Conference Last Week of April

[cdpa4d]

Just an FYI to everyone going the last week of April. This is a large conference and will add to the crowd level at WDW!

The American Resort Development Association will hold its annual conference in Orlando April 24-28 at Disney's Swan and Dolphin.

Still can't wait. There's nothing like being at WDW no matter what the crowds are like!!!!!
ADP

 

[cdpa4d]

This thread has not gotten much attention. The ARDA conference is held every year at different points around North America. This year it is in Orlando at the Swan and Dolphin. I can tell you from first hand experience (i've gone twice in the last 12 years) this conference can draw 100,000 + people. I also assume that this is why the Beach and Yacht Clubs are sold out the last week of April.

ADP

 

[netposer]

We'll be there the following week!

 

[Loops]

You've go to be kidding me...this has to be an April Fool's joke, right?

 

[crazyj4488]

I found this online about the April 2003 meeting in Orlando...only 3,500 people?!

***snip****

Well, the 2003 ARDA Conference came and went far too fast. It was held at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando on April 4-8, 2003. The convention attendance, at an announced 3,500,

 

[Loops]

only 3,500 sounds heck of a lot better then 100,000

 

[crazyj4488]

Just found this OFFICIAL post inregards to this conference. DONT WORRY people...3500 is a drop in the bucket...but it does explain why every room on-site is already booked during this week:

From the ARDA website...official PDF release:

Why Should Your Company Exhibit at the
American Resort Development Association
2005 Convention & Exposition
April 24-28, 2005 in Orlando?
Who will attend the 2005 Convention?

Over 3500 attendees from over 40 countries around the world are expected to participate at the ARDA
Convention & Exposition. They will gather and exchange valuable information from resort management
and development to finance and fractionals.

 

[crazyj4488]

I've just emailed one of the event coordinators to see what the expected attendance is this year.

 

[gigi1313]

3500 attendees... and if each brings a friend or family member? how 'bout those families of four that are using mom or dad's participation in the conference as an excuse to go to wdw? not to mention, schools in the northeast are closed that week due to Passover... i would say it will be significantly more crowded than usual...

 

[crazyj4488]

Last year on that exact week, people didn't wait more than 15 minutes for anything according to numerous first hand accounts I've gotten so Passover and/or school breaks aren't bothering me. Plus, the attendees of the conference have to work and attend the conference during the day and they also have many evening events planned which includes a Big Bad Voodoo concert one night. It should all even out even if their families are in the parks while the attendees are at the conference. I'm not too worried about it. I would be worried if the attendees were marked at over 100,000 like you see at many Las Vegas conventions (i.e. National Broadcasters Convention this past month). Either way, it will be much better than Summer months and I've dealt with my fair share of Disney crowds in the past. It's also a good excuse for me to go back in October Just chill people...it will be an enjoyable week.

 

[tjkraz]

... i would say it will be significantly more crowded than usual...

WDW has its own conference facilities at the Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Contemporary, Coronado Springs...

How many of those facilities are in use this same week or any other week of the year?

It's not like one convention at WDW is a noteworthy event. I'd be surprised if anyone noticed the difference.

 

[crazyj4488]

That was the only conference I've seen posted in the Orlando area....The big ones are held at the Orlando convention center...those are the ones to worry about that will certainly draw the big numbers. As far as past Disney conferences go...I will do some research to see how adversly they seem to effect crowds.

Many families are reluctant to go on vacation right around the first of May because many schools are getting ready to wrap up...there are proms to worry about and yadda yadda. I went in May once and it wasn't any more crowded than it was in Februaury which really shocked me. I would avoid the park the second week of May due to the Celebration starting...that might be messy but you never know with these things...always stick to the tips you've read and you will be fine.

 

[crazyj4488]

From a previous poster here on Disboards:

In my experience, it doesnt make much difference when the conferences are on.. mostly the delegates are IN the conferences all day.. and conferences happen ALL year round!

 

[AmyBeth68]

I'm not concerned...we've been during other large conferences and haven't noticed any real changes. We're staying at BWV and had no problem getting our std. view room at the 7 month window. I just added a Princess character meal...3 weeks prior to our trip....and had a choice of multiple times. Was able to get the Wishes cruise no problem. I'm not worried at all. In Nov I wasn't able to get some PS ressies at 90 days out...and that's a low season time. I base a lot on my ability to get reservations...so I'm pretty confident that things will be okay.

Attendance won't be at January levels...but it should be manageable using FP, etc. I don't think anyone should panic over this conference .

 

[cdpa4d]

You guys make great points. Especially, the people in the conference tend to stay at the conference and not necessarily the parks. ........

 

[Tiggerrox]

There are many rooms still open the last week of April so we are not too worried. ( we got this info on the WDW site while looking at resorts)