How bad is President's Day Weekend?

[blobberhead]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going Sat-Mon of President's Day Weekend and was wondering how bad the crowds will be. Would anyone be able to help me answer some questions?

1. As a solo traveler, how are my chances for getting 4+ FPs for good rides like SDD, FoP, 7DMT, Everest, DINOSAUR, Safaris, FEA etc. if I use refresh during a really busy weekend?
2. Where do I catch an Uber from MK to go to MCO? If I want to watch HEA at 8PM, will I have time to Uber to MCO for my flight at 11PM?
3. If I Rope Drop SDD at HS, can I reasonably make TSM with a low wait time right afterwards?
4. Any recommendations for QS or TS restaurants for solo travelers?
5. I'm expecting all the stand by lines to be ridiculously long. Any recommendations for activities/shows that don't require a long wait while I try to get a 4th FP? For MK, I've got PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, Tree House, Tom Sawyer Island, Philharmagic, it's a small world. For AK, Up Bird Adventure, FoLK, Bug's Life, and Nemo. For Epcot, I guess I could wander around the Festival of the Arts to see things.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going Sat-Mon of President's Day Weekend and was wondering how bad the crowds will be. Would anyone be able to help me answer some questions?


2. Where do I catch an Uber from MK to go to MCO? If I want to watch HEA at 8PM, will I have time to Uber to MCO for my flight at 11PM?

There is no way that I would attempt this. It will take a while to exit the park. Then you need to walk to the Contemporary and get an Uber.

 

[blobberhead]

There is no way that I would attempt this. It will take a while to exit the park. Then you need to walk to the Contemporary and get an Uber.

Will it really be that bad?
Suppose it takes 30 minutes to leave the park 8:20PM - 8:50PM
Then 30 minutes to walk to Contemporary 8:50PM -9:20PM
then 60 minutes to catch an uber and get to MCO: 9:20PM - 10:20PM

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Will it really be that bad?
Suppose it takes 30 minutes to leave the park 8:20PM - 8:50PM
Then 30 minutes to walk to Contemporary 8:50PM -9:20PM
then 60 minutes to catch an uber and get to MCO: 9:20PM - 10:20PM

I think that is best case scenario and I would advise to be closer to the exit to watch the fireworks. I also would never show up at MCO only 40 minutes prior to my flight - but I am the type of person that would rather be 2 hours early than 5 minutes late - and I have TSA precheck. But I know everyone is different when it comes to that type of thing

As for food options, when I went solo I did a lot of lounges and bars - lots of the bartenders have fun stories to share and no ADR needed and often have full menus (or at least plenty of food options).

For quick service, remember to mobile order as much as you can

For some rides, try going clos to park closing - even things like the Millenium Falcon ride are seeing short waits (~20 mins) near park closing)

 

[Heather07438]

1. As a solo traveler, how are my chances for getting 4+ FPs for good rides like SDD, FoP, 7DMT, Everest, DINOSAUR, Safaris, FEA etc. if I use refresh during a really busy weekend?
Actually pretty good to at least get a few. You may not get all, but if you start 4th FP early in the day and refresh ALOT, these do pop up. Also check the days before to modify your FPs, people change park days and drop FPs (especially the day before). AND watch WDW park hours, if they expand hours to open 1hr earlier, a whole new window of coveted FPs will open for that hour.

https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=835236
^This board checks hard FPs every hour or so. Give it a look periodically as sometimes you can catch a good one this way.

2. Where do I catch an Uber from MK to go to MCO? If I want to watch HEA at 8PM, will I have time to Uber to MCO for my flight at 11PM?

Contemporary. We cut our last flight very close and were OK but we have TSA Pre-check which helps in case security is very backed up. One problem is exiting MK after the fireworks, it's mobbed and slow. Maybe consider watching the fireworks from outside MK and uber immediately after?

3. If I Rope Drop SDD at HS, can I reasonably make TSM with a low wait time right afterwards?
Sometimes it's not bad, it's just hard to say day to day. One day may be 20minute wait, the next 40mins.

4. Any recommendations for QS or TS restaurants for solo travelers?
This is a big question, lol. Let's get back to that later

5. I'm expecting all the stand by lines to be ridiculously long. Any recommendations for activities/shows that don't require a long wait while I try to get a 4th FP? For MK, I've got PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, Tree House, Tom Sawyer Island, Philharmagic, it's a small world. For AK, Up Bird Adventure, FoLK, Bug's Life, and Nemo. For Epcot, I guess I could wander around the Festival of the Arts to see things.

HS has many shows too- Indy, Beauty & B, Frozen Singalong, etc. Check out the separate paper showtimes guide in each park when you pick up your map. EP has many shows as well! And so many cool activities during Art Fest.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Will it really be that bad?
Suppose it takes 30 minutes to leave the park 8:20PM - 8:50PM
Then 30 minutes to walk to Contemporary 8:50PM -9:20PM
then 60 minutes to catch an uber and get to MCO: 9:20PM - 10:20PM

I would not be comfortable with that timeline, but I prefer a nice cushion at the airport, especially MCO.

 

[MamaBelle4]

There is absolutely no way I would leave things that tight. When you're traveling, plan for the worst case, not the best.

If there's an accident between the contemporary and MCO, what's your contingency plan? Even if the traffic hold up is only 30 minutes, you won't make it. Not a good plan in my opinion. If the HEA fireworks are that important to you, do them another night.

 

[Heather07438]

Will it really be that bad?
Suppose it takes 30 minutes to leave the park 8:20PM - 8:50PM
Then 30 minutes to walk to Contemporary 8:50PM -9:20PM
then 60 minutes to catch an uber and get to MCO: 9:20PM - 10:20PM

Most people don't like cutting it that close, especially if missing the flight will cause many cascading issues. 90+% chance maybe to make it but 10% chance of something going wrong is what people have a hard time with if they need to be at work tomorrow, pay extra for new flight, need a hotel that night, etc. Also keep in mind uber will be in very HIGH demand right after the fireworks.
It is doable, just risky.

 

[nkereina]

1. As a solo traveler, how are my chances for getting 4+ FPs for good rides like SDD, FoP, 7DMT, Everest, DINOSAUR, Safaris, FEA etc. if I use refresh during a really busy weekend?

As a party of two during a not-so-busy time of year, we had no luck getting a 4th FP+ for SDD or FOP. We ended up biting the bullet and waiting 60 minutes in the standby line for SDD. We managed to get a 4th FP for all other headliners.

4. Any recommendations for QS or TS restaurants for solo travelers?

One advantage of some TS restaurants is that it could be relatively easy to sit at the bar and in some places, you can order off the full menu from the bar. Particularly at Disney Springs. I'd use it as an opportunity to avoid ADRs.

Will it really be that bad?
Suppose it takes 30 minutes to leave the park 8:20PM - 8:50PM
Then 30 minutes to walk to Contemporary 8:50PM -9:20PM
then 60 minutes to catch an uber and get to MCO: 9:20PM - 10:20PM

Then 30 minutes to commute to MCO puts you at 10:50. You said your flight is at 11? You would miss it with this timeline. The airport is also very busy later in the evening with people wanting to take the last flight out, especially so over a holiday weekend like President's Day where its notably busier than usual. I do think it would probably take less time to walk to CR and catch an Uber, but it still would be a timeline I'd be nervous about. I'd want to be in the Uber by 8:30.

 

[Micca]

+1 on the cutting it too close at MCO. TSA at MCO can be a lengthy process, 40 minutes early is at least an hour too little. Also there's no way it takes 30 minutes to walk from MK to CR, even with a large throng of people I would think 15 minutes max. During most of the day it's maybe a 6 minute walk. Still I would totally do this trip, just set some reasonable expectations and have a blast.

 

[kylenne]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going Sat-Mon of President's Day Weekend and was wondering how bad the crowds will be. Would anyone be able to help me answer some questions?

1. As a solo traveler, how are my chances for getting 4+ FPs for good rides like SDD, FoP, 7DMT, Everest, DINOSAUR, Safaris, FEA etc. if I use refresh during a really busy weekend?
2. Where do I catch an Uber from MK to go to MCO? If I want to watch HEA at 8PM, will I have time to Uber to MCO for my flight at 11PM?
3. If I Rope Drop SDD at HS, can I reasonably make TSM with a low wait time right afterwards?
4. Any recommendations for QS or TS restaurants for solo travelers?
5. I'm expecting all the stand by lines to be ridiculously long. Any recommendations for activities/shows that don't require a long wait while I try to get a 4th FP? For MK, I've got PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, Tree House, Tom Sawyer Island, Philharmagic, it's a small world. For AK, Up Bird Adventure, FoLK, Bug's Life, and Nemo. For Epcot, I guess I could wander around the Festival of the Arts to see things.

I did this same trip over Veterans Day weekend last year, albeit Fri-Sun. Where you are staying will have a huge impact. I chose Beach Club specifically because I had walking proximity to 2 parks, which I found invaluable.

1. It can be done, but manage your expectations. I didn't attempt day of FOP because I actually managed to snag a FP at 60 days out, but I pulled Navi and Everest same day. Out of your list, Dinosaur is by far the easiest to score as 4+ FP day of, especially in the evenings. Don't forget that Everest has single rider, though sometimes there's not as much of a time savings over regular standby.

2. This is pure insanity. Even with Pre, security lines at MCO can get crazy over a holiday weekend. And if you do have Pre, keep in mind that you are not always able to use the line. HEA is cool but not worth missing your flight over.

3. I would strongly suggest doing TSM at park close, it's a walk on then.

4. I won't tell you not to eat TS if you have your heart set on it, but on a short weekend trip I find they take up too much time. Hit up lounges instead. You don't need ADRs and most of them share a kitchen with whatever restaurant they're attached to, so you can pretty much order off the full menu. Crew's Cup at YC is phenomenal as is Brown Derby Lounge at the Studios. Cali Grill will let you watch the fireworks on their reserved patio if you keep your receipt.

5. Use single rider where possible. The only one that's questionable is Rock n Roller Coaster. Star Tours also typically sees lower wait times a lot, that is one ride I don't mind doing in standby. But it's also an easy 4th FP.

 

[blobberhead]

Thank you for all the suggestions everyone! The reason I wanted to do Happily Ever After at 8PM, and then uber from Contemporary to MCO was because I figured it would be a great way to end the trip without having to worry about high wait times during this holiday weekend.

I see now that an earlier departure (Leave WDW with an Uber around 8PM?) is preferable. Does anyone have any suggestions for a magical way to end my trip? Maybe instead of HEA, I can just wander around Main Street or go on PeopleMover

 

[nkereina]

Thank you for all the suggestions everyone! The reason I wanted to do Happily Ever After at 8PM, and then uber from Contemporary to MCO was because I figured it would be a great way to end the trip without having to worry about high wait times during this holiday weekend.

I see now that an earlier departure (Leave WDW with an Uber around 8PM?) is preferable. Does anyone have any suggestions for a magical way to end my trip? Maybe instead of HEA, I can just wander around Main Street or go on PeopleMover

Will you be doing Resort Airline Check-In with your luggage in the morning? Will you not have any carry on bags you need to return to your resort for? Assuming not, I think leaving WDW in an Uber at 8pm is a good plan. DME pick-up is about 3 hours prior to your flight time, so that's a good benchmark to use.

As far as a magical way to end your trip, do you want to be in MK until you leave? Sometimes on our last day, a monorail crawl or browsing different resorts is fun for us while we kill time.

 

[blobberhead]

Will you be doing Resort Airline Check-In with your luggage in the morning? Will you not have any carry on bags you need to return to your resort for? Assuming not, I think leaving WDW in an Uber at 8pm is a good plan. DME pick-up is about 3 hours prior to your flight time, so that's a good benchmark to use.

As far as a magical way to end your trip, do you want to be in MK until you leave? Sometimes on our last day, a monorail crawl or browsing different resorts is fun for us while we kill time.

Unfortunately not. I'm going to be staying offsite

 

[Alesia]

Unfortunately not. I'm going to be staying offsite

So you need to stop by your hotel and pick up your bags?

 

[blobberhead]

So you need to stop by your hotel and pick up your bags?

That's correct - I'm at the Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center. Maybe leave at 7PM then?

 

[Alesia]

I

That's correct - I'm at the Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center. Maybe leave at 7PM then?

Would plan on being at the airport 2 hours before your flight. Security lines at MCO are no joke

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Thank you for all the suggestions everyone! The reason I wanted to do Happily Ever After at 8PM, and then uber from Contemporary to MCO was because I figured it would be a great way to end the trip without having to worry about high wait times during this holiday weekend.

I see now that an earlier departure (Leave WDW with an Uber around 8PM?) is preferable. Does anyone have any suggestions for a magical way to end my trip? Maybe instead of HEA, I can just wander around Main Street or go on PeopleMover

I manipulate my bus time to pick me up 2 1/2 hrs before my flights and still have too much time at the gate, but I like to walk up as boarding begins, ideally. Others would stress out.
Last trip was in Jan and I was solo. The bus came 2 1/2 hrs prior, made one more stop, crawled thru very heavy traffic to the airport, the precheck line was not open so I waited behind slow moving families who rarely fly, and I still had too much time at the gate. Lol.
IMO, leaving 3 hrs before is very conservative, but do what will stress you the least.

 

[nkereina]

That's correct - I'm at the Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center. Maybe leave at 7PM then?

Looks like your hotel is about a 20 minute drive from MK, but luckily on the way to the airport. About 15 minutes from the hotel to the airport. I would say leaving at 7pm is a good estimate - walk to CR, get an Uber (7:15), commute to hotel (7:45), wait for bags and grab another Uber (8:00), commute to airport (8:30). I'm estimating fairly conservatively, but I think it gives you enough of a buffer if something goes awry or if security lines are long, which I might expect. The airport will likely be busy with people leaving after the holiday weekend, but being a holiday and late on Monday, who knows if TSA will be staffed appropriately for it.

I manipulate my bus time to pick me up 2 1/2 hrs before my flights and still have too much time at the gate, but I like to walk up as boarding begins, ideally. Others would stress out.
Last trip was in Jan and I was solo. The bus came 2 1/2 hrs prior, made one more stop, crawled thru very heavy traffic to the airport, the precheck line was not open so I waited behind slow moving families who rarely fly, and I still had too much time at the gate. Lol.
IMO, leaving 3 hrs before is very conservative, but do what will stress you the least.

OP is taking presumably one of the last flights on a holiday after a busy holiday weekend. 2.5 hours is probably fine on an average day, but with the potential for the airport to be busier than typical, I'm not sure that's a risk I'd take.

 

[blobberhead]

Thanks again for the updated advice! I think I'm actually going to do the Villains After Hour Event on Friday 2/14, so I won't be at MK on Monday 2/17. I guess I'll hang out at Epcot to check out the Festival of the Arts. Do they have a dedicated Uber pick up location near by the entrance?