Having a small freak out...

[SarahC97]

We're leaving tomorrow 10/23 and arriving at WDW to stay 10/24-11/02. I have been planning and saving for this trip for two years and now we're down to the wire and I'm freaking out... about the crowds.

We went three years ago the same week and while there were a lot of people in the parks, the waits in line were usually very short and manageable. I chose this week to go in hopes that it would be similar, but the numbers on Touring Plans are scaring me. Every day has been more crowded (sometimes a lot more) than projected.

I'm just getting nervous that crowds are going to be a lot worse than I've planned for...like summer level. Can someone talk me off the ledge?

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I'm leaving Sunday. I need the same talk. Lol

 

[CAS239]

Don't put much focus into crowd calendars

 

[maxiesmom]

For what it is worth EasyWDW lists those dates as mostly 3s and 4s. So you should be good. Try not to panic about it ahead of time. It is something you have very little control over, so panicking does you no good. All you can do, if you happen to run into a crowd, is adjust for it. If the crowds are in Epcot hop to another park. Or if Future World is nuts head to the World Showcase.

 

[IrishNYC]

Why worry now? You're practically on your way. It's not like you're going to cancel, and there's nothing you can do to change it.

 

[Mome Rath]

Oh, it's "just" the Disney freak out, you'll be fine. Truly, focus on the fact that you're going to the 'World and don't stress about crowd calendars that much, or even what others are saying. Everyone experiences the "crowds" differently. You've obviously got a plan, go with that in mind, and then give yourself permission to change things up and be flexible. Here's my opinion, and it's just my opinion; Summer crowds are summer crowds, and going right now insures you won't have that... what I mean by that is that the summer heat and summer "energy" (for lack of a better word) make summer feel a lot more hectic and the lines a lot longer.

Use rope drop if you are an early morning family, or stay later if not. Use your Fastpasses... and take time to breathe while you are there. Hope you have a fun and safe trip!

 

[LindySpirit]

There's nothing you can do but enjoy your vacation! Get up early for rope drop, leave midday to take a rest, come back in the afternoon.

 

[SarahC97]

Thank you! That's exactly what I needed someone to say!

 

[Jennasis]

Have a good touring strategy in place and be willing to change things up as needed if it isn't working. And go have fun!

 

[Robo]

Consider this...

There are many others on this board that would gladly trade places with you, right this minute!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

It's crowded all year, sometimes just in different ways. Rope drop is your friend, adjust expectations and your plan as needed, and most of all, slow down and enjoy just being in the parks. Have a great trip!

 

[Grand Admiral]

Keep in mind that part of the crowding the past week was people who got delayed by the hurricane coming back to the World along with everyone who already planned to be there. Plus, some schools had holidays along with Columbus Day.

One thing I've seen repeated plenty is: no touring plan is more effective than just being at rope drop. You can do more in the first two hours than you can any other time of day.

Don't stress, be flexible and remember to enjoy just being there.

 

[SarahC97]

Thanks so much, everyone. I know it's silly but your comments truly have helped me feel better. Thanks again!

 

[SarahC97]

Keep in mind that part of the crowding the past week was people who got delayed by the hurricane coming back to the World along with everyone who already planned to be there. Plus, some schools had holidays along with Columbus Day.

One thing I've seen repeated plenty is: no touring plan is more effective than just being at rope drop. You can do more in the first two hours than you can any other time of day.

Don't stress, be flexible and remember to enjoy just being there.

How long before the park opens do you recommend arriving?

 

[topiney]

As others have said....Rope drop is your friend. I am a bit of a tyrant about rope drop; however, you cannot imagine how much you can accomplish in a few hours using rope drop and having a plan. Enjoy your time!!!!

 

[Grand Admiral]

How long before the park opens do you recommend arriving?

Oh, a half hour is usually good. It will look super crowded out in front of the gates, but all of those people will quickly filter out into the park after rope drop. You don't need to be there super early unless you want to be absolutely first to board Mine Train.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Adding to my PP.... I have been during all times of year and crowd levels (except major holidays) and one thing NEVER changes no matter the crowd level - what you can get done in ANY park during the first 2-3 hours of the day.

I get it that some people just don't want to get up early and it's harder with older kids, but I secretly giggle at the people in line to get in the park at noon when I'm heading back to the resort for some pool time. Although I'll caveat it's easy for me to say that since we go several times a year so I don't feel the crush to do everything in any given trip, I know that's not the case for everyone.

 

[alliecat523]

I just got home at 1:30am this morning from a quick visit. Crowds were heavier than I expected but I never had a long wait for rides. 30 min max. I had zero touring plans and zero fast passes. So I think you'all be just fine.

 

[lovethattink]

I ventured out to Epcot last night, 2 weeks after surgery. It was crowded, but not that crowded that anyone bumped into me except my son. Canada's F&W booth had the longest wait we saw. Mostly all the others had short lines. Today we are going to Sea World and heading back to Epcot to pick up our AP glass. I'm not worried about the crowds. I'm just happy to get out of the house! And the weather is going to be gorgeous! A cold front went through!!

 

[Huff]

For what it is worth EasyWDW lists those dates as mostly 3s and 4s. So you should be good.

At last look EasyWDW has not updated its crowd ratings since last February. Since then park hours, shows etc. have changed considerably. Touring Plans has updated theirs but I'm not sure just how accurate. This year there are a lot of changes that make predictions based on years prior unreliable.

We were at Disney Sept. 29th-Oct 9th. Several of the days TP showed 7 with a few parks showing 9. For the most part no days were anywhere near that crowded with the exception of MK on Oct. 1st which was its 45th anniversary. MK was packed early on so we left to Epcot which had very light crowds. I'd say the 7-9 days were more like 4-6. Busy but manageable.

Plan your day smart, make good use of FP's using only for the popular rides and see shows or dine at peak times. We never waited more than 20 minutes for any ride our entire trip despite many rides having 60+ minute standby during parts of the day.