Just how bad is Regular Season?

[JenBlaze]

I've only gone in Value Season... how bad are the crowds and lines in Regular?

 

[Pop Daddy]

 

[llebrekniT]

We've gone a couple times during regular season and it's not that bad. The kids know that there are times we won't get to ride the biggies without a fastpass. We go often enough that it's not a big deal. You will still have a great time. We just utilize the hotel's fun stuff more, eat more nice meals and ride the easy-to-get-on-rides, like POTC and Small World.

We also have them take turns by letting one of them pick the one ride that we must ride at that particular park.

Just being there is worth it for us.

 

[Gupsmom]

I've never had the crowds interfere with my trip. If you know how to do the parks, you can still avoid lines. The only thing I have found is that "fighting" the crowd can be a little more tiring. Of course, that could be from the heat too (the crowded times that we go are also hot).

Just study up on touring plans and strategies. I recommend the Unofiicial Guide to WDW. You don't have to use their exact plans (I don't). They list the best times of day to hit each attraction. If you form your own touring plan around these times, the crowd won't hurt you.


Jess

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We went the first week in August after having always gone in October. We survived the heat and the crowds. Just go with the right attitude and you will be fine.

We are going again right before Easter this year and I am sure it is going to be crowded but at least it won't be 90º and humid. We know we won't see everything but some is better than nothing. And we only go once every four years so it isn't as though we go often.

 

[browneyes]

We went Labor Day weekend in 2000. I think we waited about an hour-hour and a half atleast for every ride. It was hot too, but it was WDW, so it was a bearable heat.

 

[KristiKelly]

We went in late April 2002, the crowds were said to be "moderate" we had to wait in long lines (1 hr. +)for everything, DH & DS got fastpass for Splash Mtn @ 12:30 and the time to come back on FP said 5:30. We usually go late Sep to Oct and the crowds are much less. DH said he would only go during the *low* season from now on. When we went last fall (9/28-10/4), DH & DS rode Space Mountain 5 consecutive times and Rock N Roll Roller Coaster 7 consecutive times - very low crowds. It also depends on the age of kids & temps, our Apr 02 trip was crowded, 92 degrees everyday and kids 2 & 4. Hot sleepy kids standing in long lines = NO FUN!!!

 

[TalkisCheap]

I'm going on my first trip to Disney(well first trip to FLORIDA!) leaving on March 18th and I want to know if the crowds are gunna be big, just so I know ahead of time...thanks!

 

[ListenToCKY]

For some reason, we went during Spring Break one year. It was so terrible. It's a waste of money in my opinion. I'd rather just take off school/work, go when it's not crowded, and feel like I've gotten my money's worth.

 

[JESW]

We are going Spring Break (at least for us in MA) this year and we KNOW it's going to be crowded but that's ok. We have been fortunate to go 2x a year since 2000 so we figure what we miss this trip we'll go on in November when the lines are much shorter.

For our family just being there is fun! We have been trying different resorts and we enjoying hanging out there. We also go to the water parks and hope to try Blizzard Beach for the first time. We also spend time at DTD and one trip we'll get over to Celebration to check it out. We don't believe that we have to do the parks all the time.

Last year we went in June and it was hot, humid, rainy and crowded. We are hoping this trip it won't be as humid - that was the hardest to take!

Have fun!

Jill

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by browneyes
We went Labor Day weekend in 2000. I think we waited about an hour-hour and a half atleast for every ride. It was hot too, but it was WDW, so it was a bearable heat.

WE have been there twice over Labor Day, and this past year, the week leading up to it. It was HORRIBLY hot, but I'm not sure why you had such long wait lines! You have to know how to use good touring habits, but I can honestly say I have NEVER waited that long in a line, even when we were there New Years Eve. ou have to know what time of the day, to hit each attraction, and you have to manage fastpasses well, but you do NOT have to spend that much time in line.

 

[crazelion]

The all time I have been to WDW is the summer. I loved to go in the summer. The crowds do not bother me on bit. I loved the long hours the parks be open. I have the added benfit that I worked outside in the summer and can handle the heat better then some people. If hot outside drink plenty of water and powerade with you.

Regular season is not that bad in my opionion. I don't understand the hype about going in Low season. I would never go in low season because it's to cold.

I am the that loves summer. Do what best for your family. I going to WDW for the July 4 week in 2005 myself. Only if get back on feet money stable then i am going.

 

[CBRorBust]

My last trip was December 13th-December 19th. Let me tell you. From about December 14th (Sunday) to about December 18th (Thursday) it was pure heaven! NO LINES for anything! I would have paid double what I did for that experience all over again. Now starting on December 19th (Friday before Christmas week) it was beginning to get a little crowded. But boy when we woke up to check out on Saturday December 20th it was pure HELL! People were EVERYWHERE! The lobby was so packed! I would NEVER go during Christmas week EVER! Not even on a free trip!

I agree with the above poster when they said I'd rather take a week off to have the parks less stressful/crowded.

Good Luck either way.

 

[bumcat]

CBRorBust - We did the same thing a year ago in December. When we left on Friday morning before Christmas it was crazy! They slipped a note under our door since we did not owe anything and nicely suggested we see ourselves out which was great.
Many years ago we use to go during regular season but were just too spoiled by getting off and on lines without waiting more than 10 minutes. Some folks have lots of patience and can stand the heat, I'm not one of them.

 

[SeaSpray]

We went during Regular season in early May 2001 and it was great. Excellent weather, low crowds, and either none existent or very short waits for the rides and attractions.

 

[Serena]

It's pretty much your choice to how bad it is. Accepting that there will be long lines and lots of people, and enjoying yourself in spite of it. Or not....