How bad is Jersey week?

[CaryHaven]

We always go during "slow times" which still feels pretty crowded to me. If I stay to the least crowded park(s) of the day, will I notice a huge difference from going during the first week of November to our usual second week of November (or late September which is our other usual time)?

 

[PSUGuy]

We did that week in 2002, wasn't bad then, less crowded than our usual week back then, the first week in March, but that was too long ago for present comparison. I'm curious because we'll be there this year so we'll see.

Bill From PA

 

[sweetnjmom]

Many of my friends go then--since we live in NJ and it's called "Jersey Week" because so many of us go to WDW when the schools are closed several days for teacher's convention--and they've always said the crowds aren't too bad that week. I've only been that week once, but it was in 2001 after 9/11 and that impacted the crowds a lot. So I don't think my experience is typical (nearly empty).

We went the week of Veteran's Day in 2013 and the crowds were heavier than I expected, actually. Not crowded but not as low as I'd heard (we were NOT in the parks on 11/11).

So while not firsthand knowledge, I think Jersey Week isn't too crazy busy.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

We've gone twice (this year will be #3) during Jersey Week and we don't think it's bad at all. It's not dead, but it's not super crowded. We found the crowds worse at the end of January (cheerleaders and tour groups) and prefer the weather in November.

 

[IslandAdventure4]

 

[bumbershoot]

You're also looking at the Wine&Dine Half Marathon that will be going on in the evening (impacting Epcot's closingtime) and the related 5K in the morning.

 

[JennyDrake]

I would put the crowds on par with a "slower" spring break week. Not "peak" but not "slow" by any means. I've been the past 3 years. Epcot will be very busy in the evenings and PACKED on the weekend. Also with a federal holiday (I think) on Tuesday, it may be more crowded MOnday-Wednesday. Keep in mind that W&D alone brings in close to 15K people for the run.

 

[ewkid]

I've done Jersey Week 3 times. What I've found is the afternoon in Magic Kingdom can get very busy. After dinner the Magic Kingdom is pretty good though. If you plan out your FP+ smartly and take the afternoon off you can have a great time. With the exception of Soarin and Test Track, Epcot is great during the day. So get a FP+ for one of them and hit the other at rope drop. World Showcase will be busy due to Food and Wine. If you like the water parks this is a great time of year! Blizzard Beach did not seem to get busy until the afternoon and by that time we had enough anyway. I went to Animal Kingdom once, it was packed and that place really isn't my cup of tea anyway.

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

It is not an event that packs the house too terrible. There is a slight increase but nothing like summer or holiday time. People from Jersey (and Boston) seem to like to tell you how they do things where they are from. A lot. If you don't mine hearing "that's how we do it in Jersey!" over and over again, it isn't a problem. Or am I being unfair?

 

[sweetnjmom]

If you don't mine hearing "that's how we do it in Jersey!" over and over again, it isn't a problem. Or am I being unfair?

You're being unfair. But it's OK, we're used to it.

 

[Dis703]

We did Jersey week about 4 years ago. We are from NJ so I went to take advantage of the few days I had off work. It was busier than I had anticipated and enough so that we don't plan to go back over that time period again. Like others said there are other things going on that weekend typically that make it more than just the Jersey crowd. But it was the worst from Thursday to Sunday.

I decided to go the second week of November in 2014 and there was a significant difference in crowds. Much lower that week.

 

[Pigletpal40]

Beginning of the week is fine. More crowded late week but not Summer crowded. Rope Drop and later eve. is fine. Hoop Dee Doo is a hoot. Every person they ask where they're from is from N.J. "when they come".

 

[Cee]

We went during that week in 2010 and they only reason we even knew was because all the CMs and waitstaff asked if we were from Jersey. LOL

 

[ksinniger]

We were there for this week just last year, and with a few exceptions we stayed at the most recommended park. Yes, there were crowds; but you could also find pockets or places where it felt like there was no one else around. I've been in July, and these crowds were NO WHERE near that madness. Was it as empty as when we went in January? No. But it was very manageable using smart touring strategies. And, when you know you're heading into a crowded place (like, say, WS for food & wine fun), just adjust your mindset. You'll still have fun!

 

[RustManFan]

and Jersey is an isle that is part of the UK. (close to France)

I do not happen to live there but in New Jersey. I hate it being referred to as simply Jersey. just me?

 

[THEDISNEYTHREE]

I agree with the others. We have been to Disney during Jersey week for several years and it is fine. The only plan we follow is to stay away from Epcot on the weekends.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

and Jersey is an isle that is part of the UK. (close to France)

I do not happen to live there but in New Jersey. I hate it being referred to as simply Jersey. just me?

I actually say I'm from SOUTH Jersey... don't want anyone to think I'm from the North (and by North I mean anything above Trenton).

 

[disneyseniors]

We always go during "slow times" which still feels pretty crowded to me. If I stay to the least crowded park(s) of the day, will I notice a huge difference from going during the first week of November to our usual second week of November (or late September which is our other usual time)?

I guess we've been to Jersey week a couple of times and never knew it I didn't notice the crowds being larger at all. No problem. So go and have fun!

 

[john brown]

We did it a couple of times, but had to stop. It was exhausting having to talk to everyone we recognized from Jersey. At least we didn't have to talk to those wall street boys from north of the Raritan, or those hicks from the Pine Barrens.

 

[BigMommaMouse]

Been during that week twice and going this year. The only difference I noticed was hearing NJ accents everywhere. Which I love.

I am from New Jersey but live in England.