florida season passes/first week january

[picantel]

We just got back from our trip yesterday and find the 1st week in january to be unusually crowded. I would say half the parks seemed to be full of south americans. My brother's girlfriend bought her florida season pass during our trip and we noticed that the blackout dates on it have been extended to january 6, 2006 so it is almost like disney thinks that the first week will be crowded next year also. Maybe it is me but comparing the 2 season passes there seem to be more blackout dates than before. On another note, I really felt sorry for the CMs this past week. All of them thought that the 1st week in january would be dead and it was not and they were dead tired. Some of them even stated that had been working 2-3 straight weeks double shifts with no time off to help with the holiday rush and of course get that overtime pay and they expected to be able to rest this week and could not. One of the Cms at beaches n cream stated the 1st week of january is usually when the most Cms call in sick. Unfortunately due to all of this the service was very lacking this trip. It took us 2 hours to eat at le cellier for lunch because our server would disappear for 30 minutes at a time and it was not much better at the other restaurants. We tipped them well anyway. On a funny note, one CM stated that someone had filed a complaint on him to his manager because he looked tired- on the morning of new years day. How stupid is that. He said he had to work until after close on new years eve and then opened in the morning. Some people can be so shallow.

 

[risy]

We went last year during the first week and I thought it was VERY crowded. Mind you, I only go during "low" times.

I noticed that the UG makes mention of January being a popular time for international visitors. I think too many people know our secret.

 

[eeyore0062]

We went last year during the first week and I thought it was VERY crowded. Mind you, I only go during "low" times.

I noticed that the UG makes mention of January being a popular time for international visitors. I think too many people know our secret.

It depends on when the kids go back to school. In Central Florida, many of the kids didn't return to school until January 6th. Also, South Americans do spend the New Years many times in Florida because it is winter there, and they want the warmer weather. Also, their schools are out.

It is not at all unusual for the week after New Years to be crowded. From now on, if you can, you would be better off waiting until the 2nd full week to visit. Then you will virtually walk on attractions and feel like you have the whole place to yourself!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

" Comparing the 2 season passes there seem to be more blackout dates than before."

The seasonal pass blackout dates for this past year:
2004-2005
April 3, 2004-April 15, 2004 (13 days)
June 12, 2004-August 19, 2004 (69 days)
December 18, 2004-January 1, 2005 (15 days)
total blackout dates in 2004-2005 are 97 days

For 2005-2006
March 19, 2005-April 1, 2005 (14 days)
June 11, 2005-August 18, 2005 (69 days)
December 22, 2005-January 5, 2006 (15 days)
total blackout dates in 2005-2006 are 98 days

 

[eeyore0062]

There were more black out dates last year, as well.... except that they started letting Seasonal pass holders use their passes at the end of July instead of having to wait until mid August. Blackout dates are adjusted according to attendance.

 

[tmarquez]

There were more black out dates last year, as well.... except that they started letting Seasonal pass holders use their passes at the end of July instead of having to wait until mid August. Blackout dates are adjusted according to attendance.

How do the seasonal passholders know when the dates have been or are going to be adjusted?

 

[risy]

Much of it also depends on when Easter is as compared to when typical school/college Spring Breaks.

But it is interesting how far into January the new blackout is.

 

[eeyore0062]

How do the seasonal passholders know when the dates have been or are going to be adjusted?

Go on the official Disney Website under the passholder section and they will give updates. That is pretty much the only way you will know. The Mickey Monitors are only sent out 4 times a year, and often when they are, WDW has no idea if they are going to shorten a blackout period.

Also, if you are not receiving your Mickey Monitor, please look at the back of the holder you were given for your pass for the phone number and call them, so you won't miss out on any of the perks that may come up during the year!