Correlation Between Resort Availability and Crowds?

[AndreaA]

I’ve been trying and trying to make up my mind about upcoming trip dates, but I just can’t do it! The crowd calendars all say one thing, but when I look at availability in the Disney Resorts, it all seems to point to the opposite.

What is the correlation there, if any? Could it be that during the “busy” time, the crowd calendar authors anticipate more “off-campus” visitors or locals? Do resorts fill up with people who don’t care about actually going to the parks?

The whole thing is driving me batty!

 

[hereforthechurros]

The vast majority of visitors on any given day are coming from offsite so resort occupancy really doesn’t give an indication of park crowd levels. I’ve been in February where wilderness lodge was completely dead but the parks were a nightmare. And I’ve been in July where Poly was a zoo but the parks were reasonable.

 

[jennyq87]

I’m sure others have had different outcomes, but it’s not been correlated in my experience. We went in early Dec 2018 and our resort was at capacity and availability was low at others. I was worried this would mean our trip would be miserably busy, but it wasn’t at all! I would have had no idea our resort was completely full, the parks were less crazy than I’m used to (usually go in Oct).

I think trying to find a “slow time” can send you in circles. I say just go when works best for you!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The general thinking is that Disney resort guests alone aren't enough to cause major swings in crowded or uncrowded park conditions. Sure they are a part of it, but to fill the parks you need the tens of thousands of off-site folks, locals, etc, to really move the needle.

 

[Lynne M]

No, there's really not a correlation. As PPs have said, most of the people in the parks aren't staying in Disney resorts, and there are large groups in the resorts that aren't necessarily visiting the parks. Youth sports groups, business conventions, etc.

 

[nkereina]

Agree with PPs. Think about free dining - this promotion is offered when crowds are at the lowest to entice people to book trips. However, the resorts during that time are packed because you have to stay onsite to qualify. So, no correlation.

 

[kiford]

A lot of the Disney resorts are convention hotels or frequently have a large contingent of conference attendees. Some go to the parks for a part of the day/evening, but a lot do not. People at resort hotels who are visiting the parks are also spread out amongst four parks, ESPN sports, water parks, golf courses, Disney Springs, and at other resorts for meals.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Also, think about EMH. EMh is resort guests only and is often pretty decent.

 

[AndreaA]

Thanks all! I think you are all likely correct. I’ve been torturing myself over deciding between Aug 10-17 and Aug 17-24. The opening of SWGE threw a giant wrench in our plans and I was beginning to fear that everyone was abandoning the September ship and opting for that last week before opening. But most of the full resorts are the ones around Epcot, including Yacht Club which is more a “convention resort” so that could be a big part of it.