Bats Day questions/ clarification

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

I noticed on a non-official Disney Calendar that Bats day is going to be Sunday May 3rd this year. I googled their site and read that the event is actually an all-weekend thing, but from what it seems they only meet in the park on that Sunday. Has anyone been in the park on Bats day or Bats weekend? I know it used to be in August but they moved it to May to avoid the heat. Can you tell that the "event" is going on, as in does it effect the crowds? And is it indeed just on the Sunday or are there unofficial meets all weekend?

I only ask because I am in the planning stages for our next trip (in three years, LOL) and I am leaning toward the first week/weekend of May. I would like to avoid, if possible, planning and then finding out I picked a really crowded time. TIA for any insight, or if it is even worth worrying over.....

 

[Tyr23]

There was a Bat's Day event in November this past year when we were in the parks. We didn't notice any crowd size difference at all.

 

[mechurchlady]

According to their site they had 5000 participate last year. That would mean more people in the park. they will be at the Sheraton on Saturday most likely and hit the park on Sunday. I would only worry about Sunday being more crowded. I have seen them a couple of times in the past and they are not a problem unless they mass attack Haunted Mansion or stop for group photos. But then again any group stopping for photos can be a pain.

I think you should not worry about Bat Days. Just be prepared to do as much as possible early on especially HM and maybe try DCA that day instead of DLR.

 

[spacemermaid]

The Park should be more crowded only on Sunday, as that's the "official" day that everyone participating in the event meets up in the Park. I've only been to the ones in the summer so far, so I've no idea if it was just super-crowded on those days because it was during the "busy" season or not.

It *does* get SUPER-CROWDED at HM during the group photo meet-up time. This will probably still hold true even though the event isn't held in the summer anymore.

Don't know if I'll be able to make it out this time, but if you see a girl with blue/green hair that sticks up, wearing a leather jacket with stars all over it, come say HI!

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

Thanks for the info, all. I am thinking that we'll probably be in the park Thur-Sat or Wed-Sat (if I get my way, LOL) so if the event is actually Sunday it shouldn't make a difference to us. Of course, that is only if they continue to have it the same weekend each year and if that is when we go....I really like to think ahead....
Spacemermaid, that is so cool that you have been before! Their site made it sound like a lot of fun, and they have it REALLY well organized!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Keep in mind that there are a lot of local people who actually make a point of keeping away from the parks during Bat's Day, so it balances out the increased attendance. There are a lot of folks that are just plain scared of or "don't want their kids exposed to" the stereotype of the "Goth". So they avoid the place.

I, however, love to go that weekend. It's one of the coolest people watching weekends. I've been a couple times and have been able to walk on many attractions. Frankly, I find the folks super nice and yes, it gets a bit crowded around the photo-op time. I remember when they did them in front of the castle. That was amazing. We happened to wander into the hub at the same time.

No matter what - don't stress it. Have fun!

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

Keep in mind that there are a lot of local people who actually make a point of keeping away from the parks during Bat's Day, so it balances out the increased attendance. There are a lot of folks that are just plain scared of or "don't want their kids exposed to" the stereotype of the "Goth". So they avoid the place.

I, however, love to go that weekend. It's one of the coolest people watching weekends. I've been a couple times and have been able to walk on many attractions. Frankly, I find the folks super nice and yes, it gets a bit crowded around the photo-op time. I remember when they did them in front of the castle. That was amazing. We happened to wander into the hub at the same time.

No matter what - don't stress it. Have fun!

TY! I am also not opposed to seeing the Goth folk out and about - my kids are pretty cool with everyone, and everyone I've ever met at Disney seem cool right back. My only issue is trying to plan a time with lower crowds so we can optimize our stay - we only get to go every few years and can only stay for 3 (maybe 4? - fingers crossed!) days and I don't want to goof up by planning for a time that ends up being really crowded.

That is why I love the Dis, I can quell my fears so I am not obsessing for months....okay, years....