June

[bocaj1431]

After reading the many threads speaking about lines having longer than normal wait times due to the new FP+ system, I started to get nervous for our upcoming trip in June. Typically we travel to DW in Sept, when lines are manageable.

After reading some threads about planning, I felt better knowing that we will use rope drop and follow some of the tips others have posted. However, when I just read the thread stating that HM is over 75 min wait at DW this week, I was shocked. I have never traveled during the holidays and busier times of year so maybe that is why I am shocked. I would never wait in line that long for any ride.

My questions are

Is this due to FP+, or are holidays always like that?

Does June typically have 75min + on wait times for rides?

If we use rope drop for the morning and FP+ for the eve, is it possible to manage to have waits less than 30 min?

Are the lines with FP+ true to the description of once arriving waits will be roughly no more than 15 - 20 min. or are the FP+ lines also having waits over 60 min?

 

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

First of all.... that thread got wayyy out of line very very fast.
I have been a frequent end of may traveler. And once our trip went through to June 3. We didn't really notice any crazy crowds until June 1.... basically as soon as school let's out.
Chances are it'll be busier than you're used to but manageable.
Yes it is much busier during spring break and the waits are gonna happen. A couple of things to keep in mind.....
1. The fantasy land expansion was designed to increase the park capacity by 40000 people. So obviously - more people, longer lines. I think that this is why the parks feel so busy....people forget that.
2. RD is more crucial now for families with certain expecations. I would utilize it as much as possible.
3. After 2 FP+ trips I have learned that the key is some planning...... it doesn't have to be mapped out minute by minute, but in some way. We plan around our dining needs. I find that it's the best way to go.
4. While it may seem scary based on what people post on on the boards, it's really not that bad. The overall response has been pretty good. You need to have an open mind and just go with the flow. Nothing will ruin a wonderful family vacation faster than someone not willing to accept the way things are.
5. Select FP based on your top 3 must Dos per park and do the sb lines and as much of the rest you can at rd.

All in all, just be smart about your choices..... that includes everything from restaurants to FP selections to character greets.
It'll be busier, but totally doable. Just have fun. Be positive. And spread the Disney love all around you.
Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Kristina4109]

Thanks for the reassurances - this is by far not my first trip to WDW, but it'll be my first PEAK season trip since (gulp) 1976 so I almost feel like I'm starting over. Wait a minute. FP+. I AM starting over.

 

[bocaj1431]

First of all.... that thread got wayyy out of line very very fast.
I have been a frequent end of may traveler. And once our trip went through to June 3. We didn't really notice any crazy crowds until June 1.... basically as soon as school let's out.
Chances are it'll be busier than you're used to but manageable.
Yes it is much busier during spring break and the waits are gonna happen. A couple of things to keep in mind.....
1. The fantasy land expansion was designed to increase the park capacity by 40000 people. So obviously - more people, longer lines. I think that this is why the parks feel so busy....people forget that.
2. RD is more crucial now for families with certain expecations. I would utilize it as much as possible.
3. After 2 FP+ trips I have learned that the key is some planning...... it doesn't have to be mapped out minute by minute, but in some way. We plan around our dining needs. I find that it's the best way to go.
4. While it may seem scary based on what people post on on the boards, it's really not that bad. The overall response has been pretty good. You need to have an open mind and just go with the flow. Nothing will ruin a wonderful family vacation faster than someone not willing to accept the way things are.
5. Select FP based on your top 3 must Dos per park and do the sb lines and as much of the rest you can at rd.

All in all, just be smart about your choices..... that includes everything from restaurants to FP selections to character greets.
It'll be busier, but totally doable. Just have fun. Be positive. And spread the Disney love all around you.
Enjoy your trip!!!

Thank you for the information and reassurances. I feel better after reading the advice you offered. I am just going to be prepared and have a positive attitude.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thank you for the information and reassurances. I feel better after reading the advice you offered. I am just going to be prepared and have a positive attitude.

I think if you keep your expectations realistic you will be fine. We are in a similar position going in June/July this year, having been the last few years in September and October. We did used to do Easter and Spring Break so I'm using that as a point of reference in my mind in terms of crowds, but really, we are all pretty much in the same boat here because changes are ongoing and there have been so many, for many of us it feels like the first trip! I half jokingly commented recently that I felt more prepared for our first visit to WDW than I do for this one and we go every year. Fun times!

Nice thing about the summer is the extended hours which means you can still pack in the same number of hours in the parks in a day as you used to, but you are able to factor in a decent length break during the day if you want to. I think that was something I struggled with most when we switched to the off season in 2010. It was quite hard to put a break in the day because you had just got comfortable at the pool and had to think about a shower and rushing out to the evening park.

The option of two parades every night is also a plus as it gives you choices