With all the cut backs...

[TinkHappy]

I am afraid we will not be getting our "moneys worth". We go to WDW every year and this year we are planning our trip the first week of May, but now I am worried. With the shorter hours will we be able to do most of the rides. I am sure they are "cutting back" on CMs, so the waits for rides will still be long, for instance...with BTM only one side will be open, with SpashMountain not as many "logs", SpaceMountain only one side open. I am very worried, should I cancel, save my money and just go next year?
I am not afraid to go because of the war, I am worried that WDW is cutting back too much. Maybe that is why people are cancelling their trips and attendance is low.

 

[Ted and Holly]

We went last month. In my opinion, it was well worth it.

People are not traveling as much. The economy sucks. People are getting layed off. They do not have as much descretionary income as they used to. Therefore, they are going to WDW less. It is not because of the tightening of the belt at Disney.

Ted

 

[BrianD]

I really don't think that the cutbacks would be so bad that you wouldn't enjoy your trip. Disney wants you to come back. Honestly, I think that though the park hours are shorter, the crowds will also be very light, due to war, economy, etc. And if the discounts help to bring more people to WDW and the crowds are heavier, then they will adjust the park hours & staffing accordingly.

Too me it's still a magical place to go, even with shorter hours at MK & MGM.

 

[Chuck S]

Cutting the ride queues back to load only one side is NOT unusual for the first week of May, nor are shorter hours. I seriously doubt the cutbacks will be so drastic as to diminish your enjoyment of the parks...with fewer people vacationing, you should really be able to take your time and enjoy the parks.

 

[buzz2400]

We went last August (also shorter hours than usual). We just did not get to park hop like we like to do. It was still worth going and we are going again in July. You will still be able to see everything as long as you get there when the park opens, use fast pass and stay until closing. You probably will have less crowds since you are going after Easter week. Go and have fun.

 

[DebbieB]

I went the first week of December in 2001, less than 3 months after 9/11. So many people on these boards were upset about the short hours plus the pop warner football players/cheerleaders & media week. Some even went as far as to cancel because of the short hours and anticipated (in their minds) crowds. Turned out to be the best trip we ever had. Lines were next to nothing and we were able to do everything we wanted despite the shorter hours. Go and have fun!

 

[cindyfan]

This has been a very HOT topic the last couple weeks!!!!
Keep reading these boards and you will see alot of different opinions on the subject!!

I think that though the park hours are shorter, the crowds will also be very light, due to war, economy, etc. And if the discounts help to bring more people to WDW and the crowds are heavier, then they will adjust the park hours & staffing accordingly.

I am not sure I agree with this statement at all!!!!
Just look at the hours for Easter!!!

And FYI....on the news/rumors board someone posted that MK hit capacity yesterday.....and yet.....still closed at 8pm

But....the first week of May....you might be just fine. It's those people traveling during peak and busier times like June.

 

[palmtreegirl]

And FYI....on the news/rumors board someone posted that MK hit capacity yesterday.....and yet.....still closed at 8pm

Since we're heading down there soon, I called down to WDW and I asked them if the MK was at capacity and the CM laughed and said *no, it's been awhile since it was, that's why the hours have been shortened.*

 

[Safari Steve]

And FYI....on the news/rumors board someone posted that MK hit capacity yesterday.....and yet.....still closed at 8pm

I was working at the MK entrance on Wed and Thurs, and no , we did not reach capacity. Crowds have been fairly strong all week, which is why hours were extended from a 7pm close to an 8pm close, Saturday's 8pm close has been extended to a 9pm close.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by cindyfan
This has been a very HOT topic the last couple weeks!!!!
Keep reading these boards and you will see alot of different opinions on the subject!!


I am not sure I agree with this statement at all!!!!
Just look at the hours for Easter!!!

And FYI....on the news/rumors board someone posted that MK hit capacity yesterday.....and yet.....still closed at 8pm

But....the first week of May....you might be just fine. It's those people traveling during peak and busier times like June.

You need to look at the hours again for April. They have once again changed them and now they are back to being open late. I go every May and always have shorter hours. I get my moneys worth every time. There are no crowds to deal with and you can get twice as much done in half the time. May and October are the best times to go. If the OP already has the attitude about getting one's moneys worth maybe they should change to the summer when the parks are open later. If you would rather deal with crowds then that might be the best. I prefer spending more time on attractions and less time in lines so I'll stick with May and October. As far as reasons for people canceling I think it has to do with the war and the economy. I seriously doubt a bunch of people will cancel because they might hear a rumor about cutbacks.

 

[MELSMICE]

We have gone at peak times, off-peak times, when the parks are open late & when the parks close early. No matter when we go we have a good time.

Each trip brings something different to do. If the parks stay open late sometimes we go back to a park at around 8 or 9 p.m. If they close early we find other things to do in "the world" that are just as much fun as being at a park.

I think you'll have a good time regardless of how many people are there & what time the park closes. I have always felt that I have gotten my money's worth.

 

[kilee]

We usually go to Disney during value season. We have also been during the others though too (including Easter week). During the value season there are many shorter hours and cut down on ride operations (not to mention heavier rehabs). We still find that we tend to get more done. It is a lot less crowded. The first week of May isn't a peak season and wouldn't of normally had very late extended hours anyhow. I think you'll find everything very manageable and you will enjoy yourselves.

 

[currycook]

Yes - they have may been some cut backs but if you really are a WDW fan this is a great time to go. The crowds are down a bit and even with a couple of hours less in the park you can see much much more. Also, May usually is not peak season so it would not be unusual for them to have less hours in May. May is a good time to visit. Spring break season is over but schools are not out yet so the parks are not as full. Again - if you like WDW (which I think all of here do on the DISBoards) then this is a good opportunity. Much better than complaining of how full the parks are.

 

[mbethel]

I have not been to the parks during the high season since 1976. I have made at least 20 trips during off season so I think I can safely say you will have enough time to see every thing. I rarely have to use any strategy other than "Look at that 10 minute line for Space Mountain, let's go to Buzz instead." We'll be going the first week of May and I expect to use a few FPs if necessary and see everything we desire. FYI, we always use counter service for lunches so that may be a time saver that you might need to use.

 

[cindyfan]

Whhheeewwwwwww.....
Glad to see they fixed the hours for April.

This whole hours/cut back/attendance topic is getting old for me, I'm so done with it!!!!

We plan to go and have a great time no matter what!!

And I think you should do the same!!!!

You will have an awesome time!!!