Crowds Up or Down?

**VGL_Lynx** · 04-08-2009, 03:00 PM

As Spring Break chugs along, what are the general feeling everyone has of late of crowd sizes? I'm trying to figure out what to expect in June. Originally I thought crows sizes would be down due to the economy, but then the 4/3 promotion launched, and then was extended. (My family will be using it and I'm very happy with my res.)

What are people seeing in the parks? Are crowds bigger, smaller, or about the same as usual?

I've read some of the summaries of the Corporate report and know about the cutbacks and layoffs, so I would assume business is off due to the economy, like everyplace else. But is it actually true? What did you see at your last visit? Let's try to keep in perspective of March 2009 to the present.

Thanks,
-Lynx

**BusDriver** · 04-08-2009, 03:38 PM

Right now, the parks are exceptionally busy. It is Spring Break and the week before Easter, but all the parks are packed this week.

**lobaugo** · 04-08-2009, 07:47 PM

I was in the world march 10-16th and I was expecting moderate crowds and it was absolutely packed. I don't understand why they had all those lay offs because the parks are booming.

**MJMcb** · 04-08-2009, 10:10 PM

I believe MK has had 2 Stage 4 closings this week

**HauntedGabe** · 04-08-2009, 11:52 PM

And I read on another forum where in the last week of March one day a family walked right onto Toy Story. Actually missed most of the cool stuff in the lines because they walked right through.

**J&J** · 04-09-2009, 07:35 AM

Disney always seems to be crowded it is so poplar,

**NC_WDW_Daddy** · 04-09-2009, 11:48 AM

I'm heading down in June and expecting normal crowds. It seems that when they cut back in staff and have unexpected crowds, then you can expect longer waits for services like TS restaurants, package pick-up, etc... The wait time for attractions seems to remain the normal wait times for the size of the crowds. It is the extras that seem to suffer most from inadequate staffing.

**WDWmemories** · 04-09-2009, 02:23 PM

I have seen myself and have heard from others that the crowds are big. Especially around Easter there are huge crowds. It is good tha the promotions are working, but I'm sure that spending is way down. Big crowds do not necessarily mean big revenues.

**mini-V** · 04-09-2009, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by HauntedGabe

And I read on another forum where in the last week of March one day a family walked right onto Toy Story. Actually missed most of the cool stuff in the lines because they walked right through.

We've only experienced that once, and it was probably about that time. For the most part, the waits have been 60+ minutes.

Generally speaking, the last few times we've been in Epcot in the last 2 weeks, crowds have been heavier than they have been. I keep hearing that sales in merchandise are down, however.

Most, if not all, of the cutbacks have been in the corporate offices and in positions behind the scenes. Often corporate people are invited to help out during busy times, but there are fewer corporate people to volunteer, and those still with jobs are swamped. I don't think I'd be too eager to give up my weekend to help in a park if I was working flat-out in my regular job.

**elcid93** · 04-10-2009, 09:41 AM

I was there Wednesday (7 Apr) and the MK was closed by lunch. Earlier in the week I saw where the lot at the studios got full so the had to start parking people at Epcot's lot. Tried to stop at DD on my way home at all the lots were full at 5PM. Yeah, it was busy. I thought there was a recession.

**VGL_Lynx** · 04-10-2009, 11:11 AM

Hey, these are great posts. Well, a little scary too. Anyway... let's keep this thread going to see if we can tack a little as we get past the Spring Break boom. Those of us that are heading down in the Summer should keep this thread going for others.

I see in some of the other forums people are speculating and looking for info on July and August too. Touring Plans.com doesn' have a place to see current park numbers do they?

-Lynx