May 1-7

[Liam'sMimi]

I doubt it matters. Most people say use it earlier in the trip because you may be too tired to get up early by the end. I have to think that most people rushing to TL on the 4th at opening will be going for merchandise. If you were going to use MM for mostly FL you probably won't even notice it until a few hours later when the lines in TL really have time to build. It all depends what Disney does this year. If they don't get up photo ops in the walkways again, and people are flocking to Launch Bay, it wouldn't be as noticeable either. Like PP said, just expect all days to be crowded, because they probably will be, and be pleasantly surprised if they're not.

Thanks.......it's crazy how much I worry about things I can't control. I thought choosing early May was smart. We were at DL last year late August and it was pretty busy, but manageable. I hope it's similar this trip. We do have Parkhoppers so that should help and I think I have a handle on using Fastpasses. I just want to add that this forum is a tremendous help.....Thanks to all who take the time to answer questions and offer advice. You're the best!

I doubt it matters. Most people say use it earlier in the trip because you may be too tired to get up early by the end. I have to think that most people rushing to TL on the 4th at opening will be going for merchandise. If you were going to use MM for mostly FL you probably won't even notice it until a few hours later when the lines in TL really have time to build. It all depends what Disney does this year. If they don't get up photo ops in the walkways again, and people are flocking to Launch Bay, it wouldn't be as noticeable either. Like PP said, just expect all days to be crowded, because they probably will be, and be pleasantly surprised if they're not.

 

[SMD]

Thanks.......it's crazy how much I worry about things I can't control. I thought choosing early May was smart. We were at DL last year late August and it was pretty busy, but manageable. I hope it's similar this trip. We do have Parkhoppers so that should help and I think I have a handle on using Fastpasses. I just want to add that this forum is a tremendous help.....Thanks to all who take the time to answer questions and offer advice. You're the best!

Late August is a whole different animal. If you found that manageable, you'll be fine. Some people see "ghost town" and come back disappointed that they weren't first of the day to get on Peter Pan, couldn't jump between rides that were walk-ons and FP still run out before noon for popular rides. The main things you're going to notice that are different are shorter hours, less weekday nighttime entertainment (no fireworks) and ride refurbs.

 

[Leopardstars]

I don't think you can trust any of those sites that estimate the crowds. I just go in assuming it will be packed, no matter what. If its not, it will be a pleasant surprise.

I tend to agree - just be prepared for it to be busy. The sites can be useful to gauge how busy one day might be to the next, but I believe they are losing their ability to accurately predict the crowd level. Unofficial guide stated our trip (March 26 - 30) would be 8, 7/8, 7, 6, 6. About a month out they increased to 8, 8, 7, 7, 7. Once the day was over, what we actually saw would be considered 10/10 crowd levels. That said, there were times when we were ahead of the crowd in the parks and could just walk on some rides. When that happened it was a nice surprise.

 

[SMD]

In some ways those sites can't estimate crowds very far in advance because Disney gives very little notice for their promos and events. And sometimes their popularity grows even more as news gets out.

But if they called every day a 10 out of 10, fewer people would go and pay for the services those sites sell. That's partly why they reconfigured crowd levels. The other reasons being it is more crowded all of the time. So a 10 last year is likely an 8 now.

 

[longboard55]

Bats day is a pretty big deal, not sure if they go on rides, mostly take pictures

 

[Nicole pidgeon]

I know there is a giant cheer competition may 5-7