April - May 2005

[Rob213]

Was hoping someone could help me out with a question? My family and I are planning a trip to Disney in April or May 2005.

Is it better to go in April or May as far as avoiding huge lines for the attractions? (The dates would be April 19-24 OR May 10-15)

Any suggestions would be helpful?

Thank you

 

[Nik's Mom]

Since Easter is in March this year, your dates in April should be fine. Some schools have late spring breaks, but I doubt it would be in mid April. Maybe someone else can answer that.
Just to let you know, WDW is kicking off a Disneyland 50th celebration on 5/5/05. Some new attractions will be opening up. You may want to wait until May if you are interested in that. I believe Soarin' will be opening in Epcot, MK will be getting a new show (Cinderellabration), IASW should be open, MGM will have a new stunt show. Maybe Star Wars weekend are during your May dates too.

 

[Terry S]

Do you think most of the new rides will be open in Soft Opening Mode. In my experience most are open a few weeks before the "official" opening date?

 

[Rob213]

Thank you so much for your help. Also have 2 kids - 3 year old girl and 10 year old month boy. (made us so happy)

Actaully the flights from NY to FL are almost cut in half in May - Was just afraid children from will be off school (the young ones) - but I believe thats mostly in June?

I bet its hard work work staying home with the 2 kids huh?
Harder than an office job sometimes huh?

Rob

 

[dcmbshafe]

I think that the type of crowd you will encounter might be a little different depending upon your choice. In April, you will still probably have a lot of college spring breakers there while in May you'll get a lot of families with pre-school aged children. We were there in mid-May last year and it seemed like there were even more strollers than normal. We chose that date because it would be the last time we could go during an "off-time" without taking our kids out of school (DD5 started kindy this past Sept.). There may be some extra residual crowds due to the kick-off of the anniversary celebration, but we thought May was a very nice time of year to visit WDW.

 

[brentalex]

Just so you know, most public schools in Massachusetts, Maine and parts of Connecticut have school vacation the week of April 18. They always have the third week of April off no matter when Easter is since we follow a holiday that is only celebrated here in New England called Patriots Day. It celebrates the beginning of the Revolution. We were there this past April during this week, which was after Easter and it was crowded. Plus the parks do close earlier than the week previous to this. By the end of the week the MK was closing around 7 because of grad night parties. So, although it is nice and not quite as crowded as earlier in April, I would not expect small crowds.

 

[Tink03477]

We go in May often and I find the timeframe you listed as perfect, weather and crowds. I'd stay as far away from April as humanly possible. Too many spring vacations, college and otherwise. Plus rates are alot more as well. The first half of May is my first pick.
Good luck with which ever you choose!
Kim

 

[Rob213]

Thank you Kim - I think May 10th - 15th is what we will probably choose!

You've been a big help!!!

Getting excited already!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

We have been once in April and never again. .We have been 3 times in May and will be returning next May.You will love that time of year.

 

[Leota]

Count Western NY amongst those that have off that week in April. If I could, I'd choose May - As you've seen, airfare during school break is another reason besides potential crowds to pick May. Also, rooms are at regular to peak rate vs. value rate.

 

[Tink03477]

Glad we could help Rob!
Have a great trip!
Kim

 

[laurfisher]

I live in NY also. We are going to WDW
April 26-may 3 that is cheaper. the week that starts April 18 is spring break for NY students. So we are going the following week. I am taking my son out of school. I found tickets on Jetblue for $79 each way (160 round trip with out taxes) I think there is a discount code for Disney resorts on mousesavers.com

I thought april would be good so we could spend a day or 2 at the pool and waterparks. i figured guarenteed good weather. My first trip to WDW as a "grown up" with my kids

good luck

 

[Stacerita]

I went just this past April, the last week in the month. We had a great time. Crowds were few and the weather was great. I woudn't hesitate to go again during that time.