questions about crowds and days

[stevets]

Is it true MK is packed on Modays? Even during the off-season?

I've heard that whatever park has the Extra Magic Hour is crowded for the whole day. Is this true?

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I had heard that both of those things you say are true. The rationale on the Monday one is that many folks drive in over the weekend and their first park is the MK. I have also heard the MK is crowded on Sat. cause of day-trippers.

I always do my planning based on these things.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by stevets
I've heard that whatever park has the Extra Magic Hour is crowded for the whole day. Is this true?

Not necessarily. A lot can depend upon the large-scale parades and shows planned later in the day.

In my experiences. EMH will inflate the crowds at a park at least through early afternoon. MK, AK and MGM all have parades that run around 3-4pm. At this point, a large number of guests will exit the park, often to return to their hotel to "freshen-up" for the evening. But, up until the parades run, the crowds will continue to build throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Check this site for recommendations on which day to visit which park:

http://www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm

 

[cyndilou01]

we just returned and the parks were very nice wed. - Friday.. then came saturday for the Magic Kingdom... very crowded... if at all possible do the MK during the week you will be able to do so much more... also for the first time I stayed after the fireworks and we were able to do a lot of stuff in an hour... everyone is leaving. really a nice time to catch those rides you might want to ride again...

Have fun... bundle up/layer up... it was really cold on Saturday

 

[jeankeri]

We just returned. Did EMH at Epcot and MK (Thursday). Would definately do those two again- got to ride lots before park regular opening (Fantasyland/Tomorrowland in MK; M:S and TestTrack in Epcot), then went on to pretty empty park areas when the park opened for all. When Mk got crowded (Splash and BTMRR 20 min waits!) went to shows, had a sit down lunch, etc.

 

[greggoda]

We just returned on the 5th. MK was packed on Monday the 1st. We went back on Wednesday the 3rd to much smaller crowds. Both days had Spectromagic although we thought Spectro was only on Monday when we left.

I'd avoid MK on Early Entry mornings and on Mondays if possible. We did AK and the Studios on Sunday but couldn't wait to get our two year old daughter to MK and had to go on Monday to eat at the Crystal Palace.