How is Disneyland in May?

[helenk]

I've been reading and planning forever..going back and forth about making a trip to DLR. I've been to WDW about 18 times and I'm really excited to go to California to see the original.
I'd like to go before the summer crowds, and May fits into my schedule. I have a few questions.

1) When do they post the hours and entertainment ?
2) Are most of the parades etc operating this time of year?
And
3) How are the crowds this time of year?

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

I cant really answer any of your questions specifically, but here is a link to the 2008 park/entertainment hours. It should give you a general idea of what to expect in 09

http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-dlr2-200805.asp

 

[HydroGuy]

I've been reading and planning forever..going back and forth about making a trip to DLR. I've been to WDW about 18 times and I'm really excited to go to California to see the original.
I'd like to go before the summer crowds, and May fits into my schedule. I have a few questions.

1) When do they post the hours and entertainment ?

Usually 2-4 months in advance. Not nearly as far in advance as WDW partly because DLR does not take dining reservation until 60 days prior.

Things usually do not change that much from year to year. Here was May 2008:

www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200805.asp

2) Are most of the parades etc operating this time of year?

Many are, but entertainment is reduced more than at WDW. May is more like off-season and the excellent RDCT fireworks show, Fantasmic and Disney Electrical Parade are shown on weekends only.

Here are some guidelines on off-season which will apply to May: "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

3) How are the crowds this time of year?

I have not been in May for a long time but will be there in 2009. Others with first hand experience should chime in but from what other say the crowds are moderate except on weekends. DLR is more lumpy than WDW in that weekends tend to be busier year round than weekdays because there are many more local day trip visitors than at WDW.

Have a great trip! DLR is a special place and man WDW vets find it surprisingly good in light of their low expectations.

 

[jakoky]

hi there, we were there in may 06 from the 12th to the 22nd... ...it was awesome, low crowds and great weather, sunny and in the 80's...it was actually much hotter back in bc that year...because we were there for so long, we chose to go in on 4 weekdays and one weekend day to see fireworks...the weekend was very busy, but the weekdays were awesome...we were in sept 07 and it actually seemed a little busier than may was...we are headed back from may 2-12 in 09 We will be celebrating my oldest dd's 18th and mothers day...have a great trip and maybe we will be there at the same time, we will be at the HOJO's or Candy Cane Inn

sharon

me, dh, dd -17, ds -15, dd -13

DEC 04-WDW-9 nights at the POP.. .first disney experience for dh and all my kids...i had been to DL 8 or 9 times by the time i was 13 and finally after a long wait,at 35, i got my next disney experience...it was sooooo worth it

MAY 06-DL-10 nights at the CCI...

SEPT 07-DL-10 nights at the HOJO...

NEXT TRIP- MAY 2-12th 09....celebrating my dd's 18th, her graduation and mother's day and just missing my 40th ...10 nights at either HOJO's or CCI...

 

[helenk]

Many are, but entertainment is reduced more than at WDW. May is more like off-season and the excellent RDCT fireworks show, Fantasmic and Disney Electrical Parade are shown on weekends only.

Hmmm I would love to see the Electrical Parade again, the last time I saw it was back in 1999 at WDW when it was there for the Millenium celebration. I will make sure I include a weekend in my scheduled days!

 

[Jperiod]

We were there this past May and went ON memorial day, tuesday, and wednesday. It was great. Since Memorial Day was part of the holiday weekend, they had all the parades and fireworks going that day. One might assume it would be crowded on Memorial Day, but it's actually not (it's not even an AP block out day!) since most people are driving home or BBQing with the family at home. It seemed to be the best of both worlds between low season and DL gearing up for the summer just the next week. So we had longer hours, no closures, and CA schools were still in session. I think the Parade of Dreams was going everyday too.

 

[Leofoenget]

MAY is and Excellent time to go. We went Mothers day (sunday) and about 3 days more. Weekend was busy but during the week was wonderful. Perfect weather low crowds. Once it gets to Memorial day it gets more busy

 

[jason417]

We went this last May. We were there on a weekend and the crowds were the same as the weekdays we went in June and August this summer.

It was 101 degrees on the Saturday we were there in May, but I'm sure that's not common.

 

[kiwi1]

We were there May 21 - 31 and it was great. Mostly low crowds - temps varied but I'd go again in May no problems

 

[DitzyMom]

We went in last couple days of April, first week of May in 2006; it was wonderful! No lines for any attractions during the week. Weekends were crazy toward the evening hours for Fantasmic and the fireworks, otherwise we LOVED it. Going again in 2009 same week!

 

[nunzia]

We went May 14-17. The entertainment was good..parades daily, but fireworks and Fantasmic only on weekend nights. The crowds on week days were great, Friday more crowded and Saturday pretty horrendous as would be expected. However..be aware that temperatures can vary wildly. It hit 105 during our stay and was miserable for especially the littler ones. Then after we left the temps were back to 70's and 80's. Just something to consider.

 

[helenk]

We went May 14-17. The entertainment was good..parades daily, but fireworks and Fantasmic only on weekend nights. The crowds on week days were great, Friday more crowded and Saturday pretty horrendous as would be expected. However..be aware that temperatures can vary wildly. It hit 105 during our stay and was miserable for especially the littler ones. Then after we left the temps were back to 70's and 80's. Just something to consider.

I'll be travelling solo, so I'll be able to pace myself if it gets too hot. I've been to WDW in July and it was horrid, hot and humid. Here's hoping California will be nicer than that.

 

[Leofoenget]

Regarding the post that said it hit 105. I'm sure it did happen but it was a fluke. I would not worry it would happen again. Chances are it will be mild and nice

 

[helenk]

Well, I decided May would be a great time of year for me to go, so I called and I booked the DLH for May 3rd to May 8th I am using my developer points that I got for buying into the DVC. Now I just have to wait for Southwest to open their flight times, I have enough rapid rewards for a free flight so here's hoping I can get good flights

 

[nunzia]

Regarding the post that said it hit 105. I'm sure it did happen but it was a fluke. I would not worry it would happen again. Chances are it will be mild and nice

That is true..it will only happen again if I am there I'm going again in January, so expect a blizzard...