Crowd level

[Amandas4]

What do crowd level numbers really mean? Crowd calanders say 9 for the whole time we will be there. Does that mean we won't even be able to walk or what?

 

[mjantz]

Assuming its on a scale of 1-10 I'd say it's going to be pretty crowded. We went to WDW at Christmas & while it was OK for the first few hours in the AM (we made it a priority to get there around opening gate) by mid-afternoon it was PACKED. You'll be able to walk but lines will get long & prime seating for viewing parades will fill up quickly.

 

[sherreis]

Go early in the morning when the park opens and use fastpasses. You'll be amazed at how much you can get done in the morning when some people haven't even arrived yet. I recommend easywdw for some ideas on how to organize your day.

 

[ajwolfe]

A 9 is going to be pretty crowded. I would defintely plan on going early and having a plan before you get into the park.

 

[SweetMissy]

A 9 is pretty horrible. We went a couple years ago the 1st week of January, and I believe most of the week was 8-10 and it was bad....I would never go during that time again. Like others have said....have a plan!

 

[mm1971]

What do crowd level numbers really mean? Crowd calanders say 9 for the whole time we will be there. Does that mean we won't even be able to walk or what?

It means the parks will be very busy and crowded. Lines will be long, but manageable with the right approach and you should be prepared. A 9 is pretty much full capacity without closures due to being full.

With the right strategy, you will be able to get a lot done. First, rope drop is a must if you want to be able to do everything you want. On busy days, we will go early and hit the must do's. Head back to the room for a few hours to rest and nap if needed in the afternoon and return in the evening when the crowds start to thin out again. We also try to use the EMH if possible. Eat meals at off times to avoid the long lines and full restaurants.

There have been a lot of reports that even though it is crowded, some of the rides are not as busy as it would seem. There were a lot of people in the parks, but not all were riding. I hope you have a good vacation! Planning for the crowds and realistic expectations are important.

 

[SmallWorld71]

To me, a 9 means get to the park before it opens and know what you're doing.

I would do my best to be at the gate 45 min. before stated opening at MK, Epcot and DHS and 30 min. at AK. A lot of people question the idea of waiting all that time before the park opens and think they would be better off to just arrive a bit later and wait once in the park, but it doesn't work like that. Those 10 things you've managed to do by getting ahead of the crowds will turn into 3 in the late morning/ early afternoon and you've still done a bunch of waiting.

I would also have a good touring plan handy/ know what you want to do. I can only travel on school vacations and I find it extremely helpful to plan the mornings and then we can go with flow in the afternoon. I brought my cheat sheets into the park with me last time and it actually made things so much more relaxing.

Follow those 2 basics and you will be in great shape and can take pity on the poor souls arriving at noon without a clue of what they want to do.

 

[mrsp1030]

We were there during Easter last year and it was a 9 all week. On MK days, we were on the boat at 7:45am, and had a plan. Basically saw all of FL, adventure and frontier land with longest wait being 35 min once before noon. Having a plan is key!!!