1st week of May 2012

[soaringirl]

I'm planning a new trip for the first week of May . I KNOW that Carsland and all will be open after that date, but I have to say that I don't really mind. I prefer low crowds. Very low crowds.
DH of course wants us to wait until September, but I'm guessing that with the opening of Carsland and I think it was Buena Vista? it'll be more crowded.
I'm also looking into going weekdays, our first trip it ended on a Friday, and even though we watched the amazing fireworks, the rivers of people were so overwhelming at one point I was completly freaked out! And it was September!
So, 1st week of May is our next trip. Am I crazy? I really would love to go to Indiana 3 times in a row! or Pirates. Or Haunted Mansion. Or Soarin'. Or... well, you know what I mean.

 

[KCmike]

I think it will definitely be quieter. Like you said though the fireworks, parades, fantasmic! and other things will likely only be on the weekends if at all during that time. You might also find yourself right in the middle of refurbishments at this time as its considered off season. Less crowds yes but you will probably pay the price with other things. Each person has to decide what is most important to them.

 

[skiingfast]

I think it is a good time for low crowds and decent weather.

Rehabs may be a big deal then as they prepare for a big summer so don't get your hopes up on all big attractions being open.

You might try starting on a Sunday for lower evening crowds during the shows.

It is also possible that Carsland could open then and huge crowds will come.

 

[soaringirl]

I was scared about going in a weekend day.. like Sunday. I'm planning to arrive on Saturday and use Sunday for Universal Studios, but what you said makes sense... maybe we should start on Sunday, and use the other 2 days (I'll be using SoCal Citypass must likely for Universal & Sea World) in weedays.
About the refurbishments, that worries me... maybe I should plan to go on mid August?

 

[skiingfast]

I was scared about going in a weekend day.. like Sunday. I'm planning to arrive on Saturday and use Sunday for Universal Studios, but what you said makes sense... maybe we should start on Sunday, and use the other 2 days (I'll be using SoCal Citypass must likely for Universal & Sea World) in weedays.
About the refurbishments, that worries me... maybe I should plan to go on mid August?

For refurbs August will be better for sure. For crowds worse. It's a trade off.

Also while it's often considered to skip DLR on the weekends to beat crowds, that is when US, SW, Hollywood Blvd, and the beaches are busiest. So really no gain. It's better to consider the hours and schedule of entertainment in parks to decide where to be.

 

[soaringirl]

For refurbs August will be better for sure. For crowds worse. It's a trade off.

Also while it's often considered to skip DLR on the weekends to beat crowds, that is when US, SW, Hollywood Blvd, and the beaches are busiest. So really no gain. It's better to consider the hours and schedule of entertainment in parks to decide where to be.

Ok, so May is my thing. I'll wait until the schedule hours comes out to decide what to do. I do have a lot of months for planning.
Thank you.

 

[sbnjlovedisney]

We are going to be there Apr. 28th through May 5th. We planned on that week for low crowds (hopefully) as well. I think we'll go with 4 day PH...planning on using our 1st day on Sunday evening to try and see the fireworks and Fantasmic hopefully. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there won't be too many locals hanging around on a Sunday night. The rest of our days will be used Tues. through Thurs. I'm hoping for nearly empty parks! I've taken on the planning role for this trip, as we (me, DH, DS 6, and DD 3) will be meeting up with my in-laws who live in Florida. We're all pretty much DW experts, but I'm the only one who's been to Disneyland before. So I've been planning non-stop already, trying to make this the best vacation as possible for everyone. It's starting out well, as my in-laws are DVC members, so we're all staying in a 2 bedroom villa at GCV! So excited!