Crowd levels next week?

[Disney OB RN]

I am attending a conference with shuttle service to parks next week. Could anyone comment regarding the crowd levels to anticipate? I've not been this time of year, and am worried about long waits for the precious little time after daily meetings! (I've got three days, & will definately do a park hopper; early morning hours are out because I'm staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek). Thanks for any advice from those who are in the know or who have just been!!!!I still can't wait to go!!

[Strmchsr]

One word: Insane. Next week is Easter week which is the busiest (or second busiest after Christmas) week of the year. Not impossible to navigate, but you'll definitely need to expect lines and huge crowds. Normally Easter is earlier and the end of April isn't too bad, but this year you'll need to expect huge crowds next week.

[faline]

I would expect elevated crowds for the next two weeks. I believe Massachusetts schools are off next week. The week leading into Easter and following Easter are usually very crowded.

[Disney OB RN]

Yipes, I was afraid of that......cannot try any usual strategies, with staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek & not being able to go unti the late afternoon. I just know to absolutely get a Park Hopper, hope for the best!!! And not stress out, since I've done it all, & just to be there is wonderful!!

[faline]

Originally Posted by Disney OB RN

Yipes, I was afraid of that......cannot try any usual strategies, with staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek & not being able to go unti the late afternoon. I just know to absolutely get a Park Hopper, hope for the best!!! And not stress out, since I've done it all, & just to be there is wonderful!!

On those occasions when I've been there when the parks are extremely crowded, I've gone for those attractions that one can do regardless of crowd levels. At the Magic Kingdom, there are seldom waits to get on the train and the People Mover. One can always just enjoy the atmosphere of the parks, people watch and just enjoy the ambience of being there!

[MinnieMommie]

I like what Feline says. Just being in the parks is so nice. Just being around the magic is inspirational. I can't tell you how much I love just sitting on the train and going around the MK (find this especially beautiful at night and see things that I don't notice during the daylight hrs). Enjoy!

[Disney OB RN]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I'm paced & set and will be in Orlando in 24 hours! Anyone know how wait times are today? We are going to MK tomorrow.

[Strmchsr]

Originally Posted by Disney OB RN

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I'm paced & set and will be in Orlando in 24 hours! Anyone know how wait times are today? We are going to MK tomorrow.

Just talked to a friend down there. Said lines weren't too bad this morning, but they were starting to really pick up now.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[Disney OB RN]

Thanks alot!!!

[lovin'fl]

Yup...we did Disney Easter week 1 year and it was CROWDED...shoulder to shoulder...awful. We'll never do it again. We want to see Disney all done up for Christmas, so we're going the days leading up to Christmas Day and then getting out of there. We want to aviod that craziness.

[Disney OB RN]

Well, the advice was correct; it was terribly crowded. Due to the conference, we were not able to get into the parks earlier than 3 PM, which is totally against all rules and strategies. That combined with the timing of Easter week and staying off Disney property without the advantage of extra magic hours left us at the mercy of the crowds. MK was horrible on 4/19, Epcot was much better as far as "shoulder to shoulder" aspect the next day, and our last day on 4/21 was split at AK & HS. Most waits for major attractions were an hour or over, with FP gone for the day, or with a very late return time. So, we utilized the single rider line at Everist, rode the Tomorrowland Transit, the boat at Mexico, & was so very fortunate to hit a low ebb at Tower of Terror. Our pixie dust fell when asking about estimated time wait for the single rider line at Rockin Roller Coaster, & a wonderful cast member, gave us fast passes!!!!!!! A wonderful end to a challenging Disney trip for two veterans who will not ever go this time of year unless it is another conference that lures us!!! We did just make the best of it; after all, any day at Disney is better than none at all.

[DisneyBarb]

Massachusetts school vacation was this week also... I believe some other New England states also. Sounds like you had a good attitude about the crowds!