WDW Magazine December 2016 - 2017 Crowds at WDW | Page 11

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Carl – Before we get started, I just have to say that when it comes to WDW crowds in
2017 I’m a little reluctant to make any big predictions.

This year (2016) was just different when it came to crowds at Walt Disney World. Historically,
slow times were crazy busy and busy times were much slower than usual. For example, the
week of the 4th of July, crowds were down at least 10%, and maybe more like 25%. And
January and February were really, really busy. Crazy.
But I guess I’ll wade in and make some predictions since that’s why I get paid the big bucks.

Dave – I agree with Carl, something not yet fully explained is going on. For example, many

reported longer waits each month, January through June, but attendance was actually down
(a bit) the first six months of the year and in both of the quarters that made them up.
With 2017 just around the riverbend, I have to ask –
what do you predict that January will bring for crowds at WDW?

Carl – January was one of those months that was crazy last year. Big crowds during

typically slow times. My prediction for January 2017 is that 2016 is probably the new
normal. Disney marketing is doing a good job of filling the parks during the slow times.
My guess is, that will continue in 2017. So January 2017 will be a moderately busy month,
and very busy the first few days, and on Martin Luther King Weekend.
Oh, and the Pro Bowl is on the 29th in Orlando. This is the first time that the Pro Bowl has
ever come to Orlando, so we have no clue what that will do to the crowds.