early May crowds

[se015]

I am taking my 5 and 7 yr old boys to Disney (1st trip for them) for the day mid week the first week of May. We haven't planned anything yet as it's a last minute trip. What can we expect as far as crowds. Would it be possible to park hop or better to just stay at the MK for the day. We are staying about an hour away.
Thank you!

 

[se015]

they are boys....and not interested in the princess stuff or character photos (tho I would love to get some!)

 

[missangelalexis]

Crowds shouldn't be terrible. You said it's there first trip, right? I would just spend the day at MK then! Park hopping may take away from the experience and there's a lot to do for boys that age at MK (Speedway, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mine Train). And I'm sure they would love meeting Talking Mickey!

 

[se015]

I hope they will want to take pics once they are there! Should we still get fast passes? I welcome any tips! Thank you!

 

[Hootch]

That's a great time to go. Crowds aren't too bad then and the weather is relatively mild.

Take a look at this post. This is the site we use when planning our trips (and many others on here too). This will give an idea of when you might want to hit various parks.

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/calendars/may-2016-walt-disney-world-crowd-calendar/

This link will show you a couple of touring plans if you are inclined to use one. It also shows expected wait times based on crowd levels and time of day.

Definitely use your FPs. It will save you a tremendous amount of time. For example, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is showing 110 minutes for standby right now. You will save time at Toy Story also. You can reserve FPs 60 days ahead if staying onsite and 30 days offsite.

Here is a good primer for FP+

http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-fastpass-frequently-asked-questions-superthread.3491680/

If you want any particular sit down meals, try finding an ADR now. It seems insane that people plan their meals 180 days in advance, but it is the norm for some.

This site will walk you through planning your trip.

http://**************.net/

The two bloggers behind the sites I linked have written a book together that literally walks you through the planning process.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/19...Code=as2&tag=ea03e-20&linkId=JR7YSN4TSMF7EI2N

Some people do not like planning too much (not us - I have our July NYC trip completely planned). Some preparation will help you get more done during your vacation.

 

[Sevey13]

I hope they will want to take pics once they are there! Should we still get fast passes? I welcome any tips! Thank you!

Always fast passes, yes. Don't stress if you can't get the ones you want. It'll be fun And you can always try and switch out the day of.

 

[mindeola]

Definitely get fast passes and be there for Rope Drop. You will experience so much before lunch if you take that approach.

 

[missangelalexis]

YES to FPs! Buy your tickets ahead of time so you can schedule them in advance.

And agree with the previous poster, be there for rope drop and you can get a lot done in the morning! Especially if you are only going for 1 day, you will want to maximize your park time!

 

[jmkjr72]

We love the first week of may we leave Saturday for the world

Remember in mk at rope drop every one is heading to fantasy land for 7 dwarfs and a&e
We head to frontier land and enjoy splash and Btm for several rides before any gets there

 

[princessesandpascal]

We were there last year May 4th-10th, crowds were great at Rope Drop, but got a bit busier later: all times considered it's a really great time to go! Our personal favourite time of year!

 

[GovieMom]

I wouldn't waste the extra money for park hoppers when there is so much to do at MK. Your boys might even want to repeat some of their favorite rides/attractions.