How busy is MLK weekend?

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Our next trip to the World will be in January 2011. We can go anytime during the first 3 weeks and are hoping to go for 10 days. Just wondering how busy it gets around MLK day. I just can't make a decision about when to go.

 

[crabbygal902]

That's our favorite time to go! We've been over MLK weekend 3 times within the past 10 years, most recently in 2008. I'd say that the crowds are moderate. We use TGM's advice and we have absolutely no problem with crowds.

Invariably, the weather is quite warm at the beginning of our vacation and we are even able to get into the pool, but by the last 2 days it is COLD! Be prepared for all kinds of weather!

 

[Robo]

It is the busiest weekend in January, however.

 

[magicaldisney]

We did our first January trip this year and though the week before MLK weekend was lower crowd levels, we really thought MLK was quite busy. We've seen worse, because we usually travel during Thanksgiving, however that Saturday of MLK weekend we left the parks because it just wasn't worth fighting the crowds. It's doable I'm sure, just not what we wanted to deal with.

 

[05MM08MM]

Starting to get a little about our Jan trip, but DD's B-day just happens to fall during that weekend and sometimes on the day of MLK holiday and so that is really the only time we can go since MLK day allows us an extra day of school.

Trying to make this trip as budget as possible so as of right now planning to do 4-day base tickets, as that saves us a $100 vs. PH. I knew it was going to be somewhat so we have an early breakfast ressie at CP on MK day to get us in the park a little early and also plan to take advantage of MEMH on other days to give us more time in the parks. Luckily we don't plan to do everything, but will hit the more popular atractions first, use FP and bring snacks to get us through lunch time so we don't have to stop to eat. I have already told DD to give me a list of things she wants to do and see in order of importance to her. As it gets closer we will figure out a strategy for each day.

 

[hubb1972]

We also are planning to go the weekend of MLK through Friday of that week. We went during this same time a couple of years ago and even though it was busy, it was nothing like Summer or Easter break crowds in my opinion. I wouldn't sweat it at all. I am way more concerned about weather as it can be hit or miss. I have been in January and it be in the 90's and then in the one time it was in the 50's. You basically need to pack clothes for hot and cool weather.

 

[emmabelle]

I'm hoping to go to DHS on MLK day, probably not one of my better ideas, but it's the only night during our trip that it doesn't close at 7pm.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

We have been several times during and around the MLK holiday weekend. That always works out well for us because there are usually a couple of teacher workdays attached to the holiday, so it is a real nice chunk of time with no school for the kids.

Crowds will be noticeable on Saturday-Monday. Think "late May/ early June" crowded. Splash Mountain is usually closed in January so I think that makes Frontierland seem a bit more crowded. All in all, it is a wonderful time of year to go, just don't expect low crowds over the actual holiday weekend.

 

[n2mm]

We'll be there too. Arriving Sunday the 16th, so trying to avoid the busier part of the weekend. Staying 17 days. The busiest times in January would most likely be NYD, marathon days, and MLK weekend. It should slow down by Tuesday afterwards.

 

[Vovoa]

We were there over the MLK holiday January 2010. Prior to that (2008 and 2009), we had been there in early December. To be quite honest, I saw very little difference in the crowds. I must say however that I do subscribe to TGM and am a meticulous planner - so I don't know how all of that may have come into play. I can tell you one thing without a doubt - January of 2010 was FREEZING - and we come from New England - so I know freezing. Grandkids never got to the pool and we ended up buying hats and gloves. Cold or not... still had a great time!

 

[Birdrav]

My DD's High School Band is marching in the parade at MK that Saturday the 15th. I have been to Disney in March, May, Oct, and Nov. Should I expect the same kind of crowds?

Im not terribly worried about the crowds, because we plan to ""slow down and enjoy" everything this trip.

 

[thej]

We did MLK week a couple of years ago, and it was only moderately crowded Sun-Mon for the holiday, and then probably a 3ish out of 10 on the crowd-o-meter for the rest of the week. We had a really good time, and would do this again, except we had to take DS out of school for the rest of the week.

BTW -- it was REALLY cold for CFL most of that trip (froze one night), so just bring a warm jacket just to be safe

 

[emmabelle]

I can tell you one thing without a doubt - January of 2010 was FREEZING - and we come from New England - so I know freezing.

I'm hoping last winter in Florida was a fluke. We go to Naples every March to visit my parents and this past March was definitely the coldest I've ever been while visiting.

Me, at the beach in Naples last March, it was like 65 out and windy, but I was determined to go to the beach, we lasted about 45 minutes before I gave in! lol