Looks like Disney thinks there will be light crowds this summer

[reisdawg]

With the newest rounds of discounts today, it appears that this summer is shaping up to be light. With new dining options included with stays, it looks like they are not getting the bookings they wanted and are pulling out all the stops to encourage people to go this summer. Seeing I already have a trip for the end of July, I will admit that I am hoping for lighter crowds than my previous spring break trip a few years ago.

 

[Ben E N]

The dining discounts are only for a couple of weeks in August, right before SWGE opens. Makes sense there as it may convince some people to bump their trips up a couple of weeks vs. waiting for it to open.

 

[TOBS2010]

I have to agree with you---I don't remember a summer when they have offered this many incentives to get people in the door over the summer months. If we haven't gotten the great free dining deal back in Feb. I am not sure we would be going. I had hoped that there would be something new this summer...but it doesn't appear to be shaping up to be the case. But we will be avoiding WDW at all costs for the next 2 years to let the Star Wars fans have their turn fora bit.

 

[Tim D.]

I'm definitely worried about the crowd levels for my vacation in September with Food and Wine, Mickey's Not So Scary, And Star Wars Galaxy's Edge opening all around the same time. Wish me (us) luck!

 

[luvmy2boyzz]

The dining discounts are only for a couple of weeks in August, right before SWGE opens. Makes sense there as it may convince some people to bump their trips up a couple of weeks vs. waiting for it to open.

I booked today for June 21-26 and got one free quick service meal per day. They had upgrade options for the full quick service plan and the ddp as well. I don't know when they added it but I didn't see it two weeks ago when I started looking at dates. It's called the summer meal offer.

 

[Rach3975]

It's making me think crazy thoughts about booking an unplanned summer trip! I'm a teacher, so the kids and I are off all summer. We could take the time to drive down, so no flight costs. And with only 4 of us we could fit in a Value room. I think the total cost would be about half what we usually spend. But we'd have to go without DH, and I don't think he'd like that.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Yup its the calm before the storm.

 

[Yarbogash]

It's making me think crazy thoughts about booking an unplanned summer trip! I'm a teacher, so the kids and I are off all summer. We could take the time to drive down, so no flight costs. And with only 4 of us we could fit in a Value room. I think the total cost would be about half what we usually spend. But we'd have to go without DH, and I don't think he'd like that.

If he loved you he’d understand.


Not saying I’d understand but a different husband might.

 

[sbd78]

We will be there July 9 - 17. (Booked free dining back in Feb.) I'm hoping for light crowds but the lack of dining reservations has me concerned it will be crowded. Or maybe the lack of reservations is due to the free dining and not crowds? I can hope!

 

[Ben E N]

I booked today for June 21-26 and got one free quick service meal per day. They had upgrade options for the full quick service plan and the ddp as well. I don't know when they added it but I didn't see it two weeks ago when I started looking at dates. It's called the summer meal offer.

DisneyTouristBlog mentioned this and pointed out how it was a bad deal vs a normal cash discount. May be worth a read.
Many of these "discounts" are just bait to get you going.

 

[MarkinNM]

VERY limited to what resorts and was for one free quick service meal per day, meh, its like getting a meal at McDonalds, crap deal if you ask me, looks like they are trying to close out what inventory is left, so dont bet on those "light crowds"..................

 

[Ben E N]

With a pumped up economy, I don't expect there to ever be "light crowds" at Disney, or any other vacation location. With that said, summer is turning into as much of an offseason as October used to be due to the fact that it is so hot during the summer and Food and Wine and the Halloween party pump up the fall crowds.

 

[Brett Wyman]

With a pumped up economy, I don't expect there to ever be "light crowds" at Disney, or any other vacation location. With that said, summer is turning into as much of an offseason as October used to be due to the fact that it is so hot during the summer and Food and Wine and the Halloween party pump up the fall crowds.

Yeah October-December is the new summer crowds wise.

 

[dansdad]

They are not expecting light park crowds. They are trying to sell the last remaining open rooms, big difference. Resort occupancy has very little affect on park crowds.

 

[AngiTN]

As long as you remember light crowds is simply light compared to Disney standards and by no means does it mean not busy/crowded.

 

[saturn5]

Going June 9- June 15 this year, has been quite some time since we have done a trip over summer. I am hoping for light crowds, but never have high hopes. Hopefully we will be shocked!

 

[Disneylover99]

I think it will be business as usual this summer, before SWGE.

 

[luvmy2boyzz]

DisneyTouristBlog mentioned this and pointed out how it was a bad deal vs a normal cash discount. May be worth a read.
Many of these "discounts" are just bait to get you going.

The free QS meal did not add any extra cost to what the room only deal was two weeks ago and since my boys eat QS it was a win for me. The upgrade options on the other hand were not a good investment.

 

[goofynut41]

That's what I'm hoping for!!!!! Lighter crowds!!!!

 

[DduzDis]

We added a summer trip July 16-23 using the AP discounted rooms. Looking at the Touring Plans crowd calendars, they have crowds at a 5 or 6 most days we are there. Even with a trip we decided to add just yesterday, we were also able to get all of the ADRs we wanted except for Chef Mickey's. We are used to Spring Break and Fall crowds so these crowds should be pretty manageable, I think.