How crowded last week of May??

[gardendame]

I know this has been posted before, but when doing a search for "May crowds", the word "may" is too common and could not be used. Soooooo - I got results for just "crowds" which could cover just about every day of the year!! I really hate waiting that late to go, especially with the heat, but it doesn't look like any other time will do, unless we wait until Thanksgiving break.
So, just how hot and crowded is the end of May???

Edited to add, the kids get out of school on the 24th and that is why we are looking at that time of year.

 

[Dreaming of Disney]

We went at the end of May in 2003 and the crowds were very managable. I don't think we waited more than 20 minutes for anything. I'm not sure about Memorial Day weekend though.

 

[txsjaxons]

I was going to ask the same question, glad to hear it isn't too crowded then.

 

[worm761]

from what i have heard, the crowds don't start to be a problem until memorial day weekend.

have a great trip!

 

[VickiVM]

We went last May - kids last day of school was on a Thursday (the 27th, I believe) and we flew out on Wed. the 26th (what do they do on the last day of school anyway???). We stayed over Mem. weekend and flew back home the following Wednesday. I didn't think crowds were too bad. Though, this time I constructed a touring plan and we stuck to it to avoid specific and predictable crowds. For instance, we didn't do EMH. Rather, we did a park the morning after it's evening EMH. This worked out. We also tried to get to parks as close to opening as possible.

Mem. weekend was nice. That Monday we took a chance and even went to MK because Sunday night was EMH. We accomplished more than I expected that day.

I highly suggest, though, that you get the ADR's you want asap. We saw many people turned away at restaurants for not having ADR.

I would go this time of the year again with no hesitation. I think in a way you do get there ahead of most of the summer crowds. Also, parks are open later than say in the fall or winter.

 

[fuji]

we were there last May and other than MK on Monday, the crowds were not bad. Main Attraction rides were about 20-30 min wait, a little longer in the after-noon. I did use a guide and did everything we wanted to do.

 

[DisneyAunt]

I have been there in May.

Last year I was there Mother's Day weekend during the FLower & Garden the crowds were not bad at all. I was also there the year before for part of Memorial day weekend...also wasn't too bad...but I didn't stay for the rest of the weekend.

I just use the Unofficial Guides advice and never have a problem any time I go.

 

[gardendame]

Thanks for the responses! It is good to know that the crowds aren't too bad.

Now, what about the heat? Tolerable? I know it is not as bad as July or August, but if I have to wait in line I would rather not be sweating

 

[VickiVM]

Heat is tolerable. I have photos of the kids wearing sweat jackets because it was a little cool in the am and late pm. Between say 1 and 5pm, it was pretty warm. Definitely don't want to forget sunscreen.

 

[danj]

end of may is perfect, not too hot and the crowds are very managable

 

[DisneyAunt]

I have always experienced perfect weather in May.

In fact....maybe I shouldn't say this but....in all the times I have been to Disney....it has never rained. I hope I am not jinxing myself!!!!

 

[netposer]

I know this has been posted before, but when doing a search for "May crowds", the word "may" is too common and could not be used. Soooooo - I got results for just "crowds" which could cover just about every day of the year!! I really hate waiting that late to go, especially with the heat, but it doesn't look like any other time will do, unless we wait until Thanksgiving break.
So, just how hot and crowded is the end of May???

Edited to add, the kids get out of school on the 24th and that is why we are looking at that time of year.

In 2001 we went the 2nd week of Jan. Light crowds and even lighter crowds out and about in Orlando. We got lucky and every day was in the 80's. I think that was unseasonably warm.
In 2002 we went in July. Heavy crowds both in and out of the WD parks. Hot and crowded and miserable.
In 2003 and 2004 we went in April. Moderate to light crowds no super long waits. We took advantage of FPs. Weather was nice. I was in shorts the entire time.
In 2005 we went the first week of May. Moderate to light crowds no super long waits. This was the first year I actually did any planning and that made a big difference. We got to the parks early, hit the big attractions first. I don't recall using to many FP's. The weather was nice. Warm but not super hot. Once the sun went down is was nice and cool but not cold.

I hope the crowds are about the same this year (May 12-20). I really hate a crowded park.