Recent Comments making me nervous -- someone reassure me please!

[minmate]

All the recent comments regarding the weather and crowds are making me nervous -- we had just the best time when we were at WDW in March and I'm concerned this trip in June (11-16) will be less than magical. It is not going to be easy to wait in long lines with four kids -- all 5 and under -- hoping to maximize EE and FP -- but should my expectations for the amount of activity we actually do be dramatically decreased? I worry my dh will get frustrated b/c we had such an easy coast thru all the lines in March... not to mention the foreboding weather forecasts for thunderstorms every single day of our trip... Please give me some tips here on how to handle the recent reports.

 

[dylansdad]

No Worries: just go with the flow.

and bring ponchos

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

I don't really have much advice but to say being at WDW no matter what the time of year is much better than being home and doing your normal every day thing.

We went in July 2002 and June 2003 and both months were hot, humid and rained daily (for brief periods). I have to say that the June crowds were larger for some unknown reason at the MK than anywhere else.

Since it looks like you are staying at the GF you will have easy access to and from the MK and can take breaks when you feel you've had enough of the crowds. Purchase some cheap rain ponchos at Wal-Mart for $2.88 each and carry them just in case it does decide to rain. Remember, everything mostly stays open, even in the rain. Most people will leave when it starts to rain. Find a spot and wait it out . . .

You'll have fun no matter what. Access FP as much as you can. Don't try to do MK in the heat of the day . . .go back later after you've relaxed and had some pool time and you'll see that most of the crowds aren't in existence.

Have fun and don't worry.

 

[FunkDoC]

I wish I could tell you otherwise, but I think it's busy! We just got back on Saturday after two weeks and were shocked at how full the parks were. Be sure to utilize fast pass. It saved us a ton of time. If you have not seen Philharmagic, ensure that you DO!

We were actually begging for rain for the duration of our two week trip. We had a little on the second day, and then 90'+ and clear skies the rest of the time. Rain is not so bad at all! It clears the parks somewhat and keeps it cool.

Don't overstress about everything and remember it's a vacation. Don't let crowds or weather ruin your time. It can only be as magical as you make it.

 

[minmate]

FunkDoc--
Did you do/see fewer rides/attractions/shows, etc... than you had anticipated or hoped for? We're only going to be there for 5 dyas and my mom really wants to take one day to do SW -- and I know the kids will force us to take it easy -- no commando or anything -- but since we'll probably not be back for 2 years at minimum, I'd like to make it a fulfilling trip -- if that makes sense...

 

[HopperFan]

Just back and yes it was hot, but an unusual heat wave for May. SO we had not brought our "heat gear". I would get spray bottles with fans before you go, they are big bucks in the park. These are a big help especially with kids. Take in drinking water bottles, refill at fountains and keep everyone hydrated. A quick way to get cranky. Hats if they will wear them. Regular potty breaks to wash the faces and necks helps too.

Crowds - I said I thought it was crowded but my husband said he did not think it was. It was just that we were hot and I don't take heat well, and he said it was just me ????? As I think back I think he was right. So much worse in July. We also dress everyone alike so we can be spotted easier if one gets away in the crowd. Saw a family last week in matching red & white striped tshirts (baby had a red & white striped onesie) and one in neon green tshirts. They stood out!

KEY is the Fast Pass. Since they were implemented the crowd distribution has been great. Plan your use and they will work for you. We pull one for a ride, then go to a ride close by. So hopefully by time we are done we can walk on the other. Or we pulled for HM walked over to Columbia House, ate a nice lunch upstairs by a window in AC. People watched and then walked right on HM. Do a snack & shade break while waiting for your time. If it is a ride you think you'll want to do twice, BUZZ LIGHTYEAR for us, then get a fast pass, get in the regular line and then come back after or later to use pass. Also if you skip daytime parade many rides, especially childrens, will be less crowded.

There last year in JULY with it PACKED we did just about everything. Just don't waste time going back and forth to different sections. If there seems to be crowds they are everywhere, so use your time to get in line. Much better than dragging the kiddies looking for the elusive non-crowded area.

EE - When ours were younger we went straight to Fantasyland. We could knock most of that out by time the hour was up. Then be in line at the rope when they open Toontown. We did last week and we walked right in to see Mickey, other characters, Barnstormer etc. Also meeting a few characters early gets the momentum going and kept them happy if we didn't see anymore for awhile.

AK - will be the hottest park just because of the limited AC activities. Get there for EE for sure.

We did EPCOT this trip and it was too hot for the kids to enjoy. They loved it last time, but I don't think I would hit it again if it is over 90. I would have rather been at SW being splashed by Shamu.

MGM - Plenty of AC programs there to cool off. Yours are young so you probably aren't worried about RnR or ToT. If you go you should be able to do it all.

dylansdad is right - GO WITH THE FLOW ! Enjoy the moment of what you are doing and don't get stressed.

HAVE FUN !

 

[Cruise04]

but since we'll probably not be back for 2 years at minimum, I'd like to make it a fulfilling trip -- if that makes sense...

If you know you'll eventually be back, I say take your time, don't commando and don't stress out about it. If you knew this would be your only trip, then that would be a different story. Sit with your family before you go and explain to them that it will probably be busier and hotter (obviously) than when you went in March and that everyone needs to be cooperative and patient. That way you ALL can go with what you think it will be like and hopefully you'll be surprised!!!! That's what will make it fulfilling - going with an already expectation that everyone needs to be patient.

And I agree, take ponchos with you. Plan for a midday shower and with that plan on hopping into some stores or getting fastpasses for indoor rides. There are more indoor rides and things to do than you'll think. I never realized it until we were there and it rained, as everyone was leaving the park we were having fun getting on the indoor rides and that was at MK!

 

[jimmiej]

I titled my last trip report (2002) "WWDW-Wet Walt Disney World." It rained a lot! However, the benefits were fewer people & cooler temps. The rain barely put a dent in our fun. Go & have good time.

 

[mnbrowns]

We were there last year at the same time and it rained heavily every day. We just plopped on ponchos and made it an adventure.

 

[HenDuck]

Last time we went it was HOT! I don't even remember what month that was, but it was hot and it did pour.

One thing that helped me was bringing a small umbrella. It really cuts the heat when you're walking around EpCot, etc.

They have really small lightweight ones that I'm sure you could fit into a fanny pack.

I know most people here like to use ponchos, and I have used them too in a down pour, but an umbrella really does help to keep you cooler in the hot sun.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Micca]

You are right on thinking in terms of EMH and FP. Also think along the lines of naps and swimming during the hottest parts of the day. Don't forget the sunscreen

 

[minmate]

Thanks for all the comments -- HopperFan -- thanks for all the detailed strategy ideas too! Good thinking to talk to the kiddos and explain it may be different this time. We did that back in March, explaining there may be long lines, but I kid you not, the ONLY two things we actually stood in line for were Check-in (30mins) and Splash Mtn. (20-25 mins) -- And dh and the kids didn't stand in the check-in line -- that was the longest line the whole trip -- including waits for busses and everything! I know the speech about long lines will likely be more necessary this time! My kids all have new raincoats that they LOVE to wear -- it's been raining here a lot! So they don't mind wearing those -- gotta get ponchos for the grown ups tho!

 

[FunkDoC]

Honestly we did not skip much at all. I actually did two things on this trip that I had never done in all of my previous visits to the world. I had never done Tiki Birds or Country Bear Jamboree in the past. I can check them off of the list. I still have never been to Tom Sawyer's Island. I am just truly not interested in it, and neither are my wife and two little girls.

Fast Pass was critical and if you have more than a few minutes of the day that you don't have a Fast Pass in your pocket, you are doing something wrong!

At MK we did everything we wanted to and more. We were able to hit Splash Mountain 3 times and Thunder Mountain twice because we did not want to see the SpectroMagic parade. At Epcot we did everything we wanted to, but the line for Mission Space ended up being too long to repeat it and FP was depleated. I got to do it once though, don't believe the fears in your ears...I get sick when I spin and I LOVED this ride! MGM was packed to the gills, but we still had a full and great day. UNBELIEVABLY we missed the Beauty and The Beast show this time around. We did not even realize it until we were heading in to Fantasmic. Still a great day. Animal Kingdom made me ANGRY this time around. Let me explain...

First of all, can we get some more of the cooling fans on some of the paths out there? Don't take the wrong turn that leads you past 300 yards of nothing, then a bridge, before coming in on the backside of Tarzan Rocks. It's where Expedition Everest is going to be (IT'S GOING TO BE AMAZING BASED ON THE PLANS YOU CAN SEE!). The Chester and Hester's area about did me in. PrimeEvil Whirl was fun for my girls, but it felt like a State Fair reject to me. The games are crappy and overpriced and the prizes are garbage. Dinosaur is CLOSED for the time being (atleast it was!) and the seemingly endless amount of asphalt out there was just melting me in my footsteps. On top of that, Animal Kingdom seems to be where they put all the CM's that have bad attitudes. Going to AK has always been a must-do for my troops, but this years experience just about killed it for us.

Don't leave Orlando without going on The Mummy at Universal. It's the new greatest ride down there. It edges out Spiderman for me personally. We like Universal at least as much as we like Disney. I will say that this trip we were definitely more impressed with Universal. All of the employees were execeptional and the characters were absolutely perfect.

Enjoy your trip and fire away with any other questions you may have! If there is an overweight red-headed guy working at Dumbo...wait until he is gone. He has fat aggression and is honestly mean and rude to the kids. I can't believe he works at Magic Kingdom.

 

[sodaseller]

94 degrees this weekend, and we native Floridians were uncomfortable

 

[Plan Man]

What I love about these boards is the good common sense even though there are varying opinions.

We have gone to Disney several times in the summer heat and the cooler fall and spring. (can't wait for a Christmas trip some year)

I agree with so much of what has already been said. Here is my two cents.

1) Misty fans are a must (fill them to the brim with ice and then add water - it will stay cooler longer) then add some ice every chance you get. Bring extra batteries so the kids can run the things as long as they want.

2) If they play gameboys - bring them.

3) Early Entry is critical. do the popular stuff in the morning leave for a late lunch and naps and come back for a slow late afternoon and evening. The pace has to slow later in the day because the crowds are much bigger and people are grumpier. if the kids and parents have had their rest you can be the calm happy people!

3) Use fast pass and race around in the morning if it works for you.


The GF is so nice and the CMs are so good - i can't imagine that you will have anything but a wonderful trip. have fun!