We're headed to WDW in Sep. but I've been stalking live wait times just to get a better idea of what rides develop long lines earliest, as I plan for FP+. I've been surprised how low the wait times in general have been on many of the rides. I've also read many posts commenting on lower crowds this summer.
Why do you all think crowds are lower this year? Has Disney hit a point where it's too expensive for some families? Has the opening of Shanghai Disney taken some of the international visitors away from WDW? What other factors could be contributing to this? I'm just curious
!
I just returned a home a few hours ago after traveling at the same period one year ago.
Without reading all the comments, here's my list (in no particular order):
1.) Foreign exchange rates will certainly keep some foreign travelers away. A costly vacation is even more costly for these folks.
2a.) Disney pricing in general, even for Americans not impacted by foreign exchange rates, has priced more families out.
2b.) Universal (and others) has created real competition, this includes other Disney locations.
3.) Record heat has been making news for two years.
4.) Locals avoiding the Parks due to security concerns (metal detectors are telling).
5.) Some families are bothered by the news of the recent alligator tragedy and drowning at a resort pool last summer.
6a.) The extra planning required in the FP+ generation has some folks rethinking Disney vacations.
6b). Some folks (like us) can spend less time in the Parks because of the new FP+ system.
7.) Some folks are waiting for Avatar Land (like my best friend).
At the margins, slightly lower crowds will feel even smaller when Disney is operating at full blast.
Also, don't underestimate the ability of increased capacity at Soarin' & Toy Story, along with new Frozen experiences in Epcot and new nighttime activities in both Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios to spread crowds out. For instance (and this is anecdotal from our 10-night stay) Bay Lake Tower is 'sold out' right now, but the Lounge felt empty...leading me to think more folks are going to both AK & HS instead of feeling like MK & EP are the only Parks to enjoy an evening. In other words, folks have discovered new touring plan styles.
What I'm suggesting is that Disney attendance may not be down as much as folks think, it's that the crowds have been more evenly disbursed. We'll learn more when Mr. Iger has his next shareholder meeting.