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[All Ears]

Just wanted to report back on my recent trip. I found the crowd levels to be just about what they are like for this time of year "normally."
*You will definitely want to take advantage of Fast Passes -- esp. for rides like Buzz, Test Track, Pooh, Peter Pan, etc.
*The parks are opening when they are stated to. Meaning if it says 9:00AM, it IS 9:00AM. Of course, people que up earlier -- but NO one is allowed in earlier unless they have a character breakfast PS and have that confirmed by a CM checking those people in.
*Bag checks are still occurring -- so keep your bags as light as possible, to speed up the process.
*Transportation (buses, etc.) seems to be running pretty smoothly -- but still allow yourself adequate time between your travels.
*Weekends are VERY busy at all parks. The parades are also pretty popular -- and draw large crowds.
*Packages can now only be shipped to yor resort gift shop and NOT directly to your room.
Have fun, and keep an open mind. We found the Magic to still be in abundance, and we had an absolutely AMAZING trip. The cuts in hours did not affect our plans, we just went with the flow of it all. So do not fret, as it will still be the trip of a lifetime.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Michelle

[cseca]

Hi Michelle,
How was your trip? Sounds like a good one. Our experience was similar to yours. Hope to read your full report soon!

cseca [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[DebiDebiDebi]

All look like good signs to me!!

[All Ears]

Cseca,
We had an AMAZING trip! It was soooo wonderful. I think it was actually one of our "best" trips to-date. (let me clarify, pb]every[/b] trip to WDW is wonderful -- but with this one, everything seemed to just "fall into place.")
I think my DH and I just soooo needed a good vacation, that we allowed ourselves to just relax. We park-hopped for things we wanted to see and do, but we also allowed more time to explore other things -- like seeing Cirque, lounging by the pool, exploring the resort, etc.
Are you writing a TR? If so -- hope to read it soon! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Michelle

[PS - I LUV WDW]

All Ears - I must agree with you. We just got back late last night from an 8 night stay (sorry we never made it over to MK to meet you guys on the 3rd).

Weekends were definitely the busiest. I heard a lot of people saying they were 'locals' so they must be taking advantage of Disney's offers.

We only used fast pass a couple of times (but keep in mind due to DH's back we did not go on any of the 'warning' rides). The waits weren't that bad and many times we walked right on a ride.

Seating for most restaurants wasn't an issue unless it was on the weekend. Other nights we were able to pretty much either walk in or get PS a few hours in advance. Fantasmic dinner packages is the main exception to this - they ran out quickly.

I agree that the cutbacks weren't all that bad and there was still plenty of time to do the parks and relax. Trust me -- we spent at least four hours a day down at Stormalong bay (at the YC/BC) just relaxing in warm and sunny Florida! Much better than 30/50 degree days at home [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Janet 46]

Hi, All Ears! We just got back last night at 11PM after driving 14 hours from South Carolina with 2 kids! I needed today to recoup.

I agree with your assessment of the parks: We used fast pass when necessary, but during the week, there was little to no wait. We had a great time without wearing ourselves out - There were alot of things that we didn't get to but also a lot of things that I finally did for the first time.

It was great to meet you, Michelle, Cynthia, and Michelle Green at the fireworks on my first night. Sorry, Steve (Dadtojbj) that we didn't get together at AK, but my FIL had been there previously and he pretty much decided what we saw that day - my suggestions were ignored. And I also met Kecall at the pirates cruise with my son and her daughters.

I promise a trip report as soon as I finish the laundry and get to the store for food!