[TK924]

We got back yesterday and I must say that this was the worst trip of the 3 that we've taken thus far. The crowds were terrible. Long lines and rude people everywhere. There was also a lot of line jumping. Usually by unsupervised teenagers.

I guess there were a lot of people from the high school marching bands. Kids with their parents made for a lot of long lines.

We went this same time last year and it didn't seem to be that bad. My wife still wants to go again next year, but I'm trying to talk her out of it unless we can find out ahead of time when there will not be any bands or other large crowd events. If anyone knows how I can do that, please let me know. Otherwise, I think we've seen the last of WDW. I just can't see paying that kind of money only to be bumped, pushed and jumped in front of.

On the flip side, our DD got to ride Primevil Whirl 3x, which she was too short for last year. And also the RNR coaster. She loved it. She got to meet her favorite character, Jasmine 2x. Jasmine first signed her autograph book. The second time, she signed her Jasmine hat. Aladdin asked if she was going to watch the parade. Of course she said yes. And when Jasmine and Aladdin's car went by, they called her out by name (She was wearing a name tag). That made me tear up.
Another first for the 3 of us was space mountain. That was a cool ride too.

We definitely had some fun. I'm just not sold on the fact that we'll be going back again unless somebody can change my mind.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally posted by TK924
Aladdin asked if she was going to watch the parade. Of course she said yes. And when Jasmine and Aladdin's car went by, they called her out by name (She was wearing a name tag). That made me tear up.

I LOVE when they do that. So very cool.

This year seems to be the busiest season they's had in a while. Wasn't MK open until midnight? Or maybe that's this week.

I'm glad there were lots of plusses to make up for the bad stuff.

Maybe next time you could try to go a week earlier (in March) or in the first couple of weeks in May. I'm not a big fan of crowds myself and unsupervised, disrespectful teens drive me absolutely batty. If I ever caught a kid of mine doing that... :(

Anyhoo, let us know when your next trip will be. :whistle: :)

[brumcg]

TK924,

The week before and after Easter are always super-crowded. Next year Easter is 3/27 which will make the last full week of March and the end of March/beginning of April week 'bad.' The first full week of April, I'd expect crowds to be 'normal' spring break - busy, but not so bad as the Easter weeks.

Bruce

[Screever]

TK, I don't I went mid-March this year and I don't remember seeing so many rude guests either. One thing that gets me is one person waiting in live, then 5 of their family come and meet them! It doesn't seem right to me, and it definitely messes with Disney's excellent system of knowing how long the wait time could be...

I'm glad the good things made up for the bad things though. You've always got to look past that stuff, right? Don't let others ruin the magic for ya!

I think you SHOULD go again...I worked there Jan-May 2003 and February seemed alot less busy. I'd say January too but it's a tad chilly unless you don't mind being cold. I've heard the best time to go is between Thanksgiving and Christmas, because everyone else is at home getting cleaning up after/getting ready for the holidays. Woot! Count me in. ;)

[joseph3947]

TK924, you just pick a bad time to go. Read alot about good times to go and listen to the experts on DC about when to go. We have been there in mid May and mid Nov. and have walked on attractions over and over. The fast pass machines we not even opened! Don't be discouraged by one bad trip. Have a Magical Day!!! :D :) Joe

[KarenT]

Try to go off season! You will enjoy it. We go the first week of December and basically there are no lines, no crowds.
Give it another try!:)

[tinkerbell]

I have to agree with the majority, the time of year you went is one of the most crowded. We went 4/8 - 4/12 and the crowds were pretty much average over all, some days some parks were a bit more crowded then others.

[TK924]

Originally posted by tinkerbell
I have to agree with the majority, the time of year you went is one of the most crowded. We went 4/8 - 4/12 and the crowds were pretty much average over all, some days some parks were a bit more crowded then others.

We went this same time last year and it wasn't even close to being this bad. I wonder if it was leftover fallout from 9/11 and things are just now turning around.

Also, on the rude line jumping, I heard a CM tell a group of teenagers that line jumping could get them tossed out of line all together. They just said they were sorry and were allowed on the ride anyway. I really wish that WDW would address this issue more clearly. They don't mind posting how long the wait is. I wish they'd post "NO LINE JUMPING" signs in 3 or 4 different languages too. :dazed

[MerlinMatt]

Originally posted by TK924
I heard a CM tell a group of teenagers that line jumping could get them tossed out of line all together. They just said they were sorry and were allowed on the ride anyway.

Tossed out of line? :hmmm How about tossed out of the park?

I mean, let's look at this from a disincentive perspective. If the worst thing that can happen is to get pulled out of line and move to the end, then why not try to jump every line where there's an opportunity? :(

I'm only 35. But am I getting too old for my age?

[TK924]

Originally posted by Matt McDonnell

I'm only 35. But am I getting too old for my age?

I'm 34. I don't think that I'm too old. I think the youngsters are acting older...and bolder.

[BuzzLightyear]

Sorry to hear about the bad side of your trip.

I feel your pain and felt the same way as you many years ago. After two hour waits and line jumpers we stayed away from WDW for many years.

Now we go when its less crowded, and go with a game plan.

[Willbegone]

Originally posted by TK924
I think the youngsters are acting older...and bolder.

OHHH sooooo true! I know some great teens but there are alot of them that are just plain out of control now. Most of them have never been disciplined at all. :madmad :madmad

[sandanv1]

Check the Wide World of Sports site. It list major events at the complex which usually means an increase in children of all ages at the parks. We try to avoid softball, soccer, cheerleading and baseball events especially tournaments. Park tickets are part of the package when these groups use the facilities.

I agree go on the off season. These are usually less crowded. Avoid holidays, long weekends and school breaks. There are more school age children when school is out, and to avoid teenagers, avoid May and June, when schools go on their year end trip.

http://dwws.disney.go.com/wideworldo...ex?id=DWWSHome

[brumcg]

I mentioned this in my trip report (3/20-3/27), the worst examples of 'line jumping' that we saw were parents with young children. One parent would stand in line and then call when they were close to the end. Then the rest of the family tries to force their way through the queue. The absolute worst is in character lines when a few more people can make a big difference. Try explaining that to a 4-year old who's been waiting in a 30+ minute line to see Cinderella...

You hear and see the words "Keep your party together" all the time, but I've never seen it enforced by a CM.

Bruce

[TK924]

Originally posted by sandanv1
Check the Wide World of Sports site. It list major events at the complex which usually means an increase in children of all ages at the parks. We try to avoid softball, soccer, cheerleading and baseball events especially tournaments. Park tickets are part of the package when these groups use the facilities.

I agree go on the off season. These are usually less crowded. Avoid holidays, long weekends and school breaks. There are more school age children when school is out, and to avoid teenagers, avoid May and June, when schools go on their year end trip.

http://dwws.disney.go.com/wideworldo...ex?id=DWWSHome

Thanks for that info, sandanv1. I think we ran into several marching bands. I didn't find that info on the WWS site.