Going during peak time

[mikejs78]

So we are used to going to WDW during fairly non-peak times. My wife and I used to go often in October (before kids) for Food and Wine, and occasionally in early December. So other than our Honeymoon (Aug of 2004) and one other trip that happened to coincide with Spring Break (2005), we haven't really been at peak times.

We just booked a trip for us and our two boys for Presidents Day weekend. Understanding that the crowds are going to be a lot more than we are used to, I wanted to see what tips others have for making the most of WDW during peak times. I will say, our general pattern for Disney has always been to rope drop (sometimes taking advantage of morning EMHs), do the bulk of our attractions and stay in the park through lunch, and leave somewhere between 1-3 for a break back at the hotel (pool, nap, etc), and then return to the parks at night (we always have park hopper)I for few attractions, dinner, and nighttime entertainment.

Any advice from peak time veterans?

 

[Gainesvillain]

Your plan will work just fine on a peak weekend.

 

[JohnyKaz2078]

So we are used to going to WDW during fairly non-peak times. My wife and I used to go often in October (before kids) for Food and Wine, and occasionally in early December. So other than our Honeymoon (Aug of 2004) and one other trip that happened to coincide with Spring Break (2005), we haven't really been at peak times.

We just booked a trip for us and our two boys for Presidents Day weekend. Understanding that the crowds are going to be a lot more than we are used to, I wanted to see what tips others have for making the most of WDW during peak times. I will say, our general pattern for Disney has always been to rope drop (sometimes taking advantage of morning EMHs), do the bulk of our attractions and stay in the park through lunch, and leave somewhere between 1-3 for a break back at the hotel (pool, nap, etc), and then return to the parks at night (we always have park hopper)I for few attractions, dinner, and nighttime entertainment.

Any advice from peak time travellers?

I have gone to WDW during Spring Break 2017 and your plan should work just fine. Keep in mind that the park that usually has EMH will also be the busiest during the day.

 

[bigorangeandy]

Getting to the parks for rope drop is the best way on crowded days. If your not staying on site, avoiding EMH parks is also advised.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Getting in early and taking advantage of EMH's will continue to give you the extra help in getting things accomplished. We always have park hoppers which we find helpful if a park is heavily slammed we stay a while and then move on to another park for a break. It sometimes helps. Set up your park plan to hit the more popular attractions early. Try to plan out a park planned route so you arent skipping all over, back and forth wasting time. Choose your FP+ choices wisely, arrange to use them early so you can get your follow up choices before the popular ones run out. Knowing your way around the parks can help when you need to get places, there are some shortcuts, but with the crowds give yourself more time because the pathways and sidewalks will be harder to pass along. And we find it easier if we are eating at the counter service areas to eat off the normal dining times when the majority of guests arent jamming up the food spots.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Set your FP for 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 or as close to it. Rope drop will get you 3 to 4 rides with no (minimal) wait as long as you plan it right.

You'll be able to sprinkle in some of the less chaotic attractions like Country Bear, Tiki Room, People Mover, CoP.

With your FP times you should be able to get about 8-9 rides in before you leave. It should be a stress free experience...once you navigate rope drop and the stampeding herd.

In short. Plan - and you'll be fine.