What's the verdict on FTP & Crowds?

[P'colaFla]

We just got back last week from CSR (9/15-9/20) and it was wonderful. We always go in Sept and never have a problem. It was the same this year so I didn't notice a change. The resort was great, the parks were great. We practically had the place to ourselves....no joke. It was almost spooky! We have been several times in October and unfortunately that month is always busy. I know that kids around here have a week off in October for fall break and all of our friends tend to go that week thinking it will be better than going in the summer. Not so.....except for the cooler weather. Disney is great though, any time of year.......just enjoy your trip and think about how much nicer it is to be there than work! haha. I am ready to go back....have a great trip!

 

[cfewell]

Thanks for the update, I know us October goers are really excited about going!!!!

 

[Auggietina]

We just got back (Sept 18-26) and the crowds were all light except for Magic Kingdom on 9-24. Most rides were a 30 minute wait, which was the most wait we had all week.

 

[lucky978]

We are going 10/4 - 10/11. Will this effect us?

 

[indyanna]

The Fairy Tale Package was offered on packages booked by 6/29/03 for travel dates through at least the end of October so, yes, you will be affected.

 

[FreshTressa]

Dun, Dun, Dun....

October is here!!! Keep us posted!

 

[cfewell]

just doing a little bump LOL

 

[Coll0610]

We were there 9/27 - 10/4 and the crowds were low until Saturday (10/4). The last couple of years we were there a week or so later in October, over Columbus Day. This year the crowds were lighter than we've seen in a couple of years. The waits were less than 30 minutes on all the rides and we were even able to walk on to Mission Space.

We went to the Magic Kingdom around 8pm the first day we were there (Saturday, 9/27) and it was pretty crowded. We went back the last day (also Saturday) and it was again very crowded. (Yes, we know that the MK is always crowded on Saturdays, but it's become a tradition to start and end there). The waits were longer but mostly manageable in the morning and early afternoon. By the time we left in mid-afternoon, Splash Mountain was at 55 minutes. Our resort (WL) was also more busy on that last Saturday - the first time more than one person was in line in front of me in Roaring Forks.

 

[cfewell]

Thanks for the updates.... time is a drawin nearer LOL

We are now going with the set mind of having fun NO MATTER how bad the crowds are. Doesnt really matter if we do not get to see everything... my most fond memories of our last trip are when we let our son play for over an hour in the boneyard and then again at the playground in Mickeys Toontown.

There will be a lot of people there- I realize it, but we will have fun anyway - cause its DISNEY LOL

 

[indyanna]

the crowds don't matter that much. I'm so excited about this trip as it gets down to the wire that I can barely contain myself. I've never been so I don't have anything to compare the crowds with. I'm just sure that crowded in October is not as bad as crowded in the summer, and even if it is, at least it won't be so hot.

After months of planning, I just can't believe it's almost here. I just can't wait!!!!!!!!

 

[cheriesam]

Does FTP go through December too?

 

[indyanna]

If I remember correctly it only extended through November.

 

[luvmk]

Indyanna--

I know this is ot, but we live in Lafayette and leave in 8 days!! I can't wait! Are you doing mnsshp? We are going the 19th. We have decided not to let the crowd get to us. We usually go in May, so I'm sure things will be more hectic than we are used to. I have found that FP alleviates alot of our waits. We're just going to take our time and enjoy!

 

[indyanna]

Hi there! I'm in Fishers. We're also going to MNSSHP on the 19th! There's another Hoosier on these boards (emysmom) and they're going at the same time. We found out we are going to be on the same flight home! It's a small world after all!

 

[luvmk]

It is a small world! I used to live in Fishers. I was there Monday night to watch the Colts WIN!!

Have a wonderful time at mnsshp. I know if you are on this board, you will have a wonderful disney vacation!

 

[mcnuss]

We've been many times in October and IMHO, it was a little more crowded than usual, but not that much.

We stayed off-site at Cypress Pointe and they were not full. Disney resorts were not full bc they had the "Rooms Available" sign up on road near the auto care center. Parking lots were not nearly full, we parked pretty close every day.

Having said that, we made the "mistake" of doing MK on Saturday. I hate MK on Saturdays, but it was the only night they were doing Spectro (2x, at 8:00 and 10:00, I think....) and Fireworks so as we did not feel like hopping, we got to MK late-ish and found that was a good strategy. We used FastPasses and never waited long. Where you could tell the park was busy was in the restaurants and shops, and over at Toontown where the wait for characters was close to an hour.

Epcot was fine. FutureWorld was a little bit more crowded than usual, but not much. We always hit Epcot late, never get there before 11:30 so that most of the crowd is headed toward World Showcase by the time we are in FW. We had no wait for anything, really, as we did FastPass for the Land. We skipped Living Seas this time, and to DH's dismay, he did not get to do MS but at noon, the wait was listed at 30 minutes. WS was busy that day, but not unpleasantly so. There were no waits for the characters, but getting food took awhile.

AK was pretty busy too, but I always feel crowded there due to the narrow pathways. They were turning people away at every Lion King show...and BTW the new set-up with AC is FABULOUS!! We never got to Kali bc all the FastPasses for the day were given out by 2 pm, and when we returned at 3:30 hoping for a shorter line due to the parade, the wait was still an hour. None of the kids had any interest in anything in Dinoland, so we left after that, even before the parade started.

We did Typhoon Lagoon yesterday and it was not busy at all. We never waited more than 3-5 minutes for anything.

We missed MGM bc DD picked up a 24 hour stomach bug, so we were housebound for a day. And boy was I glad we were in a nice big condo or we would have gone stir-crazy!!

Hope this helps.

 

[Hockeychic]

We are stopping for the night in Lafayette, WV. Staying at the Comfort Inn New River. Apparently it is right on HWY 19, do you know where that is?? Is it really on the highway we will be arriving late at night and do not want to venture to far off the highway.

Also can I ask you another question. How long it it to Disney from Lafayette???

Thanks

 

[luvmk]

I wish I could help you, but I live in Lafayette, IN. I just realized I didn't specify the state. Hopefully someone else who reads the boards will be able to answer your questions. Have a great trip!

 

[FreshTressa]

We, too are going to be at MNSSHP on the 19th!

 

[Hockeychic]

I should have checked your location in your signature.

Thanks