is off peak the new peak

[Mflaherty]

Similar experience here. We were there May 8 through the 12th, and with the exception of MK on Saturday afternoon/evening, the crowds were not bad at all. We had FP+ for most of our rides, but there were more than a few times where the standby line was shorter than where the FP+ line merged with the standby line. The only big waits we saw were 60 minutes for Toy Story shortly after DHS opened and a 3+ hour wait to see Anna and Elsa. Everything else was listed at about half an hour or less and usually was 50% shorter than the posted wait time. It wasn't as dead as it was when we went at the end of last August, but it was a lot better than the early summer that we used to do. We did tend to avoid the parks between 1-4 for naps, so we probably missed some of the crowd there. The only time it really felt packed was leaving the MK after Wishes was done that Saturday night.

I noticed you mentioned the crowds were dead at the end of August. Was thinking of taking a trip the last mon-fri of August this year. Are the crowds really that light then? That would be great

 

[Minniesgal]

I noticed you mentioned the crowds were dead at the end of August. Was thinking of taking a trip the last mon-fri of August this year. Are the crowds really that light then? That would be great

The crowds are lighter than the peak of summer but certainly not dead

 

[Sandisw]

So the last two weeks of August are slow that is my next target.

I have traveled then and then are less busy than the rest of summer...but, I would not call them less crowded times in terms of what you may be thinking of.

Once the southern schools are back, you can tell a difference, but some of the more popular rides still have 20 to 30 minute waits. Not earth shattering, but definitely not walk on either.

And, as mentioned, DVC busy times and park times do not necessarily correspond as the fall and into January are very busy DVC times but moderate to low in terms of park attendance overall.

But, I agree, that the attendance in general throughout the year is getting more and more stable. I can't tell you how many families of my students were gone over the past few weeks to Disney vs. going during our April break.

 

[dwight16]

Yes we waited until May instead of April break to take my family. All told 3 kids out of school. Now I think free dining will ruin September for who ever plans on going to miss crowds. Finding that perfect week might be all but impossible now!

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Low points for DVC are like free dining for DVC members

I think they are essentially trying to spread the crowds out all year. And I suspect they'll figure out how, too.

 

[Cee]

Strange, we were there from May 11 to the 14th and found no problems with the crowds. Most rides we were on in 10 minutes.

We were also there May 10-17th and had no problem with crowds either. But we're "old" and only visit the parks to visit fav attractions and get the he!! out!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[dizfan]

One thing to keep in mind is Disney is a business and they will continue to try to improve attendance during slower periods.

F&G, SWW, F&W, MNSSHP, MVMCP, marathons, etc are all designed to draw more people to the parks during slower periods. The more hotel rooms they can book with fewer discounts, the better the profits for shareholders.

Harambe Nights is an attempt to draw people to AK at night and increase revenue.

There are reports of a Villains hard ticket event on Aug 23. (Last year's Friday 13th event was so popular it caused traffic nightmares all over WDW.) This year, they make money having the event. I wouldn't be surprised if they expanded it to more nights into September in an effort to reduce/eliminate free dining.