Last week, while doing our daughter's photo session, our photographer was was telling us about their vacation to Orlando over Christmas. He said Disney was busy but because the way the park was laid out, it was doable. However, when they went to Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section, it was absolutely horrible. Universal apparently doesn't limit admission to their park or, if they do, they certainly aren't scared to overcrowd it. They were able to get in to two stores and gave up waiting for any rides because of the two hour wait. Way, way too many people allowed in.
I know you weren't asking about Universal but I thought I would mention it anyway.
I think the issue with Universal is that those 2 parks are laid out like a big loop, whereas the MK is laid out in a spoke pattern. That is the main reason I'm not a fan of Animal Kingdom. I don't like the "loop" layout and feel like a lot of the pathways and bathrooms are narrow, small and overcrowded. I feel like there is no reason for that since it was built last and Disney knoew how many visitors they get each year. I guess they want it to seem authentic.
If you go to Universal at a busy time, you really need to stay on property. Everyone that stays on property gets what is the equivalent to a fast pass for almost all the rides. There is no time limit or restriction on the passes. The exception is the Harry Potter ride and one or two other big rides. I am really surprised they didn't have the Harry Potter area closed off with a worker handing out timed cards to return later. They often do that when it gets busy. Of any ride I've ever been on at any park, the Harry Potter ride comes the closest to making you feel like you are really there, flying with the movie characters and experiencing everything. (I've been to all the Busch properties including SeaWorld and the Sesame Street park, Disney properties, a few 6 Flags, Hershey Park, and Cedar Point in Ohio. I like amusement park! LOL)
Harry Potter stuff is busy, even when I've gone to Universal at off times. It is the most popular thing there. The line is a little boring when you are outside, but once you get inside, I actually wish the line took a little longer. there are so many little details from the book to see. Very interesting. You can walk through and see the stuff without waiting in line for the ride, BTW. One thing I'm surprised about is that the roller coasters in that area, the Dueling Dragons, hardly ever has a line. It's my DD's favorite coaster in either of the Universal parks, too.
I personally enjoy Disney more than Universal, but I really think they tend to attract different crowds. Universal has a lot more big thrill rides, but also has more of a "party" atmosphere. Disney is all wholesome family fun. One weekend last year I went to both parks to see specific parades. I told my mother when I got back that waiting for the parades kind of summed up the whole experience at each park - At Disney they cast members played with the kids and sold the crowd $20 light-up plastic pieces of junk toys. At Universal, women in short skirts and high heels came around and sold reasonably priced beer and jell-o shots.
I love MK late at night!
