5/5/05 - How bad?

[jasmine206]

Just wondering - for those of you who have been at WDW at the start of a big, new celebration - how bad is it as far as crowds and limited hours? We picked this week (4/30-5/7)to avoid crowds, now wondering if we should switch to the 3rd week of May - not running into Memorial Day. We go frequently, so we don't have an urge to be there for the beginning of the celebration, and I have a feeling that this one is going to be big enough to draw more crowds than we want to deal with! Does anyone have any thoughts as to which week we should pick? We will be staying at OKW if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance!!

 

[jasmine206]

Anyone? Would love some thoughts!

 

[DebbieB]

I really don't think it will be that bad. That time of year isn't busy to start with. I was there at the beginning of the Millenium Celebration in 10/99 and also Walt's 100th Birthday Media Week in 12/01, neither was bad. I don't think a celebration for Disneyland's 50th Birthday is going to make people flock to WDW for that particular day, especially since it's a Thursday. There will probably be new parades or shows that last for a long time, not just that one day or week. There will probably have press events, but they alternate parks for that. We barely noticed the media in 12/01, they closed MGM early one day, that was it. It ended up making our trip more special because we got to see some celebs (Regis & Kelly taped their show & the christmas parade, Regis taped WWTBAM w/Olympic stars).

 

[TroyWDW]

We've been to WDW during the first week of May two of the last four years. The crowds are light and the weather is starting to get warm and humid. The chances of rain in the afternoon is roughly 25%.

The Flower & Garden Show at EPCOT is during this time, but it doesn't appear to have the draw of the Food & Wine Festival.

In general, it is one of the slower weeks at WDW.

Troy

 

[lynetteSC]

We usually go this week to WDW and have never had any crowd troubles before! We will also be there next May to celebrate DS's 1st bday on 5/6!

 

[jasmine206]

Thanks everyone! I really didn't want to change my plans, so thanks for making me feel better! We are finally going to celebrate my second DDs birthday - we've been there twice in Feb to celebrate the oldest's one - it's her turn now and I didn't want to change that! Thanks again -

 

[WDSearcher]

RE: 05/05/05 ...

That particular day will be NUTS at Magic Kingdom. That's where the focus of activity will be. On May 4, it's likely that at least one park will shut down VERY early -- say, 3pm-ish -- to prepare for a press party that night. It's also likely that other parks may close down a bit earlier the day before to prepare for the activities of the next day. That whole weekend will be overrun with press -- local, national, international -- so expect hotel rooms to be a bit harder to get than during that time normally. There will be a fair amount of celebrities there, along with the people who interview and photograph them, so expect delays of that nature as well.

The GUEST traffic -- normal guest traffic -- won't be horrible, and lines for rides and attractions probably won't be any longer than normal for that time of year, but there will be a lot more press around, which will close off certain areas and make it harder to simply get up the street. Just be aware ...

 

[DebbieB]

Since this event is for Disneyland's 50th birthday, wouldn't it make more sense that the media would go there?

 

[n2mm]

I'm with WDWSearcher, with the kick off celebration and the openning of several rides and shows, the crowd level will be high that first weekend. I made my ressies already for April 30-May 14. This time of year is very popular for the locals too, with flower and garden (esp. the concerts). With the new rides, there may be private parties and events (usually for the sponsors of the rides). I can't wait, but am expecting larger than normal crowds the weekend of the 5th. I will have my PSs done earlier than usual for that trip. If the OP is concerned about crowd levels, then maybe make a room ressie for 2 different dates and wait and see how this comes together as time gets closer.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by DebbieB
Since this event is for Disneyland's 50th birthday, wouldn't it make more sense that the media would go there?

Yes, but it is being billed as a "coast to coast" celebration, which means that there will be special events and press parties on both coasts. While Disneyland will certainly be crazier than WDW, Disney WORLD will see a huge press presence as well.

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

I have ressies for April 30 - May 7, but plan to change them to May 7 thru 14. I don't want to risk the crowds due to the celebration. From what I've read, there will be a new attraction opening in each of the four Florida parks. That will probably be a big draw. I just hope the crowds won't carry over into the next week. We will probably do IOA over the weekend and hope the crowds go down for WDW during the week.