Just back from BCV - crowds unbelievable!

[KLR-wlv]

Hi,

We just got back from 5 days at BCV. Got in really late (2 am) on Thursday and was not given a handicapped room WE got a 1 br overlooking the pool. It had some wear and tear (quite a bit of rot around the shower - towel bar falling apart - rug snags) but otherwise good. The pool was still half closed but it was a bit chilly to swim until the last 2 days so it wasn't much of a problem. What I couldn't believe were the crowds. I have been over new year's, easter, and 4th of July and the crowds this weekend were worse than any other time. we waited 30 minutes in a huge line at 2:00 on saturday for a monorail over to ttc...the fastpass return line for Kilamanjaro safaris was all the way back to the entrance which I've never seen - and I think they should start doing Priority seatings for the fast food places! (Just kidding) - but it took over an hour to order receive and eat just plain old "fast" food. And that was everywhere - blizzard beach, MGM, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. It seemed like they were unprepared for the crowds. The BC store was pretty much out of everything Sunday (no milk - no cheese - told us to order milk from room service but at 8.99 a quart - we walked over to Boardwalk's store). It was like we were on an island and the delivery boat wasn't arriving for a few days - seems like if they run out, they should be able to get some things delivered. At Blizzard Beach at lunch time - waited 20 minutes in line at the hot dog stand only to get to the front and be told they were out of hot dog buns and it would be about 10 minutes to get them. Now I would think they know how many hot dog buns they need for lunch - and anyways - the lodge - which I then went and waited 30 minutes in line since we wanted french fries - was a 1 minute walk away and had buns so why someone couldn't sprint some over to the stand within a minute was a bit curious...I just didn't understand them running out of things and having such wait times for food unless they were just understaffed. Anyways - we always love going -and had a great time - but these were very abnormal wait times. If it continues - I will pack food to take with us rather than have a huge chunk of time taken out of our day every time we want what should be a quick bite.And getting into the parks with the finger scan thing was creating long lines - just about everyone had problems and the CM's were having to assist about every single person entering. It's good to see business booming -but it seems to be busting out the seams!

 

[igitur]

Wow....that is busy! We just returned Saturday night following a week stay at BCV. I didn't think the crowds were too bad but then that depended on where you were at any given time. On Friday, we decided to hit MK one last time because it had been crowded when we were there Tues. Friday it was REALLY crowded so we left and strolled through Epcot and it was very pleasant! AK on Thursday was doable as was MGM last Monday.

I'm thinking that last week was semi-crowded because I believe Michigan and Philly had their winter breaks but I know a lot of other states have school breaks this week.

I'm not one for huge crowds and I thought it was manageable. Don't think I would like it at Easter or in the summer. Now, we have a week scheduled at Thanksgiving but we arrive the Saturday before and depart the day after TK so I'm hoping it won't be too bad then either.

Deb

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

We just got back from a week at the World too. We were there from 2/13- 2/18 and that Friday was NUTS! We too were at the MK. Seems that it was cheer week the whole week and there were tons of cheerleaders. It wasn't bad as far as crowds go until Friday though. It was just as bad as Thanksgiving.

This is all the more reason we are going to be one of those evil parents that pull our DS out to go off peak. It isn't enjoyable IMO when you have to fight through crowds to get somewhere or to have a snack.

 

[lenshanem]

I thought it was busy earlier this month, too. Seems WDW ain't hurting too much these days. I almost think there are no longer slower times, seems like it all has blended in together.
We're going the week after Easter and I'm afraid we might be in for it. Hopefully, the weather will be good at least.

 

[igitur]

I"m with you on that! I'd rather go at an off time rather than put up with huge crowds. It seems like we were so stressed on Friday at MK with the kids and as soon as we got to Epcot, we all settled down and really enjoyed the day.

Our kids are still young so if we can pull them out of school without a problem, we'll do it.

Deb

 

[Beca]

I was in line to get last Dec. behind a BUNCH of AP holders, and the finger scan thing was not working very well. I was not happy, as all the other lines seemed to be moving 2-3 times faster. When I heard that the prometrics were going to ALL tickets, I thought "OMG...this is gonna take FOREVER to get in." I'm sorry to see that my fears were right!!! Let's hope WDW changes that policy, or improves their machines, one or the other!!!



Beca

 

[JimMIA]

We were there Feb 2-6, and we had the same alignment of stars that others mentioned -- cheerleaders, pre-Super Bowl visitors, etc.

Plus, February -- when the weather is nice and the crowds are less -- is when we Floridians like to go to WDW. Add beautiful weather on a weekend bringing out all the local area people, and you could have a day that is as busy as it gets. That's exactly what we faced on Friday and Saturday -- BIG crowds.

Fortunately, we did the character breakfast early - leave early thing, so it wasn't too bad. It was actually okay until later in the day. The one night we stayed (Friday) it was horrible, especially with all the construction and rides closed for renovation. We couldn't wait to get out that evening.

The finger-scan thingee wasn't working worth a darn -- anywhere we went, at any time. We were there six days and I don't think my wife ever did get a scan that worked. It's a busted system -- doesn't work, and would be too slow for Disney if it did work. They need to trash it and use something else. I have a nagging doubt about whether it is a real system anyway. I suspect it's just for show.

All that said, we can't wait to go back!

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Wow
seems like the month of February is one to avoid in wdw

 

[OneMoreTry]

Wow
seems like the month of February is one to avoid in wdw

Could it just be President's Day weekend? Or is it the whole month?

 

[JimMIA]

Wow
seems like the month of February is one to avoid in wdw

Not normally. Usually it's a great time to go, and it was fine during the week this year.

There were just a ton of football fans because of the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, and it got crazy on the weekend because a) it's always busier then anyway, and b) the locals all came out because of the beautiful weather.

The cheerleaders weren't a problem at all; they were just noticeable because they travel in packs of giggling 14 year olds. The groups we saw were very well-behaved and were having the times of their lives, so they added to the enjoyment rather than detracting from it.

The finger scanner, on the other hand...

 

[rigsby25]

We went 2/17 thru 2/20 and were surprised at the crowds because we anticipated much worse. Only after making reservations did we find out that 2/17 started peak season! On Thursday we checked into Old Key west and went to Epcot. On Friday we went to MGM and got right on Tower of Terror and Aerosmith and the Great Movie Ride. And then back to Epcot. Saturday we went first thing to MK and then Epcot in the evening. We got on everything we had planned to go on using the fast passes and planning our route. We went to Epcot every afternoon for dinner at San Angel with their delicious margaritas! I thought the crowds were much worse in November during MGM's soaps weekend and Epcot's food and wine festival.

 

[Cinderpals]

Hi!

We're going during the week before Easter. I've been there during the Food and Wine Festival and went to the MNSSHP on Oct 31st, stayed week before Christmas until the 28th and just went the end of Jan/Feb. We're going again with a newbie family on the Spring Break week before Easter. I've been told that the crowds should not be as large as the Christmas crowds, but I think that the weather will bring huge crowds! I warned the newbie family that this wasn't the best time to go, infact, my family just would be happy sitting/playing by the pool, going to the waterparks and visiting downtown Disney and Disney Quest.
What I didn't mind about going during Christmas was the MK park was opened until 12am, and they had two parades, two wishes, two fantasmics etc.... I think that this really helped with the crowds. We didn't feel like we had to stay at the parks all day. I also heard from a recent visitor over MLK weekend that it was busy!
I think that some of the private schools take a week off for Ski week or late winter break during this time. How fun! The kids are off from school today and tomorrow. It's snowing here! I want to go to WDW!!

 

[DVCajun]

I think it was probably because of the holiday weekend.

 

[wisbucky]

Oh no we leave in less than 12 hours and after reading this I am really worried about the crowds. We picked this time of year to go thinking that the crowds will be low. I know that MGM will be busier due to ESPN weekend but if all the parks are going to be crowded I will be so dissapointed.

 

[Psychodisney]

Presidents' week is historically one of the busiest weeks right behind Easter and Christmas. The rest of Feb shouldn't be too bad and most of March isn't as bad as Pres. week either. I got surprised one year that week too. However MK has late hours to make up for it. Hope you had fun anyway!

 

[Cinderpals]

I know what you mean! You'll be fine. I'm planning on going to the parks early, and leaving by 1pm. I'll try and take advantage of the late openings too. The weather will be so nice then. I wouldn't mind spending a whole day at the pool!

 

[KLR-wlv]

For those going soon - don't be worried - and we were able to do a lot with fast passes - it was more the wait for food, monorails, busses, getting into the park, running out of stuff that was surprising to me and my hope is that it isn't due to cost cuts. There was a considerable amount of construction which probably added to the lines. And I was there with my father who is the most impatient man in the world so after all my successful times going at busy times - I didn't expect this and it was probably exagerrated since he was there.

 

[buzz5985]

Presidents Week is a big week for school vacation. I'm from MA and we are on vacation. I believe most of New England is. And with all the snow we have received, with more on the way Monday - we have had it. Janis

 

[athenna]

Presidents Week is a big week for school vacation. I'm from MA and we are on vacation. I believe most of New England is. And with all the snow we have received, with more on the way Monday - we have had it. Janis

DITTO!

 

[disfountainofyouth]

We were there 2/5-2/12 and the crowds were heavy then too.
start of the trip was SuperBowl crowds, middle of the week was
all of us Mardi Gras escapees, and end of the week were masses
of cheerleaders moving like schools of fish.

Also noticed a lot more foreign travelers this trip-probably because
of the exchange rate!