Almost 1st DL visit and crowd level questions

Shleedogg

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 30, 2008
Messages
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DH and I are WDW fanatics and since his office is located in San Diego and will pay for both of us to fly out, rental car and we can stay in the company apt, we figured it would be a good and inexpensive mini-vacation to do DL.

How are the crowds usually in the third week of May? Are schools out yet on the west coast? DH wanted to work half days for 4 weekdays (M-R or T-F), spending the afternoon and evening go to the zoo, beach, etc with DD and me. We'd then go to the parks two consecutive days after. I'm worried that the parks are going to be crazy on a Fri, Sat or Sun.

I'd prefer to have him work 3 full days and then spend 2 weekdays at the parks. Like we'd go Mon & Tues, then he could work Wed-Fri. Basically are the crowd levels all that different on a weekend vs a weekday, are we debating this for nothing? :confused3

Any tips for the parks? I've been to DL once, 11 yrs ago, DH has never been. The ILs might be coming for the two days we're at DL but we might be solo, which means no MIL to watch DD so we can ride :). Is there a child swap? Any can't miss attractions that are very different than WDW? The only thing I remember is that space mountain is pretty different.

Thanks!
 
I have been the 2nd and 4th weeks of May, around Memorial Day seems to be our annual trip time. We haven't had issues with the crowds. The weekends are the most crowded times, but they can be are manageable when you are prepared. Just make use of FP (yes there's child swap also) and make sure to read hydroguys tips in the stickys above. There are lots of good tips about DL there. I'd do the weekdays if possible because those are usually always less crowded than the weekends. DL has a lot of locals, especially on the weekends.

There are rides at DL that aren't at WDW, like the Matterhorn and Indy. POTC is better at DL IMHO. The Railroad has the diorama (sp?). Nemo is very different and the subs are cool. Space is better at DL. I also like the way the FL area looks in general better at DL. I think Hydroguy covers more in his stickys.

Most important ... enjoy yourself! Have a great time!
 
Crowds in mid-May should be ok, as long as it's not Memorial Day weekend. The weekends, however, are always busy because that's when the locals go.

Hmm... you need to read Hydroguy's tips thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Especially read his high-season/low season tradeoff rule (which is your debate about weekdays verses weekend) and the DL for WDW Vets thread, to help you see the differences.

If you go on over the weekend, you'll have more crowds, but there will be a full entertainment schedule with fireworks, Fantasmic, etc., and longer park opening hours. If you can get there at opening and collect FPs all day, you can still take a break midday and come back with a fistful of FPs at night and ride to your hearts' content with no wait.

Any way you can go for 3 days? If you get 3-day parkhoppers you can see the parks at a more relaxed pace (instead of rushing to try to get it all in) and you can take advantage of one Magic Morning (early entry) and get tons done in the first hour. Again, read Hydroguy's tips on the subject...

Hope that helps! Have a great trip! :)
 












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