Parks Noticeably slower this Father's Day Weekend

[Dad 2 M & M]

On the spur of the moment I was able to enjoy Father's Day weekend with my youngest M. A few things REALLY surprised me:

1) On Wednesday Night (short notice from my baby) I was able to reserve a Ap discounted room at Pop Century for the weekend (Friday - Sunday). I was surprised there were still discounted rooms this close to arrival date, even with all that has happened recently.

2) The parks were noticeably slower this weekend; everyday!

3) After returning home I checked and was able to find AP discounted rooms for next week and many weeks in July. Not just a few resorts, but a full complement of availability across all price points (Deluxe, Mod, Value).

How much of the above was really due to peeps cancelling after the senseless attacks?

#2 had to be somewhat influenced by the bad weather, but #1 & #3 I'm not convinced.

We had a nice weekend with much lower crowds, stayed late Saturday for a nice "Orlando Strong event" after park closing, were able to get Kiosk FPs for Soarin on Father's Day Sunday, and walked up to TS meals all 3 days of our stay. Not to mention stand by waits (rides we rode, not app stats) were much shorter than expected: RnR was 35 mins 9:00 Friday night, Splash Mountain 30 mins 9:30 Saturday Night.......

Is this a sign of things to come?

 

[wdwmagic]

There is no question they are expecting a soft summer attendance. And this was before recent events.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

After what will no doubt be a very slow summer for WDW, I'm looking forward to the 2016 TEA/AECOM report's breathless reporting of MK attendance still soaring over 20 million.

 

[Brad Bishop]

There is no question they are expecting a soft summer attendance. And this was before recent events.

Really? I thought that with the price increases and money-grabs ($150/head evening deal, $70/head morning deal, others but no need to list them) that things were going gangbusters for them.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

With all the price increases, service cuts, tragedy and horror going on, I'm not surprised.

 

[Bolt]

Fathers Day weekend isn't traditionally a busier weekend. The holiday itself isn't much of a thing to plan vacations around. It's why they use to have Car Masters Weekends, to help boost attendance.

 

[DisneyDebRob]

We are going Down the Friday after thanksgiving for 2 weeks and have been trying for 2 months to get a room for thanksgiving night. We are DVC and every available room from studio to one bedroom was booked. With the events of the last week and a half I tried again wondering if any opened. Got a 1 bedroom for that night so I think some people may be having second thoughts.

 

[gmajew]

It is the economy and the olympics this summer that is killing attendance. Been here since Friday and not seeing any tour groups or aouth American groups.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Disney was aiming to increase prices so much it would price out a bunch of the public, and it worked, and profits are also higher so that worked (so far).

 

[Bolt]

I also think we're numb to what attendance should be at WDW. Even if I'm not tripping over people, I think it's busy. I would love a slower season, get cheaper prices/discounts, find availability and potentially inspire to develop something new.

 

[asianway]

It is the economy and the olympics this summer that is killing attendance. Been here since Friday and not seeing any tour groups or aouth American groups.

The Brazilian economy is in the toilet.

 

[Daveeeeed]

The Brazilian economy is in the toilet.

I can't complain about them not coming to wdw though. The lines for an attraction shoot up anytime one of their groups goes in an attraction. Not to mention most of them cut in front of you.

 

[Bolt]

I can't complain about them not coming to wdw though. The lines for an attraction shoot up anytime one of their groups goes in an attraction. Not to mention most of them cut in front of you.

I do enjoy their selective English.

 

[Daveeeeed]

I do enjoy their selective English.

Same, I don't mind foreigners, but from my experience on multiple trips I feel like the fact that they are massive groups they don't care if they bother you.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I also think we're numb to what attendance should be at WDW. Even if I'm not tripping over people, I think it's busy. I would love a slower season, get cheaper prices/discounts, find availability and potentially inspire to develop something new.

Amen. The cast needs a break from time to time as well...

 

[Daveeeeed]

I don't know it felt pretty busy to me on Friday, especially at MK/DHS.

MK is always the exception, and DHS cut a third off the park.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Totally slipped my mind half of DHS was gone. Also SWAGS premiered Friday too. Still didn't expect some many people at that trash park tbh

How dare you speak awfully of HWS Still at least there is Sunset Boulevard.

 

[Electricsoup]

It is the economy and the olympics this summer that is killing attendance. Been here since Friday and not seeing any tour groups or aouth American groups.

I was there last week and it was tour groups and crowds galore.

 

[MightyMouse]

Just throwing this out there, but maybe a lot of families are postponing trips to await Avatar, Star Wars, Toy Story ???

 

[MagicHappens1971]

Universal lifted June from their APs blockout dates. Maybe they were expecting low June attendance?