We just spent 8 days at WDW, this past summer we spent 4 days at
Disneyland. This summer was an amazing experience, light crowds and we could do any ride we wanted (with the exception of Radiator Springs). Fast forward to our last 8 days, wow what a difference. Crowds were insane. Our last WDW trip was January 2018, and crowds were reasonable and the experience was enjoyable.
This past trip, we really had to lower our expectations. Thankfully we had 8 days to relax and enjoy things. We would ride our three FP+ rides and maybe go on a couple quiet rides (PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, etc.) but there were almost no FP’s for what I’d call an E ticket attraction for later in the evening. When a ride like Gran Fiesta Tour has a massive line, you know Epcot is packed.
I think the best experience/value we had was our night at the Disney After Hours, even with Big Thunder being down most of the night, it proved to be the best experience as far as our ability to walk on rides and enjoy the park.
The impact of all of the construction, reduced walk ways, screen walls and the closed rides for refurbs really had a big impact. The loss of WDW RR, TestTrack, Splash, Kali were all significant rides to have down that could have helped absorb the large number people.
While we still had a great time, we really have no desire to rush to back to WDW any time soon. Maybe in a few years when construction is done and the 50th crowds die down it would be fun to go back, but I’m not sure. Am I still of fan of Disney? Of course, but I am not blinded enough not to realize they have oversold the concept and are taking advantage of the loyalty many have towards them.