May 5, 2005 Question

[SAWYERMAW1]

I have ressies for 4/30 - 5/7 at POFQ. Now, after hearing about all the May 5, 2005, activities, I wonder if I should change my vacation. I picked this week looking for small crowds. Would I be smart to change to the first week in March, the last week of April, the second week in May, or just keep the week I have? Any advice would be appreciated. I always to try to plan my Disney trips around small crowds. I couldn't believe it when I read about the May 5 plans. Now I just don't know what to do!! HELP!!

 

[n2mm]

If you are looking for smaller crowds, then you might want to avoid this week. I believe the last week of April might be your better choice. I'll be there the first and second weeks of May and am preparing myself for the festivities.

 

[WDSearcher]

I agree with n2mm.

If small crowds are your most important thing, then you'll need to choose another week. However, one thing about choosing the last week of April -- all of the rehearsals for special event shows will be taking place, and they'll be "loading in" any special stages, decor, etc. Which may mean that hours are a bit irregular. Earlier in March will be a better bet.

 

[n2mm]

WDWSearcher, you're right as usual. I forgot about the pre arrangements. Sort of like before super soap weekend when they have that darn stage set up in front of the hat making it impossible to take any nice MGM hat pictures. I personally can't wait for the kick off. I arranged my schedule to make sure I was THERE for it!

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

WDWSearcher - do you think the crowds from May 5 would carry over into Mother's Day week? I'm not sure I'll have enough money saved by early March. I'm thinking about changing my ressies to arrive on May 7 and leave on May 14. We usually don't go to the parks on weekends so that would put us visiting the parks starting on May 9. Does that sound safe as far as crowds?
Thanks for all your help!!

 

[WDSearcher]

There's really no way to tell. Usually, the press folks disappear as soon as the Press Event stuff is over, but then you've got all those people who have been waiting to visit until all the "new stuff" is up and operational. Of the choices you gave in your original post, early March will still be the best. But it's safe to say that the crowds the week following the press events will be less than the crowds during it. How MUCH less, however, is anyone's guess.

I'm sorry I can't be more specific, but it's an inexact science.

 

[Terk-1]

What's going on on May 5th? I was planning on going to WDW for a quick trip the weekend of May 6th.

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

Terk-1
You can find out more info on a search but briefly here is what is going on:

"As Disneyland prepares to mark its 50th anniversary, Walt Disney World officials today announced plans to join in "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" beginning next May and they showcased events and new features in store for the current summer season in the Florida Vacation Kingdom.

During "The Happiest Celebration on Earth," which begins May 5, 2005, each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks will feature a blockbuster attraction imported from around the globe -- plus a unique new attraction will be created just for the Florida resort."

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey, thanks ntmm! I am the one who started the thread (now a page or two back...) called "heavy questions re: 05/05/05".

If you have been to MK during this kind of special event - What kind of 'Festivities' do you think may be going on. I am talking about ON Kick-off day 05/05/05.

Sorry for all the questions... But I have not been to Disney, except once when I was a kid. So I kinda wonder how much might be going on? I feel like I don't know what to expect. I mean, I don't know if the MK will be closing early that day for press events... Or if it will be going full swing all day and into the night???

we WILL be there on May 5th!
See Ya!

 

[WDSearcher]

"Festivities" will generally be closed to the public and for press only, and will be held after the park closes. One park may close particularly early (during the Millennium kick-off, Epcot closed at 3pm) so that the press party can be held.

In-park, open-to-anyone-who-happens-to-be-there activities may include dedications (or re-dedications) of new or rehabbed attractions or special announcements of new shows or coming attractions. You'll probably see a lot of press people and cameras -- everyone from the Good Morning, America gang to the local Iowa news -- and there will likely be a fair amount of stars around, particularly if they're doing pre-filming for future Disney specials.

You can expect very large crowds, particularly in the MK, and a lot of roped-off areas for parades, so that press people can get good shots.

It's either really fun and exciting or really annoying, depending on your take!