IMHO, the FTP has had a significant effect on the crowds. We just returned 2 weeks ago and always do a mid-summer trip with the grandson (in addition to our 3-4 trips a year by ourselves). During our July trip the crowds are always heavy, but this year was very different. While we are big fans of e-ticket and EE days, we learned to avoid both. E-ticket sold out each time it was offered during our trip (I think there were 3 nights)--this is something that usually only happens during the holidays or spring break and those who have posted going have reported huge crowds and longer than usual waits for the rides--no longer is anyone reported being able to stay on the ride and ride again. Early entry: I love EE and always use it. We tried this trip and only did it once. We zipped down to MK from the CR only to find a crowd so huge (Sunday) that they could get everyone into the rope que. We only stayed until noon, so within that 4 hours, we rode most of the main rides but the waits built up very quickly. So we went on a non-EE day (Wednesday) and in thos 3 hours, we did more and saw more that morning, even got to ride Buzz 5 times in a row and still no line, no line at space mountain. So after that we continued our trend of avoiding EE mornings. Restraurants: We had PS for most of our sit down meals, but if you didn't have a PS many times you didn't get in. Several times while waiting to be seated the servers announced to the huge line of folks that if you didn't have a PS, you would not be getting in.
While we have a trip for September and a late October trip, I'm sure either won't be as bad as July, but am expecting a heavier than usually crowd. Sept is usually pretty quiet, but October is equal to May in terms of the locals who will visit for food and wine and the many conventions taking place. I'm sure it won't be as bad as July....no way. But the FTP has changed the history of crowd attendance for 2003.
