Missing Disney Springs versus the parks because of the crowds?

[KBLovedDisney]

My Disney blues has been making me rather sad lately, but I am missing Disney Springs instead of the parks this time (and I want to talk about it to help lighten my mood). DH said it was because we probably got a lot more out of Disney Springs than the parks because of crowd differences (maybe a more mature crowd?...). Has anyone else noticed a big difference in crowds in the theme parks versus the crowds in Disney Springs?

 

[belledream]

I think DS definitely caters to a different crowd, and maybe more mature (aka someone with a credit card they can hopefully pay off ) but I definitely find myself missing the parks more. I did really enjoy our time at DS last year because it was a new experience for us. The evening we spent there just wandering around (after a long day at the water parks) was so welcoming and relaxing even though we were beat.

 

[wwmmd]

Disney Springs is always a must whenever we go to WDW. My kids (tweens) even insist we go because they enjoy it so much. Last time we went my youngest joined in a hoola hoop contest. We love the atmosphere. Plus we can't miss out on Goofy's Candy Company!

 

[KBLovedDisney]

Think I am mostly missing the World of Disney store right now, I mean sure we have the website and other retail Disney Stores, but dadgummit I miss the World of Disney store. I have been spoiled.

 

[belledream]

Think I am mostly missing the World of Disney store right now, I mean sure we have the website and other retail Disney Stores, but dadgummit I miss the World of Disney store. I have been spoiled.

Totally agree. I go to a Disney Store pretty much every other weekend and while it gives me a brief respite from the real world, World of Disney is a whole nother level above even some of the "regular" WDW shops!

 

[JIMINYCR]

Crowds can really kill your enjoyment of the parks and really alter your daily plans. We always plan in a day or two to venture over to DS to break up the trip (and drop a LOT of money). Its a totally different world of atmosphere and entertainment so although I enjoy it I cant wait to get back to the parks no matter how bad the crowds are. But I have been to DS at times when the crowds have been just as oppressive as in the parks. Disney knows its a powerful magnet that draws the guests in and separates them from their money.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'm the opposite, I don't get the appeal of Disney Springs at all. If we go there, it's usually for a specific reason, i.e. we want to eat at a particular restaurant or it's the end of our trip and we want to stop into World of Disney to grab that souvenir we forgot at the Emporium. It's not a place where I'd choose to go just to hang out.

 

[mj2v]

We are sitting in the Starbucks at DS right now. This morning the crowds were low and a good mix of families.

The other night it was like Magic Kingdom New Year's eve. A complete madhouse...

We spend a good amount of time as locals. AMC is our local theater. We just know the times to visit and the times to typically not

 

[mergatroid]

We love DS but typically don't really buy much there, more 'window shopping'. We regularly visit AMC for movies when in Orlando, just has a nice vibe in there and we can kill time before the film walking round. Also enjoy the water taxi when it's quiet, something else to do there and quite relaxing.