With preschoolers...avoid MK on Sundays and Mondays?

[AngiTN]

I'll tell you how...we don't notice, don't care, don't pay any attention frankly. As you said, it makes a difference to you in how the park "felt". That's perception, and everyone can perceive things differently. I'm sure there are numbers somewhere (though I know WDW doesn't publish attendance) that would support what days are busiest by strict head count, and I wouldn't doubt whatever the results are. But we pay no attention to it whatsoever, so our perception is quite different I suppose than someone who religiously looks at crowd calendars. As I said before, until a few months ago, I didn't even know such thing as a crowd calendar existed. We just went...and still do...to whatever park we wanted to on a given day. We're there to have fun and do our own thing. In all my trips to WDW, I've never seen it where I would call it a "slow" day, so I guess we just don't really pay any notice to what degree of busy it is, it's all "busy" to us. Major holidays are different...4th of July weekend, Thanksgiving, Xmas, then we have clearly noticed a difference. But the other times of year...nope, truly can't say I've looked around and said to myself "Wow, look how busy it is, it must be Monday".

Personally, and it's just my opinion, I think it's a shame that people spend all kinds of money, take time off work, do all this planning, drive/fly long distances, etc...to come down to WDW only to stay away from certain parks on certain days. To me, that really limits your trip. WDW is an extraordinarily popular tourist attraction, it's gonna be crowded. I'm paying hard earned money to go there, I'm not going to restrict myself where I go simply because of a crowd. It feels so weird for me to say that, because I truly am one who normally hates crowds. But at WDW, it's very different for me. I just don't even think about it. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've been to MK on a Monday, or HS on a Thursday, or Epcot on Sunday. Don't know. As I've said before, our "planning" for a trip is incredibly crude and simple by the standards of many here. Day of the week vs. expected crowds don't even come into the conversation. We just rotate parks daily, ensuring we hit all of them and spend more time in our favorites. We usually split it up am vs. pm, and again it's got nothing to do with day of the week and crowds. It's just for variety, and to make sure we don't do a late night in one park followed by early morning the next (kids get cranky). So yeah, it's easy for me to say it doesn't make a difference, because for us, it really doesn't.

The other side of that coin is it's a shame to take time off work, do all the planning, fly long distance, go to Disney to wait in lines longer than is necessary. Not when it's super easy to zig when the majority of crowds zag and still hit all parks and all favorites.

 

[moesy4]

I'll tell you how...we don't notice, don't care, don't pay any attention frankly. As you said, it makes a difference to you in how the park "felt". That's perception, and everyone can perceive things differently. I'm sure there are numbers somewhere (though I know WDW doesn't publish attendance) that would support what days are busiest by strict head count, and I wouldn't doubt whatever the results are. But we pay no attention to it whatsoever, so our perception is quite different I suppose than someone who religiously looks at crowd calendars. As I said before, until a few months ago, I didn't even know such thing as a crowd calendar existed. We just went...and still do...to whatever park we wanted to on a given day. We're there to have fun and do our own thing. In all my trips to WDW, I've never seen it where I would call it a "slow" day, so I guess we just don't really pay any notice to what degree of busy it is, it's all "busy" to us. Major holidays are different...4th of July weekend, Thanksgiving, Xmas, then we have clearly noticed a difference. But the other times of year...nope, truly can't say I've looked around and said to myself "Wow, look how busy it is, it must be Monday".

Personally, and it's just my opinion, I think it's a shame that people spend all kinds of money, take time off work, do all this planning, drive/fly long distances, etc...to come down to WDW only to stay away from certain parks on certain days. To me, that really limits your trip. WDW is an extraordinarily popular tourist attraction, it's gonna be crowded. I'm paying hard earned money to go there, I'm not going to restrict myself where I go simply because of a crowd. It feels so weird for me to say that, because I truly am one who normally hates crowds. But at WDW, it's very different for me. I just don't even think about it. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've been to MK on a Monday, or HS on a Thursday, or Epcot on Sunday. Don't know. As I've said before, our "planning" for a trip is incredibly crude and simple by the standards of many here. Day of the week vs. expected crowds don't even come into the conversation. We just rotate parks daily, ensuring we hit all of them and spend more time in our favorites. We usually split it up am vs. pm, and again it's got nothing to do with day of the week and crowds. It's just for variety, and to make sure we don't do a late night in one park followed by early morning the next (kids get cranky). So yeah, it's easy for me to say it doesn't make a difference, because for us, it really doesn't.

It wasn't meant to be an insult, what I was speaking to the OP was that certain days DO make a difference, and to say to visit any park any day and it won't matter just doesn't make sense as a blanket statement, just as someone can't say always do rope drop, always stay on site, etc. Every family is very different on what affects them. You are not affected by crowds, and that is awesome, but a lot of families with preschoolers will be. It can make or break a day when it comes to a child with sensory issues, or to a child who can't wait 60 minutes in a line without a breakdown, or to a family trying to push a double stroller through a sea of people. Everyone has to evaluate what matters to them, what would enhance their vacation the best, and go with that. To some, that means going to MK on their first day, because the joy of the castle for their first morning outweighs the fact they may be in lines a lot longer. Other families are ok waking up earlier than they'd normally like and exchange sleep for low ride wait. Even you do that when you choose Disney over a different vacation...I don't really see how that makes something a "shame". Only the OP will know whether it is worth it to her family.

 

[DisneyCAL]

Our Sunday there wasn't as bad as the following Saturday but was noticeably worse than Tuesday. Just get there a rope drop and you'll be able to manage a good day in the parks.

 

[Surgie2]

Personally, and it's just my opinion, I think it's a shame that people spend all kinds of money, take time off work, do all this planning, drive/fly long distances, etc...to come down to WDW only to stay away from certain parks on certain days.

I see what you are saying. But I have used the "crowd calendar" method of planning in the past using Touring Plans and it has worked very well for us with all adults. This will be the first trip in a long time with little ones along and if we can set ourselves up for less time in lines by doing some homework and preplanning I'm all for it. Happy kids means longer park days for all of us. I don't have any problem avoiding a certain park on one day in favor of a predicted less crowded day. It doesn't mean I'll miss out on seeing anything. But that's what makes these forums so helpful - everyone has a different way of doing it and I appreciate all perspectives.

 

[Corbinator]

We went last Sunday the 23rd at rd and it was great! Everyone must have gone to 7dmt because we went straight to Peter Pan with no wait, Little Mermaid was empty, Carosuel/teacups/Winnie pooh all light as well...from 8-10am we walked around in total peace. Ate early lunch at Pinnnochio and it was only us at the patio tables at 11. By noon things ramped up. We had fast passes and it was a party night and we were headed to Hoop for dinner at 4 anyway so we got plenty of early time in and returned Thurs for a repeat.

 

[Babs1975]

Some might not avoid a certain day because they've never done a day and then said, what the heck just happened???!###!!!!! I'm not huge into crowd calendars but I do take a peek at what's low, medium, high. I definitely avoid high days. We tried MK on a Monday once and it was a very noticeable difference and a "what the heck just happened?" moment. Never again! The lines were not what we were use to and not what we enjoy. The guides had warned against a Monday, but it was the day we could work it into our plans the best, so we tried it. We didn't listen and that was our fault. Now I know. And we have been to the parks when it was not busy. We've had hours in Fantasyland on a summer day when we practically had the place to ourselves during a morning. It does occasionally happen. Not often. But it does happen. But everyone has to decide for themselves what can be handled and what level of crowd is doable for them. There are ways to avoid some of that if you want to. OP, I think a Sunday morning in Fantasyland would be perfect. If you rope drop, you should be able to do everything there in a couple hours while lines are lower.

 

[Klayfish]

It wasn't meant to be an insult, what I was speaking to the OP was that certain days DO make a difference, and to say to visit any park any day and it won't matter just doesn't make sense as a blanket statement, just as someone can't say always do rope drop, always stay on site, etc. Every family is very different on what affects them. You are not affected by crowds, and that is awesome, but a lot of families with preschoolers will be. It can make or break a day when it comes to a child with sensory issues, or to a child who can't wait 60 minutes in a line without a breakdown, or to a family trying to push a double stroller through a sea of people. Everyone has to evaluate what matters to them, what would enhance their vacation the best, and go with that. To some, that means going to MK on their first day, because the joy of the castle for their first morning outweighs the fact they may be in lines a lot longer. Other families are ok waking up earlier than they'd normally like and exchange sleep for low ride wait. Even you do that when you choose Disney over a different vacation...I don't really see how that makes something a "shame". Only the OP will know whether it is worth it to her family.

No offense taken. I know exactly what you're saying in all the different scenarios...preschoolers in the park...yep, been there done that when my kids were little. Children who can't wait 60 minutes in line. Yep, but it's as much me as the kids, I'll never wait more than 30-40 minutes. Even doing it the way we do, we never wait in long lines. Push a double stroller through a sea, oh yeah, I know that feeling. My youngest two are twins, we did double strollers more times than I can count, including exiting MK on the 4th of July after fireworks. Actually, it was 3 in strollers...my twins in a double wide and my older son in his own (pushed by my wife). So I totally get it. Those are experiences to remember for sure.

Totally agree also that everyone has to evaluate what matters to them. But since day of the week and what park to avoid doesn't matter to us, I can give that opinion. Doesn't make me wrong (or right for that matter). Just how I feel.

 

[IrishNYC]

While I would prefer to go to MK first, it's not always possible or practical. Or next trip will have wed thru sun for our park days, four days of park tickets, no hoppers, one night of MNSSHP. Going to MK first may not work because I want to avoid Epcot on a F&W weekend. If the party is Thursday night, then Wednesday will have to be our Epcot day.

We did MK on Sunday for our last trip. It was fine. The longest line we waited on was for Barnstormer.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

We were at MK all day on a Sun and it was the nicest of our MK days for crowds (other than the all day rain day we had which doesn't count). And the only time I've actually been uncomfortable in the crowds was a Tues (in March though). We were trying to leave the park around lunch time and people were just streaming in like crazy. I was very glad the kids were in strollers or I would have been afraid of them getting trampled. So it's hard to say. But in general I think Sun is a decent day to go.

 

[Mama Lo]

I wouldn't worry too much about which parks which days. I would just make sure you have a good plan of attack for seeing what you want. Rope drop will be your friend and will a midday nap break.

May I suggest, if your budget allows, to add on an additional day to your passes and go to MK on Saturday? It will cost about $15 per ticket.

Maybe FPs for three attractions at MK on arrival day that you know the kids will love. Then the next day you can go to a park that you decide will be less crowd/better.

 

[Smbmoyers]

I followed the crowd calendar for my trip. Yes, the first thing I want to do at Disney is run for the castle but I believe having a solid game plan and 2.5 days in the magic kingdom will more than satisfy me. My 3 year old has never been so he doesn't know about the magic kingdom.I'm confident that my touring plan will pay off.

 

[Surgie2]

I wouldn't worry too much about which parks which days. I would just make sure you have a good plan of attack for seeing what you want. Rope drop will be your friend and will a midday nap break.

May I suggest, if your budget allows, to add on an additional day to your passes and go to MK on Saturday? It will cost about $15 per ticket.

Maybe FPs for three attractions at MK on arrival day that you know the kids will love. Then the next day you can go to a park that you decide will be less crowd/better.

That's a great idea. Thanks. I didn't realize how little it costs to add a 6th day once we are up to 5.

 

[suzicute20]

I would go for a little bit on Sunday. Then, get there for rope drop on Monday. Lines are so low if you get there early - especially for the toddler friendly rides because everybody heads for the coasters. Get fast passes for some things, but you could really wait to start those until an hour after the park opens.

 

[Madivan]

Just wanted to add that we go only on Saturdays or Sundays and having two under two we don't do anything too dark or with height restrictions so we really couldn't care less how busy the parks are. 7DMT & mountains are all a non-factor unless you're going to swap & we don't do HM or POTC either (too dark).

I look at TP just for the hell of it and even at an 8-9 I doubt that is accurate because we FP everything we want to ride, including many day of FPs after our original 3, with little to no wait. We just don't do PP and sometimes Pooh as we go on little to no notice and don't ever make rope drop (again, two under two, lol).

So yeah, it may make a difference to some but just do what you want and enjoy your trip. Do the big rides early and save shows for either afternoon or after your break (I assume you're doing one with those ages - if not bless you, lol) and you'll be fine and still enjoy.

 

[Nancyg56]

I'll tell you how...we don't notice, don't care, don't pay any attention frankly. As you said, it makes a difference to you in how the park "felt". That's perception, and everyone can perceive things differently. I'm sure there are numbers somewhere (though I know WDW doesn't publish attendance) that would support what days are busiest by strict head count, and I wouldn't doubt whatever the results are. But we pay no attention to it whatsoever, so our perception is quite different I suppose than someone who religiously looks at crowd calendars. As I said before, until a few months ago, I didn't even know such thing as a crowd calendar existed. We just went...and still do...to whatever park we wanted to on a given day. We're there to have fun and do our own thing. In all my trips to WDW, I've never seen it where I would call it a "slow" day, so I guess we just don't really pay any notice to what degree of busy it is, it's all "busy" to us. Major holidays are different...4th of July weekend, Thanksgiving, Xmas, then we have clearly noticed a difference. But the other times of year...nope, truly can't say I've looked around and said to myself "Wow, look how busy it is, it must be Monday".

Personally, and it's just my opinion, I think it's a shame that people spend all kinds of money, take time off work, do all this planning, drive/fly long distances, etc...to come down to WDW only to stay away from certain parks on certain days. To me, that really limits your trip. WDW is an extraordinarily popular tourist attraction, it's gonna be crowded. I'm paying hard earned money to go there, I'm not going to restrict myself where I go simply because of a crowd. It feels so weird for me to say that, because I truly am one who normally hates crowds. But at WDW, it's very different for me. I just don't even think about it. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've been to MK on a Monday, or HS on a Thursday, or Epcot on Sunday. Don't know. As I've said before, our "planning" for a trip is incredibly crude and simple by the standards of many here. Day of the week vs. expected crowds don't even come into the conversation. We just rotate parks daily, ensuring we hit all of them and spend more time in our favorites. We usually split it up am vs. pm, and again it's got nothing to do with day of the week and crowds. It's just for variety, and to make sure we don't do a late night in one park followed by early morning the next (kids get cranky). So yeah, it's easy for me to say it doesn't make a difference, because for us, it really doesn't.

While I respect your mindset, I have to say that for most, when they consider the amount of money a Disney trip costs, they want to manage their time effectively. That means if they have 5 park days, plan on visiting all four parks, and want a nice overview of each, it makes good sense to avoid MK on a Monday if that day MK is going to be a nightmare, but Tuesday will be lighter. I am blessed to be able to take my family fairly often, and at different times of the year, so by now we are pretty casual in regards to park touring. But we still avoid teh MK on Monday, and are wicked careful to plan how to tour during any Holiday season. AS much as I love Disney, I do not love shoulder to shoulder crowds and lines that mirror a free dinner at Country Buffet, when I can visit DHS or Epcot and tour MK in relative calm.

From your post, it seems that you are a pretty frequent visitor. IMO, that makes a difference as well. You may spend a fair amount on your trip, but you are not as invested in managing your time in the same way as a visitor who may be on their only trip. For those folks, unless they have a really good reason to insist that the MK be their first park, it makes more sense to plan a less crowded park and then get to truly enjoy the magic in the MK.

Again, I do not disparage your touring plan, but I do believe that it may not be productive to use it as a template for others who do not have the experience in navigating the parks as you do.

 

[Nancyg56]

It wasn't meant to be an insult, what I was speaking to the OP was that certain days DO make a difference, and to say to visit any park any day and it won't matter just doesn't make sense as a blanket statement, just as someone can't say always do rope drop, always stay on site, etc. Every family is very different on what affects them. You are not affected by crowds, and that is awesome, but a lot of families with preschoolers will be. It can make or break a day when it comes to a child with sensory issues, or to a child who can't wait 60 minutes in a line without a breakdown, or to a family trying to push a double stroller through a sea of people. Everyone has to evaluate what matters to them, what would enhance their vacation the best, and go with that. To some, that means going to MK on their first day, because the joy of the castle for their first morning outweighs the fact they may be in lines a lot longer. Other families are ok waking up earlier than they'd normally like and exchange sleep for low ride wait. Even you do that when you choose Disney over a different vacation...I don't really see how that makes something a "shame". Only the OP will know whether it is worth it to her family.

I agree. My DH insists that you have to take kids to the MK first. We have never done that yet, but he still says it, and I believe he just has not noticed we don't. What he would notice is if we are stuck in wall to wall people, lines that make him cringe, and no where to eat when he is hungry.

I think that as a family it is important to understand what works for you, how your kids will react in lines or crowds, and what you feel will be a value for your money in regards to the parks and attractions.

No offense taken. I know exactly what you're saying in all the different scenarios...preschoolers in the park...yep, been there done that when my kids were little. Children who can't wait 60 minutes in line. Yep, but it's as much me as the kids, I'll never wait more than 30-40 minutes. Even doing it the way we do, we never wait in long lines. Push a double stroller through a sea, oh yeah, I know that feeling. My youngest two are twins, we did double strollers more times than I can count, including exiting MK on the 4th of July after fireworks. Actually, it was 3 in strollers...my twins in a double wide and my older son in his own (pushed by my wife). So I totally get it. Those are experiences to remember for sure.

Totally agree also that everyone has to evaluate what matters to them. But since day of the week and what park to avoid doesn't matter to us, I can give that opinion. Doesn't make me wrong (or right for that matter). Just how I feel.

Of course you can, and your opinion is valid. I think that because you have so much experience you can help those folks who will be traveling during peak times and how to manage their trips when they do not have the luxury of arranging the parks in the "best" order in terms of which park on which day is ideal.

What I do not agree with is leading people to believe that park days do not matter in regards to crowds and "feel." They do. Monday in the MK, especially in a busy season, can be a nightmare, and if people are not prepared they may become overwhelmed. During Party season, while the difference between Wednesday and Saturday night may be negligible, if you have members of the family who are claustrophobic, best to avoid Saturday if at all possible. Does the feel matter to me? I never thought that it would, but it does, and I avoid Saturday nights as much as possible, and I will rearrange my plans so I never get stuck in that mess again. My point is that for many people with very young kids, the expectation that they must go to MK first is the parents, not the young children's. To them, Disney is Disney. If they are visiting when the parks are expected to be crowded, and they insist on MK on Day one, even if it is a "worst" park day, theyat least should own the decision, and not place it on the shoulders of a four year old.