Just got back 9/10/11

We were at WDW from 9-3-11 to 9-10-11, stayed at POFQ again. Loved it. We usually go either between Christmas and New Years, or in July or August. This was so awesome. As the week progressed the crowds lessened to the point where yesterday, TOT and RNRC wait times were 10 minutes according to the sign. ON TOT we walked right on. Great Movie Ride, same....we basically walked on everything. Only ride we ever got a fast pass for was Soaring. And i think the wait time for regular line was only about 40 minutes. Longest wait was at DHS for the new Toy Story ride, 45 minutes. Go figure. Walked on all rides at MK, Epcot and AK. No line for Everest. It was amazing. What a great time to go. Had some rain, but not too bad. (also did Universal as we are huge Harry Potter fans. I have to say it was amazing and they did a great job. Even there, walked right through the castle and onto the ride..no wait). I am guessing without the dining plan, which we did not do, there would have even been fewer people than there were.

This was a great time to go. I was excited to see the Halloween decorations at the MK, but was disappointed when I saw them. I guess I expected more. Maybe they will put up more this weekend. Main Street had pumpkins and a few scarecrow people, some streamers on the buildings, and that was about it. I guess I also expected decorations outside the Haunted Mansion, and some other rides, but nothing. And while waiting for our return flight today, we saw the rocket launch from Cape Canaveral through the airport window.

All in all, it was a great trip. We actually hopped from AK to DHS yesterday, with a break in between at POFQ. We never do that, usually no time. Had lots of time to do everything. Went to Cocoa Beach for the day as a break and relaxation day. After this trip I am spoiled and don't think I will ever go back during a crowded time again. You could actually walk through the parks without being squished in crowds. And the lack of wait times was amazing.

 

[Allygator]

Glad you had a great trip! We are going in March at the same resort! I went last year in September and it was slow too!! I loved it!!! As far as the decorations, yeah that is about it.

 

[drp4video]

I guess I just expected more elaborate decorations. My DD, age 23 was expecting a lot more as that is one of her favorite holidays. Oh, and we did EMH at night at MK, and we waited a little longer to take the boat back to the TTC than the monorail, but not that much longer. And the Toy Story ride at DHS was so much fun it was worth the wait. Ate at Kona and it was really good, but Portobella at DTD was awful. Those were the only table service restaurants we ate at, rest was counter service and Sweet Tomatoes in Crossroads (love ST, we don't have one in Michigan so I go when I can). Although I like the ones in in Arizona better.

 

[boufa]

We were at WDW from 9-3-11 to 9-10-11, stayed at POFQ again. Loved it. We usually go either between Christmas and New Years, or in July or August. This was so awesome. As the week progressed the crowds lessened to the point where yesterday, TOT and RNRC wait times were 10 minutes according to the sign. ON TOT we walked right on. Great Movie Ride, same....we basically walked on everything. Only ride we ever got a fast pass for was Soaring. And i think the wait time for regular line was only about 40 minutes. Longest wait was at DHS for the new Toy Story ride, 45 minutes. Go figure. Walked on all rides at MK, Epcot and AK. No line for Everest. It was amazing. What a great time to go. Had some rain, but not too bad. (also did Universal as we are huge Harry Potter fans. I have to say it was amazing and they did a great job. Even there, walked right through the castle and onto the ride..no wait). I am guessing without the dining plan, which we did not do, there would have even been fewer people than there were.

This was a great time to go. I was excited to see the Halloween decorations at the MK, but was disappointed when I saw them. I guess I expected more. Maybe they will put up more this weekend. Main Street had pumpkins and a few scarecrow people, some streamers on the buildings, and that was about it. I guess I also expected decorations outside the Haunted Mansion, and some other rides, but nothing. And while waiting for our return flight today, we saw the rocket launch from Cape Canaveral through the airport window.

All in all, it was a great trip. We actually hopped from AK to DHS yesterday, with a break in between at POFQ. We never do that, usually no time. Had lots of time to do everything. Went to Cocoa Beach for the day as a break and relaxation day. After this trip I am spoiled and don't think I will ever go back during a crowded time again. You could actually walk through the parks without being squished in crowds. And the lack of wait times was amazing.

So let me get this straight, burned out lights, non-functioning effects, construction walls, broken yeti's, Meg being in charge and minor reductions in monorail hours didn't completely ruin your trip? And you call yourself a Disney fan :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Glad you had a good time. We will be there in 11 days and can not wait. Were there any decorations in any other parks for Halloween. I kinda understand why it is a little subtle at MK, Halloween is an event, Christmas is a season, if that makes any sense.

 

[tecowdw]

Yes, the slow periods at Disney World can be pretty enjoyable. Gets that way in January also (prior to MLK day) and the temps are much lower (although can be cold sometimes).

We were just there last weekend and even with the Labor Day weekend, crowds weren't too bad. I bet it really dropped after we left Monday.

You usually go between Christmas and New Years? OMG - what a COMPLETELY opposite side of the WDW experience spectrum that is! That's a crowd level difference between walk-on attractions and theme parks closing due to capacity! And room prices go from moderate to outrageous!


We use to always go in September. Unfortunately, the heat eventually became a "when to go" deciding factor for us. Now we stick to fall or winter plus we plan for both the Halloween and Christmas parties the past 5 or 6 years anyway. This past weekend was a "haven't been there in way too long now" short trip to get my WDW fix until the longer ones begin.

It's always a good time to go to Walt Disney World though!
:wave:

 

[drp4video]

Yeah, it was an unreal difference between this week and the christmas holiday week. By Tuesday, crowds were so small compared to what I am used to.

Didn't see any Halloween decorations in any other parks. I just thought because of Mickey's Halloween Party it would be over the top. My daughter and I kept saying that Disney should hire us to do the dec's. lol

Got a peak at what the future will bring to the expanded fantasy land and it looks great.

I am there for the overall magic, not to complain about small things that don't matter in the scheme of things. (yeti was working lol) I don't sweat the small stuff.

 

[BigRedDad]

I am glad you had fun and low crowds. I am hoping for the same a week from today when we are there. My guess for the decorations at MK is that they are not all up. If I recall, it is not as over the top as Christmas.

 

[drp4video]

Yeah, Christmas is awesome. I know Mickeys Halloween party starts Tuesday at MK so I am guessing that was it.

 

[Goofnut1980]

Yes, the past years when I have gone, beyond the small amount on MSUSA there is nothing else decorated.

I am not one to complain about WDW, because I love it so much, but I always thought it was kinda funny how the only parts they EVER decorate is Main Street... Why not carry some bunting or garlands into the rest of the park... Make some futuristic silver shiny garlands for Tomorrowland.. Decorate it all! Definitely they should decorate Liberty Square!!!!

 

[Minnie87]

Just got back tonight from POFQ too! Loved everything but wayyy tooo hottt!!! Next time we will try going during a colder month!