Free DDP = Tons of Crowds?

[DisBride2007]

Hi all.

DH and I are two weeks away from closing on a house. We're going to be doing some construction ourselves and some through contractors, then going through the big move. We know we're going to be desperately in need of a vacay at the end of the summer and where else do we want to go but our favorite place???

We're thinking of going down on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day and leaving on Labor Day. There will be free DDP during that time, but we are pretty averse to staying on property and using Disney transportation (sorry, it's just not for us for a number of reasons). Anyway, we've already tried to make a number of ADR's and have not had much luck. (No 'Ohana before 9 pm???)

This does not appear to be a traditionally crowded time of year, but is this a sign that the parks will be at spring-break levels? Should we save our vacation days and try to make it for MNSSHP a month later? Does anyone have experience attending the parks during a typically quiet time and encountering free DDP crowds?

Thanks!

 

[wolverine2010]

Congrads on your wed/house...thats awesome..and yes you need to get away and get your fix 2!!!...labor day week & weekend is a busy time....also w/free dining it is only going to be worse...could you maybe put off the trip a few weeks and go after free/d???...if you went later you could also do epcot f&w...i would look at when free /d ends...early october would be nice!...try to be flexible w/your dates and work around the f/dining...good luck!!!

 

[Christine]

I think it will be crowded. Not "Easter" crowded, but crowded. I think a LOT of people took advantage of the free dining and many school systems (mine included) do not go back until the day after Labor Day.

 

[deltachi8]

I have gone late August for the FDDP the last two years as well as 2004, 2003 and 2001. The only difference with the FDDP and in years before it is at the table service places. Table Servce places will be booked solid. Parks will be very manageable.

 

[ReneeA]

We've went the past 2 years during free dining.

TS restaurants were crowded, but parks were not crowded at all.

 

[extremesoccermom]

I am very excited to hear this! DD13 and I are going for the free DDP we will arrive on Wed 8-29 and leave late on Labor Day I have all my ADR made and even have a couple that I need to cancel so hearing that the parks may not be too crowded is very good news.

 

[LglBlonde]

We were there Labor Day Weekend and FDP two years ago in 2005.

Yes, if you did not have ADR's well in advance, you wouldn't have been able to do walk-ins - we saw people get turned way from CRT for dinner, and other places too. But, at the same time, we had no problem making last minute ADRs (even day-of) at less popular restaurants (Alfredo's, etc.).

The parks/rides were nearly empty. We did EMH and first openings and walked onto rides and could have rode them again and again.