Don't LOL...

[heathers4um]

Ok so here comes the question...you know, the one question that everyone either LOL's at you or stares at you waiting for the punchline...

Do you really go by crowd statistics in the summer in planning your itineraries or do you just get up and go where you feel like it that day? Or maybe a better way to ask this is what determines which park you go to during high peak times? We are planning on utilizing the morning EMH's, back to resort mid-day, and then back out to parks at night routine.

A nice fellow Dis'er just sent me the link for the projected crowd levels for each park and while looking at it I wondered how many use this system.

Also, I am planning on making a Disney Trip Binder together to bring with us so all info is at our fingertips - any advice on what to include?

 

[Chuck S]

I go where ever the mood strikes me that day, for the most part. If it is to crowded, I can always hop to a different location.

I agree, what seems to work best, even crowd-wise, is to take an afternoon break and return later.

I don;t use a trip binder or anything, I make a calendar with a print Shop-type program, which lists my few ADRs (usually 3 for an 8 night trip) flights, hotel res.number, etc. I also include my cell phone number, and so on. I make several copies and leave one with the vet when I board my cats, and one with my neighbor who looks after the house (she is elderly, so I don't have her look after the cats) and anyone else who may need to contact me in the event of an emergency.

 

[Kidanifan08]

I saw that link and we follow that site (easyWDW) closely. The recommendations on that site are excellent and definitely will help you maximize the number of rides you can get in each day. He often recommends avoiding the EMH parks, due to the high volume of on-property guests that utilize the EMH. We sometimes will go against those recommendations, since we like the AM-EMH's, with our DS7 being an early riser. We mostly followed Josh's recommendation for our trip in December, and it worked out really well!

We usually look at his recommendations 6-8 months before we travel so we can plan out ADR's accordingly.

Have fun planning!

 

[castleri]

We have never used a trip planner or thought that much about crowd estimates etc. Sometimes we have played park roulette just getting on the first bus that showed up and sometimes we have at least planned to be a t a certain park because that is where we had ADRs. As Chuck S says we just go where the mood sends us and change parks if it is to busy at the first one. The most planning is usually to start on one side of a park and work our way around to the other side starting with the side that has something that is on the must do list. We no longer to DDP so don't make more than a couple of ADRs in busy times and none at slower times.

 

[hakepb]

As the one who posted the link ...its part of my research, but not the final word. I really like how Josh (at EasyWDW ) provides a written explanation, so I know I'm making an informed decision (even if it is against his warnings )

For instance, if I want to late at a park, and the EMH park is the only one open, I'll go...or I always go to MK first, its tradition (but I also go again on a recommended day)

But overall, I think Josh provides good, free information, and its good to be informed

 

[heathers4um]

As the one who posted the link ...its part of my research, but not the final word. I really like how Josh (at EasyWDW ) provides a written explanation, so I know I'm making an informed decision (even if it is against his warnings )

For instance, if I want to late at a park, and the EMH park is the only one open, I'll go...or I always go to MK first, its tradition (but I also go again on a recommended day)

But overall, I think Josh provides good, free information, and its good to be informed

part of what I am putting in my trip binder are those calendars for July and August so at a glance we can plan and make itinerary changes without ending up at the busiest park that day!

I think if we don't go to MK first, I will be tied up at the villa and left behind!

 

[heathers4um]

because my Disney Planning geekness is kicking in, do any of you have any links to fun organizational spreadsheets or other things to fill in and/or print out?

 

[drusba]

Here is what you should do. First, take a trip Christmas week to WDW and don't forget to be in MK or Epcot on NYE. Once you do that, you will know what it is like to be able to get on almost no rides despite any published itinerary you are relying on. You will also experience that rare event that seems to happen only on NYE -- you will be in the park in the evening (World Showcase at Epcot) and come to a point where you realize that it has actually become impossible to walk anywhere in any direction, and in a fit of claustrophobia, you will believe you may actually die of old age and know you won't fall to the ground because the crowd is holding you up. Then go in summer and you will smile and be happy because you will think it is off-season and just go to whatever parks you want when you want.

Long ago we used to do early mornings and follow plans. Since we have been so many times, we no longer feel that is necessary and missing something one trip is fine. As a result, we usually choose our parks according to where we have dinner reservations on any particular day. We seldom attempt the early morning rush anymore, instead getting to a park whenever we feel like it (sometimes by 10, sometimes not until 4, sometimes after 7). We take advantage of the evening extra hours now and then but no longer the morning. We follow a simple rule; we don't go on any ride or attraction that has more than a 30 minute stand-by line; for those that are usually longer, it will be fastpass or bust (or come back late when you can often find many things open).

 

[heathers4um]

Here is what you should do. First, take a trip Christmas week to WDW and don't forget to be in MK or Epcot on NYE. Once you do that, you will know what it is like to be able to get on almost no rides despite any published itinerary you are relying on. You will also experience that rare event that seems to happen only on NYE -- you will be in the park in the evening (World Showcase at Epcot) and come to a point where you realize that it has actually become impossible to walk anywhere in any direction, and in a fit of claustrophobia, you will believe you may actually die of old age and know you won't fall to the ground because the crowd is holding you up. Then go in summer and you will smile and be happy because you will think it is off-season and just go to whatever parks you want when you want.

Long ago we used to do early mornings and follow plans. Since we have been so many times, we no longer feel that is necessary and missing something one trip is fine. As a result, we usually choose our parks according to where we have dinner reservations on any particular day. We seldom attempt the early morning rush anymore, instead getting to a park whenever we feel like it (sometimes by 10, sometimes not until 4, sometimes after 7). We take advantage of the evening extra hours now and then but no longer the morning. We follow a simple rule; we don't go on any ride or attraction that has more than a 30 minute stand-by line; for those that are usually longer, it will be fastpass or bust (or come back late when you can often find many things open).

ok your advice was hilarious - partly because the first time I ever went to MK was on Christmas Day and I can clearly remember the crowds on Main Street and thinking that was all I was destined to see!

When the DH and I travel on our own, we don't go by any itinerary either - its whatever we feel like doing that moment. When DS and I used to go on our own when he was younger, we would go commando and would plan everything out. For us that was part of the fun, and for me, still is. I do have to remember that although this is the girls 1st time, we will be back and anything we miss is just a reason to plan the next one next year as soon as we get back!

 

[BillPA]

I have found you go to the park that had the late EMH the day before. That park will be the least crowded the next day. Especially in the morning. Sometimes we just go where the first bus that comes along is going.
After you're a member for a while you will learn to relax and enjoy WDW. No more commando mode for us.

 

[jimim]

Here is what you should do. First, take a trip Christmas week to WDW and don't forget to be in MK or Epcot on NYE. Once you do that, you will know what it is like to be able to get on almost no rides despite any published itinerary you are relying on. You will also experience that rare event that seems to happen only on NYE -- you will be in the park in the evening (World Showcase at Epcot) and come to a point where you realize that it has actually become impossible to walk anywhere in any direction, and in a fit of claustrophobia, you will believe you may actually die of old age and know you won't fall to the ground because the crowd is holding you up. Then go in summer and you will smile and be happy because you will think it is off-season and just go to whatever parks you want when you want.

Long ago we used to do early mornings and follow plans. Since we have been so many times, we no longer feel that is necessary and missing something one trip is fine. As a result, we usually choose our parks according to where we have dinner reservations on any particular day. We seldom attempt the early morning rush anymore, instead getting to a park whenever we feel like it (sometimes by 10, sometimes not until 4, sometimes after 7). We take advantage of the evening extra hours now and then but no longer the morning. We follow a simple rule; we don't go on any ride or attraction that has more than a 30 minute stand-by line; for those that are usually longer, it will be fastpass or bust (or come back late when you can often find many things open).

Awesome about Xmas and nye. So true so true. Sitting waiting for illuminations one year for 3 hrs. One and done for that one. Back to the old days of being at a restaurant for a party for New Years at Disney. Sooooo busy. It is the first time I actually think I ever saw Epcot stressed on a whole with staff not being able to keep up with the crowds for cleaning and such. Just crazy.

We go multiple times a year so we follow nothing. We get up and go to a park that we decided on the night before my just talking to each other. We hang there till about 11 and then blow out. Swim and nap. Shower and go eat at our ADR for the night. The only thing I book in advance ever is dinner and we don't have to worry about what park cause we eat only at hotels anymore except for when we take our daughter to the castle for dinner. I guess when my son gets older too we will do more character stuff in the am so more planning will be needed but for now we fly by the seat of our pants and have never said. "Man we did nothing today cause of crowds".

Jimi

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[jimim]

I have found you go to the park that had the late EMH the day before. That park will be the least crowded the next day. Especially in the morning. Sometimes we just go where the first bus that comes along is going.
After you're a member for a while you will learn to relax and enjoy WDW. No more commando mode for us.

That's kinda a cool idea. Makes good sense. I might have to make that our plan this trip.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[bwvBound]

For me, it depends on the group I'm traveling with. If it is just DH and me, we make things up as we go along. If we are traveling with three separate households, we gather info and input from the 'stakeholders' and then create a schedule with park times, ADRs, showtimes, and "optional" activities noted.

The more people: the more detailed the plan. HOWEVER, the purpose of the plan is really to help folks get back in sync if they choose to go ad-hoc along the way. The plan tells them where to find the core group on any given day/time. The plan also has plenty of downtime built-in.

 

[asunutgirl]

Our family has used touringplans.com (and the Unofficial Guides) for both WDW and DLR with much success. I've lived near DLR all my life and thought I was a veteran. Then we used the guide and touring plans for WDW and had two great trips. We then started using them for DLR as well.

One of my favorite parts of using the touring plans is that we all agree on how we are going to approach a particular park in advance. Then there is no standing around arguing or trying to decide what ride to do next. We follow the plan and away we go!

 

[JWG]

We've used the crowd calculator's (not the touring plans) from touring plans and undercover tourist (the frog family). What we've found is that they contradict eacy other. One's best park will be the other's worst. So, not entirely helpful.

Frankly, we now (unfortunately) plan around our ADR's. If we're eating in the park that day, it's where we go. Unless it's a period where we have an annual pass, then we just go where the wind blows us and end up where we need to be later.

I have a spreadsheet that I've been made exceptional fun of for that has crowd levels, park hours, parade times, etc. I can try to figure out how to get it to you, or you can PM me and I'll e-mail it to you. It's a bit ridiculous. But, I've had a few friends adopt it (after making fun of me for it of course).

 

[quirty30]

My latest strategy seems to follow Easy WDW logic - basically avoiding parks with EMH. Only exception being that we will occasionally hit MK for late EMH if we are staying at BLT and can walk over there for the last couple of hours when the crowds have thinned out (generally when we are headed back from a different park and feel a second wind coming on.) As several others have mentioned, we visit often enough that we like to enjoy the parks at a more leisurely pace.

 

[kkolbusz1]

We look at emh, parades & where our dining is scheduled. 1st day always ends up being epcot cause its a travel day. We usually get there by 2.

 

[BestDadEver]

We planned our trip around UT crowd calander . I found most days we went were red cause we wanted to use the EMH . I though the extra hour we got quite a bit done . Actually we got through most parks by noon or a bit after whent back to te room took a nap and when back out for out ADR , usually a different park . I doubt this is really good info cause we went the week before Memorial Day we left sat and on fri it was quite a mob scene everywhere .

I guess my point is the calander isn't really accurate . I like the idea of going the day after magic hours .

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I used to be one of those who had a detailed itinerary. Now I just put my dining reservations in my phone and just play everything by ear. Its fun to be spontaneous. No more theme park commando.

I did do MK on Christmas Day 2 years ago....OMG major meltdowns!!! I told my son prior what it would be like. We got there at 7am (EMH). Did 3 rides by 8am. Had breakfast and then did all the rides we wanted. Chilled the rest of the day in the park. Had an early dinner. Didn't even watch fireworks. Saw parade and then left. I saw parents arguing. Kids screaming. It was crazy but entertaining. One of the best Christmases.

We watched the fireworks at TOTWL with Hot Chocolate.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have found you go to the park that had the late EMH the day before. That park will be the least crowded the next day. Especially in the morning. Sometimes we just go where the first bus that comes along is going.
After you're a member for a while you will learn to relax and enjoy WDW. No more commando mode for us.

That is EXACTLY what we do! LOL!