Why is WDW so stressful, expensiv and overcrowded these days? The fear of dissapointment from a 2020-First-Timer

[DisneyNittany]

First off, and this isn't necessarily directed at you OP, but it's hard to argue that WDW is both overcrowded and overpriced. It really can't be both, because if it was overpriced, it wouldn't be overcrowded. Actually, data suggests that it's underpriced, since it's constantly crowded. A reduction in prices would only make crowd levels worse. It sucks, and I get it, but no one is entitled to "luxury" items.

To address your concerns, I haven't been able to read every response, but it sounds like you and your partner are very similar to me and my wife, when it comes to certain preferences. She loves to ride the rides and I just like being in that escapist atmosphere. I'd say, a good way to compromise is:

• Get early FP+ each day. We usually try to get them between 10a-1p, which allows for us to take our time getting up, even though we're both morning people. If you can get FP+ for that time frame, and if you're willing to get to the parks around 9a, you'll be able to either A) hit up a few rides before the heavier crowds get there B) leisurely stroll around the parks or C) if lucky, both.
• Leave midday for pool time or nap time or both. Crowds and heat are terrible midday, put the hotel AC and/or hotel pool are wonderful. This is also a good time to go and explore other resorts, and if open, grab drinks at some of the lounges.
• Speaking of drinks, if you like to imbibe, there are many great bars and lounges in both the parks and resorts. If you time it up well, you can get a seat at a park bar (sans MK) and sit back and relax for a bit as well.
• If you haven't already, get Park Hoppers. The freedom to bounce around will relieve some stress.
• Once you are out of your initial three FP+ selections, get your next one. Especially if you specifically enjoy the rides.
• You're there for a long time, but it will go fast. However, with that said, don't try/expect to ride every ride every day. Also, even though it will go "fast", take your time and enjoy being in the bubble. If you can't get on Space Mountain on Monday, there is always Tuesday. But, and I know I'm kind of contradicting myself, but regular WDW people will get it, don't push things off because you have 14 days either. For example, you might be too tired to stay for a firework show one night (been there), and then realize on your last night that you never got back around to staying at that park and seeing the show. I guess what I'm saying is, rides operate all day, but certain attractions and shows that are on a schedule, if you want to do them, make sure you do them.
• There's just something about the parks at night. This could be a good time to comprise with your partner and enjoy the atmosphere over the attractions. Use the MDE app to find FP+, but don't stress about it. I'll never get sick of walking down Main Street, USA or Tomorrowland at night. I never miss a chance to stroll around World Showcase after park closing.

Like others have said though, you'll get out what you put in. Disney World is only as stressful as you make it. There's so much to do there, and more importantly NOT do, and you have a long time. This is coming from a guy that gets severe anxiety when he feels trapped in a crowd, and even I don't get stressed or anxious there. It's cliche as can be, but there is a certain magic there that, if you allow it, will take away all the stress and anxiety you have.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Your concerns are completely valid and it's unfortunate but your post will trigger most the folks around here that defend the brand at all costs. The last paragraph of your post specifically explains that you are excited, terrified but most importantly, realistic. Most of the responses seem to have ignored that and labelled your "being realistic", as "negative expectations". You clearly love Disney and are simply concerned about the (emotional) return on a monetary investment (which is what a 14 day WDW trip has become, an investment).

To offer some advice, have you considered visiting Disneyland Paris instead or even HKDL, Tokyo or Shanghai?

The rest of the posts here provide little value...this one should be considered - even if rejected - by any reasonable adult. But that’s a quality that’s hard to get sometimes because people believe they somehow “own” their Disney fandom and cannot be objective for a second.

I would say it is crowded...but at times manageable.

It IS now very expensive...there is not a valid dispute. If that is a sticking point...it’s gonna be hard to get around. Nobody can enjoy vacations obsessed about cost. Doesn’t work...never did.

They use the crowds to drive the price. Not an unheard of economic principle...but Disney has really changed their m.o. in the last ten years to alter how it’s applied to their daily customers.

I caution the OP about “experiencing” anything. You are paying for a consumer product and should demand a return. Period. Don’t let them steer you towards cognitive dissonance by following their mental ploy with that word.
It’s a meat market with tens of millions of people there each year...not a once in a lifetime. The closest example in the US is Vegas...
What if someone said “I can’t wait to experience Vegas”...or “I can’t wait to experience New York City”? We’d laugh our butts off. But fall for it when one company owns and runs their own fiefdom??

 

[MaximumEd]

Like others have said, the benefits of rope drop can’t be stressed enough. Partner or no partner, take a couple of mornings and get there early. You can get more done those first couple of hours at MK than you can in the next 6. It’s worth it.

 

[Vacationeer]

I understand your concern where WDW has changed dramatically over the past 5 years, more crowded and expensive than ever.

Your trip's saving grace is length. With that many days onsite you will have an easy time securing FPs for most (if not all) of the high demand rides. Don't worry, you will have a much easier time than the average guest who's visiting less than a week.

 

[xdan0920]

Typical

 

[KBLovedDisney]

OP, don't base your opinion on others opinion unless you have already taken a trip and decided what you think then. In other words, don't dis it until you've tried it. Wait until you go on your trip next year and stop reading too much into these boards.

 

[EmmieSue]

I'm not here to defend Disney just because I like them, but I want to give you my personal experiences and those of my family. My sister and her family are there right now and it is nice and quiet. The night they got there they were able to get an impromptu fastpass for Soarin' in Epcot for that night and even if they hadn't, the line was listed at only 10 minutes. They haven't had issues with crowds or long waits once and no issues with dining reservations.

I have never experienced the crazy crowds everyone talks about either the 6 times I have gone. My other sister and I are going in January with our daughters and I even forgot to make fastpasses, but when I went on to do it the only one not available at all was Slinky Dog Dash (which is whatever for us since our girls are too little). We've never waited in a line longer than a half hour and that was rare. Apart from minetrain when it first opened of course, that was a LONG wait.

 

[Oddysey]

Next year my partner and I will experience WDW for the first time.
At the beginning of October, we will be at the resort for 14 days in the Port Orleans French Quarter.
Unfortunately, we are currently more concerned about disappointment....

Disappointment because of too many crowds, the high costs and the resulting frustration.
We watched this year's calendars in October and realized with horror that especially the hours in the MK were significantly reduced. There was a Halloween party on almost every second day in the week. MK even closed at 6 p.m. (not like the years before at 7 p.m. There was no Evening hours and every day for an hour extra morning hours ....
I do not hope that will be the norm....

We would like to sleep a little longer (8 a.m.), so we are going to be in the parks about 10 - 11 a.m., Fastpasses from 12 a.m. So the evening hours would fit perfect for us!

my opinion for a good vacation:

- Partys at two (towards the end three) days in the week are enough. This gives the other guests the opportunity to spread themselves better.

- extend opening times. Like 2 or 3 years ago. EMH until 1 o'clock etc. and the masses are scattered

- Do not push up the prices further or maybe even reduce something (I know, that won't happen!). Of course, Disney has put a lot of money in WDW in recent years. However, they are also a multi-billion dollar company. An amusement park must also do new things in order to continue to win or keep customers. I have the impression here that Disney is passing on the costs to the visitors in order to have as little as necessary "losses". I mean ... alone our FQ booking cost us $ 600- $ 800 more than we would have paid 3-4 years ago. That's.... INSANE!

- Paid FP system. I think that will come sooner or later anyway but that would be a system where everyone can decide for themselves whether they feel it is necessary or not to have to queue or rather take the FP line. At Universal, the whole thing works great too!



For us as first-timers it would be very frustrating after long planning and money-saving, if we only have to torture ourselves by the masses and only find peace in the hotel. Because ... even if the time at FQ should not be too short .... We make this trip because of the parks and not to be in the hotel-pool ;-)

I know this is my second post: I enjoy Disney so much, love the movies etc!

Simply because this is a very special, unique trip for us.... I wish, that it will be something really special und wonderfull! But I'm realistic too.... And this is.... as
exaggerated as it sounds..... terrifiying :-(

Have you been to other Disney parks?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I'm not here to defend Disney just because I like them, but I want to give you my personal experiences and those of my family. My sister and her family are there right now and it is nice and quiet. The night they got there they were able to get an impromptu fastpass for Soarin' in Epcot for that night and even if they hadn't, the line was listed at only 10 minutes. They haven't had issues with crowds or long waits once and no issues with dining reservations.

I have never experienced the crazy crowds everyone talks about either the 6 times I have gone. My other sister and I are going in January with our daughters and I even forgot to make fastpasses, but when I went on to do it the only one not available at all was Slinky Dog Dash (which is whatever for us since our girls are too little). We've never waited in a line longer than a half hour and that was rare. Apart from minetrain when it first opened of course, that was a LONG wait.

Mid November is one of the few slower times...

January outside of marathon weekend and milk are as well.

Variables change.
October is uncomfortably crowded. Didn’t used to be that way...but food standapalooza combo with Halloween overkill had drawn the moths to the flame more and more for 20 years

 

[tohoyoho]

First off, and this isn't necessarily directed at you OP, but it's hard to argue that WDW is both overcrowded and overpriced. It really can't be both, because if it was overpriced, it wouldn't be overcrowded. Actually, data suggests that it's underpriced, since it's constantly crowded. A reduction in prices would only make crowd levels worse. It sucks, and I get it, but no one is entitled to "luxury" items.

To address your concerns, I haven't been able to read every response, but it sounds like you and your partner are very similar to me and my wife, when it comes to certain preferences. She loves to ride the rides and I just like being in that escapist atmosphere. I'd say, a good way to compromise is:

• Get early FP+ each day. We usually try to get them between 10a-1p, which allows for us to take our time getting up, even though we're both morning people. If you can get FP+ for that time frame, and if you're willing to get to the parks around 9a, you'll be able to either A) hit up a few rides before the heavier crowds get there B) leisurely stroll around the parks or C) if lucky, both.
• Leave midday for pool time or nap time or both. Crowds and heat are terrible midday, put the hotel AC and/or hotel pool are wonderful. This is also a good time to go and explore other resorts, and if open, grab drinks at some of the lounges.
• Speaking of drinks, if you like to imbibe, there are many great bars and lounges in both the parks and resorts. If you time it up well, you can get a seat at a park bar (sans MK) and sit back and relax for a bit as well.
• If you haven't already, get Park Hoppers. The freedom to bounce around will relieve some stress.
• Once you are out of your initial three FP+ selections, get your next one. Especially if you specifically enjoy the rides.
• You're there for a long time, but it will go fast. However, with that said, don't try/expect to ride every ride every day. Also, even though it will go "fast", take your time and enjoy being in the bubble. If you can't get on Space Mountain on Monday, there is always Tuesday. But, and I know I'm kind of contradicting myself, but regular WDW people will get it, don't push things off because you have 14 days either. For example, you might be too tired to stay for a firework show one night (been there), and then realize on your last night that you never got back around to staying at that park and seeing the show. I guess what I'm saying is, rides operate all day, but certain attractions and shows that are on a schedule, if you want to do them, make sure you do them.
• There's just something about the parks at night. This could be a good time to comprise with your partner and enjoy the atmosphere over the attractions. Use the MDE app to find FP+, but don't stress about it. I'll never get sick of walking down Main Street, USA or Tomorrowland at night. I never miss a chance to stroll around World Showcase after park closing.

Like others have said though, you'll get out what you put in. Disney World is only as stressful as you make it. There's so much to do there, and more importantly NOT do, and you have a long time. This is coming from a guy that gets severe anxiety when he feels trapped in a crowd, and even I don't get stressed or anxious there. It's cliche as can be, but there is a certain magic there that, if you allow it, will take away all the stress and anxiety you have.

That sounds really great!
Get FP at 10 a.m. would allow us to sleep a little longer than 6 or 6:30 a.m.

I was thinking about being in the park at Rope Drop.
But that would not be really pleasant.

As I said: not every day. Maybe spontaneously, if we wake up sooner than planned anyway.

Maybe the whole thing will work for us that way: from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FP use and ride the three rides we definitely want for this day. Then we let our feelings decide: do we want to go back to the hotel and book the next FP from 6-7 p.m. or are we able to stay in the park?

That would be a combination of both

Have you been to other Disney parks?

Yes, we were at DLP a view times

 

[HongKongFu]

from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FP use and ride the three rides we definitely want for this day. Then we let our feelings decide: do we want to go back to the hotel and book the next FP from 6-7 p.m.

What FP???? There is no FP on the fly like that.
This is October......OCTOBER!!!

You could pull that stunt in parts of Jan and May and select other times but in October you, more or less are done after your prebooked 3.

 

[HongKongFu]

Do not underestimate October.......it most certainly is not "high season" but it's the next level down and can rip the unseasoned, impatient or unsuspecting new ones.

Assume you get 3 FP per day........maybe you can eek out a 4th with Nemo and Friends or something like a Tough to be a bug or a Frozen Sing Along but you ain't be gettin no Space Mnt or Rock n Roller unless lightening strikes or you win the lottery.

 

[tohoyoho]

What FP???? There is no FP on the fly like that.
This is October......OCTOBER!!!

You could pull that stunt in parts of Jan and May and select other times but in October you, more or less are done after your prebooked 3.

Sorry, but I don't understand your post.
I have 3 FP each day, stay at a moderate Disney Resort (FQ) and book these 60 days in advance. So.... the "great stuff" like the dwarfs, Pandora, Star Wars etc. is safe with this right?

The rides like Arielle, Pirates etc. are able to get even at these days, right?. I don't want to book the main train or stuff like that twice a day. So, if we are going back to the hotel at 1 or 2 p.m., check out the FP for the evening in the bus, I think this might get well right?

We are happy, if we can ride the big ones once. If it's possible for a second or a third time... that's a plus but not a must!

I wasn't at WDW like you. So I have a theory, how this all might be, have a little bit of respect and want this to be as relaxed and harmoniously as possible. We simply want the best deal out of it for us.
And no, I don't want a vacation after the vacation! After this we have a 10 our flight back to germany and then have to deal with JL etc.

 

[HongKongFu]

I have 3 FP each day, stay at a moderate Disney Resort (FQ) and book these 60 days in advance. So.... the "great stuff" like the dwarfs, Pandora, Star Wars etc.

Correct, you got it.


I'm saying once you used up your 3 prebooked FP's, in a season/time of year like October, you will have little success going back to a hotel booking 3 more for that same day. It is very likely all FPs for the day will be gone. Booking FP's on the fly will leave you with offerings like Nemo and Friends---if you are a bit lucky----for your 4th FP on that day.


Assume 3 PF's per day and if you get another 1 or 2 more then rejoice.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

First off, and this isn't necessarily directed at you OP, but it's hard to argue that WDW is both overcrowded and overpriced. It really can't be both, because if it was overpriced, it wouldn't be overcrowded. Actually, data suggests that it's underpriced, since it's constantly crowded. A reduction in prices would only make crowd levels worse. It sucks, and I get it, but no one is entitled to "luxury" items.

To address your concerns, I haven't been able to read every response, but it sounds like you and your partner are very similar to me and my wife, when it comes to certain preferences. She loves to ride the rides and I just like being in that escapist atmosphere. I'd say, a good way to compromise is:

• Get early FP+ each day. We usually try to get them between 10a-1p, which allows for us to take our time getting up, even though we're both morning people. If you can get FP+ for that time frame, and if you're willing to get to the parks around 9a, you'll be able to either A) hit up a few rides before the heavier crowds get there B) leisurely stroll around the parks or C) if lucky, both.
• Leave midday for pool time or nap time or both. Crowds and heat are terrible midday, put the hotel AC and/or hotel pool are wonderful. This is also a good time to go and explore other resorts, and if open, grab drinks at some of the lounges.
• Speaking of drinks, if you like to imbibe, there are many great bars and lounges in both the parks and resorts. If you time it up well, you can get a seat at a park bar (sans MK) and sit back and relax for a bit as well.
• If you haven't already, get Park Hoppers. The freedom to bounce around will relieve some stress.
• Once you are out of your initial three FP+ selections, get your next one. Especially if you specifically enjoy the rides.
• You're there for a long time, but it will go fast. However, with that said, don't try/expect to ride every ride every day. Also, even though it will go "fast", take your time and enjoy being in the bubble. If you can't get on Space Mountain on Monday, there is always Tuesday. But, and I know I'm kind of contradicting myself, but regular WDW people will get it, don't push things off because you have 14 days either. For example, you might be too tired to stay for a firework show one night (been there), and then realize on your last night that you never got back around to staying at that park and seeing the show. I guess what I'm saying is, rides operate all day, but certain attractions and shows that are on a schedule, if you want to do them, make sure you do them.
• There's just something about the parks at night. This could be a good time to comprise with your partner and enjoy the atmosphere over the attractions. Use the MDE app to find FP+, but don't stress about it. I'll never get sick of walking down Main Street, USA or Tomorrowland at night. I never miss a chance to stroll around World Showcase after park closing.

Like others have said though, you'll get out what you put in. Disney World is only as stressful as you make it. There's so much to do there, and more importantly NOT do, and you have a long time. This is coming from a guy that gets severe anxiety when he feels trapped in a crowd, and even I don't get stressed or anxious there. It's cliche as can be, but there is a certain magic there that, if you allow it, will take away all the stress and anxiety you have.

Actually...it is very much possible to be overcrowded and overpriced. The curricula of Econ 002 and 004 and BA 301-304 don’t cover the psychological stupidity scenario where people fight one another - and the major credit bureaus - to pay higher and higher fees for products that increase in price on a vector unreasonable based on the timeframe.

It’s not based on numbers...because that would make too much sense.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Actually...it is very much possible to be overcrowded and overpriced. The curricula of Econ 002 and 004 and BA 301-304 don’t cover the psychological stupidity scenario where people fight one another - and the major credit bureaus - to pay higher and higher fees for products that increase in price on a vector unreasonable based on the timeframe.

It’s not based on numbers...because that would make too much sense.

In my personal experience WDW IS both overcrowded and overpriced. I have shuffled through the crowds at WDW and I know what things cost and can see tickets, food, merch, room rates are over priced.

Overpriced does not mean folks wont pay.

 

[Tom P.]

Actually...it is very much possible to be overcrowded and overpriced. The curricula of Econ 002 and 004 and BA 301-304 don’t cover the psychological stupidity scenario where people fight one another - and the major credit bureaus - to pay higher and higher fees for products that increase in price on a vector unreasonable based on the timeframe.

It’s not based on numbers...because that would make too much sense.

Actually, economics does cover this scenario; you are just trying to redefine economic definitions. If people are still willing to pay the higher and higher fees, then the product is not overpriced. That is the point. The product is only overpriced when consumers will not pay the price for it. You may not like the pricing or think that the product is not a good value for the money. But those are very different things from something being overpriced.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Uh not really. Smuggler's Run currently doesn't offer FastPasses, and I was unable to get Flight of Passage at 60 days prior, the very first minute it was available to me. For the most in-demand attractions, isn't enough to be a resort guest: You need to have a longer visit (up to 10 days) and book Flight of Passage first, for the last day of your trip, to have the greatest chance of success getting a FastPass for that.

Actually, it does. Consumers like to throw around the world "overpriced" since it indicates that the provider is doing something wrong. They're not. They're doing exactly what they are supposed to do. No one is as expert at pricing as Disney. They almost never undersell themselves nor oversell themselves. That's frustrating to consumers. Consumers want to get a "great deal" and value-based pricing done right gets in the way of that. Some consumers can't bring themselves express their feelings of frustration as such and instead try to make their frustration sound like someone else did something wrong instead of the reality.

Disney parks may be the least appropriate application of simplified supply and demand on the planet.

 

[The Mom]

Many forum members are tired of having to wade through posts of the same forum members arguing with each other in multiple threads. Ignore is your friend.

 

[yensid67]

Toho...
I would suggest the following...
-French Quarter Resort(OK)
-3 FP-Iwould prioritize your 3 MUST RIDES and figure on sticking with them, then wing the rest of you day because FP's seem to be in VERY HIGH DEMAND and you may not get what 3 FP's you want. When FP's open up for reservations, most of them are gone in minutes! So having a plan A & plan B will help. You cannot just go to the parks without FP's, nowadays you have to plan your first 3 as your HAVE TO RIDE FP's!
-If you are concerned about the costs, Stay off site at a 3 star(Rosen brand), reserve a MID DAY TICKET(12noon admission) use the morning hours to get breakfast or an early lunch before heading to the parks
**YOU CAN FIND ALL THIS ON UNDERCOVERTOURIST!

That's my advice and what I do when I am planning vacation for me AND OTHERS!