When MK capacity is reached....

[DisneyJunkie]

....that means there is a ridiculously large amount of people roaming through the various lands, lines for even the least popular of attractions are insanely long, and my question is: Is it really worth going there at these times? I think even of the locals who live close enough to go, what makes it worth going there when you're almost literally elbow-to-elbow with the next person no matter where you're walking and having to deal with the outrageous wait times, and so forth? I don't know that I could deal with the aggravation of being there for almost all day and maybe only getting into 4-5 attractions (if that).

 

[Ulysses McGill]

I'm very fortunate to have an AP within a short drive of MK, and there is no way that I'd brave the parks on a day like that. Just cut bait, and come back to enjoy it another day.

Now if it were a matter of coming in from out of town and it was my only chance in several years to go to the park, then I'd probably just suck it up and make the most of it.

 

[JasonDeyoung]

I'm a local with a AP and I stay as far away from the parks during peak times like this when I know the parks will hit capacity. Been there a few times when they hit capacity and imo it was a waste of time and just not fun.

 

[ImagineerDude]

As I've said in many other threads started about the Christmas crowds, you have to be smart when you go on days that max out. Sure the parks are busy, but that's why you don't go from noon to six. We get more done from 8am-10am and 10pm-1am than 11am-9pm...especially in MK. You don't go to the parks during the afternoon with the intention of riding rides. Watch shows, parades, and brave a 10-minute wait for the PeopleMover or just people watch! Or even go back to the resort and relax or nap because you'll be tired from getting up early and staying out late. So long story short, just because a park hits capacity that day doesn't mean you can't still have fun if you go with a good attitude. Now don't get me wrong, it's still hell on earth at some points but for those that do "have" to go during the busy season they can still have a good time

 

[NearTheEars]

One benefit of FP+ is being guaranteed to ride at least 3 headliners (at MK at least) on these busy days. After that, we pick and choose and people watch.

Before, FPs would go super quick on peak days. And if you didn't get one early, you'd be waiting around until, 5 or 6 to use your first FP.

If I was down here on vacation, though, I dunno. Christmas week is tough. But I know some folks don't have much of a choice.

 

[FrostyNaples]

....that means there is a ridiculously large amount of people roaming through the various lands, lines for even the least popular of attractions are insanely long, and my question is: Is it really worth going there at these times? I think even of the locals who live close enough to go, what makes it worth going there when you're almost literally elbow-to-elbow with the next person no matter where you're walking and having to deal with the outrageous wait times, and so forth? I don't know that I could deal with the aggravation of being there for almost all day and maybe only getting into 4-5 attractions (if that).

No it's not worth visiting during these times.

You won't miss the decorations, they are up starting before thanksgiving. There are plenty of weeks sprinkled in that are much more pleasant on the crowd levels.

The first week in December comes to mind, when we were just there.

As a Seasonal AP holder, major holidays and school vacations are blacked out for us. AND we are glad, as its a guide for when not to go

 

[Master Yoda]

I would never do the parks when they are that busy as a vacation, but it can be "interesting" to attend the parks during that time as long as you plan ahead and know what you are getting into.

My mindset is that I am there to be in the parks and not necessarily try to go on every attraction, see every show, etc. I am usually there to meet up with friends and family and just experience/enjoy the chaos.

For me at least, fireworks and parades are right out unless you can lock up special seating (eg desert party, fireworks cruise), etc. There are just too many bodies for them to be enjoyable otherwise.

Thanks to the much bemoaned FP+, you can lock up fastpasses for some headliners prior to arrival making them much easier. After that I just take it as it comes. Waiting an hour for PotC is not too bad with the right company.

 

[Roakor]

I was at the parks once with capacity crowds (spring break). It wasn't too bad if like others said you were smart about it. after about 10pm Mk empties out. So sleep late go in after dinner and stay till 1 or 2am. less heat (for the hot months) and way less strollers as nearly all of the younger kids have long since passed out. We managed to see and ride everything we wanted at all the parks it just takes a little planning and a lot of patience.

 

[MickeyMomV]

When we were for Christmas of 2011 we hit up other parks during the day and went to MK in the evenings after dinner, it was far less crowded at that time.

Just be careful with lunch/dinner reservations. You need to make sure you can get in the park.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Always remember: "A bad day at the park is better than a good day at work."

 

[BigRedDad]

I would shoot myself in the head. If I cannot go to Disney during "slower" times, I will not go. We were there the week before XMas and that is the most crowded I will accept.

 

[epcotisbest]

Always remember: "A bad day at the park is better than a good day at work."

Went once during the holidays...never again.
I'll take work over capacity WDW any day.

 

[WondersOfLife]

I'm waiting for the day that EPCOT hits capacity... Now THAT would be a nightmare. Especially if you're stuck over in the middle of World Showcase and need to walk back to the entrance.

 

[Master Yoda]

I'm waiting for the day that EPCOT hits capacity... Now THAT would be a nightmare. Especially if you're stuck over in the middle of World Showcase and need to walk back to the entrance.

It happened on NYE 1999 if I am not mistaken.

 

[WondersOfLife]

It happened on NYE 1999 if I am not mistaken.

That. That sounds awful. I cannot picture that. Must have been the Millennium celebration thing?

 

[Master Yoda]

That. That sounds awful. I cannot picture that. Must have been the Millennium celebration thing?

Correct.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

EPCOT Center surely reached capacity as early as the 80s; though perhaps they had different standards back then. I remember coming in in the morning and already having to park on the grass. Things did not get better as the day progressed. The solution was to extend the walkways with ropes on the grass. Each year, the attendance broke the previous year's record. And no - it's not fun at all. The passage between WS and FW is a serious chokepoint.

Went once during the holidays...never again.
I'll take work over capacity WDW any day.

We obviously work in different places.

 

[Master Yoda]

EPCOT Center surely reached capacity as early as the 80s; though perhaps they had different standards back then. I remember coming in in the morning and already having to park on the grass. Things did not get better as the day progressed. The solution was to extend the walkways with ropes on the grass. Each year, the attendance broke the previous year's record. And no - it's not fun at all. The passage between WS and FW is a serious chokepoint.


We obviously work in different places.

I might be wrong, but I don't think it reached a phased closing before 1999. @wdwmagic will know for sure.

The parking situation you described is common during days where they expect high attendance. I have parked in the same location before park opening on a few occasions.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

I might be wrong, but I don't think it reached a phased closing before 1999. @wdwmagic will know for sure.

The parking situation you described is common during days where they expect high attendance. I have parked in the same location before park opening on a few occasions.

Quite possible - but like I said, it reached capacity... Perhaps they didn't have a system for EC yet.

When there isn't enough room on the walkways for people and they have to push people onto the grass - it's full!

As for the parking, yeah, they still do that today. Back then it was overflow parking mainly when the main lots were full. That's how you knew it was going to be a rough day.

 

[epcotisbest]

EPCOT Center surely reached capacity as early as the 80s; though perhaps they had different standards back then. I remember coming in in the morning and already having to park on the grass. Things did not get better as the day progressed. The solution was to extend the walkways with ropes on the grass. Each year, the attendance broke the previous year's record. And no - it's not fun at all. The passage between WS and FW is a serious chokepoint.


We obviously work in different places.

Yeah, and I have a low tolerance for crowds. Went to Washington D.C. For July 4 fireworks a couple of years ago and passed out on the Metro. Hint...if you are ever waiting on the Metro after D.C. Fireworks...no matter how long you have been waiting...if when your train arrives and your car's lights are out, keep waiting. A zillion people packed in with no lights and no air makes for an unpleasant experience. On a positive note...when you pass out you don't fall right to the floor, as you can't actually fall as you are packed in too tight!