Forgive me forums for I have sinned

[Batphobic]

And the sin is that after my last trip in Oct I walked away from all things WDW. Deleted podcasts. Stayed away from the sites. And actually... this happens to me to a certain extent after most WDW trips.

Turning to you to see if there are any kindred spirits out there... or even in case someone has a cure for my situation.

What is it that causes this reaction after a trip? The constant feeling while at WDW that it's "me vs. the crowds."

Now - I'm not the type that simply hates crowds and likes my space. For example - I really enjoy sporting events... but the "me vs. the crowd" isn't really an issue at a venue like that. I paid for my seat - the tens of thousands of others paid for theirs - there's little reason for the "me vs them" mentality.

But let me outline the "me vs the crowd" feeling at WDW:

1. Getting to the transportation (buses, monorail, etc): If the crowds fill it up I'll have to wait for the next bus. Me vs. the crowds!
2. Getting to the bag check and turn styles (or whatever they're called now): This is always a mad dash. And at the gates you get the added bonus of "ugh, I always get in the slow line" feeling. Me vs. the crowds!
3. Attractions: Self explanatory here. Me vs. the crowds!
4. Parades/shows: Also self explanatory. Me vs. the crowds!
5. Making dining reservations: Even after going to WDW on nearly 20 different vacations there are still some restaurants I haven't eaten at yet. Me vs. the crowds!

I could go on and on but I won't -- bottom line: At every turn at WDW I have a sense that "our experience will be better if it wasn't for these crowds" or "if we can beat these crowds then we'll enjoy XYZ more."

The result: I'm fed up with that battle at the end of the trip and don't want to go back for a LONG time.

One final note: We really do try to go at low crowd times. I've NEVER been at Christmas or Thanksgiving or New Years and we avoid other holidays, too. But I've heard that Disney is getting better at evening out the attendance over the seasons and I've been at times that touringplans.com says are a "level 2" and I still experienced all the above.

Help? Others experience the same feeling?

 

[ChrisFL]

It does seem like the crowds are worse. I think part of it is the fact that they're now FP- and FP+ing and not in the queues as often.

I think the crowds have been spread more around the year, especially with the tour groups, the cheerleader competitions, pop warner, band competitions, golf tournaments, marathons, etc.

MK seems to be the worst of it.

If only WDW was building other attractions at the other parks to spread the crowds around

 

[Batphobic]

Yeah I agree. After a day at MK I feel the "I just finished fighting a battle" feeling more than the other parks.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I waited for Kali 3 hours one trip. First time I went on. I did feel like those are three hours I can't get back.

Loved it, very scenic, darn fun…but I started hallucinating on line after awhile. LOL! Only kidding. Seriously, as long as a very long line moves, even slowly, I'm good. But there were points where there was no movement for like 20 mins., and if I stand in line for that long, I start to get a little nutsy.

And I might add, I counted to ten and took deep breaths, but my DH and I had people on tour groups smacking into us on line. Not picking lightly on anyone either. It was obnoxious.

Don't ask for much. How about a sorry once in awhile, an excuse me, a pardon me, a sheepish look,perhaps, and nothing verbal…anything?

 

[Ralphlaw]

It's worse at Disneyland. Their MK is smaller, and they don't have huge parks like Epcot and Animal Kingdom to spread out in. I too hate crowds, but I can tolerate them. In fact, I work very hard to plan ways with reservations and now FP+ to minimize them. With that being said, some of that is unavoidable. I feel your pain. My advice: rent a cabin on a isolated lake next time. Or hit a quiet beach (if you can find one). In short, get away somewhere completely different, and then maybe you'll be more receptive to a crowded vacation next time. Also, the cruise ships are generally less crowded, especially the Magic and Wonder.

 

[copcarguyp71]

If they keep building DVC's and adding resorts then this will continue to get worse...we also are done for quite a while. We are headed to a boutique resort in Aruba this July

 

[Batphobic]

OK I will add that it is actually quite a relief that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I LOVE Disney World. Was hooked after the first trip.

I like what you all are saying about getting away periodically.

And actually - maybe that would help on a WDW trip. We've *always* been the type that tours every day since, c'mon, once you pay for a few days then subsequent days are cheap. But for sanity's sake maybe I ought to go to the parks one day, then do a relaxing resort day the next, etc.

 

[BigTxEars]

Crowds pretty much suck, I moved from Houston to a town of 4300 people in 2007 (taking a huge pay cut along the way) and have never looked back. But I will suffer them at WDW because I think it is worth it

 

[Batphobic]

Crowds pretty much suck, I moved from Houston to a town of 4300 people in 2007 (taking a huge pay cut along the way) and have never looked back. But I will suffer them at WDW because I think it is worth it

I feel like I could totally do that. Maybe I should. Hats off to you for making the move.

 

[Boardwalker]

Try September. During the week you just can't beat it. It's still hot but not July hit, if that makes sense.

 

[Goofyernmost]

The need to rush is all mental. I have a bad knee and arthritic Hip joints. I have to walk slowly. I never have a problem getting through the bag check nor does it take very long. Staying back allows me to find the shortest line. So many people follow the crowd and if they see people going to the right of the tables will leave the left side empty. Big mistake, I can limp my way right up in front of them. Why because instead of being in a mad rush, I exercise patience and observe what is happening.

So many people think that they cannot drive around WDW because "they are on Vacation" and for some reason something that they do day after day becomes a chore to big to deal with, yet they can wait forever for a bus like all of a sudden they are going to be able to fit 100's of people on one. OK, fine, I stroll out to my car and get in it and leisurely drive where I want to go. No hassles and no standing forever waiting. But, I guess taking the bus is easier.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

OK I will add that it is actually quite a relief that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I LOVE Disney World. Was hooked after the first trip.

I like what you all are saying about getting away periodically.

And actually - maybe that would help on a WDW trip. We've *always* been the type that tours every day since, c'mon, once you pay for a few days then subsequent days are cheap. But for sanity's sake maybe I ought to go to the parks one day, then do a relaxing resort day the next, etc.

Trust me! Taking a day or two to relax at Disney is worth it! We have found that we enjoy our trips more when we take a day to relax or even sleep in. We try to schedule our trip using EMH, but alternate between a full day at the parks and half day at the parks or resort only or DTD only days. There really is so much you can do outside of the parks, resort hopping, pool time, mini golf and bowling.. etc...