all, but that's a guess on my part) and don't leave until you don't want to go back that day (once you leave, you might not be re-admitted).

 

[eliza61]

My son and I were talking about trying disney out during Christmas one year, then I heard this story. Definitely reaffirmed my decision to never do this.

 

[Hemlock]

It was -29 F this morning when I woke up. I would much rather be battling the crowds at Disney rather than these frigid temperatures!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I don't think Epcot ever closes because it's so huge. I think I heard it holds 110,000 before they would start closing.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to see that shouldn't be a problem.

Epcot, probably not. But getting around the World Showcase in the evening could be daunting. People will probably be lining up for Illuminations early.

DHS could be harder. Get there early (it likely wouldn't close until closer to noon if it does at all, but that's a guess on my part) and don't leave until you don't want to go back that day (once you leave, you might not be re-admitted).

Thanks for the info. We weren't planning on spending the day in DHS. We're only going there for dinner, because HBD was the only restaurant we like that I could get at the last minute. It's also a good opportunity to see the Osborne Lights. I guess we'll head on over after breakfast anyway. I don't want to be shut out & miss dinner. We'll just have to find something to do to fill the time.

Does anyone think we should bother trying to get into MK mid-day tomorrow to see the parade? TIA

 

[doconeill]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to see that shouldn't be a problem.



Thanks for the info. We weren't planning on spending the day in DHS. We're only going there for dinner, because HBD was the only restaurant we like that I could get at the last minute. It's also a good opportunity to see the Osborne Lights. I guess we'll head on over after breakfast anyway. I don't want to be shut out & miss dinner. We'll just have to find something to do to fill the time.

Does anyone think we should bother trying to get into MK mid-day tomorrow to see the parade? TIA

There may be some with more experience with DHS on NYE that can comment if it is likely to reach some closure. I believe if you have an ADR (defintely if you are on-site or AP holder), they'd have to reach Stage 4 before not letting you in.

No idea on MK, but in theory it should be slightly less crowded than yesterday.

 

[d_lairson]

My son and I were talking about trying disney out during Christmas one year, then I heard this story. Definitely reaffirmed my decision to never do this.

Two years ago we took a christmas trip to WDW and we had a great time. Of course we went the 20th - 24th and the only bad day we had was the 24th at HS, and that was only in the evening around when they did the lights. We even went over and braved the WoD on the 24th before driving home and it wasn't horrible. I found that it wasn't too crowded, except for the 24th. We didn't stay for the 25th because hotel rooms just about doubled on the night of the 24th.

I've heard that christmas day is crazy, but I've gone for the 4th of July at the MK for the past 4 years and that is just nuts! We're going up to HS for NYE, leaving tomorrow and getting back on Sunday, so this will be a new experience for us, but I really don't think much will beat the 4th.

 

[Grumpy92]

Folks this happens every year at WDW. The week between xmas and NYs is the busiest of the entire year for the world. Having been both a cm and a guest during this week. I can tell you the three parks during this week always fill to capacity. On frequent occasions they have opened the backstage area of Main St to alleviate the bottleneck on Main St.

If you are staying off property you need to arrive early and stay. The parks usually fill to capacity by 11am. Once the parking lot is full they dont allow any more guest in, even if you have an ADR. Parking hopping during this week is not a good idea because you probably wont be successful.

For NYE I suggest entering the park where you have an ADR and staying all day, if you leave you may not get back in. If you are staying on property they say they can get you in a park but it may not be the park of your choice. We have always gone early to the park with our ADR and just taken our time since the crowds were so bad and we wanted to be there at midnight. You definitely need a different mindset when visiting wdw this week of the year compared with other times.

Spring break is the next busiest time and the parks have filled to capacity the closer it got to Easter. Again have the mindset of taking your time, that you wont get everything done and make sure to have ADRs or be willing to settle for CS locations when you get there.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There may be some with more experience with DHS on NYE that can comment if it is likely to reach some closure. I believe if you have an ADR (defintely if you are on-site or AP holder), they'd have to reach Stage 4 before not letting you in.

No idea on MK, but in theory it should be slightly less crowded than yesterday.

Thanks again for your help.

Folks this happens every year at WDW. The week between xmas and NYs is the busiest of the entire year for the world. Having been both a cm and a guest during this week. I can tell you the three parks during this week always fill to capacity. On frequent occasions they have opened the backstage area of Main St to alleviate the bottleneck on Main St.

If you are staying off property you need to arrive early and stay. The parks usually fill to capacity by 11am. Once the parking lot is full they dont allow any more guest in, even if you have an ADR. Parking hopping during this week is not a good idea because you probably wont be successful.

For NYE I suggest entering the park where you have an ADR and staying all day, if you leave you may not get back in. If you are staying on property they say they can get you in a park but it may not be the park of your choice. We have always gone early to the park with our ADR and just taken our time since the crowds were so bad and we wanted to be there at midnight. You definitely need a different mindset when visiting wdw this week of the year compared with other times.

Spring break is the next busiest time and the parks have filled to capacity the closer it got to Easter. Again have the mindset of taking your time, that you wont get everything done and make sure to have ADRs or be willing to settle for CS locations when you get there.

Oh, I knew when we booked there would be wall-to-wall people. I just thought I remembered it mostly being the MK that closed to capacity & that was usually Christmas Day & NYE. I don't remember hearing about 3 or all 4 parks closing multiple days, during the week from the 25th thru 31st. I was expecting to not be able to move, & wasn't planning on riding any rides. I just wasn't worried we wouldn't be able to get into the parks any time of day, if we didn't go to MK on those days.

 

[MSSANDRA]

So when is everyone going home???? We arrive on Monday the first and I am reading everything from very busy to deserted! We know the parks well, and have a plan in place and of course are going either way, but what do you guys think my crowds will be???

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

Oh, I knew when we booked there would be wall-to-wall people. I just thought I remembered it mostly being the MK that closed to capacity & that was usually Christmas Day & NYE. I don't remember hearing about 3 or all 4 parks closing multiple days, during the week from the 25th thru 31st. I was expecting to not be able to move, & wasn't planning on riding any rides. I just wasn't worried we wouldn't be able to get into the parks any time of day, if we didn't go to MK on those days.

We're first time NYEers too. We're also AP holders and staying onsite for the weekend. Here's our very loose plan - Tomorrow, the 30th, we'll be at Hollywood Studios to see Osbourne Lights. Then we're going to try to hop over to MK for the fireworks. If they're closed, no big deal. The 31st, we'll be spending all day (and night) at Epcot. I'm assuming we'll stake out a spot very early for the midnight fireworks. Good luck to you guys, I hope you have a wonderful time! I'm SO excited to ring in the new year at Epcot!

 

[wbeem]

It was -29 F this morning when I woke up. I would much rather be battling the crowds at Disney rather than these frigid temperatures!

Hey, I can turn on the heat or put on a jacket to deal with the cold. Getting those tourists out of your way in a park doesn't seem to have a cure, though.

Or....does it? I'm taking one of these next time I go to Disney World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtv2_-2mHck

 

[mom2rtk]

So when is everyone going home???? We arrive on Monday the first and I am reading everything from very busy to deserted! We know the parks well, and have a plan in place and of course are going either way, but what do you guys think my crowds will be???

The crazy wall to wall people stuff should end by the 1st or 2nd. But don't expect a ghost town. The marathon is the next weekend, and some schools don't start back up on the 3rd like ours do. Search around the DIS for the threads on how busy the crowds were the first week kof January last week. I recall that it didn't hit its really low January crowd levels until after Marathon weekend.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Pretty much what I am expecting. We always have gone later in January and LOVE it but with one in college now, this is the best we can do!!

So excited....we will be fine and happy!

 

[mrzrich]

The crazy wall to wall people stuff should end by the 1st or 2nd. But don't expect a ghost town. The marathon is the next weekend, and some schools don't start back up on the 3rd like ours do. Search around the DIS for the threads on how busy the crowds were the first week kof January last week. I recall that it didn't hit its really low January crowd levels until after Marathon weekend.

We live in FL and don't go back to school until the 9th. We are the exception, not the norm. Most kids will be back in school by Tuesday.

 

[Disneygrandmareno]

I have family and friends there now. We are from the West coast and our kids do not go back to school until the 9th of January. Might still be very busy next week too.

 

[Yoshi]

The crazy wall to wall people stuff should end by the 1st or 2nd. But don't expect a ghost town. The marathon is the next weekend, and some schools don't start back up on the 3rd like ours do. Search around the DIS for the threads on how busy the crowds were the first week kof January last week. I recall that it didn't hit its really low January crowd levels until after Marathon weekend.

I was there the first week of January earlier this year. By Monday it was less crowded but still more crowded than I was expecting. Waits for the major rides were 45 - 60 minutes standby. Universal was more crowded though, Forbidden Journey at IoA was 120 minutes Wednesday of that week in the afternoon. Another indication it will still be crowded the first week of January is that this year, there was free dining the first week of January, for 2012 free dining doesn't start until the 2nd week of January.