Anyone Up For a Little MAYcation?!! A May 2012 WDW PTR with a side of.....

[Disney Mommy 3]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!


And 11 Days to go!!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

do you check the crowd calendars on touring plans, or easywdw? Josh at easy has this for your time:
Sat-5
Sun and Mon-4
Tues -rest of your days 5.

touring plans has you at 6&7, with Cinco de Mayo being an 8.

I really think Josh's times will be closer--there are no major things except the flower fest at Epcot and most schools in Florida wont be out for a few more weeks.... I think if you go to the parks on Non EMH mornings you will be fine.Is this the same week of May you went before? I can't remember-when we went, it was around the 18th and it was more crowded than I would have anticipated for May, but it wasn't crazy or anything..but most schools were out in that area already. I kept seeing A LOT of kids, and one of the CMs told us that several schools had already let out around there. That threw me-our schools are out the weekend of Mem day-I didn't know anyone got out earlier than that...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Oh yes I am the earliest of the early packers and cleaners.



Right!!


How's the Birthday Girl today? Are you sore from the window washing??? Sorry I reminded you how long it had been since they were cleaned.
I hate doing it, just the actual start of it. Once I'm in the process it isn't so bad. And afterwards, there's just something about having them clean-- the house looks sparkly!


Yes I am sore!! But it needed done. And I'm glad I did it and it's over with!


The hours.....
I will say if you can stay in the MK late when you go-- stay for the last parade-- it is really not bad crowd wise.
We have had them add parades when we were actually there and when we would do the last show or parade, we had a great time.

Maybe they are just starting out the summer hours? Maybe they thought they'd be nice and extend hours for people since they've got the big rides down in refurb?

Hoping for light crowds for you.

IDK if we will even see MSEP. DS10 & I just saw it in August and DS13 & DH don't really care to see parades too much. I guess I'll leave it up to DS10! I'm not sure how late we will end up staying at the parks. We'll just have to see how things are going. I hate to get the kids in the habit of staying up til 11pm-midnight and then have to come back and get them in bed around 9 for school.

I don't know what is up with all the long park hours. I haven't been in May for several years but I don't remember the parks being open this late. But maybe they were. As DS13 likes to tell me -- I'm getting to be of a 'certain age' and my memory fails me at times.

Shelly!

Thanks Kathy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!


And 11 Days to go!!!!!

Thanks Shawna!!

do you check the crowd calendars on touring plans, or easywdw? Josh at easy has this for your time:
Sat-5
Sun and Mon-4
Tues -rest of your days 5.

touring plans has you at 6&7, with Cinco de Mayo being an 8.

I really think Josh's times will be closer--there are no major things except the flower fest at Epcot and most schools in Florida wont be out for a few more weeks.... I think if you go to the parks on Non EMH mornings you will be fine.Is this the same week of May you went before? I can't remember-when we went, it was around the 18th and it was more crowded than I would have anticipated for May, but it wasn't crazy or anything..but most schools were out in that area already. I kept seeing A LOT of kids, and one of the CMs told us that several schools had already let out around there. That threw me-our schools are out the weekend of Mem day-I didn't know anyone got out earlier than that...

I haven't looked at them in awhile. I knew TP had the numbers very high. At one point I think they were 8's & 9's. I don't necessarily think they are accurate all the time. I think WDW Easy is closer to reality! I hope so anyway. 4's 5's and 6's will be okay.

When we did May before it was right around or during Mother's Day both times. So a little later than this time. Crowds weren't too bad back then. We'll see what happens....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow! I was thinking the same thing as you when I was looking over those times. Those are some long hours! I've only ever been in the fall though so maybe that's why they seem long to me.

Don't fret over F! though. I've already checked the times for October and F! is showing every night then too. Maybe they have gone back to nightly showings? But, MSEP and Wishes are only showing twice during the week we are there.

I'd say it does seem that they are expecting some higher crowds, but you guys are really good at taking it slow and doing more than just staying in the parks all day. I'd say just try to plan your resort time around the crowds and head back to SAB in the afternoons when the hoards start rolling into the parks. I know you will make it work. You'll just have to use those FPs a little more. Just remember that you've seen and done it all before, so if you have to miss a few things, it won't be the end of the world. Maybe you'll end up spending more time at BC if it's crowded, and that really can't be a bad thing no matter how you slice it!

I've had several friends go to the world recently and they all said that Mar-May has become a very busy time. They all agreed that it seemed to be more crowded than in late summer. Seems like spring breaks are being taken all during the spring now and not just the week of Easter like it used to be. Personally, I think you need to go back to traveling in the fall. I just happen to know a faithful disser who always goes in the fall that would love to run into you down there one day. She might even be willing to ride RnRC with you if you were there at the same time. On second thought, maybe she'd be more likely to watch Philharmagic with you.

Something just occured to me... maybe you better stick with the spring after all. I have a feeling if that new part of Fantaslyand opens in October, it's going to be BAD news for me on the crowd front!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!


​

I would have never guessed that you are 29! You don't look at day over 21!

Guess I forgot to quote you in the last post!

I'm not too worried about the crowds. Just a bit! I just know it is going to be a lot more crowded than August was. But it will be fine. It's not like it's our first time there and yes, we will have the BC and SAB to go back to if the parks are crazy!!

We'd actually love to go in the fall, the kids would love to do MNSSHP. But it's just not a good time with school starting. And we have no days off in the fall except for Columbus Day, and everyone else has it off too.

But if we ever do get to meet up I think you will have to do RNRC with me!!!!

I think you are right and the opening of Fantasyland is going to bring big crowds starting this fall and probably over the next year. It may be time to go check out DisneyLand!!


Thank you! I'm glad I don't look a day over 21, because I sure feel LOTS of days over 21!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hey, those crowd levels that someone posted don't look bad at all! That's about the same numbers we had in October so maybe it won't be crowded after all! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey, those crowd levels that someone posted don't look bad at all! That's about the same numbers we had in October so maybe it won't be crowded after all! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Nope 4's & 5's don't look too bad!! I think the numbers for late August were 3's & 4's. Of course it seemed more like 2's to me when I was there. But maybe I hit the best parks on the best days.

We'll see what happens!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So what are everyone's feelings on online check in???

I can do it tomorrow. I've never done it before. I always put in room requests for my reservations and I have always read/heard that online check in is more for people who don't have any special requests and just want to check in quick and will take whatever room they are given.......But not too long ago I read on a thread (and I think it was the BC FAQ) that someone did online check in because she was going to be arriving late and she ended up getting all her requests filled.....

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I've done it both ways. I did online check-in when we stayed at the values. I had room requests both times, and got exactly what I wanted both times. I didn't do it online last year at CBR though b/c I read the same thing you did about not getting your requests. However, when I booked my vacation package, I did put in room requests right then (which I always do). As you know, we got a free room upgrade at CBR. So that left me wondering if online check-in (or lack of) had anything to do with it. We were just having a nice chat with the CM at CBR about our cruise and then she told us we were upgraded. I'm not sure if the upgrade had already been done, or if she did it because she thought we were so charming. In other words, I am of no help to you whatsoever!

I think I am going to put in a room request when I book my trip just as I have always done, and then just wait and check in when we get to POR (or wherever we stay next time). I don't know if that is the best strategy, but I do know we had better luck doing it that way at CBR. Personally, I didn't see where it saved any time at check in either. There was no line for either counter and the process was very fast both ways.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

You're still younger than me, so be happy! Have a wonderful day!

I'm sorry for you that TT won't be open (but happy for me in October!). I'm expecting a bit bigger crowds while we're there because of that new Fantasyland stuff, but oh well. At least I'll have TT!

Wonder what's going on with the hours?

Online check in - I have done it once I think. Never had too much of an issue either way. I don't think they treat the requests any differently, and depending on the CM, it can still take the same amount of time.

 

[T*Bird]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!!!!!​

​

What a fun month for you!!​

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

If you are wanting to try it out (Online check in) do it, then when you get there if you see that you didn't get what you wanted ask them to change it...I don't think requests are overlooked whether you are there in person or not--they assign rooms 4 days to a week out anyway,...at least that's what I have read on all the sites. I just always do it there because I have so much to do before hand I hate to add anything to my list!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I've done it both ways. I did online check-in when we stayed at the values. I had room requests both times, and got exactly what I wanted both times. I didn't do it online last year at CBR though b/c I read the same thing you did about not getting your requests. However, when I booked my vacation package, I did put in room requests right then (which I always do). As you know, we got a free room upgrade at CBR. So that left me wondering if online check-in (or lack of) had anything to do with it. We were just having a nice chat with the CM at CBR about our cruise and then she told us we were upgraded. I'm not sure if the upgrade had already been done, or if she did it because she thought we were so charming. In other words, I am of no help to you whatsoever!

I think I am going to put in a room request when I book my trip just as I have always done, and then just wait and check in when we get to POR (or wherever we stay next time). I don't know if that is the best strategy, but I do know we had better luck doing it that way at CBR. Personally, I didn't see where it saved any time at check in either. There was no line for either counter and the process was very fast both ways.

Well that's interesting.....But yeah, I still don't know what to do!!

I think my chances of getting what I want are pretty slim with arriving so late, so I'm not sure it is going to matter either way.

I never saw how it made check in any faster, because like you said there is never a very long line to check in for either anyway.

So POR next time???

You're still younger than me, so be happy! Have a wonderful day!

I'm sorry for you that TT won't be open (but happy for me in October!). I'm expecting a bit bigger crowds while we're there because of that new Fantasyland stuff, but oh well. At least I'll have TT!

Wonder what's going on with the hours?

Online check in - I have done it once I think. Never had too much of an issue either way. I don't think they treat the requests any differently, and depending on the CM, it can still take the same amount of time.

Thanks Sheree!

I'm still undecided about online check in.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!!!!!​

​

What a fun month for you!!​

Thanks Teri! Yep, April is a fun and busy month for us!!

If you are wanting to try it out (Online check in) do it, then when you get there if you see that you didn't get what you wanted ask them to change it...I don't think requests are overlooked whether you are there in person or not--they assign rooms 4 days to a week out anyway,...at least that's what I have read on all the sites. I just always do it there because I have so much to do before hand I hate to add anything to my list!

I'm still not sure what to do. I've never been too intersted in online check in, but after reading that someone who was checking in late got their room requests with it, I am thinking about it....

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Ok, as I have been doing laundry and washing dishes all day, my OCD mind has been hashing out this online check in thing from every angle. I know. I really need to get a life.

Here's what I think...

Based on my experience, it seems like online check in rooms are assigned ahead of time. I've actually read that they assign them at 3 days out, but IDK. It also seems that if you don't do online check in, you are assigned a room on the spot when you get there. I think that's how we got the upgrade at CBR. I really dug way down deep in my memory and I recalled us standing there for a minute while the computer looked for a room for us when we checked into CBR. That means that the CM must have given us the upgrade right then. So I guess we were charming after all! I also seem to recall that when we did online check in at Pop, our room keys were already printed out and ready to go. I could be wrong on that, but that is what my warped mind is telling me.

So what does all that mean for you...

If my recollections are correct, that would mean that you would stand a better chance of getting your balcony if you did the online check in since you are coming in so late. Since those rooms are probably going to go first by the people who are checking in throughout the day, I think you will be more likely to get one if you have already been assigned a room 3 days prior (if that's true). You did put those request on your room ressie didn't you? If so, I think online is the way to go. All of these ideas are just my sick and twisted ramblings though, so do what you think makes the most sense.

Hope you had a fantastic birthday! Btw, these ramblings are my gift to you! Generous of me huh?

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!
I forgot your birthday was the day before mine. I'll be holding at 29 right with you!!!

I can't be much help with the on-line check in. Last time we were there that wasn't an option. Like you, I've heard that if you have requests to just wait until you get there.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Ok, as I have been doing laundry and washing dishes all day, my OCD mind has been hashing out this online check in thing from every angle. I know. I really need to get a life.

Here's what I think...

Based on my experience, it seems like online check in rooms are assigned ahead of time. I've actually read that they assign them at 3 days out, but IDK. It also seems that if you don't do online check in, you are assigned a room on the spot when you get there. I think that's how we got the upgrade at CBR. I really dug way down deep in my memory and I recalled us standing there for a minute while the computer looked for a room for us when we checked into CBR. That means that the CM must have given us the upgrade right then. So I guess we were charming after all! I also seem to recall that when we did online check in at Pop, our room keys were already printed out and ready to go. I could be wrong on that, but that is what my warped mind is telling me.

So what does all that mean for you...

If my recollections are correct, that would mean that you would stand a better chance of getting your balcony if you did the online check in since you are coming in so late. Since those rooms are probably going to go first by the people who are checking in throughout the day, I think you will be more likely to get one if you have already been assigned a room 3 days prior (if that's true). You did put those request on your room ressie didn't you? If so, I think online is the way to go. All of these ideas are just my sick and twisted ramblings though, so do what you think makes the most sense.

Hope you had a fantastic birthday! Btw, these ramblings are my gift to you! Generous of me huh?

You are cracking me up here!! Thanks for the gift of your thoughts!!

I kind of see where you are coming from and kind of agree......From what I understand/hear they assign all rooms ahead of time. I've heard anywhere from 3-10 days out. BUT, that doesn't necessarily mean you will get the room they assigned you, if you did not do online check in. Because if someone else who gets there before you doesn't like what they were given, or happens to just make requests on the spot (didn't have them noted on their ressie) then they could be switched to your room and you will then be given something else. Which is what happened to us at the BWI, from the crappy explanation I was given as to why we got one of the three rooms in the entire place without a balcony.

So therefore, if you did online check in and they did happen to fulfill your requests, they are not going to give your room away to someone else because your stuff (and room keys) are all already printed up and ready to go and sitting there waiting on you...... Right?

Did any of that make sense???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!
I forgot your birthday was the day before mine. I'll be holding at 29 right with you!!!

I can't be much help with the on-line check in. Last time we were there that wasn't an option. Like you, I've heard that if you have requests to just wait until you get there.

Thank you!!

YAY for 29!!!!!

 

[ronnmel]

Happy Birthday!

I got a small preview of the nesting bug last Sunday. I got the urge to go ahead and take apart a chair we want to give/throw away. Then I kinda felt like doing something else useful, but had no clue what so I gave up.

I don't mind so much cleaning the actual windows, but what I REALLY hate is cleaning those darn tracks that the windows sit in. They are tiny yet super dirty are so darn hard to clean!! This year we are actually considering paying for someone to come clean our windows...

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Good grief! Now you've given me a whole new scenario to think about! I'll be up all night pondering about online check-ins!

But yes, I think our stuff at Pop was already printed out and ready to go. But you are right, if someone asked for our room, they could've given it away and printed new cards for us. So I guess we are back to square one and I really don't know what to tell you. I guess you could do online check in and still ask for a different room if you don't get what you want. They can print new cards for you just as easy as they can for someone else. I sure hope you get that darn balcony though after all this brainstorming we've done! That's the first thing I want to know about when you get back.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Happy Birthday!

I always do online check in and all of my requests have always been met. We typically arrive very early in the day and our requested room is never ready. They have always offered us a different room that is all set and ready, but doesn't meet our requests, and we always decline. We just leave our stuff with bell services and take off for a park!

Here are the park hours from the Disney TA site and they were updated on 4/16 (I have clients going your exact dates!):

Magic Kingdom
4/28 9am-12am; MSEP 9 & 11, Wishes 10
4/29 9am-11pm; MSEP 9 & 11, Wishes 10
4/30 9am-11pm; MSEP 9 & 11, Wishes 10
5/1 9am-10pm; MSEP 9, Wishes 10
5/2 9am-10pm; MSEP 9, Wishes 10
5/3 9am-11pm; MSEP 9 & 11, Wishes 10
5/4 9am-11pm; MSEP 9 & 11, Wishes 10
5/5 9am-1am; MSEP 9 & 11, Wishes 10

PM EMH (11pm-2am) on 4/29; AM EMH on 5/3

Epcot
9am-9pm daily with IllumiNations at 9pm

PM EMH (9pm-Mid) on 4/28 & 5/4; AM EMH on 5/1

DHS
4/28 9am-10pm; Fantasmic 8:30 & 10
4/29 9am-9pm; Fantasmic 8:30
4/30 9am-10pm; Fant 8:30 & 10
5/1 9am-9pm; Fant 9
5/2 9am-9pm; Fant 9
5/3 9am-9pm; Fant 9
5/4 9am-9pm; Fant 9
5/5 9am-10pm; Fant 9 & 10:30

PM EMH (10pm-1am) on 4/30; AM EMH on 5/5

Animal Kingdom
9am-7pm daily
AM EMH on 4/30 and 5/2

 

[lala3291]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY! I hope you had a great day!
We have had great experience with online check-in. Each time that we have done online check-in, our room has been ready, and we usually arrive at the resort around 10:30/11AM. The only exception was the BC this past time, but that is only because their entire system was down. However, it did not take long to get the system back, and by the time we had lunch it was back up and our room was ready. We also received a very wonderful upgrade at the BWI last May when we used online check-in.
So, I would definitely give it a try! We have had great luck with it.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Happy Birthday!

I got a small preview of the nesting bug last Sunday. I got the urge to go ahead and take apart a chair we want to give/throw away. Then I kinda felt like doing something else useful, but had no clue what so I gave up.

I don't mind so much cleaning the actual windows, but what I REALLY hate is cleaning those darn tracks that the windows sit in. They are tiny yet super dirty are so darn hard to clean!! This year we are actually considering paying for someone to come clean our windows...

Thanks Mel!

Sounds like you better get a list of things you want/need done ready and the next time you get the urge to clean you will be prepared!!

I'd love to hire someone to do our windows!! And toilets.

Good grief! Now you've given me a whole new scenario to think about! I'll be up all night pondering about online check-ins!

But yes, I think our stuff at Pop was already printed out and ready to go. But you are right, if someone asked for our room, they could've given it away and printed new cards for us. So I guess we are back to square one and I really don't know what to tell you. I guess you could do online check in and still ask for a different room if you don't get what you want. They can print new cards for you just as easy as they can for someone else. I sure hope you get that darn balcony though after all this brainstorming we've done! That's the first thing I want to know about when you get back.

Well, how did you sleep??? I actually didn't think about it again until I turned on the computer about 10 minutes ago!

I'm still not sure but am leaning towards doing it online.......