Been here since last Friday and while wait times for rides are not low, the parks and resorts are overall MUCH less crowded than they’ve been on any of my trips since Covid (October ‘21, June ‘22, and April ‘23).
There’s a marked difference everywhere. Low to no waits for QS (walk up, not mobile order), and no issue finding empty tables. Short lines at rope drop to get through security and park entry. No waits for the monorail or boats. We’ve been called within 5 minutes every time we check in online for a table service restaurant. I’ve had no problem getting same day ADRs on the fly, and I’ve had tons of wiggle room changing all my ADR times. Walkways are nowhere near as congested, can always find a bench to sit on, and most Lightning Lanes have truly involved all walking on, no waiting.
We spent the first 3 nights at GF and the past 3 at YC. At both resorts they’ve claimed they’re at peak capacity but I absolutely don’t understand how. Lobbies aren’t overrun. Plenty of lounge chairs at the pools are open. The last few years I haven’t been able to get a drink at the pool bar without queuing up behind 5 or 10 other people — not this time. Even little things like no lines for elevators or Freestyle machines.
The only odd thing is that parking lots at the resorts are crazy full. We have a car and drive to lots of our ADRs, and parking has been tough. So there are people here, but I don’t know where they are.
Overall, it’s been incredibly pleasant compared to my last few trips. All those other times, everything felt congested and chaotic. This can’t be good for Disney, but boy have I enjoyed it.