November 12-18th, why SO booked? Thought it was an off time.

[Ouida]

I'm not sure where to post my question. We haven't been to disney in two+ years. Looked at a few crowds calendars, and saw the week before thanksgiving was a "low crowd" week, except weekends. At first I couldn't get a reservation, so I changed my time to the 11th and got in at FW cabins. Now I can't make any dining reservations, as no availablilty. Can't change my room, as even AOA suites are unavailable as of yesterday. We are 3 adults and 3 kids. So far just the room and tickets were $6478. The mickeys very christmas was an extra $550ish. I'm trying to get into Mickeys Backyard Bbq, and that looks like an extra $330ish. What am I missing? I'm now thinking its going to be wall to wall people, and huge lines, and I just really need some hope here. Are we going to have a good time going when the christmas stuff is out? We have gone in February and May before. Crowds were tolerable, but at times it was a wall of people coming at at you. Will this trip be worst? Any help will be appreciated, thanks ouida

 

[dosekies]

There aren't really slow times anymore, and fall is free dining. A bunch of rooms got booked when that was released. Also, with dining reservations being available 180 days in advance, most people going that week have already been booking their dining for weeks.

 

[soccer mom]

We haven't gone in November since 2014, but I can't believe things have changed that much. It should be one of the better weeks. Certainly not holiday levels. As far as dining reservations, people have been making reservations since May so there will be some popular places and times that you would be very lucky to get at this point. Be flexible, try someplace new, and you will be fine. Keep checking back for ones that you really want. You never know when someone will cancel. Have fun planning, crowd levels will be fine, you'll have a great time!

 

[ncc1701]

Food and Wine ends on the 13th. It is possible that due to Veteran's Day falling on a weekend some schools & businesses will be closed that Monday so there may people with a 3 day weekend not to mention "Jersey week" ends that weekend, [NJ Teacher conference is Thurs & Fri. 11/9 -11/10 all NJ schools are closed it's a popular time for people to go to WDW adding a day or 2 at either end]. Plus the construction at CBR has taken rooms out of inventory and there is also work at CSR . The MK will be done up for Christmas and the resorts will be in the process.
Keep check for ADRS as people's plans change .

 

[Ouida]

Yep, I'm just so concerned it's going to be a mass of people. And for what they are charging, it's crazy to think we will be uncomfortable and unable to get in most places. Are the crowd calendarS wrong? I missed that dining plan by a few weeks.

 

[Hopefully]

Yep, I'm just so concerned it's going to be a mass of people. And for what they are charging, it's crazy to think we will be uncomfortable and unable to get in most places. Are the crowd calendarS wrong? I missed that dining plan by a few weeks.

The others are right. There is no quiet time really. And when there is Dinesy has a promotion - a festival - a party - free dining etc. There are only less crowded times, but those are still busy. That would be the week before Thanksgiving. And the crowd calendars aren't wrong. They have changed with the times to stay relevant. A 5 rating this year is way more crowded than a 5 three years ago. It is relevant.
You need to set your expectations for at least moderate crowds. With FP+ and a plan you can still have a great vacation. But don't go expecting low crowds or you will be miserable.
Good Luck

 

[tinkerbella16]

It used to be our absolute favorite week to go, but the last few years it has been more and more crowded. It isn't unbearably crowded, just a noticeable difference if you have been during that time in the past. Try and make the best of it and have a wonderful time!

 

[danielocha30]

this year Fall is the high season, summer didn't get as busy as its been in the past, Disney has given Fl AP so many discounts even lifted blockout dates, is been a "slow" summer for Disney, everyone had the same idea and planned for the cooler months add the free dining promotion, new Avatar Land, new Fireworks at MK, New nightime show at 3 of the 4 parks, early start of the Halloween Party... crazy web sites updates that left us unable to book for days, Hotels refurbishment all leading to a Fall/Holiday season solid booked

 

[Ouida]

this year Fall is the high season, summer didn't get as busy as its been in the past, Disney has given Fl AP so many discounts even lifted blockout dates, is been a "slow" summer for Disney, everyone had the same idea and planned for the cooler months add the free dining promotion, new Avatar Land, new Fireworks at MK, New nightime show at 3 of the 4 parks, early start of the Halloween Party... crazy web sites updates that left us unable to book for days, Hotels refurbishment all leading to a Fall/Holiday season solid booked

Living in Louisiana, I never could understand the mad summer rush for disney (hot and humid). Most of my kids friends went during summer break. I thought I had a plan to sneak in between jersey week and thanksgiving. Total fail. Now my real question is, .....is it worth the price and crowd to see the christmas stuff??? We love christmas time, but is it really that good? I should say that we never have had a great disney experience like people talk about. The last time we went was especially bad, my then 10 year old daughter was twice put in harms way. Not really Disney's fault, just a loud rude crowd. Still, it's an easy trip on mom and dad; , you pay, go, and all is laid out for you. I'm nervous now.....

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Fall is the new high season. People have realized that pricing hasn't caught up with crowds, there are still some good promos if you book fast and have flexibility, and the weather is so much better.

The crowds in this period are more than they used to be, but they aren't the crush of holiday. They're more what spring break looks like for levels. If you have a good touring plan and reasonable expectations (very little will be walk-on), you will be fine.

 

[Ouida]

And how about the park hours? MK closing at 6pm or even 8pm. Other parks closed by 8 or 9pm. I remember going in Feb. (An off time) and still there was a night or two that MK didn't close until 12am. Seems like less for more $$$$? Any one else going this week and want to share their plans. Lol. I guess that's a lot to ask, but any hints of how to do this?

 

[SaintsManiac]

And how about the park hours? MK closing at 6pm or even 8pm. Other parks closed by 8 or 9pm. I remember going in Feb. (An off time) and still there was a night or two that MK didn't close until 12am. Seems like less for more $$$$? Any one else going this week and want to share their plans. Lol. I guess that's a lot to ask, but any hints of how to do this?

There are Christmas Parties at MK that week.

 

[kniquy]

As for dining reservations -- just stalk the reservations -- you will hopefully get something. Think outside the box -- plan for different times - lunch at 1 or 2pm or dinner earlier or later. Also consider resort dining - so if at AK park then look at AK lodge for possible dining reservations, at MK look at all the MK resorts for possible dining -- Sometimes a little break from the parks is a good thing and it is fun to see other resorts. I managed to plan a NYE trip 2 months out -- yes dining reservations were sparse but by stalking -- like daily or multiple times a day - i managed to get a reservation for NYE and every other day of the week. don't give up hope just yet. It sounds like it will be busy but nothing insane. Hit parks early - take an afternoon break then back to the parks for the evenings. That helps beat the surge in crowds that arrive late morning and afternoon.

 

[Ouida]

There are Christmas Parties at MK that week.

Yep, I understand that, but don't everyone think it's wrong of disney not to offer extra hours on the non xmas party days? My daughter always tells me, I don't get what things cost nowadays. Lol

 

[Ouida]

As for dining reservations -- just stalk the reservations -- you will hopefully get something. Think outside the box -- plan for different times - lunch at 1 or 2pm or dinner earlier or later. Also consider resort dining - so if at AK park then look at AK lodge for possible dining reservations, at MK look at all the MK resorts for possible dining -- Sometimes a little break from the parks is a good thing and it is fun to see other resorts. I managed to plan a NYE trip 2 months out -- yes dining reservations were sparse but by stalking -- like daily or multiple times a day - i managed to get a reservation for NYE and every other day of the week. don't give up hope just yet. It sounds like it will be busy but nothing insane. Hit parks early - take an afternoon break then back to the parks for the evenings. That helps beat the surge in crowds that arrive late morning and afternoon.

Thanks so much, this is the type of info that will keep me hopeful of a good trip. I admit that our last trip, my husband and oldest went on ride after ride with little wait. During summer we will look at the wait times and just be like Why! Why would anyone wait 2 plus hours for a 3 minute ride. I don't want to be one of those people.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Yep, I understand that, but don't everyone think it's wrong of disney not to offer extra hours on the non xmas party days? My daughter always tells me, I don't get what things cost nowadays. Lol

There are PM EMH on 11/15 at the MK. Later hours will probably happen the following week.

 

[Hopefully]

And how about the park hours? MK closing at 6pm or even 8pm. Other parks closed by 8 or 9pm. I remember going in Feb. (An off time) and still there was a night or two that MK didn't close until 12am. Seems like less for more $$$$? Any one else going this week and want to share their plans. Lol. I guess that's a lot to ask, but any hints of how to do this?

We're going for 8 nights in October. We know it will be crowded. We plan for it. It is our expectation.
With all of your doubts and in particular about early hours and the cost it might be best if you reconsider.
Yes, it is party season and The MK will close4 nights a week at 6. The only way around that is to go at a different time of year. MK will be open late on non party nights, but they will be very crowded.
Disney has cut back on late nights for awhile now.
Yes it is very expensive. It is what it is. Only you can decide if that is worth it for you.
With your concerns and even negativety I fear that for you it will be your worries coming true.
Good Luck

 

[kniquy]

I also forgot to mention that people need to cancel reservations or they will be charged - so sometimes you can even find last minute (the day before) reservations. You might find when you hit the 60 day mark and people are making FP times that some dining reservations open up. Make sure you have the my disney experience app - wait times of 30 minutes or less are acceptable in my book -- you get the see the all the details of the lines, so it doesn't even feel like the wait is that long. 2 hours would be a no go for me, but really the only rides with those insane waits are 7DMT, anything pandora, and frozen. Hitting the parks at rope drop will help with hopefully lower wait times.

 

[Ouida]

I also forgot to mention that people need to cancel reservations or they will be charged - so sometimes you can even find last minute (the day before) reservations. You might find when you hit the 60 day mark and people are making FP times that some dining reservations open up. Make sure you have the my disney experience app - wait times of 30 minutes or less are acceptable in my book -- you get the see the all the details of the lines, so it doesn't even feel like the wait is that long. 2 hours would be a no go for me, but really the only rides with those insane waits are 7DMT, anything pandora, and frozen. Hitting the parks at rope drop will help with hopefully lower wait times.

Thanks, that info is helpful. 30 mins is fine, totally. But seeing everything SO booked has me fearing a much worst time. Sorry to be so negative, I think I will post another fourm question, " full details of you best Disney Days." Maybe we are just missing the boat here.

 

[Ouida]

We're going for 8 nights in October. We know it will be crowded. We plan for it. It is our expectation.
With all of your doubts and in particular about early hours and the cost it might be best if you reconsider.
Yes, it is party season and The MK will close4 nights a week at 6. The only way around that is to go at a different time of year. MK will be open late on non party nights, but they will be very crowded.
Disney has cut back on late nights for awhile now.
Yes it is very expensive. It is what it is. Only you can decide if that is worth it for you.
With your concerns and even negativety I fear that for you it will be your worries coming true.
Good Luck

Sorry for sounding so negative. We are excited for our trip. For us, we can afford it (barely, hehe). And I do fully understand it's Disney, but ........wow, it's way different now. Still surprised no one else is feeling the same.