Do you really think it will be that crowded?

[kellymouse]

Do you really think it will be that crowded on May 5 and right before/right after? Aren't kids in school, and also, this is a year long event, so what's the big deal about being there May 5? I am worried because DH won't want to stay at the parks if it's packed and we will be there April 30-May 8. Any opionions? I'm worried.
I have a few friends that have just come back this past week and said "never again during this time". I hate being there when it's so crowded, and that is why I scheduled during this time, but I didn't realize the May 5 thing would be such a big deal, since it isn't at all to us.
Help!!!

 

[qtwns]

I've been wondering the same thing. I'm interested to hear opinions.

 

[CleveRocks]

I'm checking into CBR on May 8, so I have the same concerns you do. But when I think about it (which I've done WAY too much!), I agree with you that it would be an odd time for parents to take kids out of school. I planned this trip about 2 years ago, and was quite surprised, as well.

Have fun, and keep our CBR room clean for us, please!

-- Eric

 

[Amom2five]

We're planning on May 5 to be at MK - with 5 kids under 8. We homeschool so thought this would be perfect with everyone still in school and after spring break, etc. When we planned I had no idea about this 50th celebration. I'm hoping we didn't make a really big mistake. But it is a year long thing so maybe people aren't planning to rush for May. Who knows!!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I think those three days will feel busier only because of the press coming. Other than that, it is highly doubtful that people are rushing to WDW because of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary.

That said, May may be busier overall - just as last October, traditionally a similar season in terms of attendance, was. But I don't think it will have anything to do with the Homecoming, again, with the exception of the press (and their families) on those days.

N.E.D.

 

[LeftCoaster]

I don't think you're going to have a tidal wave of people. I think it'll be busier than normal but not super busy. The average person isn't going to care that it's Disneyland's 50th anniversary other than "Cool. That's neat." The average person is going to plan their vacation when they can and not just because it's the start of the celebration.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We'll be there that first week in May and really hope it won't be too crowded. For one, my ds is autistic and hates crowds. And my Father just passed away last week and I just don't feel in the WDW mood, especially with crowds. I'm only going for the kids at this point. A jam-packed park will just make it worse for us. I'm going to make the most of it for my kids sake though. They so need a vacation after watching their Grandpa suffer in the end.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I really don't know what to expect. I wouldn't think it'd be packed just because of the Celebration that goes on for 18 months, but I keep hearing about how all the moderates are booked and I just tried to call today to get a PS for Chef Mickey's for breakfast and it is totally booked the whole week we are there (May 9-13th) I didn't think it would be "dead", but I also thought it would be an odd time to take kid's out of school, so at least it'd be a little less crowded than average. All the talk is making me a little worried too, I'm starting to envision wall to wall people and long ride waits. I hate when it's so crowded you can't make your way down Main Street, the exact reason I'd never even think about going in the summer or during the Holidays.

 

[fireman17]

We are heading for the world from 5/2 to 5/11. I've also asked this question as well. I don't think it will be mobbed like last week, remember it was Easter weekend and there was some schools out as well. I think this month will be crowded too because of spring break.
I can't imagine the parks being overwhelmed due to the celebration lasting 18 months. I do know that there is a media event at Epcot on 5/5 so it's best to avoid going there.
Hope to meet some of you there.
Oh, by the way 27 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!
Been There, Done That, Going Back!!!!
7 3 1
:thewave:

 

[dani12]

We are going May 4-10 and I checked to see what was open during that week. The moderates are booked but there is room at just about everything else. I do have a dd in kindergarten and we are taking her out of school b/c we figured it wouldn't be as busy. I just wonder if everyone was thinking the same thing!

 

[RC Fan]

Hello!

Our trip is the 6th to the 13th, so I guess technically we will miss the big day. I am really hoping that the crowds are fairly normal for that time of year. In any case, I can't wait to go!

 

[*Susan*]

I'm betting it won't be much more crowded than a normal May week.
We went during Walt's 100th b-day celebration on 12/5/01. Lots of people on these boards were saying how crowded it was going to be, etc. and to avoid MGM on the 5th b/c the press was going to be there, etc. It was very uncrowded and the press event was easy to navigate, etc.

 

[OurDogCisco]

We're going May 14 to May 22nd. I think, this is best time to go. I pulled my kids out of school to go. I figured it can't be worst than the summer. I've been in early August. I'm not too worried. Just go and have fun! You'll be at DisneyWorld...

Tina

 

[Stitch Inside]

We are going May 4-10 and I checked to see what was open during that week. The moderates are booked but there is room at just about everything else. I do have a dd in kindergarten and we are taking her out of school b/c we figured it wouldn't be as busy. I just wonder if everyone was thinking the same thing!

Where and when did you check for the moderates? I just checked the Disney web site for our dates 4/29-5/7/05 and it showed availability at all the moderates. And I checked Expedia and Travelocity for the same dates last night. They also still had rooms.
I'm not going to worry about crowds anymore. I'm just going to hope for the best and concentrate on packing.

 

[MommytoMJM]

We live here locally and will be going the 5th and 6th and maybe some of the 7th.... and every Friday and Sat thereafter (what can I say, we live at Disney on DH's days off) We'd love to meet nay of you who are coming in!

 

[dani12]

I just checked on the WDW website. Maybe it was the dates that I chose (4-10) that showed no results. The mods could be full around the 5th so they couldn't accomodate a full week. I think it will be fine and tons of fun regardless!!

 

[larklynn]

I only have 2 ps while we are there 5\1-5\5 do you think I should try to make more

 

[dani12]

I would try to get more if you are going to do the character meals. Every character meal/ table service meal that we have planned I have a PS for. I've actually tried to swtich some and it was difficult. Better to be safe than sorry...

 

[SDFgirl]

My thought is - I think it will be busier than normal, but not wall-to-wall insane. I have heard that media people stay at the moderate resorts - which is probably why there's little to no availability. It looks like there's still availability at the values and deluxe properties, though.

I was also thinking - even if there are a ton of media people at the parks, probably they won't be huge competition for rides and such. I'd think (and I could be totally wrong) that they'd be at press junkets, photo ops, organized events, etc...rather than in front of you in line at Splash Mountain!

 

[mattr555]

MommytoMJM; doesnt WDW lose some of its magic if you go all the time. Im jealous as id love to visit every weekend but doesnt familiarity breed contempt?