Need help from those going this Aug

[FINFAN]

O.K. I know I am being a pain in the bu**, but someone PLEASE reassure us that the combo of CBR(LITTLE LONGER TRANSP. TIMES)and Aug crowds(8/6-8/13) is not the kiss of death for a WDW trip! We had such a positive trip in July of '01 on a 5 day hopper that I thought 7/8 UPH w/FTP would be unvelievabe...but all these reports about the crowds, 1-2 hour waits. FP running out, poor bus service...are we doomed? I know they are others worried as well, any insight is appreciated.
TIA,
Pam

 

[sandyneck]

Hi, we are going to the CBR the last week in August. Have you thought about renting a car? I know one of the perks of staying on site is not having to rent a car, but I believe it is going to be well worth the money not to be dependent on bus service. Just a thought. We always rent a car no matter what resort we stay at because I feel it gives you more freedom, but there are plenty of people who feel the opposite. If you are really worried about the bus service it is an option.

 

[KevinFSU]

We were there that time last year and stayed at Riverside. Don't recall any real problems. Of course, that was without the Fairy Tale Package having recently been offered. I don't have any clue how much more crowed that will make it. But, we will found out soon as well.

 

[MinniMama]

Where did you hear those reports of 1-2 hour waits? We are going 8-7 and I will follow my tried and true plan for the crowds GO EARLY GO EARLY GO EARLY then as the crowd comes in have lunch or leave and go swim come back in evening- if you plan amazing things happen for example one night it was the only spectro night of the whole week we entered the park and it was 8 deep to see the parade - mobbed all down main street so we said forget it by zigging while others zagged we went to fantasy land and toon town and walked onto every ride then my little one spent 15 minutes ALONE with 8 characters in the judges tent- it was amazing! so even in a crowd magic happens- don't wait in lines go early or come back late or during the rain and stay cool and have fun!

 

[Pinnie]

You are getting good advice about touring the parks early.

Your trip also coincided with Drum Corp finals which is being held at the Citrus Bowl Aug 7 - 10. So there will be a few more people down for that.

Don't miss the corp parade at EPCOT on Wednesday night sometime after 6:00 p.m. The top 10 Corps will be performing and it IS a sight to see

pin

 

[jordanyosh]

As it seems you have been a few times before, readjust your expectation level and plan a little more. Sometimes early entry at parks seem to be a plus. But with every resort busier, EE may turn out to work against you. Maybe hitting non-EE parks at opening will help you avoid some crowds.

Guest always complain about busses. How often do you see posts complimenting the transportation system....? Plan some extra time at bus stops. Use that time to look over guidemaps and plan out your day. Look ahead to next day's plans. If you are waiting for a bus to go home, talk with your family about their favorite activities from that day or what you would differently next year. Focus on the positive not the negative.

Since you have the UPH then take advantage of DisneyQuest. Go there at opening and hang out..come back to CBR have lunch and then go to a waterpark at 3 when it seems the park starts to empty out.

Don't look back at other trips and compare because each and every Disney trip has wonderful memories and its own unique personality. Name your trip for your family. Make it fun

 

[djm99]

We will be there Aug 09 - 17. Last year we were there the last week in July. The ride waits were long but for some reason Sunday the parks appeared empty. We were able to ride one after the next with maybe 20 minutes time. Now the "more exciting" rides took a little longer (maybe 45 min - 1 hour) but it wasn't too bad.

Oh, RENT A CAR, RENT A CAR, and oh yeah rent a car. The busing system is pretty busy around that time of the year. Last year we rented a car (with friends and they didn't want to go to the parks that Sunday) so we rode the bus. They were almost 45 minutes behind schedule and they were EXTREMELY crowded we should of had our friends drop us off on their way to the beach.

Your best bet is to try to get out there as the parks open (already have your tickets you might wait in line 30 minutes). And TRY to beat those who wait till 11 am to get to the parks and deal with that florida heat!!!!! Lots of those who go that early are doing breakfast and you can get though rides pretty quick then.

Enjoy your Trip, I know I will!!!!!!

 

[FINFAN]

Thanks everyone, unfortunately a car rental is not in the budget and we have gone in the past but always used park transp. so are not very familiar w/routes etc. I guess we will hope for the best!