Disneyland in May?

[BeachMouse1]

So thinking of doin 3-4 nights in Disneyland (first time) in May. Fortunately we are able to travel when we want. I have read that weekends and mondays are quite crowded in Disneyland? Don’t know if that’s correct?
Is May a good time to visit?
Disneyland hotel or Grand Californian?
would Tuesday to Friday or Saturday be best days or should we stay over a weekend?
genie plus necessary/worth it?
Best way to get there if staying a days in LA first?

Any other guidance appreciated

 

[sophy1996]

Early May probably will have Star Wars Nites (Star Wars Day is May 4) and mid to late May will have Grad Nites (announced as May 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, 31).

Mondays usually are crowded. Days that more Magic Keys are blocked are less crowded, which can include Saturdays. If you want fireworks, you’ll want to be there over a weekend day (Friday/Saturday/ Sunday). Fantasmic is supposed to return in “spring 2024” so it may or may not be back.

 

[BeachMouse1]

Early May probably will have Star Wars Nites (Star Wars Day is May 4) and mid to late May will have Grad Nites (announced as May 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, 31).

Mondays usually are crowded. Days that more Magic Keys are blocked are less crowded, which can include Saturdays. If you want fireworks, you’ll want to be there over a weekend day (Friday/Saturday/ Sunday). Fantasmic is supposed to return in “spring 2024” so it may or may not be back.

So probably the 5th -10th would be like ideal days?

 

[sophy1996]

So probably the 5th -10th would be like ideal days?

You’ll probably run into Star Wars Nites sometime in that stretch. This year Star Wars Nites were May 2, 4, 8, and 11.

 

[BobaFettFan]

My favorite time to go is the first week of March.


You get there before spring break, wine and food festival hits, weather is decent.

10/10

Even when it was raining, had a good day at the parks.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I think Genie+ is worth it for the photos. I haven't done the math with the new pricing, but it used to be about the same cost as buying only the photo package. With Genie+ you have shorter waits in line, and all photos (rides and PhotoPass photographers). This depends on which rides you want to do and if you care about photos.

 

[chezcurrie]

So thinking of doin 3-4 nights in Disneyland (first time) in May. Fortunately we are able to travel when we want. I have read that weekends and mondays are quite crowded in Disneyland? Don’t know if that’s correct?
Is May a good time to visit?
Disneyland hotel or Grand Californian?
would Tuesday to Friday or Saturday be best days or should we stay over a weekend?
genie plus necessary/worth it?
Best way to get there if staying a days in LA first?

Any other guidance appreciated

May is lovely weather wise but can be confusing with after hour events. Park hoppers are a must at this time of year.

Both DLhotel and the Grand are lovely - each has pluses and minus would likely be cost or a longer walk, which is relative. are you a WDW regular? If so don’t worry yourself about any comments about a walk to the Disneyland hotel. It takes longer to get to the busses at WDW from Main Street. we have stayed at and enjoy both, hard to pick a fave.

Saturdays can be one of the best days in the parks as most Mkeys are blocked. Avoid mondays if possible. As PP said with the after hours events you will likely want a Friday and Saturday to catch nighttime entertainment and fireworks, the latter which don’t run during the week that time of year.

G+ is worth it. You likely don’t need it every day but it will make your experience far more enjoyable. The ability to stack LL for your evening return is one example. the ability to modify your return time makes it far more valuable. That said, I personally treat it like the WDW fast pass of yore - we use it to secure our top 3 priorities and the rest is gravy.

best was from LA to Anaheim (and if you are doing lots of exploring in LA) is rental car. There are rental car spots outside Disneyland gates so you don’t need to keep it for that portion of your stay. Check out the socal board for recommendations and why people say rent a car. Other option is rideshare/Uber if you are only doing a straight shot to Anaheim.

have a great trip!