I'm seeing a much busier fall season this year. Sigh.

[Rhonna]

We are planning to go the first week in November even knowing the drawbacks to off season. But it seems with Carsland and many new visitors this year all bets are off. The summer has reportedly NOT been as busy as expected while the fall is apparently booking up more than normal. I think the new visitors have decided to go when they believe it will be slower (based on info. from past years) and therefore the fall is booking up. The refurb to the DLH also seems to be doing its job and newbies (and some regulars) want to stay there, more than in past years.

I realize to regulars the (relatively) "higher numbers" for fall/winter is not surprising nor a big deal. Nor is it hard for a regular to know how to deal with larger crowds. But for first timers who think they will be avoiding the crowds altogether by going in the fall, I think they may be surprised. Especially those accustomed to WDW's large, spacious parks when they don't know that DL is VERY compact. A lot of attractions in a much smaller space can feel much more crowded. And of course the off season hours make it harder to get things done when more people attend. If people book a vacation reading about EE if you stay onsite and IF DL does not continue this perk (I realize they might) there will be a segment of people who booked for fall that will think they are getting that perk and will be upset if it is not continued. The fall season feels is a bit up in the air this year.

On this board I see a lot more newbies/first time visitors booking fall months. I've seen posts discussing Sept. being booked up at the DL hotels on some dates. And November is becoming more popular than past years. In addition, the AP rates (we were planning the first week of Nov. typically very slow time) does not have standard rooms available for all days the first two weeks of Nov. Which tells us the rooms are booking up even without any discounts that we might normally see that time of year. The first two weeks of Nov. is booking up but the are still rooms for the last two weeks of Nov. which is normally busier with holiday decor. The opposite of what we would expect.

In May when we went (before Carsland) it was so low at DLH, even with a large convention there that they were at very low occupancy. Now the occupancy seems to be quite high for the normally slower fall times.

Just an observation that new visitors may want to be mentally prepared for the fact that it does not seem to be shaping up for a normally slow fall as it was in the past. I wonder how many will expect F! and/or fireworks, Aladdin, WOC, all the nighttime shows to be running and will be upset that their first time out to DL is not what they expected. Especially those who do not find these boards and/or do not do enough reading to be informed.

I think we may have to pay full room rates since no AP or public discounts are coming out. And I am trying to prepare myself for dealing with more people than normal. And people upset (new visitors) because of ride closures and lack of entertainment when they expect a fully functioning, low crowd vacation. Sigh.

 

[MrsMears]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I know many people, myself included, really look forward to the magic of Disneyland. For me, I think I'm at the point now where I am 'depending' on our next trip to help my mental state as I have had some serious crises over this past two weeks. That being said, hopefully guests don't spend too much time anticipating being disappointed or the trip being anything less than perfect. Disneyland can be a truly wonderful experience, regardless of the crowd size.

 

[laura&fam]

We typically go the first of November and I am expecting much larger crowds mid October this year. I think it's a combination of lots of things but it definitely is looking much busier. We tried to change our hotel reservation 2 weeks ago and couldn't. Our hotel was booked full and everything else was super expensive. So now we have a big suite and less people going. At least our hotel room won't feel crowded!

 

[DLR29]

We are planning to go the first week in November even knowing the drawbacks to off season. But it seems with Carsland and many new visitors this year all bets are off. The summer has reportedly NOT been as busy as expected while the fall is apparently booking up more than normal. I think the new visitors have decided to go when they believe it will be slower (based on info. from past years) and therefore the fall is booking up. The refurb to the DLH also seems to be doing its job and newbies (and some regulars) want to stay there, more than in past years.

I realize to regulars the (relatively) "higher numbers" for fall/winter is not surprising nor a big deal. Nor is it hard for a regular to know how to deal with larger crowds. But for first timers who think they will be avoiding the crowds altogether by going in the fall, I think they may be surprised. Especially those accustomed to WDW's large, spacious parks when they don't know that DL is VERY compact. A lot of attractions in a much smaller space can feel much more crowded. And of course the off season hours make it harder to get things done when more people attend. If people book a vacation reading about EE if you stay onsite and IF DL does not continue this perk (I realize they might) there will be a segment of people who booked for fall that will think they are getting that perk and will be upset if it is not continued. The fall season feels is a bit up in the air this year.

On this board I see a lot more newbies/first time visitors booking fall months. I've seen posts discussing Sept. being booked up at the DL hotels on some dates. And November is becoming more popular than past years. In addition, the AP rates (we were planning the first week of Nov. typically very slow time) does not have standard rooms available for all days the first two weeks of Nov. Which tells us the rooms are booking up even without any discounts that we might normally see that time of year. The first two weeks of Nov. is booking up but the are still rooms for the last two weeks of Nov. which is normally busier with holiday decor. The opposite of what we would expect.

In May when we went (before Carsland) it was so low at DLH, even with a large convention there that they were at very low occupancy. Now the occupancy seems to be quite high for the normally slower fall times.

Just an observation that new visitors may want to be mentally prepared for the fact that it does not seem to be shaping up for a normally slow fall as it was in the past. I wonder how many will expect F! and/or fireworks, Aladdin, WOC, all the nighttime shows to be running and will be upset that their first time out to DL is not what they expected. Especially those who do not find these boards and/or do not do enough reading to be informed.

I think we may have to pay full room rates since no AP or public discounts are coming out. And I am trying to prepare myself for dealing with more people than normal. And people upset (new visitors) because of ride closures and lack of entertainment when they expect a fully functioning, low crowd vacation. Sigh.

While this fall may be a little more crowded than normal because of Cars Land, nobody knows for sure how it will impact the feel of the resort.

First, Extra Magic Hour for onsite guests has been continued past 9/29 (Source: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/calendar/early-admission/). It just won't be at both parks every day like this summer. While everything like this is always "subject to change", onsite hotels have unofficially been providing this service for years now, and it would be HIGHLY unlikely for them to just stop it, especially because now it's an official perk AND they've already said that there will be EMH in the fall.

Disneyland, in general, is getting more crowded. Even if you think back to 5 years ago, October was a very low crowded month. Over the past few years, the Halloweentime has really spiked those crowds. This trend isn't specific to this year. 3 years ago if people booked an October trip based on historical crowds, they might have been disappointed too. They probably found out how to have a fun time regardless.

The complaint about the entertainment not being offered as frequently is also not something shockingly new. It happens every offseason. I'm sure there are people who don't know about the entertainment/refurbs...I don't think that this year will have any fewer or more of these people.

I would try and enter into your trip with a more magical outlook instead of worrying about the POSSIBILITY of higher crowds and upset guests...

 

[Rhonna]

While this fall may be a little more crowded than normal because of Cars Land, nobody knows for sure how it will impact the feel of the resort.

First, Extra Magic Hour for onsite guests has been continued past 9/29 (Source: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/calendar/early-admission/). It just won't be at both parks every day like this summer. While everything like this is always "subject to change", onsite hotels have unofficially been providing this service for years now, and it would be HIGHLY unlikely for them to just stop it, especially because now it's an official perk AND they've already said that there will be EMH in the fall.

Disneyland, in general, is getting more crowded. Even if you think back to 5 years ago, October was a very low crowded month. Over the past few years, the Halloweentime has really spiked those crowds. This trend isn't specific to this year. 3 years ago if people booked an October trip based on historical crowds, they might have been disappointed too. They probably found out how to have a fun time regardless.

The complaint about the entertainment not being offered as frequently is also not something shockingly new. It happens every offseason. I'm sure there are people who don't know about the entertainment/refurbs...I don't think that this year will have any fewer or more of these people.

I would try and enter into your trip with a more magical outlook instead of worrying about the POSSIBILITY of higher crowds and upset guests...

I don't know how to insert my comments between yours but here's my take.

What I see is many more first time visitors - especially those accustomed to WDW - planning on visiting DL this fall.

Yes, EE is always offered but I was referring to the fact that the ads are highly promoting the "every" day EE into both parks and I think there will be may newbies who book that and believe it will continue into fall or the entire first year of Carsland.

I agree we've seen October get busier each year with Halloween and good weather. But I mentioned Sept. and Nov. this year being more popular - which they have not been in past years.

And yes, the lower entertainment offered is not new to us on these boards but it will be to many 1st time visitors.

I think it would be interesting if there was a way for Disney to do an official report to show exactly how many NEW visitors came this year because of Carsland. So many WDW people ARE choosing this year and this fall for many reasons. I see this fall being very different from prior years and that was the point of my original post.

The way things are playing out this year with CL, I almost am wishing we had planned for a summer trip but at this point we can't change.

I will continue checking the updates here regularly - especially as our trip approaches - so I have some good plan in place to enjoy Carsland. We went in May before Carsland opened so we could do a lot at DL before the crowds came. This second trip in Nov. is mostly to see the new areas CL and BVS and our old favorites. So we aren't completely unprepared or negative. Just trying to reset my mind that we WILL be dealing with more people and a lot more uniformed visitors than normal. And I hoped my post would alert some newbies to do their planning carefully and not assume Nov. is going to be a breeze.

I was concerned and hoping for an AP discount but so far it isn't looking good so we will have to deal with that too. We are looking forward to BVS, CL, Carthay Circle and Flo's. We aren't in bad shape at all compared to newbies because we already saw a lot in May.

Everyone though CL would bring in HUGE crowds this summer but it seems the opposite has happened. I see posts on here of first timers mentioning they are planning on Sept. or early Nov. specifically because they have read the crowd levels of past years and are assuming the summer will be horrid and the fall will be super easy. I hope they are prepared if that does not happen just the way they plan.

 

[Rhonna]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I know many people, myself included, really look forward to the magic of Disneyland. For me, I think I'm at the point now where I am 'depending' on our next trip to help my mental state as I have had some serious crises over this past two weeks. That being said, hopefully guests don't spend too much time anticipating being disappointed or the trip being anything less than perfect. Disneyland can be a truly wonderful experience, regardless of the crowd size.

I am resetting my mind but also hoped to alert newbies to not think (from reports of past years) that it will be a walk in the park (no pun intended). I am sorry you are dealing with crises - we hadn't been to DL for 4 1/2 years because of extremely difficult circumstances. So we definitely appreciate being able to go once again. Hope you are able to visit and enjoy yourself.

 

[Rhonna]

Maybe I shouldn't have put the "Sigh" in my title since it's coming across too negatively but now I don't remember how to change that.

 

[laura&fam]

I am resetting my mind but also hoped to alert newbies to not think (from reports of past years) that it will be a walk in the park (no pun intended). I am sorry you are dealing with crises - we hadn't been to DL for 4 1/2 years because of extremely difficult circumstances. So we definitely appreciate being able to go once again. Hope you are able to visit and enjoy yourself.

I am trying to reset my mind also. I have a very big personal space bubble and don't like people in it Trying to keep my kids happy in line on top of the crowds is going to be very hard for me so I'm trying to mentally prep myself for doing less or at least different things than what I will have to wait for a long time for. We may not ride all the popular rides a dozen times, but we will be able to see WOC that we haven't ever seen and trick or treat and some other fun things.

 

[Rhonna]

I am trying to reset my mind also. I have a very big personal space bubble and don't like people in it Trying to keep my kids happy in line on top of the crowds is going to be very hard for me so I'm trying to mentally prep myself for doing less or at least different things than what I will have to wait for a long time for. We may not ride all the popular rides a dozen times, but we will be able to see WOC that we haven't ever seen and trick or treat and some other fun things.

That's where we are at mentally too. I'm glad someone understands where I'm coming from. Although we hoped it would be a little better in early Nov. I am seeing I need to rethink how it will be. Hope you have a great time!

 

[cari12]

Hotels appear to be booking up but I have read a lot of threads where people have 2 hotels booked and haven't decided yet so I believe more rooms will open up as people make their final decision.
Also, those of us on Dis have the benefit of the Dis knowledge to do things in the right order to avoid line ups as much as possible so the trip will still be magical.
Question: if they expect the parks to be busier, is there a chance that more of the entertainment will run through the fall, or is it pretty much guaranteed to be reduced?

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

I think, sometimes we see the world through "Disboard colored glasses." I think the percentage of people reading these message boards, in comparison to actual visitors, is small. Of course the well-informed Disboard members are going to select months when things tend to be less busy.

Why are summer crowds down? I have a couple of ideas. First, the heat has been out of control for most of the country, and who wants to visit the parks when you're in danger of getting heat stroke? This heat will likely follow us well into October. My last visit was in mid October 2008, and it was 102 degrees my first day in the parks. Gross.

More importantly, despite what the news, and the higher pricing at the DLR, the economy is still suffering. And it will continue to suffer until we stop sending jobs overseas.

My point with that last paragraph is, things are not going to get better economy-wise simply because it's fall. Which means less visitors overall. That's just how it is. No one has a crystal ball, a magic miorror, or a time machine to tell us exactly what the crowds will be like this fall. If news reports are accurate, right now SHOULD be a busy time with all the hotels being booked in record highs. Yet, despite that, crowd reports are low.

Me? I know I'll have a great time no matter what when I go in 3 weeks. While I'm hoping it will be less busy due to the time of year I'm going, I do have a plan in place to assist me in case it is not. If that means I'm walking onto rides and I didn't need a plan, then hey, that's ok, at least *I* was prepared, where as a non Dis-boarder may not be. All I'm saying is, don't go into it with a bad attitude, or else you will most certainly have an average, or even bad vacation. Try and keep a positive attitude, look on the bright side, and PLAN AHEAD, and you'll have a great time.

 

[AddictedtoDoleWhip]

Hotels appear to be booking up but I have read a lot of threads where people have 2 hotels booked and haven't decided yet so I believe more rooms will open up as people make their final decision.
Also, those of us on Dis have the benefit of the Dis knowledge to do things in the right order to avoid line ups as much as possible so the trip will still be magical.
Question: if they expect the parks to be busier, is there a chance that more of the entertainment will run through the fall, or is it pretty much guaranteed to be reduced?

I'm pretty sure it's going to be reduced, regardless of how many people are there at the park.

 

[laura&fam]

I'm pretty sure it's going to be reduced, regardless of how many people are there at the park.

That really threw me for a loop when I started planning my October trip. I was expecting fireworks and F! on weekends only and then I found out about the Halloween party and the park closing early on Friday. Thank you Dis or I would have really planned wrong!

 

[longhorns2]

Hotels appear to be booking up but I have read a lot of threads where people have 2 hotels booked and haven't decided yet so I believe more rooms will open up as people make their final decision.
Also, those of us on Dis have the benefit of the Dis knowledge to do things in the right order to avoid line ups as much as possible so the trip will still be magical.
Question: if they expect the parks to be busier, is there a chance that more of the entertainment will run through the fall, or is it pretty much guaranteed to be reduced?

I was wondering the same thing. From WDW experience, they do add shows or extend hours as the crowd level projects upward around events or holidays. I have seen the calendar change up to a couple months out depending on what's going on (add in Fantasmic shows or open MK earlier for example)

I would hope DL will do the same with what does sound like a more brisk fall season.

 

[sheetz]

Why are summer crowds down?

From what I've heard DLR's attendance has been up quite a bit this summer but it doesn't seem like it because the crowds are balanced between the 2 parks, whereas before they were overwhelmingly concentrated in DL. DL's numbers have actually slipped but DCA's numbers are way up.

 

[ArchOwl]

I don't know, I think your premise may be wrong. It isn't that crowds haven't been descending on the DLR, they have been! Disney is very, very happy with the numbers they are getting. It is more that the resort is way, way more balanced in how it receives and handles crowds.

In the past, the resort was wayyyyy too lopsided. Everyone was going to DL and DCA was much less popular. Now, DCA is finally pulling its own weight. That means that the crowds everywhere are actually better. I was there in late July/early August and you could actually navigate through Tomorrowland and Adventureland. It was very nice. Carsland was tight, but it is new, so I expect that. And it wasn't unbearable. There were places to sit down and relax. BVS and Carsland have made a huge difference in how DCA feels and in the crowd patterns.

I think this fall may see a trend upwards in attendance, but I think you may be pleasantly surprised in how the resort feels. In my mind, the crowds can't get any worse than summer, right? Kids are in school, people go back to work, etc. It will be less crowded. I don't know how much crowds will go down, but they will.

 

[TheZue]

I'm sure I can't be the only one who planned on the late side incase Carsland opened later than anticipated. We picked our dates roughly last year and fall was 100% safe in my mind. I'm sure that's adding to the fall hotel bookings.

 

[Blue32]

From what I've heard DLR's attendance has been up quite a bit this summer but it doesn't seem like it because the crowds are balanced between the 2 parks, whereas before they were overwhelmingly concentrated in DL. DL's numbers have actually slipped but DCA's numbers are way up.

THIS!

I still think if the crowds are thicker this fall than usual it is because of the new offerings at DCA. And I think that the crowds will balance out with so many planning trips to see Carsland.

 

[Rhonna]

I don't know, I think your premise may be wrong. It isn't that crowds haven't been descending on the DLR, they have been! Disney is very, very happy with the numbers they are getting. It is more that the resort is way, way more balanced in how it receives and handles crowds.

In the past, the resort was wayyyyy too lopsided. Everyone was going to DL and DCA was much less popular. Now, DCA is finally pulling its own weight. That means that the crowds everywhere are actually better. I was there in late July/early August and you could actually navigate through Tomorrowland and Adventureland. It was very nice. Carsland was tight, but it is new, so I expect that. And it wasn't unbearable. There were places to sit down and relax. BVS and Carsland have made a huge difference in how DCA feels and in the crowd patterns.

I think this fall may see a trend upwards in attendance, but I think you may be pleasantly surprised in how the resort feels. In my mind, the crowds can't get any worse than summer, right? Kids are in school, people go back to work, etc. It will be less crowded. I don't know how much crowds will go down, but they will.

That would be really nice if the new flow is noticeable to us. And it would be great if DL was not so crowded too. I LOVE BVS from the photos and info. I've seen online. When we went in May it was more crowded than we expected and the walls up in DCA made it really inconvenient to get around. Maybe even with higher than average visitors in November it will still "feel" manageable for us. I am going to do my best to get a good strategy for CL as it gets closer to our trip. I'm anxious to hear how things may or may not change from summer to fall season for CL. I'll try to look at it from your perspective.

 

[Rhonna]

I'm sure I can't be the only one who planned on the late side incase Carsland opened later than anticipated. We picked our dates roughly last year and fall was 100% safe in my mind. I'm sure that's adding to the fall hotel bookings.

I hadn't thought of that angle but I'm sure you're right. In addition to the other reasons some people are picking fall instead of summer.