End of May crowds?

[Pixie glitter]

I'm making my first trip to DL the end of this month (will be in the parks May 30 - June 1. . . Thursday through Saturday). Any guesstimates as to what the crowds are like during this time? Also, I've been to WDW twice in the last couple of years, and I'm really looking forward to comparing the two parks. For those of you who've been to both recently, do you have any tips--must sees, things that are special/unique in DL, etc.?

Thanks in advance for your help! These boards were invaluable when I was planning the WDW trips. . . I'm looking forward to more great advice!

 

[Disneyfun1]

definately see the things that WDW doesnt have-indiana jones adventure, roger rabbits cartoon spin, and one of the best rides i think has got to be pirates of the caribbean. Its a lot longer at DL. I was really bummed when i rode it at WDW because of how short it was. I think Big Thunder is shorter at DL as well. There are a lot of simalarties, but a lot of differences. I know here in AZ, our kids are out for summer the 24th of May. Dont know if that effects the crowds there. We are leaving to go in 22 hours! Its been about 2 1/2 years since we have gone and DCA wasnt open last time we went-cant wait!

 

[mrsapalm]

My DH and I went to DL for Memorial weekend last year (our first trip West) and it was very, very crowded and hot. We FastPassed it as much as possible. Get your Indiana Jones FastPass first thing every day that you are in MK. Drink plenty of water and take a break in the afternoon (that's when the crowds will really surge in the park). Don't let the "crowd scene" get to you, though. Since MK is smaller (i.e. smaller, narrower paths), it will look worse than it really is. Traffic jams up in Adventureland and in Tomorrowland, so watch out for that as well. Lastly, have tons of fun! Relax and have a Disney Dog for me!
-MrsAPalm

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I expect there will be crowds, but not as bad as on Memorial Day weekend or after 4th of July...

Main Street
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln ~ This has been updated from the original show... still, it was a pet project of Walt Disney, and worth the visit.
Coke Corner ~ If you have time to rest here, listen to Rod Miller play the piano... he's been here for many years, and locals will go just to have a hot dog & listen to him play - he's very talented
Carnation Plaza ~ Swing dancing on Friday & Saturday nights - has big band music, and boy, are those dancers talented
Sleeping Beauty's castle ~ check out the swans & can you find the turtles? A lot smaller than the other castles, yet charming, and it is the original. Look for the time castle buried in front of it. This was put in on the 40th anniversary in '95. In the archway, look for the brass spike that marks what used to be the center of Disneyland
Fireworks ~ The fireworks show is excellent - best view is from Main Street, and many of the fireworks are to the left of the castle, so make sure you're in a spot where the trees don't block your view
Firestation ~ Walt actually used the apartment that is above the station, and used to slide down the pole

Adventureland
Tiki Room ~ This is the original show & worth seeing IMO
Jungle Cruise ~ Different setup than the one @ WDW, though it has many of the same elements. On the weekend, a steel band plays on top of the entrance, lending a great musical atmosphere to Adventureland
Tarzan's Treehouse ~ Has some interactive stuff... see if you can see what's left behind from Swiss Family Robinson
Indiana Jones ~ One of the best themed rides at Disneyland

New Orleans Square
Pirates of the Caribbean ~ Better themed than at WDW
This whole land is worth visiting. Very charming.

Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ~ I think the track is opposite of the one @ WDW
Columbia Ship & Mark Twain ~ Relaxing ride around the Rivers of America -- the Columbia is used in Fantasmic, and down below decks is a museum of sorts - worth a visit
Tom Sawyer's Island ~ Fun to explore - see if you can find the treasure in the caves
Golden Horseshow Saloon ~ Nice for a cool place to eat or have a snack while you watch the show. Billy Hill & the Hillbillies are funny, and very talented.

Fantasyland
Dark Rides ~ Peter Pan (different than WDW), Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (don't have @ WDW anymore), Scary Adventures of Snow White & Pinocchio... Alice in Wonderland is unique to DL, and worth riding on...
Casey Jr Circus Train ~ Cute & fun ride (try to pick out when the train says "I think I can" going up the hill) - this is a unique ride to DL
Storybook Land Canal Boats ~ Kind of intertwines with Casey Jr, and is a boat tour of miniature Disney villages
Matterhorn Bobsleds ~ Two sides to it - Fantasyland & Tomorrowland - the Tomorrowland is a teensy bit longer, and is faster - the Fantasyland side (says my dd) is bumpier -- ride this at night... I've taken pics w/my digital on this ride - fun
It's a Small World ~ Gotta go on this one -- it's different, and better than WDW

Toontown
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin ~ This is a dark ride, with a lot of detail to it
The whole land is picturesque, and worth a visit if you have the time

Tomorrowland
Space Mountain ~ CarolAnnK's dd's said this was scarier than the one @ WDW... we thought the one @ WDW was scarier.... If you're lucky, the music will be playing, and then you'll have a most awesome ride... these cars are different, too, in that they sit two seats, side-by-side
Autopia ~ They changed the track, and it's cute to try. Very well themed
Honey I Shrunk the Audience ~ Same show as @ WDW
Star Tours ~ Same show as @ WDW

Hope some of this helps

 

[Lorihome2]

The last post was very comprehensive --- but there's just one more thing you gotta try. After you walk down Main Street, at the very end on the right is a red old fashioned corn dog stand. They put out the very best corn dogs in the entire world!!! No trip to DL is complete without one!!

 

[Pixie glitter]

Wow! Great tips and info--thanks, everybody!! I'd love to hear from others, too, so keep those posts comin'!