What percentage of guests only experience peak crowds?

[Raineman]

My first two visits to WDW were in mid-late March, right in the middle of spring break, and both times were very busy, although it wasn’t as bad in 1990 as it was in 2014. The next 2 visits were in late February and early November, and for the most part, it was not as busy as spring break. So, for me, I’d say 50%.

 

[Darstarr]

Lol, this is what confuses me, I went the last week in August and commented on how clean everything was. I was met with derision and everyone swore that the reason things were good was late August is a slow time. Now there isn't any slow times??

I think those who go during Christmas know it's going to be insane but for various reasons don't care and still go.

There is no way that they cannot know.

We also use to go mid to late August. After baseball and lacrosse were over and football was just getting started (but my husband was the coach so that helped). Lots of kids, including those in Florida were back in school and rates (points) were lower. Our boys now play college, HS and MS sports (Dad no longer the coach) so we go when we can...Christmas time being the obvious choice as we are all together.

 

[mergatroid]

I have adjusted my visiting times to just moderate times. I went once when it was practically empty and, honestly, it was awful. The small numbers of guests sucked the intensity out of the experience and made it feel like I was walking around a store that only had a few days left before closing. Sadly, now I don't remember what time of the year that was and probably no longer exists, it might have been shortly after 9/11. On the flip side I have never gone during the peak times and never will.

In 1999 I went for 3 weeks over Christmas/New Year. Between about 14th Dec to 20th Dec the parks were very, very quiet. I distinctly remember walking around the MK and initially thinking what a privilege it was being there with it being so empty. After a couple of hours though it began to feel 'not right' kind of like how you described. I'm glad I experienced it, yet I wouldn't want it like that again as it just felt odd and was missing that magical feeling a slightly busier park creates.

 

[Goofyernmost]

In 1999 I went for 3 weeks over Christmas/New Year. Between about 14th Dec to 20th Dec the parks were very, very quiet. I distinctly remember walking around the MK and initially thinking what a privilege it was being there with it being so empty. After a couple of hours though it began to feel 'not right' kind of like how you described. I'm glad I experienced it, yet I wouldn't want it like that again as it just felt odd and was missing that magical feeling a slightly busier park creates.

Exactly, I was hoping that I wasn't the only one that doesn't like it empty. I don't want to be trampled either, but, it just feels filled with life and excitement with a moderate crowd around you soaking in the ambiance and feel of fun that only being a part of a large thing gives you. That particular part, might just be me. I guess that considering the crowds they have now, being to empty will not be something that I will have to worry about.

 

[ecranos]

Are there any times not crowded? Our last trip was supposed to be a non crowded time and it was packed. The beginning of December was a now crowded time and packed.

Can you go in January or early February? It’s our favorite time to go now. Check calendar for marathon weekends first though & unless you’re running avoid those weekends.

 

[Matthew Hiester]

Lol, this is what confuses me, I went the last week in August and commented on how clean everything was. I was met with derision and everyone swore that the reason things were good was late August is a slow time. Now there isn't any slow times??

I think those who go during Christmas know it's going to be insane but for various reasons don't care and still go.

There is no way that they cannot know.

I’m one of those people. I know it’s going to be insane, but go anyway. The combination of school and job schedules makes it virtually impossible to avoid going at the peak of the peak times. But, I go anyway. We just use all of the planning tools to maximize our time and then leave the parks when crowds become too much. Would I rather go at a less crowded time of year? Of course. But that’s not an option right now so we go in with eyes wide open and a solid game plan.

 

[eliza61nyc]

We also use to go mid to late August. After baseball and lacrosse were over and football was just getting started (but my husband was the coach so that helped). Lots of kids, including those in Florida were back in school and rates (points) were lower. Our boys now play college, HS and MS sports (Dad no longer the coach) so we go when we can...Christmas time being the obvious choice as we are all together.

Oh I definitely understand kids school schedule, but I'm going to assume that you understand that the parks will be crowded.

I just get baffled when folks go after Christmas and then seemed "shocked" at the crowds

 

[Storm]

Speaking of peak crowds , any idea what i should expect ? I'm going from the 25th of april to the 7th of may , i really hope i chose my dates carefully but i'm not sure lol

 

[Tom Morrow]

Speaking of peak crowds , any idea what i should expect ? I'm going from the 25th of april to the 7th of may , i really hope i chose my dates carefully but i'm not sure lol

Average crowds. Busy by past standards but normal for current standards.

 

[Storm]

Average crowds. Busy by past standards but normal for current standards.

Thank you for the information !

 

[John park hopper]

We went first week in May 1017 the crowds were light to moderate during the week but on the weekends it got crowded. Doing a repeat May 5- 12 2019 hope the crowd levels will be similar to our last visit