Crowd prediction discrepancies

[Hasil72]

Not that this helps, but here's our experience with easywdw. DS has reached a point where we really can't pull him from school for our biannual trips so we need to travel during peak season. Last year I was panicked about traveling over Easter break. I decided to follow the easywdw recs on best parks each day and it was one of the best trips ever. Late night the Sat before Easter we practically walked on most of Fantasyland both new and old. At the end of the week we were talking to another family who were lamenting about the lines and what a horrible week they had. They were shocked that we rode everything we wanted, most twice. Of course that was before FP+ so who knows what will happen this Easter.

 

[alhurricane]

Perhaps this is it. I care less about the actual crowd and more about the wait. Maybe that's why TP works for us.

I've used both and found both helpful. However, the most useful tool I used in our first trip last year was Easywdw's park cheat sheets. They include an ideal touring plan along with expected wait times given the time of day and overall crowd level expected. I encourage anybody to check those out when planning their trip.

 

[margaret07013]

I think both sites in some way are common sense, but at the same time - their recommendations don't fit "all".

a few examples about the crowds for our trip in May. First of all - we are going in low period, 2nd week after easter. spring break over, kids still in school, colleges have final exams sessions --- common sense says expect low crowds.

lets go by days and park selections. for those who start their vacations on the weekend - first day will be MK for many of us with kids. sure both recommend different park. can i tell my kids no MK on Monday?

another example - one site says Wed is best for MK b/c crowds will be lower since no parade at 9pm. as much as i love the site - there is now way I would go to MK and not be able to see the parade before the wishes. great idea - just not doable for my family. and i completely agree MK will have smaller crowds that day. no question asked.

common sense - of course MK will be busy in any afternoon from 4pm on. so i will use FT+ for any rides in the evening. i will not stay in line 20 min + with two little kids (2 & 4) - not that my kids are not well behaved or anything - but no kid at that age will quietly stand for 20 min in any line. just not possible.

also for those with kids and stroller - stay in the same park area. don't think about going across the park when people start lining up for a parade or park gets really busy. tried once - i know its impossible. i made dinner reservations for 7pm to avoid the madness in the evening.

if you go to AK - there are 2 things most people will do - Safari and EE. either FP+ or early hours. again - common sense.

of course its easier said than done b/c i have been to disney - but still... its not that complicated in my opinion.