Just Back: June 7 - 12 MK, EPCOT and HS

[100AcreWood]

I love a good "just back" report so here's mine.

CROWDS
The first two days weren't bad. Days 3, 4 and 5 we saw an increase in crowds each day. The worst experience we had with crowds was Saturday at the MK. We waited until 20 minutes before the fireworks to find a spot (that was our fault). We were fine settling with the outskirts but the massive amount of people crammed into the space in front of the castle was intimidating. We were pushed and shoved by people trying to make their way to the center. When the fireworks ended, we were pushed and shoved trying to get out.

WEATHER
We had rain the afternoon of days 1 and 2. We had great weather on the last three park days. The heat was bad which we expected. We did a much better job of staying hydrated and I noticed the quick service restaurants were more prepared with cups of ice water waiting.

PIN TRADING
The pin trading was good this year. My kids especially enjoyed the pin "box" at the Pin Traders in Disney Springs. I enjoyed the fun conversations with Cast Members.

HS and FP+
We managed to get an additional FP for RnR and ToT. We stayed for the SW Fireworks and were very disappointed about the obstructed view. The party goers were in the perfect center (smart move for Disney). The rest of us were on the sides or looking over this weird stage that was used for an earlier show. The projections went in and out during the show so that was unfortunate. I would have been upset if I had paid for the party and the show wasn't working properly.

EPCOT and FP+
I think we managed to get 3-4 additional FPs including the Frozen ride. We skipped Illuminations because we have seen it so many times. On the way out we noticed Joy and Sadness did not have a line so we took the opportunity for my 11 year old to see Joy. She was great but Sadness was amazing. She came out and took my daughter by the hand and used the other hand to touch the blue "orbs" on the wall. She really stayed in character during the whole experience!

MK and FP+
Our MK days were really crowded. I managed to get additional FPs but definitely none of the headliners.
I don't think Splash or 7DMT went below 90 minutes the whole day. They were also down a lot both days we were there. At one point 7DMT was 230 minutes. I was planning to skip the fireworks on our second day based on the crowds and not wanting to be packed in again. The CMs did a nice job creating a pathway to the exit that landed us near Tony's Town Square. Once there, we realized this was the perfect spot to see the fireworks so we stayed. It was a great spot. Much better than the one near the castle.

Overall, a very good trip. Disney is amazing but the crowds are getting insane. I think we'll try a different vacation next year.

 

[gumbo1009]

The CMs did a nice job creating a pathway to the exit that landed us near Tony's Town Square. Once there, we realized this was the perfect spot to see the fireworks so we stayed. It was a great spot. Much better than the one near the castle.

I'm assuming this spot was good for the fireworks, but not the projections? (Have never seen HEA and will be heading to Disney in August...)

 

[100AcreWood]

I'm assuming this spot was good for the fireworks, but not the projections? (Have never seen HEA and will be heading to Disney in August...)

Actually we thought it was good for both! We were pleasantly surprised. We saw HEA last year. For the first time, I think it would be worth getting closer to get a better view of the projections.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Thanks! I also enjoy a good "just back" post.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Sounds like a great trip. Welcome home!

 

[mamamelody2]

Ooh, please tell me more about this "pin box" at Pin Traders!

It sounds like you had a great trip!! I always enjoy the "just back" posts.

 

[MDIME]

As others have said, I too enjoy the “just back” posts. Yours was well-written, thank you for sharing!

 

[jimim]

R u guys early park or stay all day family. Just wondering if he morning were as busy as midday which u would expect. Great summary!

 

[sharonabe]

The rest of us were on the sides or looking over this weird stage that was used for an earlier show.

They usually remove this weird stage before SWS, but there have been other reports lately that they aren't moving it. Don't know if it's broken, a shortage of CMs to move it, or it's just the new norm.

 

[GillianP1301]

Great info, thanks! I never watch fireworks or projection show from the hub (unless in a dessert party situation) because it's madness. Where you ended up closer to the exit/train station is a spot that I find to be pretty good as well and significantly less crowded. It also makes for a jump on the exit when it ends, which is a bonus.

 

[vicb]

They usually remove this weird stage before SWS, but there have been other reports lately that they aren't moving it. Don't know if it's broken, a shortage of CMs to move it, or it's just the new norm.

I agree that's strange... when were were there on May 4th we were scoping out where to return for fireworks viewing and spoke to a CM who told us not to worry because they always move that stage away... it is on wheels. That would definitely block your view.

 

[maryj11]

Oh you make me glad I have the dessert party for HEA our next trip! I remember doing what you did (arriving about 20 minutes before) and the crowds were terrible!

 

[100AcreWood]

Ooh, please tell me more about this "pin box" at Pin Traders!

It was new for us too. They told us the box comes out at random times and to come back in an hour. When we arrived there was a short line for the box. Each of the kids were allowed to spin the spinner (like Candyland). There were four characters on the spinner and you were allowed to look at the pins behind the door you landed on. Each one was labeled with a character picture (Mickey, Minnie, etc.). You were allowed two trades per person.

R u guys early park or stay all day family. Just wondering if he morning were as busy as midday which u would expect. Great summary!

We're a stay all day family but we're lucky to arrive by 10am. I have only managed to get my kids up and ready once for rope drop. I've never tried a mid-day break but I know many people swear by them!

They usually remove this weird stage before SWS, but there have been other reports lately that they aren't moving it. Don't know if it's broken, a shortage of CMs to move it, or it's just the new norm.

We thought they would move it for sure! It was disappointing. We stood to the left of the dessert area which wasn't a great view but it was better than trying to look over the stage. Good to know that wasn't typical!