What do you do at the park when it's busy?

[KittyKitty]

I'm one of millions going the week after Easter. I'm figuring it will be crazy at the parks.

So what would be fun stuff to do while waiting for my fastpass time to open? I want it to be as much fun for the family as possible. Adults and 1 nine yr old.

Not much of a shopper, but am a good eater!

What suggestions do you have?

Thanks.


See ya there
Susan

 

[HaleyB]

We people watch and eat and consider pin trading (we like to look at all the pins, we just never buy any)

 

[XStAnt]

While waiting for your FP window to open, go on a non-FP ride. It may involve some waiting but you'll have to wait in line at the non-FP ride at some point anyway. This way it's like waiting in two lines at once.

Getting lunch or a snack while waiting for your return time is good. Eat at off hours (have lunch at 11:30 am or 2:00 pm, etc).

Also, keep in mind your FP ticket will show when you can get another FP. It may be before the return window opens on your first attraction.

Remember to get a second FP before using the first one.

 

[kfkruse]

The Fastpass it like a game to me. I want to get in all these rides so then we plan it out a little. FP this and go wait in line for that. The biggest rides will run out of FP's. I know that Test Track would always run out seemed like everytime I would go to get one. (I don't like waiting in line for 2 hours) and this would sometimes happen before noon. Other rides your FP window would start in 10 min. I get excited and want to run around but my DW reminds me that it is vacation and to slow down. So I play this game to get in more at a slower pace.

 

[carone0318]

Characters, characters, characters. Our family loves to find the characters and get pictures and autographs. Dd also will get her face painted one day which takes a little while.

If you are in Epcot, go to the exhibits in Future World. We really like the one that is at the end of Journey into Your Imagination. You can send email pictures to people (so bring your email list.) Also there is a place that you can get Coke from all over the world, it nice and cool in there and free. At the Living Seas, kids can make their own hats. In the countries, their is KidCot stations where the kids make masks and have a book that gets stamped. There are also street performers that you can stop and watch.

 

[sodaseller]

If you have little ones especially, the train ride, TTA and Tom Sawyer Island are always great ways to still be "doing Disney" on busy days with long lines

 

[KittyKitty]

Any others thoughts?????



Susan

 

[sm4987]

Try to plan your days around the crowds. I would also take in some of the other attractions while you are waiting for your Fastpasses. Just because one attraction is crowded, doesn't mean they all are

 

[Sam60]

My family is going the week before Easter, and we're facing the same dilemma- how to maintain our sanity when the crowds get horrible.

We decided to use the tried but true method of getting to the parks about 45 minutes before they open. Utilize Surprise Mornings. Fast Pass everything that we can. Then get out of dodge after about three hours, when the crowds start getting bad. Return again 2-3 hours before the park closes.

Some ideas for that large mid day break: Take the monorail to the Contemporary and rent a water mouse for half an hour. Visit the video arcade on the first floor. Go back to our hotel to rest/swim/regroup. Do a fishing excursion. Visit the petting zoo/stables at Fort Wilderness. Go shopping at Downtown Disney. Visit one of the water parks if they are still admitting guests. Go off property to the beach (probably St. Pete's)- it will be crowded, but at least there won't be lines! Take an air boat ride. Visit the Manatees at Homosossa State Park. Go horseback riding off property.

It is kind of sad- I have met people who have gone to WDW and HATED it. Mostly, I think it is because they go during the busiest time of the year, sleep in, and spend most of their disney time elbowing through terrible crowds and standing in line. No wonder they don't have pleasant Disney memories- I wouldn't either if I spent big $$$ on a trip and only got to ride 2 or 3 rides.

 

[Gaiusrex]

Some things we did while waiting for FastPass Times to come:

1. Find really cool photo ops. If you've got a scrapbooker in your family, consider taking a picture of each of the ride signs. Find interesting little nooks that most people may not see.

2. Watch people interact with the villan characters. They are always doing something evil.

3. If you've little ones, the playgrounds(like in toon town) are usually line-free.

4. Eat

 

[DisKim]

Go to the parks early and make a ps for lunch at Crystal Palace or another character buffet (depending on where you are). We have gone during Easter week many times. We get into the parks early and enjoy all the rides. By the time it gets crowded, we are relaxing with Pooh and friends. We have always enjoyed ourselves despite the crowds.

 

[sushilover]

We also like to play miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens by the Boardwalk.

 

[karylrocks]

I will never forget when I discovered Tom Sawyer Island when my kids were little. It was like a refuge in the middle of the afternoon. I just rested while they played and explored for at least an hour. Whenever we have gone it has not been crowded, but we have never been to WDW during the busiest seasons.

I also like the idea of exploring the monorail resorts. The Contemporary has a huge arcade and some fun shops. The Poly is beautiful just to walk around.