Originally Posted By onlyme I was hesitant, but we went to DL this past Memorial Day weekend. All, but the premium passes were blocked. It was sooo nice. So, I just decided to book a trip for 4th of July weekend. I couldn't believe how many hotels had/have great prices. I couldn't pass up on the Candy Cane for $92/night. With all these room available at great prices, it tells me that it won't be insane with people. I've always been reluctant to go there on a holiday, but with all the passes blocked out, it's just like it was yeeeaaars ago...nice and manageable. Not sure about WOC, though. We'll see.
Originally Posted By LuLu Sparrow, Monday and Tuesday of this past week and the one prior were the only non-blocked days for SoCal APs. Yes, they are now blocked thru late August. My point was, we went on a Tuesday and Wednesday (6/15 & 16), and really didn't notice much difference in crowds. But that may just go to show that one person's perception is limited and not necessarily factual
Originally Posted By Moon Waffle Face it: the park is better when the AP's are blocked out. Not only because of the crowd size but also the quality of the crowd improves. Tourists are genuinely happy to visit DL and give it their attention, respect, etc. AP's take it for granted, chat on their phones during the rides, and ruin the experience for those who only get to visit once/year. Of course I'm making sweeping general statements here, and there are exceptions to both (yes, there are bad tourists, and yes, there are very well-behaved AP's) but generally speaking I'm sticking to my theory.
Originally Posted By Sparrow I will def agree that it makes a huge difference when just the SoCal passes are blocked. We have a Deluxe pass and I get excited for summer because they're blocked till the end of August. Leaving for the park in a few minutes. I'll report back tonight or tomorrow on the crowds.
Originally Posted By Yookeroo "That sounds like heaven, and also confirms, that like fast pass, the AP programme hurts the park atmosphere over all." Pleasant summer days and weekends are bad park atmosphere? Really?
Originally Posted By believe >>>>>>"That sounds like heaven, and also confirms, that like fast pass, the AP programme hurts the park atmosphere over all."<<<<<<< Let's put it this way, when it is crazy insane busy, it is BAD. When it is very very slow, it's not good either. It's great when it is busy, but not very busy, and when all the entertainment and rides are open and in full force - ie Saturdays! It hurts the overall atmosphere during NON blockout days when it's crazy insane busy.
Originally Posted By DlandDug Bear in mind that, to some people, the AP program also brings rain, locust, plagues of boils, and global warming... (And yes, it's a joke.)
Originally Posted By pleiades357 We walked in to Disneyland the other day, four firemen in uniform standing on the sidewalk near the emporium... I joked, "Oh, they are doing a head count" they smiled mischievously... so I was expecting a beastly crowd... it was pretty much so by 3:00 or so... as we left, good timing... Saw cast members along Main Street wearing Mickey gloves standing on the sidewalks waving... what is that about?
Originally Posted By Sparrow So we went yesterday. Got there around 11:00 and Mickey and Friends was still open and parking people in Goofy level. Don’t know if they ended up opening overflow or not. Hopped right onto a tram because they had both sides loading. There were still Fastpasses available for everything in Disneyland. We got one for Space Mountain with a return time of 4:30. In fact, we had good luck with Fastpasses yesterday and never had to wait more than a few hours after getting them to use them. The ONLY bummer (and long wait) we had was Grizzly River Run because they were using the Fastpass machines for World of Color. So we waited about 35 minutes for that (even though the sign said 45). By the time we got off (around 3:00) they had opened the machines back up for GRR Fastpasses. Soarin’ had a 50 minute wait around 2:00 but the Fastpasses had a return time of 5:30. ANYWAY, it did seem like there was a good amount of people there. In fact it felt like it got more crowded towards the evening. We left around 8:30 and there were still full tram loads of people coming in (probably to see WOC, not knowing you needed fastpasses for good views). We decided to hit up WOC in late August when our Deluxe passes open back up on Saturdays. All in all it was crowded but not too bad and we managed to do everything we wanted to do.
Originally Posted By LuLu Thanks Sparrow. Sounds similar to the weekdays we went. I guess summer has pretty good crowds everyday - except Saturdays! I'm looking forward to July 17 (a Saturday) and using my volunteer voucher, hoping it's pleasantly uncrowded!
Originally Posted By Sparrow A couple years ago (before I was an AP holder) I went on a Saturday in July with my brother. The crowds weren't bad at all but it was super hot! Just stay hydrated and take advantage of all the air conditioned rides (Pirates, Mansion, Soarin' etc) during the hottest parts of the day! Also Splash and Grizzly River!
Originally Posted By pleiades357 When you can feel the heat radiating off the asphalt, I make room (and a parking space) for sturdier people.
Originally Posted By pleiades357 Bear in mind that, to some people, the AP program also brings rain, locust, plagues of boils, and global warming... (And yes, it's a joke.) I think boils are mentioned in the agreement...
Originally Posted By Terminus You should be thankful! Now you have a nice calendar put out by Disney telling you what days will be the least busy!
