SOOO packed this week!

[DonnerB]

Maybe it's just a combo of aggressive local discounts and the last days for MK holders, but this time of year no longer feels like the magical sweet spot it has the reputation for being.

I feel like we discuss this ad nauseam, but as a local Magic Key holder, I don't think there are any sweet spots left with the possible exception of summer because of the lower tier Magic Key blockouts. In 2026 they've removed several Saturday blockouts for Believe Keys (if I'm comparing the calendars correctly). The upcoming SoCal discounts will make the first part of the year crowded. I'm certainly considering not renewing based on how the first chunk of the new year goes.

 

[Disney0010]

We used to be MK holders but moved about five hours away so we dropped the MK in April of this year. We’re now down to visiting DL once a year which is the holiday season but we’re spending upwards of over four-five grand for three nights and after this year we will rethink that. We have booked this week for the past five years and this year has been far worse for crowds than the previous years.

The CM’s have been outstanding. The CM’s here at the DL hotel have been great. So friendly and helpful. I wish I could say the same for fellow guests. Whatever happened to saying please and thank you? Also, why should I have to dodge those pushing strollers and driving EV’s in place of them watching where they’re going and showing some courtesy towards others?

I understand that Disney wants a certain amount of guests in the parks each day but I think this year they have bit off more than they could chew. I’m glad to be leaving tomorrow and I have never felt that way about a Disney trip before. Disney needs to look at promotions and MK dates around the holidays and make some adjustments. I will be filling out my survey and sending an email but I doubt that it will do any good.

We have a nice dinner planned tonight at CC and will enjoy it. It will be a nice way to finish off this trip. I’m sure after having some time away from DL that my feelings will change but right now this trip has not felt relaxing or magical.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I’m sure after having some time away from DL that my feelings will change but right now this trip has not felt relaxing or magical.

I would have to agree with this somewhat for my Thanksgiving trip this year. This year's visit compared to last year's, night and day. Last year I felt like we could roll with the crowds and use a little strategy to have the experience we wanted, and we had one of our nicest Thanksgiving weeks of all our years at the park. This year was just plain exhausting, and largely it was the people that made it so.