We had a spot at Ft. Wilderness, checked in on line, no paper parking pass and we were just waved through with our bands - I think they were scanned 2x. We were at DHS at 8sm to get our pick for JTA and hit RD at MK (we went on party days) but we were able to do everything. Our first MK day, 11/30 we rode every ride in the park except Dumbo and Tommorowland Speedway and we left at 4pm (used FP for 7DMT, PP and Space Mtn). Once the grandparents arrived for subsequent days we did the shows (Laugh Floor, Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents) and Tom Sawyer's Island but we still rode a ton of rides with minimal waits. I think we rode SM 8x, Splash 4x, BTMMR 5x in our 3 days. Our Epcot days (2) and AK (1) we arrived just after RD and were able to do everything we wanted. Rode Everest 3x (2 times shortly after RD, maybe 8:15) and with FP. Walked onto Dinosaur after Everest, then hit Primevial Whirl and Triceratops, went back and met the inlaws, did the Pangini(sp?) trail and used our 10-11am safari FP. We saw Lion King and Flights of Wonder (didnt make Nemo as the inlaws were done after 4pm LK). So while I still think RD is important, we would still have done a ton without it. I grew up in CA going to DL so maybe my perception is different but I think if you are organized and pay attention to the waits in the app, the crowds were very reasonable and the touring was great! We went back to MK for 3 hours today (Sunday 12/6), hit the FP kiosk in Tomorrowland, rode SM (DH and DS5 rode Astro Orbiter and Buzz), went out to BTMMR, Magic Carpets, did Philharmagic again, Barnstormer and back to Tomorrowland to use FP for SM (DH/DS to the Speedway) and were back to Epcot. And we took LOTS of pictures with MM. Personally, we thought this was a PERFECT week to be here. Crowds were entirely manageable, decorations and special events were spectactular and the weather was amazing.
