Crowds in late April or early May?

[I wanna go back]

How bad are the crowds at that time of year? The last time we visited DW was mid-April 2005 and the parks seemed very crowded. (Please somebody tell me that was crowded - because if it wasn't, I'm afraid to see what "crowded" really means!)

I swore then that whenever we came back, it would be during a less crowded time of the year. My hope is that the end of April / early May would be better because it's far enough away from Spring Break and Easter.

Any opinions?
Thanks.

 

[dhluvsDisney]

To me lately, it always seems crowded, even when it's low season. Last week was supposed to be quieter, and you couldn't even get near any attractions. Bumper to Bumper. I think park attendance is up overall, and you'd be hardpressed to find a true "low" crowd level. We are planning to go the same time you are, and it's supposed to be moderate. It's too hard to tell nowadays.

 

[amw]

To me lately, it always seems crowded, even when it's low season. Last week was supposed to be quieter, and you couldn't even get near any attractions. Bumper to Bumper. I think park attendance is up overall, and you'd be hardpressed to find a true "low" crowd level. We are planning to go the same time you are, and it's supposed to be moderate. It's too hard to tell nowadays.

It's all us Canadians taking advantage of our high dollar

 

[bbangel]

It's possible that you were catching the end of Easter/Spring Break crowds. Of course anytime can feel crowded if you go where everyone else wants to go. Do the big stuff early and you should be okay.

 

[Newcastle]

We have travelled to WDW during the first week of May several times. It seems to be pretty reasonable in terms of crowds. In fact, one day during our 2006 trip, the CMs were commenting that the crowds at the Magic Kingdom were the lowest that they've been in a very, very long time. Obviously, it's still going to be somewhat busy but likely much more reasonable than spring, summer or Christmas breaks.

 

[OntFamily]

Late April can be busy, if Easter is in late April.


We have gone several times about two weeks after Easter (regardless of when Easter was) -- as pricing in Florida drops dramatically after Easter. Crowds have been manageable.

 

[I wanna go back]

Thanks for the replies. It's hard to find a "window" of time when:

- the crowds aren't crazy
- the temperatures aren't too hot or too cool

Based on the above comments, it sounds like early May is at least reasonable. (And yes, the high C$ has it's benefits and drawbacks!)
Thanks.

 

[laura001]

We almost always travel late April, beginning of May and find the crowds not too bad. If you plan your day properly we haven't found it to be an issue. We love that time of year because the weather is so so so great!!!

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Easter 2007 was early spring. We went down at the ned of April into early May. The crowds were not to bad. Some rides like sourin you needed a fast pass and still waited 20 mins. For the most part Late April early May is gret to go because the weather is nice and the temps good. Last may or early june usually is starwars days so you might want to keep a eye out for that if you want to keep away from crowds as that time is real busy. This year easter is in March so April should not be busy because of that just the garden show.

 

[Stittsville]

We were in the World May 15th to 23rd, 2007, and the crowds were good in the first week, a little heavier in the second. The Florida schools were letting out in the second week and perhaps people were cutting class Starting our vacation a week earlier would have been better.

I agree about the weather -- it was fantastic. Low 80's every day, 70-ish at night, and none of the famous humidity. It was far less humid than we often get here in Ottawa. It only rained once, for about an hour or two. Got the best tan I have ever had, not being much of a tanner.