Crowds in May?

[theworldneedscolor]

Hi all,

We are tentatively planning a trip to Disney after I finish school in May. We would be in the parks May 11-13, which is a Monday through Wednesday. Are the crowds pretty low this time of year? That Sunday is Mother's Day; will that have much affect on the crowds? I would be going with my dad, who hasn't been in 13 years, so I don't want to take him during a ridiculously crowded time.

 

[Cal-Pie]

We were there May 10-16 this year, and I felt like crowds were fairly light. There was a heat wave of 100+ temps. I think that may have also kept locals at home. There is a marathon next Mother's Day weekend, so that will definitely increase crowds, I'm sure others will give you more details on that.

Also, I believe grad nights start a little earlier next year, (maybe the 13th?) so that is something to consider.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hi all, We are tentatively planning a trip to Disney after I finish school in May. We would be in the parks May 11-13, which is a Monday through Wednesday. Are the crowds pretty low this time of year? That Sunday is Mother's Day; will that have much affect on the crowds? I would be going with my dad, who hasn't been in 13 years, so I don't want to take him during a ridiculously crowded time.

Don't ever count on "low" crowds at DL, that's just pretty rare now. If it happens lovely but if you go expecting that prepare to be disappointed. Going Mon-Wed when schools are still in session you should plan on moderate crowds. Unless there is some sort of event on those days you won't be looking at "ridiculously crowded". Fyi, there are rumors of large amounts of refurbs that may still be going on during that time as Disney preps for a summer start to 60th anniversary celebrations. Also being there during off season will have lower crowds but will have correspondingly shorter hours and limited entertainment schedules.

 

[Carolynleanne]

We were there the first week of May this year and I was actually surprised how busy it was! We booked for then thinking it'd be low key, but the waits for most rides were fairly long. That being said, there were a TON of big rides down and that probably was a huge contribution to the line ups.

 

[Casey's Mommie]

We were there the first week of May last year and like Carolynleanne said, the crowds were big. But also like she said, it may have felt busier because Pirates, IASW, IJ, Subs, and Alice were all closed.

I think more and more people are taking their kids out of school to avoid busy times so there doesn't seem to be any slow times to visit anymore. You'll still have fun, just keep your expectations of crowds realistic.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Do you think they'll have started the 60th Anniversary festivities by then? I think it would be cool to be there during that, although it would bring more crowds.

 

[HydroGuy]

Do you think they'll have started the 60th Anniversary festivities by then? I think it would be cool to be there during that, although it would bring more crowds.

What any of us think does not matter because DLR has not said what they are going to do.

Along those lines, what I think does not matter. With that said, if someone told me I had to give an answer, my guess is that the 60th celebration will not start until Memorial Day weekend.

 

[HydroGuy]

Do you think they'll have started the 60th Anniversary festivities by then? I think it would be cool to be there during that, although it would bring more crowds.

What any of us think does not matter because DLR has not said what they are going to do.

Along those lines, what I think does not matter. With that said, if someone told me I had to give an answer, my guess is that the 60th celebration will not start until Memorial Day weekend.

I do not pay attention to other Disney fan sites as I used to but I just read on MiceAge that the 60th festivities will begin on May 15. That is not a Disney announcement AFAIK, but it sounds reasonable.