Superbowl Crowds?

[zao]

I am fortunate enough to live close enough to disney for a nice daytrip or a nice weekend getaway, yet far enough to get away from the theme park area madness. I was thinking of using some park hoppers that expire soon this coming week. However, I remembered that the superbowl is in Tampa. I remember when the superbowl was in Jax just a few years ago you couldnt find a hotel within atleast an hour. Anyhow I know a lot of people make it a week trip and enjoy the festivities and area to its fullest. Of course that is going to include WDW. Tampa had its last superbowl 2001, so some of you true disney locals might be able to give me some insight. Just wondering how the big game affects the crowd levels. Whether I decide to go down or not,.If any of you wouldnt mind, id like you to let me know how the parks were this week. Thanks

 

[KingStefan]

http://www.touringplans.com is a reliable website for crowd predictions. They predict that Fri-Mon will be elevated crowd levels due to the Superbowl. By their scale, normally the levels would be at 5 and 6 with some 4's. Superbowl weekend will be 7 and 8. Take a look over there to see what the levels will be like for the days you are considering.

Normally you have to have a current copy of the Unofficial Guide to see the whole calendar for about 1 year out, but the next month is always free to everyone.

Now, what does that mean? They have definitions based on E-ticket rides at MK peak wait times. However, if you are WDW experienced, you know how to work around the crowds, and how to use FP wisely, so you will probably never wait the peak wait times.

So here is my rule of thumb based on past experience with their crowd calendar: 4 is pretty empty - no need to worry about working around the crowds so much - just use common sense. 5 starts to get a bit crowded buts still very comfortable. 6 is fairly crowded, maybe a bit too much at times, but tolerable. Remember that some aspects of the parks makes it more enjoyable from a certain viewpoint to have things a bit crowded. Below 4 the parks can be quite dead, and not so lively and fun. Also, Disney has more elaborate entertainment (especially of the parade type) the more crowded it is expected to be.

7 starts to get a bit uncomfortable, but if you go early and late, use FP judiciously, and see attractions during parades and fireworks, you can make it work. 8 even a bit more uncomfortable so that in the middle of the day it is hard to get around and FPs will run out on some things.

I've never been there on 9 or 10 days. Usually these days are limited to the period from Christmas to New Year's, Easter week, July 4, and a few other days. At these levels, sometimes the parks close because of capacity issues.

This web site also gives advice on the best parks to visit and parks to avoid. I've found this information to be accuate as well.

Have fun if you go!

 

[raceroom]

I thought it wouldn't be crowded, but now I'm getting nervous. We go down on 1/30-2/7. Based on what I have seen here alot of people are going that week . Some reports from 1/24 said the parks were very crowded. I hope that means the Superbowl crowd went this week and not next week. We will see. I wonder if crowd levels go up and down alot from week to week? We are taking 1st timers so I hope it's not to crowded.

 

[palmage]

I'm really surprised.
There are still a ton of rooms available on the beach.
Compared to 2001 this will be horrible for the beaches.

I heard Daytona was having the same problem for the 500, that the people who would normally be there already just aren't there.

 

[belara]

I was just at Magic Kingdom yesterday (Tues 1/27) with the hubby (for his birthday gift card ) and we were there from 11ish until 2 or 2:30ish and walked on to almost everything. We rode Buzz Lightyear twice, walked on to Space Mountain, went on the TTA, COP, rode Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, and Pirates, had lunch and shopped with his giftcard. Can't speak for the other parks but it wasn't bad at all! They only had the dwarf side of the parking lot open and it looked like they were resurfacing/restriping the Minnie lot.

I'm hoping crowds won't be too much worse this weekend (we will be there Fri night through Sat)

 

[Yoop33]

If I have time tomorrow I will try to visit the parks and get back to you.. As far as I have heard, many are expecting to have crowds travel from Tampa to Disney while here on vacation.. Thats a major part of the reason why Tampa got the Super Bowl after all. Honestly I dont think it will make a big difference... But I am sure you will be able to see some celebrities though... Tampa is having some crazy parties hosted by major names. Diddy, Dion Sanders, Carmen Electra, and a ton more!! I dont doubt seeing someone at the parks.

 

[DryCreek]

We will

be arriving on the first of Feb, and staying for 6 nights. I hope that the crowds enjoyed WDW during the week leading up to the Super Bowl, and are all headed back home on Monday! I am ready for attendance levels in the 4 to 5 range for once!

 

[EPCOT.nut]

Last year it wasn't that crowded. We even scheduled a meet during the day with other WDWM members. I think that was last year or the year before....either way it wasn't crowded.

 

[zao]

Last year it wasn't that crowded. We even scheduled a meet during the day with other WDWM members. I think that was last year or the year before....either way it wasn't crowded.

That may be true, last year it was across the country in Arizona, and in Miami the year before. I would assume it is gonna get a little more of the action this yr, particulary this friday and Saturday.

I agree w/ what someone said above, I'd also bet on the crowds being in town leading up to the game and taking off Monday, I decided to wait till later on, maybe next week. It would be kinda cool to see some celebs though.