Crowds first week of May, EE & GCH question

[bayareadisneyland]

We just planned a trip to take my grandma (94 years old) from May 3-6th (Sun-Weds). Was trying to pick a time w/ lighter crowds since she we be in a wheelchair. Do you think crowds will be OK? I'm pregnant and taking my toddler (2) so we will mostly just be doing the kiddy rides.

Last year we went mid-may and while EE to DCA on Monday was great, Tuesday morning at DL was a complete zoo (9am EE). You couldn't even move in FL. SHould we just arrive at 10 (normal park opening) and try to hit other lands that day?

Also, last time we stayed at the GCH the walk to the elevator was SO far- we requested a room close to the elevator this time- any other tips?

THank you experts!

 

[pinkprincess30]

We have a trip planned for that first week in May as well. From what I hear crowds are tricky now, as Disney has done an excellent job with marketing so there really is no "slow" season like there used to be. We also went the second week in May in 2011. The crowds were light when compared to holiday, summer/spring break crowds but still plenty of people around!

In my research for this trip I have found that the first week in May might be a bit of a sweet spot. While still somewhat busy, Spring break season ends the second week of April and the second week of May has the Tinkerbell half marathon which will bring the crowds, and also grad nights. MOST of the refurbs should be done by May in preparation of the 60th Anniversary. My understanding is that Sunday will probably be your busiest day, so if it's an option arriving early and taking a midday break will probably serve you well.

The best advice I have received is to avoid the EE parks if you don't have EE for that day and crowds should be manageable. DLR has EE on Tues, Thurs, Sat. DCA has EMH (DLR hotel guests only) Mon, Wed, Fri & Sunday. Assuming you are visiting both DLR and DCA, I would suggest visiting DLR on Sunday and Monday for sure in order to avoid crowds.

For what it's worth, Touringplans.com has the predicted crowd levels as:
5/3 DLR: 6 out of 10, DCA: 8 out of 10
5/4 DLR: 4 out of 10, DCA: 5 out of 10
5/5 DLR: 5 out of 10, DCA: 5 out of 10
5/6 DLR: 4 out of 10, DCA: 5 out of 10
(disclaimer- I have heard from veteran DISers that touring plans is LESS than accurate )

My mom was handicapped when we went in 2011. Because of her disabled status we did ride a lot of the rides without a long wait, even during the busier times. Our longest wait was for Space Mountain, but it sounds like that won't be an issue for you. Most (if not all) of the attractions at DCA are handicap accessible, so the wait time is the same there for everyone, disabled or not.



Good luck and have fun!

 

[bayareadisneyland]

Thank you!!! We are staying onsite so we will have EMH and EE but not sure if it is worth it since DL was SOOOO packed last year on a Tues in May!

 

[Nonsuch]

We just planned a trip to take my grandma (94 years old) ...she we be in a wheelchair.
I'm pregnant and taking my toddler (2) so we will mostly just be doing the kiddy rides.

You might want to book a wheelchair compatible room. Booking a Handicap Accessible room is not a request, but actually guarantees specific features and bed types. An HA room with 2 queens and daybed might be a good choice, all daybed rooms are at the front of the hotel (near the lobby). HA rooms with a roll-in-shower might not have a bathtub, if you need that for your toddler.

...last time we stayed at the GCH the walk to the elevator was SO far- we requested a room close to the elevator this time- any other tips?

There are 3 sets of elevators, so you might want to make a specific request.
There are no official names, but it's easy to describe which elevators you prefer:
Lobby (off the lobby) are most central, and easiest access to DTD.
East (near Napa Rose) give the best access to the GCH entrance to DCA.
South (in the VGC wing) are most distant, you likely do not want these.