Mid-November no longer a "secret"

[GatorChris]

If you think coming in the middle of November is a good idea, you might want to think twice. Gates opened at 9. We got through security fairly quickly, for our tickets, and then went to get in line at 8:40. The entrance line was all the way back to CA! The longest I've ever seen before today was just past the monorail. This was nearly triple that. Looks to be a nutso week. Just warning everyone.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Not a surprise, maybe some folks "extended" their Veteran's Day Holiday weekend. Also, those who participated in the Super Heroes Half Marathon yesterday decided to rest on Sunday after the race, and go to the parks today.

And Disney keeps trying to get to that magical 95% capacity, 365 days a week, and so far, they have been headed in the right direction.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I ended up going yesterday spur of the moment. I didn't know there was a marathon and probably wouldn't have gone if I knew there was. I intended to go to DCA first, but the lines there were really long when we arrived in the afternoon and there were no lines for DL, so we went there instead. After eating and walking around and deciding all the lines were too long for us, we went to DCA which had really small lines by this time. We did a some stuff over there including getting completely drenched on Grizzly - I think the geyser malfunctioned on us - and then went back to DL after dark. It got really weird then. We'd check the app and see a line for 10 minutes, go to the ride and see the line sign for 30 minutes. We'd check the app again and see the app updated for the longer time. That happened 3 times and we decided that our timing was just really bad yesterday and we left. I am going back beginning of December and am hoping to have better luck then.

 

[Darkbeer1]

I am going back beginning of December and am hoping to have better luck then.

I hope you know that the first weekend in December is the special Candlelight Processional, which plays havoc with the crowds, especially on Main Street, and the parade/show schedules. Since it is an unofficial, but well known event, it is not listed at Disneyland.com

 

[cruisehopeful]

I hope you know that the first weekend in December is the special Candlelight Processional, which plays havoc with the crowds, especially on Main Street, and the parade/show schedules. Since it is an unofficial, but well known event, it is not listed at Disneyland.com

I did see that after I already confirmed my timeshare exchange for those dates. As of now, I am arriving on that Sunday and plan to do the Tea Party at DLH in the afternoon. I am unsure what I'll do that evening. I went once on that night a few years ago and hated it so much that I didn't renew my AP for a couple years. With parts of the park being closed off now, I imagine it will be much worse this year. I am considering just doing Trader Sam's, but may try for TOT and some other stuff in DCA/

 

[Darkbeer1]

I did see that after I already confirmed my timeshare exchange for those dates. As of now, I am arriving on that Sunday and plan to do the Tea Party at DLH in the afternoon. I am unsure what I'll do that evening. I went once on that night a few years ago and hated it so much that I didn't renew my AP for a couple years. With parts of the park being closed off now, I imagine it will be much worse this year. I am considering just doing Trader Sam's, but may try for TOT and some other stuff in DCA/

OK, glad you know about it, and yes, DCA sounds like a good plan. Also using the Monorail at the DtD station to avoid Main Street.

And of course, there is always Knott's Merry Farm as an alternative.

https://www.knotts.com/merryfarm

 

[cacruisin]

Yes I think the Mid Nov secret is out....shoot we go tomorrow...we went on Thanksgiving last year (totally packed) but we did have several crew members tell us the best weeks of the entire year to go are the mid-week the week before and the week after Thanksgiving...but now my opinion is leaning towards mid-week in February...oh well we'll have fun tomorrow regardless...

 

[Darkbeer1]

IMHO, it is weekdays in early May (first three weeks) that are good, nothing really special going on, and most schools are in session to prepare for finals.

 

[mommymermaid]

Bummer. I remember when it would be so empty. Have fun though! A crowded day at Disney is better than a day at home or work! : )

 

[Canuck16]

Yikes!

 

[Purrkins]

I always feel Disney runs better we with a decent sized crowd. At least that is what I am telling myself. Last night son declared he wanted to go to Disneyland for his birthday on Wednesday so we're driving up for the day.

 

[sheetz]

I really think the variable pricing is having an effect. These are Value days up until this Thursday, and the cost savings can be very significant for a family of 4.

 

[Nevada Jen]

THe crowd difference is really hard to comprehend until you are there and go regularly. The crowd level is just so much higher than it used to be. Every time we have gone this year feels at least 4 times as crowded as previous years. I really remember there being rarely a significant line to get in and every time I have been recently there have been giant lines. ANd in the park it feels significantly more crowded all the time (except early entry DCA). What is odd to me is the ride lines are about the same. I would love to figure out the crowd flow. Are people coming in but not staying as long? Does it look worse because lands are closed and big people suck rides are closed. Is the extra security causing a bottleneck? Because the odd thing is that I am not hearing reports from Disney of record profits but it seems like there have been record crowds since the 60th. It feels WAY more crowded than the 60th did in terms of traffic, entry and the shops. And for that matter, hotels.

 

[cacruisin]

I too have wondered how much the variable pricing is effecting crowd levels...personally we booked the week prior to Thanksgiving vs the week after however not because of the lower price...(I'd of paid more for less crowds no problem) it was just my logic assuming a supply/demand reasoning but now I am second guessing that theory.

 

[mom2rtk]

Bummer. I remember when it would be so empty. Have fun though! A crowded day at Disney is better than a day at home or work! : )

I guess that depends on how much you paid for the day at Disney versus what someone paid you to be at work.

I always feel Disney runs better we with a decent sized crowd. At least that is what I am telling myself.

I think that depends on how prepared Disney is for the decent sized crowd. If this is traditionally a slower time, then they might not have the staffing, hours and entertainment schedule in place for a big crowd.

 

[Aussie Princess]

I think the mid November secret disappeared when they put a marathon weekend at the beginning of the holiday period

But also remember it said a triple threat Veterans Day marathon weekend and the beginning of the holidays time all which bring crowds I bet it will quieted down a bit after this weekend before getting busy again for thanksgiving

When planning my trips I always arrive the week before thanksgiving and stay for a another week after thanksgiving

 

[Donalyn]

I know that I don't get to DL very often and don't have alot of comparison, but we were there this last Thursday - Sunday and all I can say is OMG at DL anyway. DCA seemed more manageable each day. Late afternoon at DL each day was a disaster in my opinion. Mornings were okay each day, but I didn't even want to be in the parks in the afternoon or evenings. And I'm normally a dawn to fireworks person if I can keep the family moving.

 

[cruisehopeful]

THe crowd difference is really hard to comprehend until you are there and go regularly. The crowd level is just so much higher than it used to be.

I agree with this. I've noticed a huge difference in the past year to where we often can't stand being there for all day. The crowds are overwhelming. There's not even any quiet places to hide out anymore. I felt like people were criss crossing in front me everywhere I went yesterday. It's been nearly impossible to walk from Indianna Jones to the Tiki Room the last 10 times I've visited. I think they are doing a good job keeping the parks full.

 

[SkRiderMom]

Here as well, crowds are considerable. Many rides keep going down too. Got walked off a ride for the first time ever this morning. Having the railroad closed really makes a difference. Can't just hop on the train to go around to s different land. All those people are on foot.

And for whoever asked-they have decorated Storybook Canal Boats for Christmas.

 

[WonkaKid]

I was there yesterday as well. Once inside, the crowds weren't bad at all. One thing, though: everyone rushed to PP after the rope drop. Unfortunately, after several minutes, it became clear that the ride was down. This has happened a number of times over the past several weeks. Dumbo was also down. Later in the day, crowds were average. Hopefully next Sunday things will be slightly more sane with the earlier opening time of 8:00.