Disney in MAY ~ Tell me everything!

[sunlover13]

We were there 4/29 - 5/5 this past year. I don't have anything to compare it to b/c it was our first trip. However, the crowds were not bad at all. The weekends were definitely more crowded. We ended up going Sunday to Saturday so it was perfect b/c Saturday was very crowded. So, if you can, avoid MK on the weekends.

The weather was HOT, but not humid. It was 90 all week. Did not rain at all! We didn't need a jacket or pants all week. Although, I think 90 all week was unusually warm for that time of year.

Some of the more popular rides would have a bit of a wait, just use fastpass. Others were walk-on.

If you are not going to use EMH, avoid those parks b/c they tend to be more crowded.

Have a great time! You picked a great time to go!

 

[logansmummy]

It is a must!! The weather is super! We have done February, April, May, August, Novemeber, MAY IS THE BEST!! There is nothing bad about May, the lines are short, the parks rock, very fun and we will be there too. May 1-10 yea!!! I feel like going right now......I am so excited. I wish you a very happy Magical experience..... and maybe a wish too......

 

[LMO429]

I have to agree with everyone else May is a great time to go. I think the crowds are lower and manageable because most families with children probably just finished their spring break scheduled week off and school is almost over in a month so im assuming most parents would not take their kids out of school again that time of year. We found most families that were there with children were preschool age level and the rides that had the longest wait (50 mins or more) were rides like dumbo, Pete pan's flight and the safari at animal kingdom.

if you get there for rope drop you shoudnt have any problems at all. ENJOY!

 

[AnninIowa]

We're going April 30-May 7 next year, and I'm already praying that the heat won't be overwhelming. We went in early October the first time, and the humidity was awful. Last time we went in February, and while I loved the cooler weather, my dad thought it was too cold. So, we've settled on May. Hoping it will be a nice in-between of the last two trips!

 

[amyhughes]

We usually go in May, now are switiching to November for cooler weather!

Honestly the weather isn't too bad! My DH just likes it in the seventies and May can get in the eighties every day. As far as precipitation it was dry, this is WILDFIRE season so BE ALERT! You may have some smoggy days due to Wildfires, they usually happen once a year. But more often than not there just is NO RAIN and it is breezy.

Crowd levels really hit their zenith around late May, Memorial Day weekend headed into June. Earlier on there is so much going on with schools, graduations etc that most families aren't travelling as much. I think Grad Night is in April most years, double check me. The only thing we noticed was a lot of End of School Year field trips for local schools.

At Epcot you have the Flower and Garden Festival which provides wonderful photo ops. This past year they had a wonderful Pirate Ship that my kids thought was a playground, and hence a fit when they were not allowed near it! That is how large these topiaries are! Most feature favorite characters and scenes from Disney films. If you are a Resort guest Epcot usually closes at 7 to non resort folks. So you get an "earlier" EMH.

Magic Kingdom was a bit crowded on us, but not too bad. We were there at the end of May this past time, that probably had something to do with it! Hit it early, go to resort, come back at night. The departures outweigh the arrivals after 3 p.m. at the MK. I think MK closed at 9 everynight, which was fine for us since our children are younger.


If you go towards the end of May and into June Disney's Hollywood Studios has my favorite: "Star Wars Weekends!" They feature everything from Trivia to Jedi Training, Character Meet and Greets to Autograph sessions with the actual cast members. If you or anyone in your family likes Star Wars this is a MUST!

Animal Kingdom is particularly beautiful, well anytime of the year. We found the crowds here to be most manageable! The foliage really helps with the heat, and if you use your fast pass right you will not need to wait in line for their key attractions: Kilamanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur. Finding Nemo the musical is BRAND SPANKING NEW, SEE IT if you like Nemo!

Down Town Disney of course is wonderful as well. Not so crowded you can't shop in peace but starting to pick up into the summer season! Have a great trip and PM me with ANY November tips you may have!

 

[THERESA522]

We went May 2-9 this year and for 5 of the 7 days, it was hot, but not unbearable - probably high 80's to low 90's. There were 2 days of beautiful, low 80's weather too. As for the crowds, I guess I would say it wasn't busy, it wasn't slow - we bypassed any long lines when we encountered them and went back at different times - we never waited more than 20-25 minutes for any ride/attraction and most of the time it was a shorter wait. Early mornings were the best - could get on any ride/attraction with almost no wait at all. We had a great time! Stayed in ASMovies, with me, dh, ds 4 & dd 3. I would definately go in May again.

 

[HGD24]

We've been twice in May. In 1999 for our honeymoon (late May) and this year in early May. This year, the weather was very warm (95 everyday) and slightly humid here and there, but we just took breaks in the shade every now and then and tried to take it slow. I personally love the warm weather, but you have to be prepared to deal with it and know when to slow down and take it easy. The crowds were heavier than we've experienced in Nov, Dec or Jan and we actually had to use FastPass a few times...this was the first time we've ever used it and I have to say, I'm not a fan. I would definitely go in May again.

 

[Renee1061]

My daughter's high school band is going in May 09 (I know...that's a long time from now, but I've got two trips planned between now and then). I've always wanted to go during that time, but didn't want to take DD out of school, but since this is a school-sponsored trip, that won't be a problem! Of course, I've already signed up to be a chaperone.

 

[ddstratton]

Oh, I love hearing all these good things about going to Disney World in May!!! We are going May 12-21, 2008, and it's our first trip ever. I just can't wait, and you all are making it sound like we picked a great time to go!

 

[amyhughes]

Oh, I love hearing all these good things about going to Disney World in May!!! We are going May 12-21, 2008, and it's our first trip ever. I just can't wait, and you all are making it sound like we picked a great time to go!

You really did! May is one of those months (like November and January) that falls between busy seasons! I did love our trip but I would have loved it more if we had planned it towards the beginning of May. If you are there for Mother's Day be sure to check out http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/mothersday.htm I worked Mother's Day at Disney Studios when I was there and it was WONDERFUL. So many Mom's and Disney usually gives them all a corsiage at the gate, and I spent the better part of my days saying "Happy Mother's Day!" It is crowded but wonderful!

 

[ddstratton]

You really did! May is one of those months (like November and January) that falls between busy seasons! I did love our trip but I would have loved it more if we had planned it towards the beginning of May. If you are there for Mother's Day be sure to check out http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/mothersday.htm I worked Mother's Day at Disney Studios when I was there and it was WONDERFUL. So many Mom's and Disney usually gives them all a corsiage at the gate, and I spent the better part of my days saying "Happy Mother's Day!" It is crowded but wonderful!

Actually, we will just miss Mother's Day at Disney. We'll be traveling down on Mother's Day. We're thinking of taking the Auto Train -- would save us tons of driving and time!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

We are also now looking at the first week in May to go down. We were thinking of the week of April 21st but It might be better just to wait a couple weeks. Sounds like this is a great time to go! I just don't like the heat!!!! but oh well