Just back, no waits! Any questions?

[FantasmicDreams]

I just returned from 8 wonderful days at WDW. There were next to no crowds, the weather was sunny and around 75-80 during the day every day and in the 60's or so at night. It drizzled for about an hour (no need for an umbrella it was that light) on one or two days.

Got dream fastpasses at Magic Kingdom (they were given to us by another guest) but did not need them as every ride had less than a 5 minute wait. This was the case each of the days we were at MK. The few rides that had longer waits on one day we fast passed and I'd say all week our longest wait was maybe 10-15 minutes for Test Track at Epcot which we didn't bother to FP.

At Epcot we only used FP for Soarin' and did get to ride 2 or 3 times. We rode Nemo at least 6 times and I really enjoyed the ride. I heard some complaints about it and I don't really understand them. I think the fish on the screens look great and work wonderfully in this situation. Some of the little effects were really cool. We saw Turtle Talk twice and our only wait each time was for the show that was already going on when we got in line to let out. We got right in both times. Each show was a little different.

At AK, the crowds were so light in the morning we went on Everest 5 times in a row in the span of an hour (once with a FP because we had to use it) taking breaks in between to look at the shop. Line was less than 5 minutes each time but did get crowded later in the day.

At MGM we were given Dream Fastpasses by CMs while we were on ToT in the Library. They pulled us and a few other couples aside (It seemed like all groups of two) and told us we were being given a dream and gave us the passes. Between the Dream FP and the regular ones we were getting, we saw all the shows and went on all the rides we wanted to multiple times.

At Wilderness Lodge we also got a dream. We were upgraded from a standard to a woods view that looked directly out at Cinderella castle. We watched the fireworks from our balcony one night.

Updated with picture. I took this on 10/29 from the balcony of the room...

Also, despite not having any ADRs we got into every place we wanted to eat, including Artist Point, Jiko and Rose and Crown. At Rose and Crown we were literally seated 5 minutes after we checked in and had a perfect spot outside to view Illuminations. I don't think anything could top that view.

Anyway, if anyone has any specific questions, I'd be happy to try and answer them.

 

[dana1003]

I just returned from 8 wonderful days at WDW. There were next to no crowds, the weather was sunny and around 75-80 during the day every day and in the 60's or so at night. It drizzled for about an hour (no need for an umbrella it was that light) on one or two days.

Got dream fastpasses at Magic Kingdom (they were given to us by another guest) but did not need them as every ride had less than a 5 minute wait. This was the case each of the days we were at MK. The few rides that had longer waits on one day we fast passed and I'd say all week our longest wait was maybe 10-15 minutes for Test Track at Epcot which we didn't bother to FP.

At Epcot we only used FP for Soarin' and did get to ride 2 or 3 times. We rode Nemo at least 6 times and I really enjoyed the ride. I heard some complaints about it and I don't really understand them. I think the fish on the screens look great and work wonderfully in this situation. Some of the little effects were really cool. We saw Turtle Talk twice and our only wait each time was for the show that was already going on when we got in line to let out. We got right in both times. Each show was a little different.

At AK, the crowds were so light in the morning we went on Everest 5 times in a row in the span of an hour (once with a FP because we had to use it) taking breaks in between to look at the shop. Line was less than 5 minutes each time but did get crowded later in the day.

At MGM we were given Dream Fastpasses by CMs while we were on ToT in the Library. They pulled us and a few other couples aside (It seemed like all groups of two) and told us we were being given a dream and gave us the passes. Between the Dream FP and the regular ones we were getting, we saw all the shows and went on all the rides we wanted to multiple times.

At Wilderness Lodge we also got a dream. We were upgraded from a standard to a woods view that looked directly out at Cinderella castle. We watched the fireworks from our balcony one night.

Also, despite not having any ADRs we got into every place we wanted to eat, including Artist Point, Jiko and Rose and Crown. At Rose and Crown we were literally seated 5 minutes after we checked in and had a perfect spot outside to view Illuminations. I don't think anything could top that view.

Anyway, if anyone has any specific questions, I'd be happy to try and answer them.

wow! thats encouraging!! we're going in less than 30 days w/3 year old twins and i was worries about what the lines would look like and the weather being rainy. how long did it take you to do ak and mk? and what about commute time from resort to parks? we're staying at music.

 

[Disney4Drew]

WOW! Sounds like a great trip!! I hope all of the crowds stay away for us, too!

 

[DISshopkeeper]

No questions, but thanks for the report, I enjoyed it!

 

[FantasmicDreams]

wow! thats encouraging!! we're going in less than 30 days w/3 year old twins and i was worries about what the lines would look like and the weather being rainy. how long did it take you to do ak and mk? and what about commute time from resort to parks? we're staying at music.

It said every day there was a "30% chance of showers" but aside from the light drizzle I mentioned, we saw no sign on it. If it rained, it rained during the night when we were sound asleep because we never saw it.

I think the crowds will continue to be light. We took 3 1/2 days at MK (one was mostly used up by a tour that lasted 5 hours however) and one at AK.

During our day at AK (from park opening to shortly before park closing) we did EE 5 times, shortly after park opening, the safari (using a FP), Rafiki Planet Watch (where we spent at least and hour looking at the exibits and watching a show about birds), Flights of Wonder, Dinosaur (with a FP that we realized we really didn't need once we got into line), Primeval Whirl, Triceratops Spin (both were walk ons), the animal trails, Tough to Be a Bug (walk on) and of course strolled through the shops and watched the drummers and ate lunch and had snacks. We did not go on Kali, but when I walked by it it was a 5 minute wait and appeared we could have just walked on that also. We also did not see the Lion King Show but the crowds seemed so light at that point I don't think it would have added more to our day than the time for the show. We've just seen it a bunch of times so we skipped it this time.

MK we spread out over a few days because one day was our arrival day, one was used up mostly by the Keys to the Kingdom Tour (which was great) and we often took the boat back to WL during the day for breaks at the pool. We did everything at MK except Stitch and Tom Sawyer Island. Make sure to stop by the Pooh Playground with your kids. It's really cute.

I can't comment too much on transportation. We mostly used the boat when we were at WL. Once we moved over to the Boardwalk, we walked to Epcot and MGM. The handful of times we did take the busses, there weren't really any problems.

 

[joybeth]

Sounds great!

Do you know if they are turning the Orborne lights on at MGM prior to the 13th? We are leaving for our trip on Thursday and return on Nov 13. I know they will be up, but not sure if they will turn them on.

Let me know if you know!

Joy

 

[FantasmicDreams]

Joybeth! Oh my gosh. I can't believe I forgot to mention this because I was so excited about it! They are up now! I saw them Saturday. It was gorgeous. I missed it when I was there in Dec. and I was so sad about it. Actually, Christmas decorations are springing up all over WDW. AK has the tree up already and Epcot has the lights for the walkway to WS up.

 

[Tigger714]

I'd have to agree with the OP, it was great! Just flew home last night and this was the least busy I have ever seen it! And yes, the Osbourne Lights were on when we left! woohoo!

 

[GBC1]

Just returned from our 8 day trip as well. The OP described the "scene" quite well. However, toward the end of the week I could tell that Jersey Week crowds were arriving. Friday (11/3) at AK was very busy, as was Saturday (11/4) at MK. These were the only two days we had to use FP.

 

[FantasmicDreams]

I was at AK on Friday and didn't find it to be busy at all. Must have just been in the right places at the right times, I guess. I was not at MK saturday however.

 

[ogreenlee]

Did you by chance do MK on a Thursday? I've read that Thursdays are one of MK's busiest days, and I plan on being there on a Thursday.

 

[SnwflkCts]

Great report. Can I be stupid and ask what Osbourne Lights are. (I am not quite stupid enough to believe it has something to do with Ozzie so don't fool me with that one! )

Thanks!

As you see my countdown is short!!!

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

We arrive on Dec 13th and touringplans has our crowd level at a 4 so I am assuming it will be light!!

So if we arrive at AK on Thursday the 14th at opening will we be able to get most things done by 2pm if we have light crowds?? We have to get back to OKW to get ready for the MVMCP that night. DD and I have days left on our passes, but we will have to purchase DH a one day pass. I just want to get our money's worth that day.

 

[bryandog1974]

Sounds like a great trip. I was wondering what your AK touring plan was? I hear the Safari is the thing to do first in the AM because thats when the animals are out but what did you do next. The first time my DW took me there I felt we did a lot of park criss crossing.

 

[Polyfor30th]

Hi there--glad you had a great time--I'm pining away for our trip next October...

I was wondering if the castle was done being painted--I think it is a tan color..TIA

 

[GBC1]

I was at AK on Friday and didn't find it to be busy at all. Must have just been in the right places at the right times, I guess. I was not at MK saturday however.

I guess it is all relative. We were at AK last year on a partly rainy day, and the park was nearly empty. You were allowed to stay on Kalli River Rapids and ride over and over.

 

[hopelea]

It sounds wonderful.......thanks for the report. I can't wait. My bags are packed and I am ready for Saturday morning. I am leaving at 4:30 AM, 11 hour drive........ready to go!!!!!

 

[Red Sox Idiot]

I just returned from 8 wonderful days at WDW. There were next to no crowds, the weather was sunny and around 75-80 during the day every day and in the 60's or so at night. It drizzled for about an hour (no need for an umbrella it was that light) on one or two days.

Got dream fastpasses at Magic Kingdom (they were given to us by another guest) but did not need them as every ride had less than a 5 minute wait. This was the case each of the days we were at MK. The few rides that had longer waits on one day we fast passed and I'd say all week our longest wait was maybe 10-15 minutes for Test Track at Epcot which we didn't bother to FP.

At Epcot we only used FP for Soarin' and did get to ride 2 or 3 times. We rode Nemo at least 6 times and I really enjoyed the ride. I heard some complaints about it and I don't really understand them. I think the fish on the screens look great and work wonderfully in this situation. Some of the little effects were really cool. We saw Turtle Talk twice and our only wait each time was for the show that was already going on when we got in line to let out. We got right in both times. Each show was a little different.

At AK, the crowds were so light in the morning we went on Everest 5 times in a row in the span of an hour (once with a FP because we had to use it) taking breaks in between to look at the shop. Line was less than 5 minutes each time but did get crowded later in the day.

At MGM we were given Dream Fastpasses by CMs while we were on ToT in the Library. They pulled us and a few other couples aside (It seemed like all groups of two) and told us we were being given a dream and gave us the passes. Between the Dream FP and the regular ones we were getting, we saw all the shows and went on all the rides we wanted to multiple times.

At Wilderness Lodge we also got a dream. We were upgraded from a standard to a woods view that looked directly out at Cinderella castle. We watched the fireworks from our balcony one night.

Also, despite not having any ADRs we got into every place we wanted to eat, including Artist Point, Jiko and Rose and Crown. At Rose and Crown we were literally seated 5 minutes after we checked in and had a perfect spot outside to view Illuminations. I don't think anything could top that view.

Anyway, if anyone has any specific questions, I'd be happy to try and answer them.

What is a dream fastpass?

 

[annameg]

We also just got back. I agree, the crowd level could not have been better. We rode Splash, BTMRR, Kali, Test Track, etc. consecutively without getting off of the ride. There was no need for Fast Passes for Space, Soarin', Tower of Terror or RNR. We just rode so many times that we felt like we were going to be sick. My daughter rode EE 8 times in a row. And we walked up to several TS restaurants with no trouble. It was a fantastic trip.

 

[dana1003]

thank you, thank you, thank you for all the great info!!