Crowds are a 9. What do you do besides rope drop?

[kalamazoo]

I am considering a trip over Presidents' Day weekend to get away from the vicious cold weather we've been having in the northeast.

Normally I would totally avoid WDW when the crowds are predicted to be as high as they are for that weekend but I was wondering if we could still enjoy ourselves.

We go to WDW fairly often. We don't need to go crazy trying to ride every ride but if we go into the parks I don't want it to be a misery. We have done rope drop plenty of times before and could do so this time but I was kind of hoping for some ideas on how to enjoy our time in the area without having to rush and plan every minute.

We're not really the types to just hang out at the pool all day (too bad because that would make things easy).

Anyone have experiences/ideas to share?

 

[blessedby3]

I am considering a trip over Presidents' Day weekend to get away from the vicious cold weather we've been having in the northeast.

Normally I would totally avoid WDW when the crowds are predicted to be as high as they are for that weekend but I was wondering if we could still enjoy ourselves.

We go to WDW fairly often. We don't need to go crazy trying to ride every ride but if we go into the parks I don't want it to be a misery. We have done rope drop plenty of times before and could do so this time but I was kind of hoping for some ideas on how to enjoy our time in the area without having to rush and plan every minute.

We're not really the types to just hang out at the pool all day (too bad because that would make things easy).

Anyone have experiences/ideas to share?

I dont have any experiences to share as we have never been when its been a "9", but I would suggest to get there at rope drop and ride standby while you grab fastpasses early for the rides you really want to do. Leave when the crowds pick up and visit some resorts you have always wanted to check out, or play a round of mini golf, or hit up DTD. Grab dinner at a resort or in a park and take in the fireworks, parades or a show.

 

[scoutie]

I was in the park where it was schdule to be a nine, and it actually closed later that day because it was at capacity. Interestingly, that was the day where I found the crowds to be most managebale and rode the most things. We were there before rope drop and out by 1:00.

Rope drop for sure, and definitely have a plan. Plan out when you'll get FastPasses, map out what attractions you're going to hit, and figure out your "must dos".

 

[VACamm]

Do as much as you can in the first hour after ropedrop... then use FP for the rest of the day

 

[islandtimect]

Use the really crowded times of day between FP times to see shows, parades, and entertainers. Anything with a scheduled time like Nemo, American Idol, the castle show

 

[growinupdisney]

The last few times we have been to WDW we have been forced to go during the week after Easter and these days are all 9s, before we would go in Nov or Oct when it was much less busier. I always said then I would never go during holiday times but you do what you have to do with work and childrens schedules

That being said we have had just as much fun and been able to do like we always did in the past.

We do go at RD, but we can slpit parks up easier this way. We get much more done in am then when it starts getting unmanageable we leave go to resort, DTD, another park like Epcot (thats larger) where your not so compacted.

Basically, RD do our main must do's and anything else , then leave comeback after dinner. Never would have done this time of touring years ago, but it really is amazing on "9 "days how much you can do in early morning, alot of the crowd comes in around 11 and Park is at capacity around lunch or a little later!

We have always been able to do everything we want, parks are open later and usually doesnt hurt having fp that we got early in the day and return time is at night.
We are going again this April week after Easter and will do the same.

 

[Sandy Fisher]

We also never deliberately would go to the parks expecting a 9. We had the unpleasant experience of going on a day that was to be a 6 or 7 and it turned out to be really too crowded for comfort. We didn't stay long. We have also gone to Disney for many years (decades!) and know our way around. Even with that and getting there before park opening, there's a point where we just don't enjoy it.
I'd love to get away from this cold and freezing weather, but I'd find something else to do if the parks were figuring on 9's.

 

[maxiesmom]

When the parks are that busy, it is worthwhile to go over to TouringPlans.com and pay to make a plan. I did that once over the 4th of July, and it worked beautifully.

I also recommend you make a lunch time ADR. A enforced break in the middle of the day can work wonders with refreshing everyone.

 

[Baliezer]

Use a planning service. We use Ride Max. We have been to Disneyland many times when the crowd level was a 9. From park opening until about 11am, the park is manageable with a minimum wait. After 11, it starts getting bad. With a planning service, you can get most of the fastpasses and major rides out of the way before 11. As long as you follow the schedule the only problems you will have are fighting crowds while trying to get to your next ride. I also recommend reserving lunches around 1pm and heading back to the hotel afterwords for a break.

 

[mkarizona]

The best trip we have ever taken to WDW was at Spring Break. The parks were open late, the weather was perfect, and we never did rope drop. Rope drop is harder when your body is 2 to 3 time zones away and my husband who is not really as excited about Disney as I am enjoys the parks a lot more at night. So we go to the parks later and stay later at night.
The busier the parks, the later they are open. Usually there are extra showings of fantasmic and the electrical parade. Everything is much less crowded later at night. We also made use of fast passes, single rider lines, and touring plans. Subscribing to Touring Plans gives you access to per-park crowd levels which allows you to pick the least crowded park even during days when WDW as a whole is at a 9.

 

[themcive4]

I am considering a trip over Presidents' Day weekend to get away from the vicious cold weather we've been having in the northeast.

Normally I would totally avoid WDW when the crowds are predicted to be as high as they are for that weekend but I was wondering if we could still enjoy ourselves.

We go to WDW fairly often. We don't need to go crazy trying to ride every ride but if we go into the parks I don't want it to be a misery. We have done rope drop plenty of times before and could do so this time but I was kind of hoping for some ideas on how to enjoy our time in the area without having to rush and plan every minute.

We're not really the types to just hang out at the pool all day (too bad because that would make things easy).

Anyone have experiences/ideas to share?

We will be there that same time for presidents day. Had no idea it was suppose to be so busy there that week until after we booked it. This is our 1st family trip down there so we had no idea on how to plan or anything. Ive heard last year was really bad but that it wont be as bad this year because mardi grais is the week before presidents day this year. we will go at rd every day (my kids will be ready to go by 7am!) and use fast pass and just make the best of it.

 

[maxiesmom]

We will be there that same time for presidents day. Had no idea it was suppose to be so busy there that week until after we booked it. This is our 1st family trip down there so we had no idea on how to plan or anything. Ive heard last year was really bad but that it wont be as bad this year because mardi grais is the week before presidents day this year. we will go at rd every day (my kids will be ready to go by 7am!) and use fast pass and just make the best of it.

Pssst. Go look at EasyWDW.com. If you don't want to do any in depth planning, at least take a look at which parks are recommended on what days. The advice is usually spot on!

 

[RookieLady]

We have been in off season and at the Christmas/New Years seasons. The most challenged I ever have been was president's weekend. The trip was too short, given the level of the crowds (3 park days). I would encourage you to take your own car or rent one. We have always relied on Disney transportation, and I have never before been dissatisfied within it, even during the 10 crowds. I was during President's weekend. The buses were full, they were slow (probably because they were at capacity running everybody everywhere), and I thought they burned too much time to go back and forth to the resort, which had always been our habit.

Having said that, we still had a good experience. Go at rope drop, plan your meals if you use table service. Also, I would avoid going back and forth to a resort on a bus. Find someplace quiet and shady to rest, or take a long lunch. I love some of the kid's play parks because I get to sit. The large capacity theaters are nice, too.

 

[LisaTN]

My family went when it was 10s all week (Thanksgiving day - Sunday after)

We had a really great time. Now we didn't know any better at the time, but there were 17 of us and we really did have a good time. The only ride we didnt get to go on that was on our list was Toy Story Mania, but we had breakfast at Chef Mickey's that day and didn't get to HS until after 10:30am

We went at rope drop every morning and did the main stuff first. We DID use EMH (although I know now that's not always the best).... but at least we got to use that time to ride want we really wanted.

The day we went to Epcot, we had actually spent the morning at AK, so when we got there they were out of test track and soarin FPs... and the lines were 100-120 minutes long... so they waited until the fireworks and went then... it was 9pm and there were EMH evening hours, so after the fireworks, it was only a 30 minute wait or so.

Now this was 2011... so I know recently with the upkick in the economy, maybe it will be more... but crowds are listed as a 10 for the dates we went.

The worst part about being there during the 10s was waiting for buses.... we'd sometimes have to wait for a second bus, and that was the most frustrating... but otherwise it was wonderful and we had a great time!!! Don't expect to just walk on rides... plan your days and be flexible

 

[missycooper]

First post! Normally just lurk.
We are going over President's day as well, didn't realize until after we booked it. Normally we go in March or April, so we are used to crowds. I just wonder if anyone thinks the filming of Live with Kelly and Michael will increase the crowds? and I thought I read somewhere's that schools are out in some states for the week, is that the week before or the week of (ie break starts on the 18th)? Will crowds lessen later in the week?
Either way, we will enjoy our vacation!

 

[Ametista]

One time we went over President's Day. I know most people won't do this, but we did all the Seaworld parks instead of Disney, and they were not busy. In fact Busch Gardens was walk-on for most rides. Now that my daughter is old enough to know what she is missing (esp. MK) I could never get away with that, but its was nice when we could.

That said, I have been to MK on 8 and 9 days and you just do like everybody else said, you get there at rope drop and make the most of it early. And remember, a "bad day" at Magic Kingdom is still better than just about any day anywhere else. When it gets super busy we get a Mickey ears ice creams, sit down, and practice the power of now while we wait for our fast pass times. It is nice to just let yourself sit and enjoy where you are.

 

[rutgers1]

The weather stunk when we went that time two or three years ago (whichever was the REALLY cold winter in Florida). So when the pool isn't an option, I found that week to be my least favorite ever in Disney.

With that said, we made it work by approaching each trip to the park with very few expectations in terms of what we would go on. If the rides were crowded, we went shopping. If we were hungry, we'd eat. If a ride that wasn't our most favorite had no line, we'd go on it. In fact, we'd go on something 3 times in a row if there was no line. I think that flexibility is the key to making it work during a really busy time of the year.

 

[LaurenT]

As far as the 4 main parks are concerned, if it's a 9 and I can't make rope drop, I wouldn't go into a park that day.
I'll be there Pres week and will be standing at the turnstile every morning - it's just what I do. I'm an early riser and I actually enjoy getting there with the other early birds. I like walking up to an empty park and watching the guests slowly accumulate...
But, if you want to just do a couple of Rope Drops and you've been there, done that enough, then just cover the headliner on the days that you're there early. On the other days, roll in whenever you like and just do whatever doesn't have a crowd.... CoP, Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents, etc.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I've always gone during peak times (2x during spring break, once in the summer, and this past weekend - MLK).

I think the key is to make rope drop and do your favorite ride first. My "cutoff" for standing in line is 30 minutes...if it's longer, I'll wait until later and see if the line is shorter or if I really like the ride, I'll grab a Fastpass.

I think the most important thing to remember is that you are in Disney World!! A crowded day at Disney world is better than any day most other places! Be patient with others and with yourself. Remind yourself that you're ON VACATION!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!! This past weekend, I kept reminding myself that it was 30-40 degrees warmer where I was than at home, and that was enough for me to literally not care about long lines, rides being broken down, or having to criscross the park to use my Fastpasses.

 

[photo_chick]

I am considering a trip over Presidents' Day weekend to get away from the vicious cold weather we've been having in the northeast.

Normally I would totally avoid WDW when the crowds are predicted to be as high as they are for that weekend but I was wondering if we could still enjoy ourselves.

We go to WDW fairly often. We don't need to go crazy trying to ride every ride but if we go into the parks I don't want it to be a misery. We have done rope drop plenty of times before and could do so this time but I was kind of hoping for some ideas on how to enjoy our time in the area without having to rush and plan every minute.

We're not really the types to just hang out at the pool all day (too bad because that would make things easy).

Anyone have experiences/ideas to share?

We were there the week of July 4th summer before last. It wasn't bad. Yes, there are a lot of people. But if you use fast passes well and get an app to tell you which lines near you are shortest you can pretty much keep going on things all day with little wait. We don't plan anything firm, we just have a general idea of what we want to do when we go. Like we'll pick a headliner that needs a fastpass then go ride every thing we can in that area while we wait. Then we move on to the next. We don't rush and we don't do more than 20 minutes in a line. We've also never made rope drop. We've been close but never quite got there that early.