Just back 7/13 to 7/20

[alien]

Had a great time!
Have gone in July for 3 years now and this year was the most crowded. A lot of newcomers who were always looking at maps. We had one family behind us that we overheard at MGM and gave them advice about touring. Told them about Fastpass and the mother said "I already paid for these tickets, how much are the Fastpass?" When I explained the system, she said "If only I had known this when we went to Animal Kingdom yesterday!".
Epcot was the only park not over crowded except for TT. No Mission Space rides first time we were there, but it was open for preview our second time. (Hubby rode, 15 YO DD and I chickened out after boarding the capsule!)
Never before this trip had to wait for IASW or TTA. Even COP had quite a few people attending. Tomorrow land was mobbed.
Most major rides that had 2 tracks, etc. had them both running, such as POC, SM, BTMR, etc.
Saw large tour groups but no chanting, singing, or cutting in line. It was HOT!
Missed one E-ticket night for SEVERE thunder and lightening storm that lasted from 6 pm to midnight. (They didn't close the park but did refund our money for e-tickets.)
We're not commando tourists by any means but we like to walk at a reasonable pace and ran into quite a few people who were just strolling or stopping or zig-zagging SLOWLY.
Worse part was leaving MK at closing time. We were staying at Polynesian and almost found it impossible to get back. Both monorail lines were packed as were the boat lines. Ended up walking to Contemporary and then getting on the resort monorail. Never again will we close a park!
If any questions, I'd be happy to answer.
Cindy

 

[meeko_33785]

Were the crowds really that bad? When did you see the lines for TTA and Small World? I'll be at WDW soon and only plan on spending mornings at MK. Is it this crowded then or more in the afternoons? And also, did you use FastPass. I know I've usually used it and it's worked great. How long are the periods between when you get the FastPasses and when they tell you to return on most attractions this time of year? Thanks.

 

[alien]

If you go to MK first thing in the morning and head to Fantasyland, then you should be okay. We did EE once and got on Peter Pan and Dumbo with only a short wait. The lines for IASW and TTA would more in the afternoon and evening. We definitely used Fastpass for the rides we really wanted to do. It depended on the ride as to what the return time would be but it seemed to be anywhere from one to two hours. It may have been longer for TOT and RRC. No need for Fastpass at Haunted Mansion. Almost always a walk-on.
Cindy