May visitors- check out this crowd blog

[ValerieK]

We will be there 4/28-5/3.

I just called to change my PS's around and I had no problem getting the times I wanted. It was the same when I called to make the original PS's on April 4. I even managed to get a CRT ressie for 4/30 when I called on 4/2.

 

[DrTomorrow]

First, thanks so much to Len "Cassandra" Testa for making a good faith effort at providing us with some guidance (heh, "Guide-ance". I crack me up!).

Second, in case anyone's missed it, Disney is having some little get-together called The Happiest Celebration on Earth! Even here in AZ, we've been bombarded with print and TV ads for WDW for months. And the date that's been pushed and pushed is May 5th. How can anyone be surprised that crowd estimates will be higher than typical for this time of year?

Third, liveforthemagic, you said "I am taking my kids out of school a week and a half early to benefit from the Level 3 crowds..." I'm certain that a lot of other families are also doing this, too.

Fourth, dcibrando said "those that were planning on going to Disney this year aren't necessarily going to change their reservations to May for the Celebration when it lasts all year long!". Not sure I agree. If I were planning on a WDW trip this summer, and heard about this massive Celebration, the first thing I'd think is "Boy, this summer's going to be NUTS!" and I might indeed either move up (May) or back (Oct-Nov) my WDW plans.

Finally, DW and I will be there (SOON! ) from 4/29 - 5/6; our 25th wedding anniversary is May 2 - and that's a date that was picked, oh, about 25 years ago! The crowds will end up being exactly what they are, and while Len's good advice might help us mitigate them, we can't change them. But we're still going to have a great trip! <insert "Serenity Prayer.doc">

Be well!

 

[Poohbear123]

I feel it will be VERY busy the week of May 1-7th, and maybe slow down some the 9-11th.....I am hoping anyway, as I plan on doing the Parks these days, and expect NO wait! LOL! Yea, right.....

 

[Stitch Inside]

First, thanks so much to Len "Cassandra" Testa for making a good faith effort at providing us with some guidance (heh, "Guide-ance". I crack me up!).

Second, in case anyone's missed it, Disney is having some little get-together called The Happiest Celebration on Earth! Even here in AZ, we've been bombarded with print and TV ads for WDW for months. And the date that's been pushed and pushed is May 5th. How can anyone be surprised that crowd estimates will be higher than typical for this time of year?

I don't think anyone is surprised that crowd estimates are higher than typical. What's surprising is how much higher Len's estimates are. I don't see it being Easter/Christmas crowded at WDW from now through May. As stated before, hours have yet to be extended, many rooms are still available for that first week of May, and no one seems to have had problems getting PSs. We'll be prepared for 8's but we'll be praying for 4's.
Anyway, Congratulations on 25! We just celebrated our 10th in January.

 

[dcibrando]

Dr. Tomorrow... I just don't see many parents able or willing to take their kids out of school in May

 

[corndog]

Second, in case anyone's missed it, Disney is having some little get-together called The Happiest Celebration on Earth! . . . How can anyone be surprised that crowd estimates will be higher than typical for this time of year?

I'd buy that if there weren't always a celebration going on: 100 years of magic, millineum celebration, 25 years of wdw, etc. It's always something.

 

[OKSTATE99]

I'd buy that if there weren't always a celebration going on: 100 years of magic, millineum celebration, 25 years of wdw, etc. It's always something.

Exactly. Anyone at Walt's 100 Birthday party remember the crowds? IF I wasnt planning a trip, I wouldnt go just because of the 50th. I might stay away in all seriousiness. As you see I am going the week afterwards (May 8 - 14). I am thinking a 5 is about right. Lets hope so, my trip last June ranged from 7-8 so that would be a break to us.

 

[MickeyGirl555]

Im sorry if this has been said before but the week April 25-29 is school vaction for most of the northeast. I just don't see how that could cause crowds to be an 8. Really isn't that close to level at Christmas time. And during Christmas almost all of the schools are off for vacation.

 

[DMRick]

Im sorry if this has been said before but the week April 25-29 is school vaction for most of the northeast. I just don't see how that could cause crowds to be an 8. Really isn't that close to level at Christmas time. And during Christmas almost all of the schools are off for vacation.

Our school vacation started today, and lots of people are in Disney, so I expect it to be high this week. I don't buy a 7 or 8 in the third week of May, however. The last 2 Mays (and as mentioned, there is always a celebration of some type) have been very nice times to go. We do notice that more people hang around the "busy" pools that time of year, but the parks seem quiet to us, with more "grown ups" in Epcot for the flower show. We've had no problems with PS's, room additions, etc. In any case, we'll go with the flow, if it suddenly gets busier.

 

[kellyandkids]

Dr. Tomorrow... I just don't see many parents able or willing to take their kids out of school in May

Well how's this for a laugh? I am a TEACHER, AND I am pulling my two high school sons out of school to go to Disney (and messing up their exemption from final exams!)I know, shame on me But, I figured this was our last real family vacation before one is off to college. So Disney here we come - crowds or not!
And just wondering Len, do you have any updated info for your blog this evening?