Hello...hope some of this info helps...
What did you think of the crowds.....really?
because we were there 5 years ago at the same time of the year, we prepared ourselves for crowds! they were pretty busy...but because we went there with the mindset of expecting them, it was more toloarable. we defintely too advantage of getting to parks early, using FP and doing what we wanted to do and getting out for an afternoon break at the resort. this made a big difference with the kids, crowds and heat.
Did you do any EMH? Morning or night?
yes, we tried to do morning EMH at MK (got there later than wanted, 8:30) but still good. I hit up the Fantasyland rides with my youngest while the older kids and dad did the bigger and popular rides. they'd get a FP, then stand in line to go on...and by the time they came off, they could ride again with their FP.
Morning EMH at MGM was great...used the same strategy...took youngest daughter to some of the morning shows, saw characters, while older ones did the bigger rides and got FP for later
Morning EMH at Epcot was the best...and we went on July 4! it is defintely the best place to handle crowds. we headed straight for Soarin (GREAT RIDE) and then to Test Track (only 15 min wait) and then got FP for test track after getting off, for later
missed out on Morning EMH at AK - decided to sleep in
Night EMH at MK - was very crowded. we got there at 10:00pm, just in time to see Wishes and then watch Spectromagic at 11:00pm - while bigger kids did the Space Mtn...which was very busy....however, Toontown was great for me and the little one. Guess most little ones couldn't make it that late. Crowds didn't thin out until around 12:30...we stayed until 1:45pm and got on Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain with only a 10min wait at 1:00pm.
DId you have the hopper option?
yes...defintely! I wouldn't consider not having it. sometimes your plan changes due to crowds and weather...or just your mood to see something different after your afternoon break at the resort so it's nice to have that option with the hopper - to go to another park later
and planning for our next visit in 2 years!
