Glad you had such a nice day yesterday! We have found Saturdays during the summer to be pleasant for the past couple of years, and I’m glad that was even more true for you over on the DL side yesterday!
As far as APs, the SoCal Select passes were blocked
both Thursday and Friday. The SoCal passes were unblocked
both Thursday and Friday. So the difference between crowd levels Thursday and Friday have nothing to do with AP blackouts... it’s not a huge deal or anything, but if people are thinking the difference between a “blockout day” and a “non-blockout day” = this past Thursday and Friday, that’s incorrect... which may affect future planning, which is why I think it’s worth pointing out, that’s all.
As far as the long Red Rose line, that’s why I only use mobile order for food these days!
We were using our Chase Reward Visa points, so we couldn't use mobile ordering, unfortunately. I really wish they would change that!
Tuesday and Wednesday were definitely busier than Thursday and Friday, but there was a noticeable difference between Thursday and Friday, as well. I don't know the actual reason for the difference between Thursday and Friday, but it could be that there were fewer out of towners in Friday (some vacationers wanted to leave before the packed weekend and others hadn't gotten in for the weekend yet) and still the typical number of APs.
When we left Friday, we were trying to be hopeful that the fact that it didn't get super busy Friday night would mean Saturday would be good, but we thought there was a good chance it would be crazy. Friday evening was pretty good. That could indicate fewer out of towners (crowds lightened because a decent number of APs visiting for the day didn't stay late).
I will say, though, that everything was SO much better on Saturday that any future visits we make will be with a strong emphasis on blockout dates.
Over the week, we had fun on rides/shows/etc, but the crowds really beat us down. And unfortunately, so many people that made up those masses are missing a huge part of the Disney spirit. I'm not used to seeing so many people who are only looking out for themselves and not caring how their actions affected others. I saw so many people treating others horribly (down to shoving, namecalling, cutting, cursing, screaming bloody murder during non-scary rides, which terrified my 4 year old with sensory issues, loudly talking about sex and drinking in front of little kids, etc), without even giving it a second thought. My husband even got to listen to a group of young women talk about how Walt Disney was a Nazi sympathizer. Why they believed this and still chose to spend their money there, I have no idea.
Saturday we had people stopping to volunteer to take family pictures of us, holding gates open, apologizing, striking up friendly conversations, complimenting our kids, my dress, etc. The entire situation was just day and night, despite the fact that our last day is usually the most difficult because we are all tired, sore, etc. we couldn't help but be in a good mood.
Please note: I imagine that the vast majority of people who spend their free time posting on Disney boards are not the type of people who behave badly in the parks, AP holders or not, so it is unlikely that any of these complaints apply to anyone reading this. Also, we got screamed at by a lunatic who appeared to be an out of towner (she took off to the Desert Inn and Suites after flipping out) on Thursday, so I definitely don't think all the bad behavior is coming from locals.
