HELP, I leave in 5 days

[clairabell29]

Can anyone tell me what to expect crowd wise oct 26-30? I am traveling with my DS2, DS2mo, DM, and DH who has PTSD from the Iraqi war and freaks out in large crowds. We chose this time of year as we were told it was slow. Having read some of the resent reports I am wondering if we have to cancel our trip. Would be both DS 1st time and his birthday. Any advice or thoughts? Thank you!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I haven't been there this time of year but from what I'm reading it sounds like the crowding occures in the evening around the fireworks. You could think about leaving around dinner time and doing something else.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I wouldn't stress - I think you'll be fine, especially if you are in the parks during the weekdays. The holiday weekend and most of the fall breaks are over. That was the biggest thing - folks tend to paln their time off around that weekend. I think we will see significantly lighter crowds for the next week or so.

I used to work for the VA Hospitals, so I understand where you are coming from. Remember, there are actually a lot of fairly quiet "chill out" spaces in both parks.

DL spots:
The upstairs of the Hungry Bear is really peaceful. The nook by Baby Care and First Aid is nice. Big Thunder Ranch is good. The area next to Small World (where the parade comes out from Backstage) is extremely empty, as well as the overflow queue area for it. Upstairs in Innoventions is good. The riverboat is a nice crowd break. Princess Fantasy Faire has some quieter areas.

DCA Spots:
In the back of the Hollywood Studios area by Monster's Inc and Muppets. Lots of quiet open space there. Golden Dreams area - the Amphitheater by the Lagoon. The Cove Bar above the Ariel's Grotto Restaurant. The Wilderness Play Area. The path that goes to the right through the Grizzly Rapids attraction - really quiet and nice music. The benches in front of the now closed Sun Wheel - overlooking the lagoon. The Bountiful Farmers Market area.

 

[jlparedes]

I'm not sure how the crowds will be, but we'll be there at the same exact time! Have a safe trip and have fun. Will you be going to MTOT? We're going Wednesday night.

 

[tink2dw]

The First Aid Station is a great place to step away from the noise and to rest.

Go right when the parks opening. When it starts to get crowded go back to your hotel to eat, rest and swim. then go back to the park for a few hours. If booming fire works will be a problem leave the park and see if you can see them from your hotel windows.

You may want to skip the 3:00pm and 7:00pm parades are very crowded, as is the 9:30pm fantasmic, and the 10:00pm firework shows.

During crowded times hop over to Disney California Adventures it is a very very short walk across the brick court yard. And isn't ever very crowded.
I don't know the parade times at DCA. Sorry. Get the Park Maps when you enter they have the schedules in them.

Be sure to use your MM[early enter] you can get a lot done in Fantasyland in that time!! Oh and at Nemo they have a handicap room where you can see the Movie without going on the Sub. Your Dh, Dm, and baby may be more comfortable there insdead of in the Sub.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

If you do want a good "non-crowded" place to watch the parade, I have one for you.

In Town Square - just as you enter the park, there are two canons on each corner - on either side of the flag pole. The one on the right NEVER has people seated in front of it until right before the late parade. Since the area in front of the cannons are ramped and bricked, most people think they are handicapped pathways and not a place to sit, so they just don't go there. Plus, when the parade starts, the amount of people in the square area is fixed - no one can get over there and no one that is there is pushy, since they can see they parade all around them!

We can always walk up to that area and get a seat! Since the late parade starts right there, it's perfect!

 

[Tasscrapper]

Tell your husband thanks for serving! And thanks to you for being the supporting cast.

 

[clairabell29]

I wouldn't stress - I think you'll be fine, especially if you are in the parks during the weekdays. The holiday weekend and most of the fall breaks are over. That was the biggest thing - folks tend to paln their time off around that weekend. I think we will see significantly lighter crowds for the next week or so.

I used to work for the VA Hospitals, so I understand where you are coming from. Remember, there are actually a lot of fairly quiet "chill out" spaces in both parks.

DL spots:
The upstairs of the Hungry Bear is really peaceful. The nook by Baby Care and First Aid is nice. Big Thunder Ranch is good. The area next to Small World (where the parade comes out from Backstage) is extremely empty, as well as the overflow queue area for it. Upstairs in Innoventions is good. The riverboat is a nice crowd break. Princess Fantasy Faire has some quieter areas.

DCA Spots:
In the back of the Hollywood Studios area by Monster's Inc and Muppets. Lots of quiet open space there. Golden Dreams area - the Amphitheater by the Lagoon. The Cove Bar above the Ariel's Grotto Restaurant. The Wilderness Play Area. The path that goes to the right through the Grizzly Rapids attraction - really quiet and nice music. The benches in front of the now closed Sun Wheel - overlooking the lagoon. The Bountiful Farmers Market area.

Thank you very much! This will help him a lot! We're going to go and if the crowds are too much for him we'll go hide out. I may even allow myself to get excited now

 

[clairabell29]

I'm not sure how the crowds will be, but we'll be there at the same exact time! Have a safe trip and have fun. Will you be going to MTOT? We're going Wednesday night.

I am taking my boys with grandma on the 28th (Tues) Not sure on the crowds at this one, so haven't bought my DH a ticket. Hope your trip is great! I'm hoping my DS has a great birthday and isn't too scared to ride or talk to the Characters!

 

[DonaldTDuck]

I am taking my boys with grandma on the 28th (Tues) Not sure on the crowds at this one, so haven't bought my DH a ticket. Hope your trip is great! I'm hoping my DS has a great birthday and isn't too scared to ride or talk to the Characters!

The Big Guys will be there Sat-Mon plus Tuesday's MToTP. If you see 4 big guys, one(me) very hairy, say hi.

You may want to skip the 3:00pm and 7:00pm parades are very crowded, as is the 9:30pm fantasmic, and the 10:00pm firework shows.

Sadly, Fantasmic will NOT be a problem as it is in rehab.