Would you try to avoid the 50th celebration?

[wilbret]

We will be there. I tried for weeks to get my in-laws to understand the need to get tickets ASAP, but they dragged and dragged. Finally got tickets, but only got them Sept 30 and Oct 2 at MK. Hoping it opens up. They were working at the park when it opened and want to be there.

 

[Nick6300]

Christmas theming goes up right after Halloween. I can't remember what day though

That's what I was hoping for, thanks. Hope the Christmas decor goes well with the anniversary theming. I couldn't remember if it was later in Nov. Also hope that Peoplemover will be operational, and not continue to be in refurb limbo just so that it can run through Tron... which would not be reasonable given how long it will take to finish.

 

[Nick6300]

We will be there. I tried for weeks to get my in-laws to understand the need to get tickets ASAP, but they dragged and dragged. Finally got tickets, but only got them Sept 30 and Oct 2 at MK. Hoping it opens up. They were working at the park when it opened and want to be there.

I think the recent extra reservations for the 1st were gone very quickly (within the day?). It seems like they'd also consider bumping up the 35% limit if they get pretty full on resort/park reservations, and open more park spots for Oct 1st.

 

[Nick6300]

We will be there. I tried for weeks to get my in-laws to understand the need to get tickets ASAP, but they dragged and dragged. Finally got tickets, but only got them Sept 30 and Oct 2 at MK. Hoping it opens up. They were working at the park when it opened and want to be there.

I was totally prepared to stick it out with my Sept 4, despite longing to go end of Sept through early Oct for a while now. Figured early Sept would be a calm before the storm in terms of crowds as well, and we'd just go next yr sometime to see the 50th stuff.

Then they announced that Ratatouille wouldn't open until Oct. 1. That was a big let down after all the talk that it was finished and it looked like a Spring opening.

 

[kylenne]

We will be there. I tried for weeks to get my in-laws to understand the need to get tickets ASAP, but they dragged and dragged. Finally got tickets, but only got them Sept 30 and Oct 2 at MK. Hoping it opens up. They were working at the park when it opened and want to be there.

Keep checking religiously, I am certain it will open up as capacity limits increase.

We were lucky, we already booked the Contemporary back when it first became available for that weekend, and got our TA to put placeholder tickets just so I could immediately make park reservations. It’s just me and my gf but we got our MK on 10/1. I just hope CL is back before then, since that’s what we booked at CR. But we extended the trip to two weeks after it became clear gf would not be able to come with me for our 2 week May trip that was postponed from last May. We added on a stay at the Poly since it’s our favorite resort and we cannot wait to stay in the new Moana rooms.

 

[Blondie58]

So just as a follow up, I decided this week to pay $172 (a little surprised by the cost difference for just 2 tix) to move our PH tickets from 9/4 to 11/6 (through 11/12)... we wouldn't be there right on the 50th on 10/1, but now will be able to see the celebration, Ratatouille- after the recent news to delay the opening that late, going from 90s and wet to high 70s/low 80s and fairly dry. I didn't think about it being Jersey Week/Veteran's Day until right after, but I think in general that week's crowds shouldn't be too much worse, given a bit away from both Halloween and Thanksgiving. Been a while since we've been there that exact week though - 2015 (Thanksgiving the past few yrs though). It's also wife's bday, so I sold it to her that it'll be her bday and DW's bday. That week's pricing is between some of the higher rack pricing in Oct and Nov as well, so marginally higher than early Sept. Looking forward to the 50th festivities. Does anyone remember if it's still Fall pumpkin decor, tweener with some Christmas stuff starting to go up, or all Christmas? Honestly can't remember.

We went to the Scary Halloween Party on October 30 and the first Very Merry Christmas Party on November 9th a few years ago. Halloween decorations were gone by the 9th of November that year as the park was dressed for Christmas. I do not remember exactly what day the change over began. The temps were at least 90 to 92 high everyday of the trip!!!!! DH stayed in his Halloween costume 45 minutes (I had convinced him to wear) because he was sweating like crazy! The Christmas Party was okay but it was HOT!!

 

[Nick6300]

We haven't been since PH was reestablished to 2pm. Any suggestions on park picking strategies, and what you think about crowds on 11/6-11/12?

Didn't really know what to do, so currently have HS on our afternoon flight in day Sat 11/6, AK Sun 11/7, HS Mon 11/8, MK Tue 11/9, HS Wed 11/10, AK Thurs 11/11, and MK on our short flight out day, Fri 11/12. Figured EP most evenings, maybe a bit after 2pm in case it gets congested at 2pm, and possibly MK for the earlier AK start days. I figure, like it's been, AK is the least crowded/least popular park, Sat/Sun is going to be busier (why I have AK on Sun 11/5).

 

[Nick6300]

We went to the Scary Halloween Party on October 30 and the first Very Merry Christmas Party on November 9th a few years ago. Halloween decorations were gone by the 9th of November that year as the park was dressed for Christmas. I do not remember exactly what day the change over began. The temps were at least 90 to 92 high everyday of the trip!!!!! DH stayed in his Halloween costume 45 minutes (I had convinced him to wear) because he was sweating like crazy! The Christmas Party was okay but it was HOT!!

90s sound shockingly warm for that time of yr. I do recall living there in 2015/2016 - we had a super mild winter and had the AC on every day in the winter, always wore shorts to Disney.

Did check the past 2 years historical temps for our dates, and it was like low 80s-86 high, and 60-70 around 6am. Think I would still wear shorts/ t shirts, even for the early am, possibly take a hoodie not sure. But I really try to avoid wearing jeans to WDW. I guess we may get the weird week where we see both Halloween and Christmas decor.

 

[Nick6300]

Keep checking religiously, I am certain it will open up as capacity limits increase.

We were lucky, we already booked the Contemporary back when it first became available for that weekend, and got our TA to put placeholder tickets just so I could immediately make park reservations. It’s just me and my gf but we got our MK on 10/1. I just hope CL is back before then, since that’s what we booked at CR. But we extended the trip to two weeks after it became clear gf would not be able to come with me for our 2 week May trip that was postponed from last May. We added on a stay at the Poly since it’s our favorite resort and we cannot wait to stay in the new Moana rooms.

Moana rooms at the Poly sound awesome! Jealous - I've never stayed at the Poly. We just never seem to splurge for the deluxes. Occasionally the Lodge or cabins and such, but typically Value or Moderate.

 

[kylenne]

We haven't been since PH was reestablished to 2pm. Any suggestions on park picking strategies, and what you think about crowds on 11/6-11/12?

Didn't really know what to do, so currently have HS on our afternoon flight in day Sat 11/6, AK Sun 11/7, HS Mon 11/8, MK Tue 11/9, HS Wed 11/10, AK Thurs 11/11, and MK on our short flight out day, Fri 11/12. Figured EP most evenings, maybe a bit after 2pm in case it gets congested at 2pm, and possibly MK for the earlier AK start days. I figure, like it's been, AK is the least crowded/least popular park, Sat/Sun is going to be busier (why I have AK on Sun 11/5).

Re: crowds, a couple of things...I think some of it depends on how bad Jersey Week will be this year. The tail end of your trip also falls on Veterans Day so AK may be a little more crowded than you anticipate for a weekday. My last trip to the World was over Veterans Day weekend in 2019 and I flew home the evening of the actual holiday. I went to AK that day and even with an 8 am opening and 7 am EMH Pandora was a zoo. Just keep that in mind. Plan to get there super early, I’d say.

Food & Wine will probably still going on then as well. From experience Epcot is busier in the evenings because locals come to hit the booths after work. Future World should be a ghost town though aside from the handful of food booths back there, because everyone’s eating. A lot depends on the park hours then too, if Epcot goes back to normal opening hours. I would monitor what goes on with that.

Moana rooms at the Poly sound awesome! Jealous - I've never stayed at the Poly. We just never seem to splurge for the deluxes. Occasionally the Lodge or cabins and such, but typically Value or Moderate.

We’re bougie lol. I got really spoiled being so close to Epcot and MGM as a kid on our family trips to the Dolphin. In those days Swan/Dolphin and all the Crescent Lake resorts were brand new and they even had a tram to take resort guests to the International Gateway in addition to the Friendship boats. It let you off over by where the Skyliner station is nowadays. But it made me really value proximity to the parks. I did stay at POFQ once and thought it was lovely, but really missed being close to the parks. My gf & I both have ADHD & anxiety so we splurge to be able to make a quick exit for resort breaks to decompress when we are overstimulated. AP discounts help.

 

[bookgirl2632]

We are going 10/12-10/23. We go in the Fall, every other year. I definitely didn’t want to be there for the actual anniversary, but wanted to take our regular trip. I suspect our trip will still be busy, but we’ll deal.

 

[Nick6300]

We are going 10/12-10/23. We go in the Fall, every other year. I definitely didn’t want to be there for the actual anniversary, but wanted to take our regular trip. I suspect our trip will still be busy, but we’ll deal.

Yes, I'd think with the anniversary celebration and Ratatouille, things could be pretty busy. Any new attraction seems like an uptick for a while, if you recall how it was for 7D, FoP, and the HS attractions. Wonder how guests would approach EP, if it continues to be the late opening. HS is still more popular/crowded. But EP has more sprawl, as well.

 

[Meglen]

we only had a choice ot either move our dvc points or lose the money so were going 11-17th I added 9-11 later to acomodate the busyer time. 9 days should hopefully be enough to not stress even with the prolly crazy crowds.

 

[Nick6300]

Re: crowds, a couple of things...I think some of it depends on how bad Jersey Week will be this year. The tail end of your trip also falls on Veterans Day so AK may be a little more crowded than you anticipate for a weekday. My last trip to the World was over Veterans Day weekend in 2019 and I flew home the evening of the actual holiday. I went to AK that day and even with an 8 am opening and 7 am EMH Pandora was a zoo. Just keep that in mind. Plan to get there super early, I’d say.

Food & Wine will probably still going on then as well. From experience Epcot is busier in the evenings because locals come to hit the booths after work. Future World should be a ghost town though aside from the handful of food booths back there, because everyone’s eating. A lot depends on the park hours then too, if Epcot goes back to normal opening hours. I would monitor what goes on with that.



We’re bougie lol. I got really spoiled being so close to Epcot and MGM as a kid on our family trips to the Dolphin. In those days Swan/Dolphin and all the Crescent Lake resorts were brand new and they even had a tram to take resort guests to the International Gateway in addition to the Friendship boats. It let you off over by where the Skyliner station is nowadays. But it made me really value proximity to the parks. I did stay at POFQ once and thought it was lovely, but really missed being close to the parks. My gf & I both have ADHD & anxiety so we splurge to be able to make a quick exit for resort breaks to decompress when we are overstimulated. AP discounts help.

Thanks for the suggestions. I haven't been on the Disboards for a while (since this thread) so haven't followed what the rumors for Ratatouille will be like - will it be similar BG's like RotR or normal standby like MMRT, for instance. I wouldn't think BGs, but if so, you'd have to start at EP and not hop there. For standby, it seems like it would be tough to get a lower wait time on a new attraction without starting at EP. If hopping to EP, I guess plan on going on last ride, but many will do the same.

Yes, I think F&W will still be going for us, that plus Rat. will make EP popular. And I'm assuming a lot of guests hop to EP because of the later close. I just dislike starting at EP for a variety of reasons... the later start currently, and RD at EP made us feel dumb because nothing actually opened until park official opening (we waited outside FEA for like a half hr as the first ones in the park the last time).

We stayed at Swan last Sept, and it was really nice being able to walk to HS & EP! Can't beat the location imo, plus it's reasonably priced, has nice rooms/amenities like a Deluxe. We got a discount code from a fellow member here, and got a room for something like $150 - it was like the price of Pop. It'd be great to find another code for this Fall.

 

[Meglen]

Is there a master list of the "unoffical" events like jersey week and all the dance comps and marathons?

 

[Nick6300]

Is there a master list of the "unoffical" events like jersey week and all the dance comps and marathons?

https://www.mousesavers.com/walt-di...y-world-special-events-festivals-and-parties/

 

[Heather07438]

We booked a week in Sept not deliberately trying to avoid it. When I heard Ratatouille wasn’t opening to Oct 1st, it was disappointing since that might also mean WDW holding back on other things too.

Then the optimist told me this might be our last chance to experience a lower crowd for quite some time. If we only visited infrequently like every 3 years or so, then We might’ve changed our date past Oct 1. Now we figure it’s good to have one last hurrah in slower WDW and probably won’t return until winter 2023.

 

[Nick6300]

Is there a master list of the "unoffical" events like jersey week and all the dance comps and marathons?

I always go to Mousesavers for a refresher on these event dates

 

[Nick6300]

We booked a week in Sept not deliberately trying to avoid it. When I heard Ratatouille wasn’t opening to Oct 1st, it was disappointing since that might also mean WDW holding back on other things too.

Then the optimist told me this might be our last chance to experience a lower crowd for quite some time. If we only visited infrequently like every 3 years or so, then We might’ve changed our date past Oct 1. Now we figure it’s good to have one last hurrah in slower WDW and probably won’t return until winter 2023.

I do feel like the lower crowds (for Disney) in early Sept., will be in full force with the kids freshly back in school, the heat/humidity/rain, many people wanting to go just a few weeks later for the celebration. We just couldn't do it, like I said, once the Rat. news came out, knowing that it would be running only a few weeks later. I intended to go next yr. for the anniversary celebration, but who knows what could happen. No one planned for 2020, we might have a baby, etc.

 

[kylenne]

Thanks for the suggestions. I haven't been on the Disboards for a while (since this thread) so haven't followed what the rumors for Ratatouille will be like - will it be similar BG's like RotR or normal standby like MMRT, for instance. I wouldn't think BGs, but if so, you'd have to start at EP and not hop there. For standby, it seems like it would be tough to get a lower wait time on a new attraction without starting at EP. If hopping to EP, I guess plan on going on last ride, but many will do the same.

Yes, I think F&W will still be going for us, that plus Rat. will make EP popular. And I'm assuming a lot of guests hop to EP because of the later close. I just dislike starting at EP for a variety of reasons... the later start currently, and RD at EP made us feel dumb because nothing actually opened until park official opening (we waited outside FEA for like a half hr as the first ones in the park the last time).

We stayed at Swan last Sept, and it was really nice being able to walk to HS & EP! Can't beat the location imo, plus it's reasonably priced, has nice rooms/amenities like a Deluxe. We got a discount code from a fellow member here, and got a room for something like $150 - it was like the price of Pop. It'd be great to find another code for this Fall.

I don’t expect Epcot to stay opening at 11am in fall to be honest. Rat is opening, and Disney is selling corporate viewing packages for Harmonious for October. Epcot will be busy. WS will still likely open at 11 but I think FW will go back to opening at the regular time, if only to spread people out.

Rise has virtual queue due to the reliability issues, mainly. I think Rat will be regular standby like MMRR and Millennium Falcon did when they opened, cause it’s just a cloned version of an existing ride. Would be shocked if they went to VQ for that.