Crowd Pattern Tips by DOW?

Printable View

03-21-2006, 06:24 AM
C#ern@b0g

Crowd Pattern Tips by DOW?

I want to plumb the vast knowledge of experience here on the forums. Does anyone have itinerary plans that really seem to work every time?

I'm not trying to steal your master plans for the parks [unless you're in a sharing mood], but if you have an opinion on which parks are least crowded on certain days, that sort of thing would be helpful.

Obviously, the middle of the week is going to be better anywhere than the weekend, but if you can tell me any secret wrinkles, or unexpeted patterns you taken advantage of, I'd appreciate your help...
03-21-2006, 01:51 PM
Tinker Bell

Quote:

Originally Posted by C#ern@b0g

I want to plumb the vast knowledge of experience here on the forums. Does anyone have itinerary plans that really seem to work every time?

I'm not trying to steal your master plans for the parks [unless you're in a sharing mood], but if you have an opinion on which parks are least crowded on certain days, that sort of thing would be helpful.

Obviously, the middle of the week is going to be better anywhere than the weekend, but if you can tell me any secret wrinkles, or unexpeted patterns you taken advantage of, I'd appreciate your help...

Well first it depends at what time of the year you plan on visiting, I like to go during low season to avoid crowds. I did see a list somewhere of which days have higher attendance per park:

MK: Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Epcot: Tuesday and Friday
MGM: Sunday and Wednesday.
Animal Kingdom: Mon to Wed.

We avoided those parks on those days and it worked out for us! Have fun planning!
03-21-2006, 01:57 PM
kylewhit89

we like the MK on a wednesday
MGM on a sunday
AK whenever
and epcot Monday
03-21-2006, 04:39 PM
C#ern@b0g

Thanks, Tink...

I'm heading down in May, and I'm the planner of the group, even though I'm not actually the one funding the expedition.

I've checked around other planning sites, and had so many conflicting notes on what days which parks were less crowded, I thought I'd give the wonderful people here a shot.

There was actually one that said that you should go to MK on a SATURDAY!? They were totally serious, and that's when I knew it was time for me to leave that site alone...
03-21-2006, 04:42 PM
C#ern@b0g

Kyle -

You plan sounds pretty good. I have heard that AK is the least crowded any day, so I'm least worried about that one. I'd like to hit AK the day we get there(Sunday), and then move into Epcot on Monday. MK on Wednesday just seems right, and then MGM on Thursday. That leaves us Friday and Saturday to just hop from park to park on anything we've missed, get in some golf at Fantasia Gardens, and hit Downtown...
03-21-2006, 06:32 PM
4Mickey

I don't know if there is any truth to this, but I've heard that typically when people enter a park they go to the right. So... if you go to the left, then it "should" be less crowded :thumbs:
03-21-2006, 07:23 PM
InStitches

Unofficial Guide

There is a book called the Unofficial Guide to WDW. I found it very helpful. There is a list of all the days of the year and a rating from 4 (I think) which is the least crowded to 10 which is the most crowded. Most of the days we have visited were pretty accurate.
03-21-2006, 07:45 PM
C#ern@b0g

Summer - I've read that same tip. It definitely does hold up. Plenty of sites advise going into the left line if there are two. That works. I know that if you go left at the World Showcase, you'll definitely be in the less crowded nations(even though those don't really feel too crowded most of the time anyway). The left hand thing works in MK, because most people either go staight down main street into fantasyland, or they turn right into tomorrowland. If you turn left into adventureland, then you can hit a lot more with a lot less company. Thanks...
03-21-2006, 07:50 PM
C#ern@b0g

InStitches - I actually snagged that book for one of my previous trips, and it was very informative. I was planning on getting the most recent copy for this trip too, but then I decided to check what info was on the web.

Through sites like this one I learned most of what I wanted to be sure of. I also have asked a few questions here, and have received nothing but good advice so far.

I think that I'm well equipped for the trip now, and I'm sure that I'll get great answers for any other questions I have between now and then...
03-21-2006, 07:57 PM
DissyLove

The other thing is regarding the Magic Kingdom, I have been told that is is busiest around noon, so I like to go first thing in the morning at park opening. Knock off a few of the popular rides right away, get a fastpass for others, and then work my way around the park from there. I make time for a late lunch, or hit attractions during parade times, and that helps me for that park.

I don't really have another park strategy-I just go early and hit the big rides right away and budget fastpasses accordingly, and usually do OK....
03-21-2006, 08:26 PM
C#ern@b0g

Thank you, Tiger Lily,

I am also a big fan of going big early. If I can get 2 of the 3 mountains in MK out of the way first, then the rest of the day is a lot easier to deal with. My trip in May will be my first one with the FastPass in place, so I'm anxious to take advantage of that. My planning nature will be rewarded by a system like that...
03-21-2006, 09:40 PM
DissyLove

Yes, I believe it will be rewarded, just have to convince the rest of your group as you are dragging them to Space Mountain as the rope drops....:thumbs:
03-21-2006, 11:58 PM
C#ern@b0g

I only have to drag two of them, because one of our party won't be caught dead on any close to Space Mountain. There won't really be a lot of dragging going on either, because I'll have the advantage of "first ride of the day" adrenaline. I'm getting psyched just thinking about it. I've been on a lot of coasters all over the country, but there's something special about that one. I'm really looking forward to Expedition Everest too...