Does FD affect the crowds much?

[wallawallakids]

We have a trip scheduled in August (23-31). We planned it before FD was released because hubby had a conference to attend around the same time down there, so why not have all of us go?! We picked AOA to stay at because my kids REALLY loved the looks of it. We are not participating in the FD even though AOA is now part of the offer. (it wasn't at first and I have Yes tickets for the kids already booked). Now, everywhere I look, FD is mentioned during that week. So...I am curious, does FD affect the crowds a lot? In my book the last week of Aug was listed as a slow time and touring plans has it listed as any where from a 3-6 during our visit. Just wondering what to expect in the parks. Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

Only in the restaurants.

 

[wallawallakids]

Only in the restaurants.

Really! That is great to hear. Thank you.

 

[mcd2745]

I've gone the same week as your trip (last week of August) the last two years. Both times it was during a FD promotion. Overall crowd levels are fairly low that week, but as TDC Nala posted it really only has a big impact on restaurants. ADR availability was very hard to come by. However, that could be better this year with the new CC guarantees.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you're looking for that time of year to be like in the old days, with the parks virtually dead and every attraction a complete walk-on, they're not like that anymore. But they're not anywhere close to summer crowds, either.

 

[StacyMarie]

We go the last week of August every year. This will be our 4th year during this time. The crowds are very, very nice BUT if you are looking to sit down and have a table service meal, you won't have any luck without an ADR.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

I haven't been during August b/c the heat would kill me. That being said, I have seen the crowds both ways when going during free dining. I use a crowd predicting site to plan my trips, so I always know roughly how many people are predicted to be there. It was pretty accurate last year. Regardless, if you use a good touring plan, you will be fine either way. We just try to avoid parks that are going to be filled to the brim, and it works out.

 

[wallawallakids]

Ok. Thank you! We did make all our ADRs already, so I hope that works out. If not, we are fine with CS. We aren't too picky of a bunch. We care more about the rides than eating! I wasn't sure if the crowds were going to be larger than predicted due to the FD. Sounds like it shouldn't be too bad though. That is good. I can handle heat, but crowds and long lines...not so much!!

 

[jenrose66]

We have a trip scheduled in August (23-31). We planned it before FD was released because hubby had a conference to attend around the same time down there, so why not have all of us go?! We picked AOA to stay at because my kids REALLY loved the looks of it. We are not participating in the FD even though AOA is now part of the offer. (it wasn't at first and I have Yes tickets for the kids already booked). Now, everywhere I look, FD is mentioned during that week. So...I am curious, does FD affect the crowds a lot? In my book the last week of Aug was listed as a slow time and touring plans has it listed as any where from a 3-6 during our visit. Just wondering what to expect in the parks. Thanks.

I personally think it does. I went for free dining in 2007 and the parks were ok. Not dead, but not summertime busy. I then went last year while free dining was happening (though we booked a pin code instead) and it was much busier than when we were there in 2007. Again, it wasn't summer busy, but compared to say January it was pretty busy.