How is the week before Memorial Day?

[angelat]

Well, I had hoped to go to WDW the week of Mother's Day next year, but my StepDD's mother thinks that is a bad week to take her out of school. So, I pose this question to you all...

How is the week BEFORE Memorial Day? Is it typically crowded and hot? Or hot and not so crowded? Or moderate heat and crowded or not?

Thanks for any info you can give!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

It's been 5 years since we went that week, but it wasn't too bad. Friday was somewhat crowded, and we left Saturday so I can't tell you about the weekend right before Memorial Day.

The weather was hot during the day, but not miserable. The evenings were pleasant.

 

[angelat]

Thanks K's Mommy!

Anyone else care to share their thoughts?

 

[tzolkin]

... better than the week after Memorial Day

We've gone for 9 and 12 nights the past two years with the Memorial Weekend right in the middle of our trip. The first part of the trip was definitely less crowded than the weekend and the beginning of the next week.

It was not too hot (better than the summer), but we also have little ones and went back to the room for a nap during the hottest part of the afternoon anyway. Unfortunately this year we arrived the day some major storms started. It rained every day of our trip-- not the regular daily summer shower, heavy rain for hours at a time. DH & I grew up in FL and had never experienced that before, so I think it was a fairly freak thing. (Every day the news indicated it was record breaking.) The previous year, the weather was perfect the whole trip.

We will not go this year, but we will go in May again whenever we are able to go back.

 

[angelat]

What kind of wait time is there during this time? Can we expect something like 30 minutes on big rides, or are we looking at more like and hour??

Thanks in advance everyone!!!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My DH refuses to wait in line for more than 30 minutes so I know you can do it without long wait times. We are good at Fast Pass and having as many as we can at one time. We usually get to the parks by 9:30 if we don't do EMH, grab a Fast Pass, and then stand in line for a different big ride.

 

[angelat]

anyone else who cares to add their 2 cents? Did anyone happen to go this year the week before Memorial Day and can let me know your experience??
Thanks!

 

[LilAnn]

We didn't go this past year, but I think it was 2 years before the week before Memorial Day. The weather was hot, but not too humid, so it was fine. In terms of crowds, we arrived earlier on in the week and were able to hit up all 4 parks and do all the major attractions within 2-3 days! We definitely saw an increase in the crowds as the weekend drew closer, especially Friday and Saturday. We were so glad we came in earlier. The evenings were cool so it was perfect to continue visiting the parks.

One thing that bothered me, but I know doesn't bother a lot of people. The year we went, the lovebugs were out in full force. I am not a fan of bugs, so that was the only damper on our trip. I don't know when they come out, I think it varies from year to year. Anyways, have fun planning! I think it's a great time to go!

 

[angelat]

Wow, I thought more people might have thrown in their opinions on this week. Anyone else care to share their experiences?

 

[tzolkin]

What kind of wait time is there during this time? Can we expect something like 30 minutes on big rides, or are we looking at more like and hour??

If you get there right at opening (and especially during AM EMH) you should be able to get right on many attractions. In the afternoons and evenings the wait times will be at least an hour for the major attractions in every park.

With three young children, we have never waited for anything for more than 20mins. We use FP and do the attractions with shorter waits during the busy times.

 

[Cadiewampus]

Wow, I thought more people might have thrown in their opinions on this week. Anyone else care to share their experiences?

A couple of years ago my youngest son and I went the Wed after and it was pretty much deserted. We got to ride Expedition Everest 11 times over a couple of days. It was great. We were there till Sunday and I think the longest line we waited in was Rock n Roll Roller Coaster one time and it was only 45 minutes. Every other time we road it it was only about 25 minutes

 

[disneymomjcs]

We have gone on a Mother Daughter trip for the last 4 years in late August. It is hot but crowds aren't bad at all. We did the early entry park and had lots of time to hang at the pool and relax and go back at night.

Toughest ticket in town was still Toy Story Midway Mania. But we'd hop on first thing or get a fast pass. We would leave right before Memorial Day or on that day as school started the next day.

Have a great time.

 

[PollyannaMom]

We've gone that week and loved it! Like someone else said, it will get busy toward the Memorial Day weekend itself, but just use the crowd calendar to plan your parks carefully, and you should be fine. The weather is hot, but not horrible, and you're squeaking in right before the chances of rain go up. Have a great time!