Stunned by the Wait Times (in a good way)

[DisnIse]

We are in California this week (and loving it) and spent Monday and Thursday at DL/DCA. I kept texting my friends who are at WDW to compare wait times.
We waited 10 minutes for BTMR. 10 for Soarin (though later it was up to 25). 25 for Toy Story Mania. 20 for Pirates (and the boys almost wanted to skip it because comparatively it WAS a long wait).
Peter Pan was still 45+ every time we looked, and the Matterhorn was long as well, but I am really struck by how much less crowded the rides are, considering they're smaller parks overall.
It has made for an awesome vacation, though, so I am certainly not complaining.
In case anyone is planning a trip in the future, this past week has been a great time to be here!

[VWL Mom]

We'll be there in less than 2 weeks. I hope your good luck carries over for us. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

[tinkwest]

We have usually had good luck with crowds and weather during the first half of June. Glad you enjoyed your visit!

[dvcmember83]

We went in August 3 years ago and we were amazed at how wonderful the wait times were in the middle of summer. It was even better for me being 8 months pregnant!

[Aurora]

So glad to hear this. We are several weeks away from our trip. I hope the low wait times continue!

[2Epcot]

Sounds similar to what my friend experienced on the Saturday, June 14th. The crowds were light, and they were able to do everything they wanted without waiting so long.

[Fangorn]

At Disneyland yesterday. Saturday, perfect weather. While there seemed to be a lot of people, wait times were nice. Longest wait time I saw was 40 min for Splash and BTMRR. Matterhorn was next at 35 min. But with Space Mountain and the subs both down, that isn't bad at all. Even Indiana Jones had a standby of 30 min or less (and fast passes were still available even after Fantasmic).

Its really been very nice.

We'll see how California Adventure is today.

Steve

[Fangorn]

So.... All those crowds who were NOT there over the weekend, showed up en masse on Monday. Disneyland has been very crowded. PotC has been 40-50 min all day, Splash Mountain 80-90 min.

Still enjoyable, but pretty busy.

Steve

[BrerGnat]

Saturday is a black out day for almost all pass holders. Usually Sundays and Mondays are worst in summer.

[tinkwest]

So.... All those crowds who were NOT there over the weekend, showed up en masse on Monday. Disneyland has been very crowded. PotC has been 40-50 min all day, Splash Mountain 80-90 min.

Still enjoyable, but pretty busy.

Steve

That's funny that you should say that. We were at Disneyland from 11:30am to 7pm on Monday and considered it very uncrowded for June. We didn't happen to visit PotC or Splash, so can't comment on those in particular, but we did plenty of shopping, ate lunch and enjoyed quite a few attractions with 20 minute or less wait time within those hours. The longest wait time we saw was 45 minutes on Thunder Mtn. We expected at least that much of a wait for that one. It was 3pm, we got FastPasses, came back at 5:15pm and walked right on.

The most ridiculous wait we encountered was in Downtown Disney. We inquired about a table for two at 7pm at Rainforest Cafe. An hour and a half - too long - I don't get it. I know we didn't have reservations but still. We said no thanks, walked to Uva Bar, were seated immediately, and had a two thumbs up dinner.

We visited DCA for 90 minutes at the end of the night. Soarin' was a 20 minute wait - which is a good thing - and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree was a walk on. Radiator Springs Racers was listed as 75 minutes, which didn't surprise us and we opted to skip that.

Back to Disneyland for some more shopping at 10pm. Lots of visitors leaving even though the park was still open for several hours. Walked right up to the counter at Gibson Girl for ice cream, easily found a table outside the Bakery and people watched for an hour.

[Fangorn]

We were at Disneyland from 11:30am to 7pm on Monday and considered it very uncrowded for June.

We didn't go over to Disneyland until closer to 4 (spent the morning in CA), so that might be part of the difference. I did notice that the Adventureland side of the park was significantly busier than the Tomorrowland side. Restaurants never seemed to be crowded at all, nor were the shops. Just some of the rides.


Usually Sundays and Mondays are worst in summer.

Didn't know this. It's been a long time since I've been to DLR in the summer. But then, hey, I remember when Disneyland was actually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays :thumbsup:

Steve

[chefmickey3]

Is DCA the same crowds on Mondays? We will be visiting in early August. Was thinking DL on Monday but may change that thinking. Also, do you think extra magic mornings are helpful or go the other park? We have Premier Annual Passes because we are going to the World as well in the next year.

[BrerGnat]

Is DCA the same crowds on Mondays? We will be visiting in early August. Was thinking DL on Monday but may change that thinking. Also, do you think extra magic mornings are helpful or go the other park? We have Premier Annual Passes because we are going to the World as well in the next year.

DCA has MM on Monday so it will be packed. I do recommend doing MM at DCA for Radiator Springs Racers and the rest of Carsland, then leave and go to DL. I do NOT recommend DL MM. It is only a very small portion of the park that is open and it gets crazy in there. I would go to DCA on days DL has MM then head to DL after lunch on those days.

[VWL Mom]

We arrived on Friday and have not waited more than 15 minutes for a ride with the exception of Midway Mania which was 25 minutes today and Radiator Springs which was 100 minutes so we skipped it and will try another day. A friend of my son that lives here has spent the last three days with us and is amazed by the low crowds we've encountered.

[chefmickey3]

That is wonderful to hear Lynn! I hope it continues for our trip later this month. How was your transfer to the resort from LAX. We booked a transfer with the same company. I welcome any other tips you have for me as we get ready to leave.