Heat and Crowds

[Bartoli]

We are going to rent a car but I wondered if we needed it for Epcot and MK since we are staying at the Poly and will have monorail access. What do you think? Part of the reason we are staying there is for the transportation options. It seems like it is a waste to just use the car instead. I agree that for MK and MGM we will drive but I was hoping not to for the other parks. What was your experience?

 

[PirateFan]

We just returned this afternoon from a 10 day trip. Tuesday, 31st, we visited MGM, rode all the biggies with barely a wait, ate at Beaches and Cream, walked to Epcot and rode with short waits, then went to Animal Kingdom for EMH. I thought maybe the crowds were down because of the rain.

That was the end of the low crowds. But not the rain. It rained the first 7 days we were there, serious, heavy rain. Not just summer showers. The crowds were unbelieveable! It was like Easter. We go every other year at this time to finish out our annual passes and this was the worst crowd levels I've ever seen the first week of June.

The minor attractions had long waits. There were lines at TTA, Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land. Ellen's Universe, even the Tiki Room had lines.

I think that Disney's package deals and marketing are accomplishing their goal.

 

[ShuisFan584]

Wow, I'm sorry you experienced such heavy crowds. We usually always go in August so we're used to crowds, but I'm really hoping they're not that bad. This is the first time we're bringing boyfriends with the family, and I don't want it to turn them off from going in the future.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Well I have noticed that June and Christmas seem to have similiar crowd levels(except this past Christmas... the parks seemed practically deserted...cold brrrrrrr....rainy.....) I figure if I can survive Christmas at DW then I can handle June. The funny thing is every year we get more done during our Christmas visit than our June visit...It must be the heat! Anyway, I am leaving this SAT!! Woo hoo!

 

[Idroveallnight]

Just curious about the buses for Pop Century. I had read that they have their own bus system & move more quickly as they don't share. Anyone with recent experience?

 

[TnKrBeLlA012]

We are leaving tomorrow morning and now I am really disappointed about the large amount of crowds and weather we will be experiencing! Hopefully we can just get atleast 1 day of sun....

 

[AKemel]

Yes, it's crowded, and HOT. Judging by the looks of my hair, ,the humidity is about 100%.
We arrived Saturday, but today is the first day it rained.
The pool isn't crowded, so we are making good use of it. We're DVC members and if we can't do as much park time this trip, we know we'll be back very soon.
We did go to Typhoon Lagoon both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (APs), arriving at 9 am. Did everything we wanted. Not crowded for the first hour and a half, then when we left at noon, you couldn't find an empty chair anywhere. Crush 'n Gusher was FUN!
As far as the CMs "herding" people, it's funny that we did notice this at Epcot, in the pre-show for HISTA. The CM was telling everyone to move up and touch the black stage, but it wasn't even crowded yet!?

CarolynK (signed in as my husband)

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I really wonder if many people planned their summer trips in June and July to avoid the potential hurricanes of August. Makes sense after last year! I was suppose to go later in June but I canceled and rescheduled for August (and now that looks iffy, too, thanks to my work!). I had real trouble getting an AP rate for mid June, but easily got my first choice hotel and dates for an AP rate in early August.

Think I am glad to be canceling my June trip, as it sounds too packed!

 

[Pop Daddy]

I hate being i a crowd and its hot, and the man in front of me has a hairy back and he stinks

 

[TheWho]

Here's my 2 cents. I'm going 6/26 and will be there (w/family) for July 4th.
This will be our 7th July trip in the last 8 years (kids in school, summer only time that works for us). I absolutely agree with all the comments about the heat and crowds. It's hot and crowded, no arguement from me. Although, I do remember one year which had some rain but alot of cloud cover for our entire stay. Well , the lack of sun did make a big difference. I actually remember telling my daughter I had to get out of the pool because I was getting cold. I know, hard to imagine in July.
If you go in July, this is what works for us. (nothing new to most of us) Early, early, and did I mention, get to the park early. I know vacations are about sleeping late, not WDW in July. When we leave the park at noon or 1pm, I can't believe the people that are walking in holding a map and saying "what ride should we go on". First off, it's the hottest part of the day, the lines are 45 minutes and the fast passes are almost gone. Get to the park early, go back for a swim, and visit another park at dusk and take what ever is available. We also use the technique of avoiding the extra hour park. The theory being, most people head for that park and it gets real crowded when it opens to everyone at 9.
I'll admit, I am a recovered commando. I used to franticly rush my family, not anymore. Although, I am a planner and do things like make smart lunch or dinner PS's in nice cool restaurants. People are willing to map out a trip to Italy or another big destination. WDW is the same. It's big, and thinking you can wing it when you get there is crazy. Maybe in January, but not in July.

Going to WDW in July always makes me think of that Yogi Berra saying,
"No one ever goes to that restaurant, it's too crowded!"

Have fun, keep the right attitude. Can't wait for the 26th.

 

[2tinkersmom]

We just got back from being in Disney June 4-8 and I think we are still trying to rehydrate!! It was so hot and so tiring. Our first trip was in January and what a difference.
My kids (10 and 6) were worn out by noon every day the humidity was so draining. And then factor in crowds we just couldn't believe.....for example, we got to MK as it opened, got one fast pass then did the Family Magic Tour (two hours long but sooooo worth it), had PS at Crystal Palace for 1:00 lunch, then got in three other rides before we had to give up and head out by 5:00. Now in January we spent the day at MK and did just about everything we wanted in that amount of time and had a great spot for the 7 pm fireworks.
The buses were packed almost every trip, no matter what time of day. I can see the wisdom in renting a car.
We had the typical clouding over in the late afternoon and occasional shower, with the exception of our arrival day which was rainy for most of the day. Actual temps were only in the 80's which I don't consider horrible but the humidity was at 100% almost everyday and it just sucks the life out of you!
We decided our next trip will definitely be in fall or early winter!

 

[sunny04]

Well I have noticed that June and Christmas seem to have similiar crowd levels(except this past Christmas... the parks seemed practically deserted...cold brrrrrrr....rainy.....) I figure if I can survive Christmas at DW then I can handle June.

Just to repeat what I said earlier, we have done Christmas and June as well....this year is much much much more crowded than any other trip we've been on in the last 2 and a half years....

 

[crazyj4488]

Just curious about the buses for Pop Century. I had read that they have their own bus system & move more quickly as they don't share. Anyone with recent experience?

I was beat down from a day at 3 parks and I got on the bus for POP at AK. The darn thing was full and the driver still stopped at Blizzard Beach to pickup half-naked wet people before going to the resort. People on the bus with me were dumbfounded. It sucked so bad. The one time I decide to leave my rental car at the TTC and I get the value resort bus treatment. YUCK! The rental car is a MUST for my happy WDW trips. The last thing I want to deal with after my feet and back are about to explode is a public bus full of kids and noisey people. I love hoping into my rental after exiting the park, cranking on the A/C, and decompressing while I travel back to my sanctuary for a rest. A rental is soooo worth the money.

 

[crazyj4488]

/me Puts his flame suit on

First, worrying about hurricanes is ridiculous in my opinion. Have you all read the stats?? Last year was so far from typical that it isn't even funny. So, chill out people, plez. Hurricanes should be one of your very last worries when planning a trip to Florida.

Second, yes, the Summers at WDW pretty much suck. I can deal with the heat....I live in Houston. I even dealt with it fine during the last week of May. I can even deal with downpours of rain by simply throwing a poncho on as I did in April....it doesn't bother me in the least. However, I cannot deal with that insane heat mixed with super nasty crowds. It's just not worth my time, energy, or money. There are so many other places to go for Summer vacation. Don't be among the clueless people that wander blindly into a mess.

Some people are just freakin crazy and like the torture...if so, so be it...that's fine by me...everyone has their opinions and if you can have a good time among those elements, more power to you. Just not my bag and I wouldn't tell my worst enemy to goto WDW anytime between Memorial day and Labor Day. There are so many other better options.

 

[erinz]

I think this may be a sign of whats to come....

About a month ago, I checked th UG crowd rating for the first week of December. It was a 1. A week or so ago I checked again and it was a 4. And I noticed there were no more 1's in the entire year. I don't think there were even any 2s.....

I'm too chicken to check again...

 

[SeattleMark]

This will be our first trip, anyone have any hints or tips to help with the rides and the crowds during what looks to be a very very busy summer.

TIA
-ChipNDale

I can't recommend this highly enough: Subscribe to Tour Guide Mike (www.tourguidemike.com ). I've used him the last two years and I swear, if you follow his advice you won't have to wait in line for more than 10-15 minutes at ANY ride, even during high season.

We got burned 3 years ago after having an absolutely miserable vacation with the crowds, heat, etc. Then we tried TGM and were absolutely amazed at the difference. Instead of having a "Disney Death March" through the parks, coming close to heat stroke a couple times, we had an enjoyable, FUN experience...the way Disney was meant to be.

To me, that's EASILY worth the twenty bucks. Highly recommended.

 

[johnruuu]

Also leaving tomorrow. Just me and 6yr old DD so I am already nervous about the large crowds.

First trip for us too, arriving June 17. Myself and DD only. Between the scares of HEAT and outrageous crowds, I find myself a little intimidated at the moment.

 

[johnruuu]

I can't recommend this highly enough: Subscribe to Tour Guide Mike (www.tourguidemike.com ). I've used him the last two years and I swear, if you follow his advice you won't have to wait in line for more than 10-15 minutes at ANY ride, even during high season.

We got burned 3 years ago after having an absolutely miserable vacation with the crowds, heat, etc. Then we tried TGM and were absolutely amazed at the difference. Instead of having a "Disney Death March" through the parks, coming close to heat stroke a couple times, we had an enjoyable, FUN experience...the way Disney was meant to be.

To me, that's EASILY worth the twenty bucks. Highly recommended.

ordering it up now. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[bianca66]

This is kinda scarin' me, but I was heartened by Dave's advice to go early. That's what we've planned all along and we're following a couple of plans from the UG site. We're early birds anyway, so this won't bother us, it's managing to get back for the fireworks and parades at night! I'm considering even letting my daughter have a sprite or something after her usual 3pm cutoff, if it can keep her going til 10pm!!
Re: heat, it's been unusually hot this week in Chgo area, so we've got some practice in dealing w/it already.
Thanks to OP for the heads up.

 

[Splash Mountain Fan]

What website is the "UG"? I'm not famaliar with this one. Thanks.