Memorial Day Weekend - WWYD?

[aroundtheriverbend]

Hi all, we're flying into WDW the Saturday morning of Memorial Weekend, will probably get to the resort around 10:30 am I would guess. We'll be there for 8 nights, leaving Sunday June 3. Touring plans is predicting 9-10 crowds for most of Memorial weekend and the Tuesday after When we first booked, it was more like 7-8 predicted for that weekend (and that seems to be what it was always historically, according to their numbers). Had a few questions for those who have gone during those times:

1) Do you really think it'll be 9-10 level? What would make this year worse than past years, do you think?

2) What would you do that weekend, particularly on the mid-morning arrival Saturday? I know my kids enough that once they smell we are at Disney, I won't be able to keep them at the resort the whole first day. Would something like Downtown Disney and/or Disney Quest be just as crowd insane, do you think, or would people be rushing the parks due to a limited time-frame weekend?

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!!

 

[MrsH42608]

Hi all, we're flying into WDW the Saturday morning of Memorial Weekend, will probably get to the resort around 10:30 am I would guess. We'll be there for 8 nights, leaving Sunday June 3. Touring plans is predicting 9-10 crowds for most of Memorial weekend and the Tuesday after When we first booked, it was more like 7-8 predicted for that weekend (and that seems to be what it was always historically, according to their numbers). Had a few questions for those who have gone during those times:

1) Do you really think it'll be 9-10 level? What would make this year worse than past years, do you think?

2) What would you do that weekend, particularly on the mid-morning arrival Saturday? I know my kids enough that once they smell we are at Disney, I won't be able to keep them at the resort the whole first day. Would something like Downtown Disney and/or Disney Quest be just as crowd insane, do you think, or would people be rushing the parks due to a limited time-frame weekend?

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!!

We will also be there Mem. Day wkend. I actually just (3 days ago) booked a dinner show for that saturday night (HDDMV). I figured we could swim in the morning (my guys are small so they'll nap in the afternoon) & then head out. I figured if we park at the TTC or something we can take the boat to FW. I hope this helps, its all I could come up with for trying to stay out of the parks if they're really going to be that crowded. Good luck!

 

[disynut]

not sure but maybe it's because so many schools aren't having to use their planned "make-up" days since there was a lack of snow in many parts of the country? I know that's the first thing I thought of when it started looking like we were going to get out early....we are getting out May 17 in our county(KY). We have been during that time before and over the weekend it was crowded but not Easter/Christmas crowded but the weekdays it thinned out.

 

[tay72699]

We are one of those schools out early due to no snow days. We got lucky and are heading down the week before Memorial Day weekend. Add SWW to that weekend also and it will easily be a 10 at DHS.

 

[Disney Princess]

I'm no help, but I would head to a park. We arrive the Sunday morning of Memorial weekend and here is our plan: We'll drop our bags at the resort and hop on a bus to somewhere. We have annual passes, so we aren't "wasting" a park entry day. We don't plan to be able to accomplish a lot. We know it'll be busy. But, we'll enjoy the atmosphere, the sights, the sounds, the smells. We'll try and get on the less popular attractions, see shows, etc. Then, we'll head back in the afternoon for a nap/pool time. Hopefully our room will be ready and we'll settle in. If we're tired, we'll get a good night's sleep and be ready for Monday. If not, we may head back out.

I wouldn't schedule DtD or Disney Quest unless it is something you already want to do and need a day. I wouldn't let the crowds scare you away. If you are going for 8 days, I don't think adding that park day to your tickets will be too much extra. You never know what you might accomplish.

Have fun!!!

 

[DVC-Don]

I'll be there too, but not in the parks.

 

[kphamousbr]

We will be driving from Louisiana and should get there around 3pm . We will go to church Mary Queen of universe and then go to Portobello . It is our plan for the first day when we arrive WDW . Hope to see there . Have a great day .

 

[WDWMom]

We arrive Friday of the holiday weekend. Our plan is to just hang at the pool. We are taking DD21 and a friend so Jellyrolls is on the list for Sat. night. Only doing parks on Sun and Mon.

I was wondering how busy it would be, but we will be going comando since DD loves to do it. She hasn't been to WDW in 2 years and is having major withdrawl.

 

[soulmates]

I've learned to never say NEVER! I said we'd NEVER go back during Spring Break...we're going in 2013! I said we'd NEVER do August again, we've done it twice and lived to tell about it! I said I'd NEVER go on a holiday weekend and our Disneymoon trip was on Columbus Day and YES it was packed! Sooo, I say if you have a great deal GO for it. In the end, you're in Disney World and that in itself is SO much better than home! Good luck.

 

[BrerNashville]

We're going to be there for 8 days beginning saturday of memoridal day weekend. Last year, we arrived on tuesday and stayed through sunday, and the crowds were very manageable. Even though many schools had snow days, I think many northeastern schools go into June on their regular schedule.

What I don't understand, and I'd love someone to share their firsthand experiences, is why Tuesday is a "10" and monday is a "9", while Wednesday drops to a "6"? I would think monday (the holdiay) would be more crowded than tuesday. Was it anyone's experience that Tuesday was "10" crowded last year?

Even though we arrived on Tuesday, we didn't go into any parks that day.

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Thanks for the advice everyone! We've got annual passes, so maybe we just "go with the flow" for the first day and see what we feel like doing.

I second BrerNashville's question - what's up with the Monday/Tuesday crowds? I emailed Touring Plans, here's the answer I got (although still doesn't quite answer it):

To: webmaster@touringplans.com

Hi, just wondering if you could help me understand why you are rating the 2012 Memorial Weekend all 9's and 10's, when in the past 2 years according to your history data it was 8/9 in 2011 and 7/8 in 2010. Something special about 2012, or are crowds just up overall? Thank you!

Allison


Hi Allison!

First let me thank you for using Touring Plans! You are correct that Memorial Day weekend is a predicted to be a bit higher this year. Last year Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were all 9s and Monday was an 8. This year Friday and Monday are both 9s and Saturday and Sunday are both 10s.

One of the reasons is that Star Wars Weekends are at Hollywood Studios. Memorial Day weekend is the second weekend for this event, but it seems to get more popular by the year. Also, crowds seem to be slightly on the rise park-wide. In general, this is a small change and using a Touring Plan and arriving at park opening will help you stay ahead of any crowds.

I hope this answered your question. Thanks again!

 

[Anal Annie]

We went for a 4 night weekend over Memorial Day a few years ago (back when not only was it Star Wars but also still Flower & Garden Festival) and I honestly didn't think it was all that bad...no worse than summer anyway. Of course HS was crammed full of 3' tall Jedi's...but I really didn't think the crowds were unbearable. (We just got back last week from spring break and THAT is crowded.)