Low attendance in the parks at the moment

[rob@rar.org.uk]

We've been very impressed by how quiet the parks are at the moment. This is the sixth time we've been in August and on this trip all the parks seem quieter than we've experienced before. So far, with early starts and making good use of Fastpass/Universal Express, we've not had to queue for any attraction except for arriving early for Fantasmic! Hopefully this will continue, especialy as Florida schools seem to go back tomorrow (Monday).

Regards

Rob

 

[disneydolphin]

Thanks rob

This is fantastic news.

 

[UKDEB]

Whilst I prefer visiting at quieter times, I always get a bit nervous if attendance is down at historically busy times. When Disney, Universal and the Orlando economy are all thriving, then ultimately that's got to be better for me.

Not that I'm begrudging you the lighter crowds, Rob. Have fun.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We go 2 weeks today so that is good news.

What's the weather been like Rob? Forecasts show it being in the 90's each day.

 

[Netty]

Rob, just wanted to say hope your having a great time!!

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

We go 2 weeks today so that is good news.

What's the weather been like Rob? Forecasts show it being in the 90's each day.

Typical for this time of year. 92 degrees each day, with cloud starting to build up from about 3pm, followed by afternoon thunderstorms. It does seem to be a bit wetter than I'm used to; apparently there is a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico which is driving warm moist air towards Central Florida. This means that the afternoon thunderstorms are taking a bit longer to clear than usual.

Off to Typhoon Lagoon today!

Regards

Rob

 

[disneyholic family]

The schools seem to go back earlier each year. Most Florida schools began their new school year today. That is soooooooooooooo early. When I was growing up, schools began after labor day.
I don't know why they've advance the school year by so much, but it works out to lowering the WDW crowds.

 

[jana]

Anyone coming after Aug 21st be aware that's when the free dining plan kicks in so it's likely that anyone who was thinking about coming Aug 15-20th and could come later has probably changed their schedules. Part 2 of that is that it is STRONGLY recommended to make your dining reservations if you're coming when the free dining is on. Those people on the plan look like they are trying to make sure they make the most of their freebee and are booking up all the decent restaurants. Winging it and expecting to get seated at a decent WDW table service restaurant or character meal on the spur of the moment is going to be REALLY hopeful from Aug 21st through October 4th. a little planning ahead is going to make the trip a lot more enjoyable.

 

[jessie 33]

this is a message for jonnysharpe2.

When are you going? we leave on the 22/8 from gatwick with BA at 10.55am.

 

[disneyholic family]

Anyone coming after Aug 21st be aware that's when the free dining plan kicks in so it's likely that anyone who was thinking about coming Aug 15-20th and could come later has probably changed their schedules. Part 2 of that is that it is STRONGLY recommended to make your dining reservations if you're coming when the free dining is on. Those people on the plan look like they are trying to make sure they make the most of their freebee and are booking up all the decent restaurants. Winging it and expecting to get seated at a decent WDW table service restaurant or character meal on the spur of the moment is going to be REALLY hopeful from Aug 21st through October 4th. a little planning ahead is going to make the trip a lot more enjoyable.

that makes sense.....that must be why we were able to get such an unbelievably low rate for the WL for the week right before that.....everyone must have pushed their visit off to the following week....
i certainly hope the parks are totally empty the week we'll be there (the 16th)....what a pleasure that will be....

 

[JohnnySharp2]

this is a message for jonnysharpe2.

When are you going? we leave on the 22/8 from gatwick with BA at 10.55am.

Hi Jessie, yes we leave on the 22nd - we fly with Virgin from Manchester though - 10:25am

 

[Miffy2003]

Great news Rob! Thanks for posting.

I hope you are having a brilliant time!

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Great news Rob! Thanks for posting.

I hope you are having a brilliant time!

We certainly are!!

 

[florry]

Well - normally I would be seething with envy Rob...... but as you can see - Florry and Miffy will be joining you very shortly - YYYYYeeeeeeehhhhaaaaaa!!!!

 

[florida sun]

Well - normally I would be seething with envy Rob...... but as you can see - Florry and Miffy will be joining you very shortly - YYYYYeeeeeeehhhhaaaaaa!!!!

......and me yipeeeeeeee

Sue

 

[Ang1e]

Hope the parks stay uncroweded for the next 2 weeks

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Strangely Typhoon Lagoon was very busy yesterday, with long queues for all the slides almost from the moment the park opened at 9.30am. We were a bit surprised at this, as it was a Monday (no no local weekend visitors), and schools have gone back (so fewer high school kids). Nevertheless it was the busiest we've seen TL - perhaps that's why all the other parks are quiet: everybody is at the water parks ?!

We left TL at 12.30 and headed across to DisneyQuest. What fun! You must try the Pirates of the Carribbean attraction there, it's brilliant fun. We did so well that we were awarded a certificate for our high score. I think it was all down to the superior tactics of our wondeful Captain who bravely skippered his hard-working crew to repatriate so much of the pirates' gold!!

Epcot today - Mission Space will seem very topical with the return of the Space Shuttle happening as I type.

Regards

Rob