Help with May Itinerary and Grad Night Question

[LSU Mom]

I am planning my first visit (50 something solo adult) to DL, arriving Sat, May 9 and departing Sat, May 16. My initial plans are as follows: Sat flight arrives midday. Transportation to Hotel. Purchase tickets, visit Downtown Disney and Disney Hotel Lobbies. Sunday at DL/CA at opening, break during day and returning for fireworks and last showing of Fantasmic. Monday DL/CA. Tuesday DL/CA (my birthday). Wednesday and Thursday I planned on tours of LA, Long Beach, shopping, etc. Friday (last day) I had planned to return to DL/CA for a final day to see fireworks and Fantasmic one last time. However, it's Grad Night. From what I have read, avoid at all cost. Is it really that bad??? If I went to parks at opening, take a break, and return for fireworks and Fantasmic, would that be OK? Will all the grads be at CA by that time, or do they crowd both parks all day? Or should I go to parks on first day (Sat) for fireworks and Fantasmic instead of last day (Fri)? The $$ difference between 3, 4 and 5 day ticket is minimum so extra days are not a problem? Thanks for all your help.

 

[SMD]

I would add the Friday. With the half marathon on Sunday you may need the second chance to make sure you get into both shows. Grad nights don't really phase me, but I know some people are super sensitive to any kind of school or youth group.

 

[LSU Mom]

Thanks for your quick reply. I am a veteran of many visits to DW so I am used to crowds and tour groups. Since this will probably be my first and only visit to DL, I want to soak in every moment.

 

[brentm77]

However, it's Grad Night. From what I have read, avoid at all cost. Is it really that bad???

We were there last year on a Grad Night. The park does start getting busier later in the day, but it wasn't much busier than most days that time of year. Most of the students were well behaved. One exception may have been a group of about 15 boys loudly chanting some saying in the Jungle Cruise line. It wasn't anything inappropriate for children, but was so loud you couldn't talk every time it burst out. Harmless really; so I just chalked it up to the experience and hoped they were having fun. Other than that, I didn't see any rude or inappropriate behaviour. In some ways, the Grad's excitement of being there and having fun made the park more enjoyable. They were happier than many of the parents I see at the parks.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Go with the 5 day ticket, it will give you peace of mind that you can do what you want when you want. The Grad night crowds start to roll in during afternoon, they are thick in DL by dinner time. I'm not 100% positive what time the party in DCA starts (I think this year it's 10pm but previously it was 11pm). You can get a lot done in mornings, so if you hit all your favorites up on Fri morning and then decide the crowds are too much you can return to your hotel or downtown Disney. People are split between whether Grad nights are fine or they're the Worst Things Ever lol! We were there for a couple our last trip and they were CRAZY in DL- admittedly we tried riding Indy at that time one night, oops.

Btw, you may already know this but since you're on a solo trip always hit up Single Rider lines when available! (Off the top of my mind I know Matterhorn, GRR, Cars & Screamin' have them, others do too but I just don't remember them all.)

 

[LaurenDis]

I called regarding our trip on May 13th and the Disney CM said they will be shuffled over to DCA at 10pm. Hope that helps!

 

[cherice95403]

I was there for grad nights a couple of years ago. It's not so bad that I would cut the trip short although I would plan to try and get as much done early as possible. I don't recall the park getting busier until early afternoon.

 

[LSU Mom]

Thanks for all your assistance. Hopefully all the "refurbs" for the anniversary celebration are done by that week. I am really looking forward to this "bucket list" adventure.