Regretting my trip to Disney

[DGRYAN1977]

I arrive tomorrow for a week. My mother in law is currently there and said the parks are PACKED. People are complaining about over crowding.

What the heck was I thinking going this time of the year?

 

[DfromATX]

I've been during Christmas break, July 4th holiday, and June twice. By far July was the worst and we will never do that again. It was so hot and so crowded, like claustrophobic crowded. Christmas was nice because it was so cool outside, but our preferred time to go (when school is out) is June. Not too hot yet and not too many tour groups yet. Some day I'd love to go for the flower garden thing. But, no matter when you go, it's going to be crowded and that's why you have to do a little planning.

 

[rob0519]

Over the last fee years we've had t go in June, July or August due to work schedules. What we found works for us is to stay out of MK until at least 4:30 or 5:00 in the afternoon unless we have an ADR. It seems to get a bit crowed around 8:00 as people come back for Wishes, but once the fireworks end, the park is very manageable until closing. Good luck and hopefully you and your family will gave a good time.

 

[DGRYAN1977]

Thanks everyone for the tips and comments

 

[disneygirl1024]

It has been hot but more muggy, on some days almost suffocating. It has been crowded but it is hit or miss. Yesterday my son and I were wondering were the crowds were. Don't worry about what other people say, just enjoy yourself and your vacation!

 

[seahawk7]

We notice the crowds really act like sheep. If people start to walk towards one direction people follow! I don't even know if some of the people know where they are going they must think if everyone is going that way then it must be something good. My advice is to hang back and go in the opposite direction. We walked straight up to counter service ordering, minimal waits for rides, and avoiding bottlenecks that way. Take extra sunscreen and don't buy bottled water. Every counter service place gives you courtesy water so don't pay for it. Drink plenty of water! That heat is no joke. Take a poncho or umbrella for the rain in case you get caught in it. If your tennis shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper overnight and they will be dry in the am. Have fun and be patient- you are in Disney World. Lucky you!

 

[CheshireCat12]

Make the most of evening EMH at the MK- after Wishes the crowds really thin out and come midnight you are walking on to almost all the major attractions, or at least not waiting more than 15 min. And yes, I do mean in July.

 

[mrdrift]

Go and have fun, have an open plan to do whatever is available without a long line. Go early in the morning, go back to hotel for swim, lunch or nap and do shopping. Then head back to parks in the evening after dinner. Just have a good time and pace yourself.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Always remember...

A bad day at Disney is better than a good day at work!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Ya know, so much of this comes down to personal tolerances and preferences. I've been to WDW in June, July and August and had wonderful visits. I guess I don't mind the heat (makes dips in the pool during afternoon break more refreshing) and found the crowds to be better than our spring break trips - so it was a pure win for me.

It's like anything in life...if you go in believing the negativity and thinking you'll be miserable...you probably will. A good game plan- like arriving at park opening, spending peak heat/crowd hours at your resort pool, and returning to the parks (like one with EMH) at night is usually a good way to manage many summer issues and have a wonderful time.

 

[AngryEyes]

We've only ever been to WDW in June & July.
1. Hydrate.
2. Rope drop, lunch/swim/nap/AC break back at the hotel, dinner, park 'til finished (or closing).
3. Repeat.

It's always been great, but I'm certainly looking forward to September and December trips this year. Less crowds for one, cooler temps for the other. Should be a nice departure.

 

[pcarathers]

there really isnt a "low crowd" time anymore. some months are lower than others, but we just tell ourselves, we'll do what we can and not let it bother us. I refuse to go down there in summer because of the HEAT. I live in Louisiana so I do have an idea of what the weather is like. I just don't want to walk around all day sweating and stinky! lol...but in hindsight, I'd go in a heartbeat if given the opportunity to go right now! I'd just stay in the resort until dark when it was much cooler....lol...but go and have fun regardless. Don't let the crowds scare you.

 

[MKCP 1985]

If I hadn't grown up on the Magic Kingdom in June and July, I wouldn't know what Disney World is at all. Afternoon thunderstorms, two showings of the Main Street Electrical Parade, all good stuff. 90 minute wait times for Splash Mountain in the heat - not as magical! On summer days, I am grateful for FastPass for the outdoor queue attractions.

 

[KCheatle]

I know there are better times to go, and I, myself, am questioning our decision to go in late-July. But, remember, at the end of the day, you're going to Disney World. Think of the hundreds of thousands of people who would kill to be in your shoes regardless of the heat or crowds. Just remember to get to the parks early, and stay late, use your FPs and your dining reservations wisely, and relax. You're going to the Most Magical Place on Earth - It can't be that bad

 

[Rodb]

We've only ever been to WDW in June & July.
1. Hydrate.
2. Rope drop, lunch/swim/nap/AC break back at the hotel, dinner, park 'til finished (or closing).
3. Repeat.

It's always been great, but I'm certainly looking forward to September and December trips this year. Less crowds for one, cooler temps for the other. Should be a nice departure.

i could not have said it better.

 

[mouse_luv]

Hey at least you are going. Some people can't even do that. Know that it's summer and busy and deal.

 

[DiSnEyF@n]

Relax! Enjoy! It's Disney and you are there. If it gets that bad head back to your hotel and enjoy some time by the pool.

Great idea!

 

[kasi22]

Dear its not good that your mother in law is there and you take the tour of Disney no doubt that Disney is charming place for the tourist and you will never be able to forgive yourself if you do not take her..

 

[mousehockey37]

I arrive tomorrow for a week. My mother in law is currently there and said the parks are PACKED. People are complaining about over crowding.

What the heck was I thinking going this time of the year?

What one person thinks is crowded, another says is tolerable or even empty.... Take that with a grain of salt.

As far as what were you thinking? Who knows, but the fact is, you're going. I'd love to be able to go on ANY kind of vacation right now, but unfortunately I'm in a blackout period at my job where we are not able to take any vacation. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to take your place, despite the crowds, the heat and the humidity.

The best advice, not that you're looking for it... Make the best of it. It's the week of a Federal Holiday. People have a short week, it's going to be fuller than if the holiday was in the middle of the week... This year and the next 2 will be especially bad because the 4th of July is a Friday this year and weekend/Monday the next 2 coming up...

As has been discussed in other threads, the "low crowd" times of Disney World seem to be going away now that more people are once again able to afford being able to go...

 

[DGRYAN1977]

The trip is over and done with. Thank God. I don't really know what I was thinking brining such a young child this time of the year. He hated being in the stroller so much. When we did let him walk he almost got trampled a few times. Thank god for fast pass is all I gotta say! Without it, the trip would have been a complete disaster.
I lived and learned. I will only go with my kids in the spring or fall.

 

[rob0519]

I'm sorry your trip wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been at different time of year. Our last three trips were in June, August and June, so I know your frustration with the heat and the crowds. Hopefully, all of you had at least some time to relaxation the resort or somewhere else away from the craziness at the parks.