Disney world vacation packages and Information

This is important info for people visiting Walt Disney Theme parks during the remainder of the Christmas and New Years holiday week.

On Monday (12/29/03), the crowds were very strong at the Disney Theme Parks. The Magic Kingdom was red flagged (closed to further guests coming into the park due to capacity
limits) several times throughout the day. The first closure was around noon. The MK reopened to guests around 3:00pm and closed again at 4:00pm. The Magic Kingdom is expected to operate at or near capacity for the remainder of the week, with closures being a common occurrence.

Disney's Animal Kingdom reached capacity around 12:00pm.

Disney's MGM Studios reached capacity in the afternoon as guests were being diverted to this park from the Magic Kingdom.

While Epcot was not closed, it did have large crowds. Guests who were denied admission to the other three parks were being sent here.

Please be advised that from Tuesday Dec 30 until Sunday January 3, the situation at
Walt Disney World theme parks will very likely be a carbon copy of Monday. It
must be noted that as New Years draws nearer, closures due to capacity limits can be expected at all of the parks.

We would like to advise guests that if you are planning to visit any of the WDW
theme parks this week, pick one, plan to enter it early and to stay in that park for
the entire day. It is not advisable to park hop as you can be denied admittance. Having Priority Seating in a park restaurant does not entitle you to enter it if the capacity limit has been met. Neither does staying onsite guarantee you entry to a park of your choosing.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the temperature is expected to drop in the evening, or if rain is forecast, bring appropriate clothing with you and rent a locker for the day to store it in.

For guests staying offsite and who need to purchase their park tickets when they arrive at WDW, it is particularly important that you plan on arriving early as the ticket lines will be extremely long. Also keep in mind that not only do the parks have capacity limits, the parking lots do as well.

Once you have entered the park, head to the more popular attractions early, taking advantage of Fast Pass. (You can expect them to run out of Fast Passes fairly early.) Last New Year’s Eve; Test Track FP’s were gone by noon, with a subsequent 3-½ hour standby line. You can save the shows for later on when you need to find a place to sit and relax. Parade routes will be very crowded. If you wish to see one, you can take turns holding a prime viewing spot.

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Helpful Tips at Peak Holiday times:

Purchase Tickets in Advance
Here is an important Reminder: Walt Disney World Resort Guests should purchase their park tickets at their resort to avoid the long lines at the ticket booths located at the theme parks.
"Wishes" Viewing locations:
The "Wishes" fireworks spectacular can be viewed throughout the Magic Kingdom
Theme Park. Guests are advised that they do not have to be on Main Street or in front of the Cinderella Castle to get a good view of this show. Other good locations are in Fantasyland near the Dumbo ride, on the bridge walkway near the loading area for Tom Sawyers Island looking towards the Riverboat and near the Tomorrowland Speedway.