Dealing with the busy season

[disneyjenca]

My husband and I are planning a trip to WDW in mid-June, the 13th-21st. We did Disney last Fall during a _very_ quiet time (under threat of hurricane), so we've done all the big stuff.... but that makes me more worried about going during a busier time.

What I'm hoping for is some suggestions for things to do during a busy time that might be a bit quieter. A tucked-away spot, the best time to hit a certain ride/park, etc. Any tips that help you enjoy your time at a busy park would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[goofie4goofy]

I think the beat thing to do is get back to the hotel in the afternoon when the sun is highest and cool down in the pool. The earlier to the parks the better...and earlier to the hotel the better. If you have done/seen everything take it 1 park a day and take the time to enjoy the hotel. You will beat the crowds and get some relaxation.

I think I have read to avoid the MK park on Sundays. There is a list on www.touringplans.com which rates the crowd levels by day. That should help you too!

 

[Ilovestitch]

Take advantage of the later hours of the summertime, especially w/the evening EMH's. It will be cooler at night and less people the last few hours the park is open, less kids.

Relax at your resort/pool during the heat of the middle of the day and then have a nice sit down dinner. Then go to the parks at night. Go on rides when everyone else is watching fireworks, Spectro, Fantasmic, etc. for shorter lines.

 

[DrTomorrow]

First, add me to the growing chorus suggesting an afternoon break. After 3-5 hours in any park - particularly in the summer - take a break. Swim, eat, read, nap, whatever. Then take advantage of the late hours: 8-midnight at the MK is a fun time to be in the park.

One other thing - even though it's busy, there are often shows that hold a lot of people (Indy, American Adventure, etc) and/or aren't that popular (Energy, TTA) that you can get a seat in and relax a bit.

 

[disneyjenca]

We're definitely planning afternoon siestas -- they helped us keep our sanity during the slower times, too. That's actually why we decided to splurge for the Wilderness Lodge -- easier access back to the resort.

I've also given thought to renting watercraft during the afternoon for some nice cool time on the lake, or sleeping in most days and planning to be out late at the EMH park.

What about s'mores at the Fort Wilderness campfire -- is that something adults would enjoy, or is it heavily Chip and Dale themed and aimed at kids?

 

[spot28]

1. Fastpass fastpass fastpass
2. Parade times and times when everyone is usually eating (traditional dinner hour, mostly) the rides are less busy.
3. Depending on how many in your party you can stagger your place in lines on certain rides. For example, last Oct we went to MK one evening after a day at AK. All my kids wanted to ride was Dumbo. Wait 55 min. So, my husband got in line while kids rode carrousel. I give him the kids and then I wait in line at the back of the line. This way there one of us was always halfway thru the line. Can work on certain rides to help them get more turns on the ride.
4. Don't go to the park that is having the EMH, those parks tend to be busiest on those days. For example, if MK is having EMH go to Epcot that day. Or if you want to use the EMH, do Epcot and then later hop over to the MKand just take in the sights and less busier rides, fireworks etc... save the big attractions for the next day when the park is less busy. It won't be "extra magical" if you're standing in lines all night.
5. If you have a decision to go Left or Right, go left. Most americans go right, due to driving patterns. The left is usually less busy. This goes for park touring and on rides where the live divides to left and right.

I've been to Disney over 25 times. There was only 1 occasion we actually left at 1:00 in the afternoon because the crowds were intolerable (happened to be MLK holiday weekend). Chances are the crowds will be manageable.

Good Luck!