[poeticmoons]

I'm going to the parks in about a week and would like to know what to expect with the crowds, also I have tickets to magical christmas party, and was wondering if any one could tell me if it is as neat as what I'm expecting.

[Michael Darling]

Hey there and welcome aboard the boards!

Everything I've been hearing is that lately crowds have varied between normal and very low. I would expect for the Christmas season to be about average for the season. That is, slightly crowded.

As for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, I don't really know anything about that to help out... sorry!

[mickey]

We were there the first two weeks of October. and all I heard from Disney was how few visitors were there. I am pretty sure what they meant to say is how few out of state visitors were there. It was the most crowded I have seen it since we started going ten years ago. Waits were typically an hour or more for the e-ticket rides. The wait for Peter Pan was over an hour and a half several afternoons. I also saw reports that the crowds during Thanksgiving were up nearly 10% from last year.

With the additional discounts Disney has given to Florida residents, there are many more locals attending than in the past. Disney is suffering because the majority of their income comes from hotel and restaurant income, rather than park entrance fees. So, if locals are crowding the parks, they aren't staying in Disney resorts.

You are going during one of the slowest times of the year though, so I wouldn't expect huge crowds.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is like a souped up e-ride night. It's pretty fun, and allows you access to characters, a parade and rides that are normally crowded during normal park hours. You get the park to yourself for five hours, so how bad can that be? Keep your eyes peeled, they tend to release pins and other items during the party, and they are only available during the parties. I definitely think it is worth the extra money.

[poeticmoons]

Is disney cancelation of early entry, and the closing of most of dixie landing a more seasonal thing, or is it for good. If every thing settles and bussiness at the resorts gets back to normal do you think they will bring the disney world I was expecting back. I also found it odd in their selection of what they were closing, it seems to me that the first things that could go would be the water parks, seeing as it is the winter and all.

[mickey]

The changes you currently see should be only short term changes. They have shuttered good parts of each resort. Port Orleans French Quarter has been closed completely. Rumors have it that it will be used as a replacement for shades of green while it is being renovated. French Quarter is also in need of some renovation itself. I would guess that they are cutting things that don't earn them income.

Water parks are big money makers for them, even in winter. Also, one of the two big water parks is closed during the winter time to fix things, and spruce it up. Typhoon Lagoon is closed now while they add new attractions. You will see them reduce things that don't bring in money, buy cost them money. That is why they have cut early entry, reduced park hours and cut performers in EPCOT, among other things.

By not opening the new Pop Culture resort, and by closing Port Orleans French Quarter, and parts of Riverside, along with a good majority of Disney Institute, they are just reducing the number of rooms available to the public. No use using a room only one night a week. Might as well shut it up until it picks back up again.

I would guess that you will see WDW return to what it was by next Christmas. Disney will trail the recovery. Park attendance may be back up to normal levels, but they will stall hiring back performers or bringing early entries back.

[bennythepug]

My family and I were in Disney the week of Nov 7 thru Nov. 14. The longest wait was 30 min. for Dumbo and maybe 25 min. for the indy speedway. We went to Magic Kingdom 4 days during our visit. The only day we thought was 'crowded' was Saturday. The other days, espesially Tuesday when it was off and on showers, we were walking onto rides and rode some twice with out having to get off. Despite the rain, that was our best day.

[chris24]

i figured if merlin matt can resurrect these old posts, i can too..........

[Dana]

Please don't post just to bump up an old thread unless you have something to add to it or a comment to make that pertains to the thread. It confuses people who think it may be a current topic. this is for everyone...not just your chris.

[Jennatrz]

We are going this Sunday to the MK hoping that crowds are low. Usually this time right before Thanksgiving is the slow. Hoping this is true. Have fun at Disney