Disney World at Capacity.

[Stac1023]

Magic Kingdom currently (11:55am) closed to some guests due to capacity (phase 3). Disney Resort guests and Annual Passholders are still permitted entry.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Yikes. I'd rather be right here in my office instead of MK right now. Crowds make me claustrophobic!

 

[NY Disney fan]

I can't even imagine waiting on line to get a burger right now. Still, the weather must be beautiful and its better to be at Disney.

 

[Jenvenza]

A busy day at MK is still better than a slow day at my work - but I have to admit, that doesnt sound like it would be too much fun!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And hubby didn't want to go this week while he was home. I wonder why.

I'm sure that folks who go--as long as they can accept the crowds, they can still have a good time.

It's when you are shocked and amazed and then let it get to you--that it fowls up the experience.

 

[Jennasis]

I would happily spend a capacity-crowd day at Disney sitting on a bench people-watching on Main Street with a brown bag lunch over the windy and cold day of cleaning the barn here!

 

[snapppyd]

What are the wait times for the rides like Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain Railroad or Buzz??

 

[dawson5]

my bff, her hubby and two girls are there right now. they surprised the girls for xmas. I was jealous that they were going too. I still am a bit while I look out the window and see snow coming down like rain. I don't have to be in the park, just enjoy the sun right now.

 

[Aimeedyan]

MK was closed to capacity on Christmas Morning. We went to AK and - I kid you not - walked on Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Its Tough to be a Bug, and walked into Nemo 10 min until show and got center seats.

We know now where the crowds AREN'T on Christmas!

We later hopped to Epcot and walked into most attractions there, too. Just steer clear of MK!

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

My boys and I were there last week and the wait times for Space Mountain and Toy Story Mania were up to 2+ hours. I would never wait that long for any ride, but I guess a lot of people would. (we got there just a few minutes after DHS opening and the line for FP was about an hour!)

It was really cold that week-in the 50's-60's, so Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids lines were walk ons! Yes, we did it, my boys went on Splash Mountain and Kali by themselves, then the next day I brought the ponchos and we all went on Kali. Got a few small spots on us, they were even allowed to stay on and ride again. I didn't want to press my luck so I got off.

Nope, not for me. I would rather be at home than at WDW with crowds like that in the OP when they have to close the park. I can't even imagine how that could be fun.

 

[NY Disney fan]

I'll never forget waiting 2 hours to get on the E.T. ride at Universal. I couldn't believe the ride was over in 3 minutes!! I was only a little girl and I still remember it, to this day!!

 

[sbell111]

Wish we were there.

 

[Stac1023]

Wow - AK also at Phase 3. Busy, Busy Busy.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm sure that folks who go--as long as they can accept the crowds, they can still have a good time.

It's when you are shocked and amazed and then let it get to you--that it fowls up the experience.

Totally agree. We've gone a few times right after Christmas (I'm even trying to convince everyone to go again next year) and yes, it's busy but really what do you expect?! Like you said, if you think it won't be busy then forget about it. The crowds can be annoying but we've always had a good time and have always been able to do what we want.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The turnstile master computer at each park keeps track of both entries and exits. When a park capacity closes (which is done in stages) there has to be a certain number of people exiting, with the total "in park" below a certain number, before they start allowing people in again.

I am low enough on the totem pole that I have no idea what these numbers are.

There are four stages to park closing:

Stage 1 - The parking lot entrance is closed. You can only access the park if you are using Disney Transportation.

Stage 2 - The ticket windows are all closed (and the automated Ticket Vending Machines are turned off). Unless you already have a ticket you cannot get in.

Stage 3 - Only people with Annual Passes or current Resort IDs will be allowed in.

Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in.

Note - having restaurant reservations in a park, even with written proof, will not override a stage closing for you.

Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I hated working Phase 4 days (the fullest the park can be). You couldn't move. I remember the 4th of July I worked attractions. I was Parade Audience Control and we also provided crowd control for the fireworks. We had to close off the Teacups bridge because Main Street was filled to capacity. It didn't matter if your family was there, you weren't getting in, not that you would have been able to find them. I have never seen so many unhappy people. Of course, it was also a billion degrees that day. The year I worked Christmas and Thanksgiving I was in entertainment so I didn't have to deal with the crowds as much. It seemed like people were a little happier on those days than on the fourth. But still. I can't imagine going to MK on a phase 4 day. It's does not look like a fun experience unless you are blessed with an abundance of patience.

From what I was told, MK is the first to go, then the crowds spill over to Epcot, then DHS, and DAK is last.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Magic Kingdom currently (11:55am) closed to some guests due to capacity (phase 3). Disney Resort guests and Annual Passholders are still permitted entry.

Great, we're heading up there tomorrow.

 

[Minnie_me]

They closed MK when we were there on July 4, 2007. Didn't bother us too much until it was time to leave after the fireworks. We were absolutely shoulder to shoulder for probably an hour trying to walk outta there.

 

[Micca]

While I'm no fan of this size crowd, I'm glad to hear that the economy, for both WDW and people in general, is such that they can pack the park.

 

[famofsix]

alot of people will see my DD march in spectromagic tonight

she said a group of her friends got FP for space mountian at 11 and the time for the FP was 6pm