Memorial Weekend - How Bad?

[suevee]

I am planning a trip to WDW over Memorial Weekend for just my husband, me and maybe my mother-in-law, if we can convince her. This is the only time we can go. It is really important that my husband and MIL have a place to relax and have some magic as we are going through a very rough time right now. My husband's brother has been battling pancreatic cancer for three years now and he is losing the battle. The doctors give him three weeks at the most. So as I can do nothing else, I am trying to plan a time for my husband and his mom to just , I don't know, be able to escape for awhile.

So any info about WDW over Memorial Weekend would be greatly appreciated. We have been in early June before, but have always avoided holiday weekends. Thanks

 

[WDSearcher]

Well ... it will be quite crowded, and it will be starting to get quite hot and humid. Nothing like in July and August, but you'll feel it. The crowds won't approach Christmas / Easter levels, but you can expect to have some pretty long waits for popular rides, with Fast Passes going early.

However ... if your object is to have some "together time" and relax, then I think you should try to find a spot at a resort like Old Key West, where there is a lot of room, beautiful pools, and a nice comfortable atmosphere. Let your MIL hang out on the deck or by the pool, and save the parks for the nighttime when it's cooler and less humid. Maybe spend a day by the pool and then go into Epcot for dinner and fireworks. Or get up early to see Animal Kingdom, but be back home by noon to nap and relax. I wouldn't try to push it in the parks -- if your MIL is just wanting some downtime, she can get just as much magic from a few well-chosen hours as she can from a full day of park touring.

 

[suevee]

Thank you. We are staying at Shades of Green. It only has 600 rooms and two pools. The rooms are very big and comfortable. Also MIL is a military widow and will feel more comfortable with other military families. I am trying not to plan anything, really. I want to take it easy but at the same time I am not sure crowd-wise what we will be dealing with. As I said before we have been in early June and we love the heat. In fact, we may just drive over to one of the Florida beaches and spend the day. My MIL does love fireworks, so Wishes would be a must. I think she would also like the Flower Show at Epcot. I just hope she will go with us. Now, I guess I am just trolling, trying to take control of something that will bring smiles to their faces.

 

[Grumpy92]

It will be pretty busy. FP will go early, resort resv for the weekend have been very busy.
You have the right attitude to just take it as it comes, dont rush or insist that you do everything.
This is a great idea to just get them away.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I've noticed that activity at the resorts starts to pick up on the Thursday before Memorial Day and parks (especially MK) get really busy on Saturday. I think the crowds can be manageable ... just make sure you're prepared for slightly longer wait times.

 

[suevee]

Thanks for the help. We will be getting in Friday night and leaving on Wednesday. I think Saturday will be a getting adjusted day and just relaxing. I think we will be most likely to do the parks on Monday and Tuesday. Like I said this is to be a take a breath and relax trip, so no rushing anywhere.

 

[anne930]

We were there last Memorial Day weekend - it wasn't as crowded as I was expecting. We did everything we planned on doing - but tried not to do too much, if you know what I mean. Do make sure you have priority seatings, though and don't forget the sunscreen. We very much enjoyed the Flower & Garden Festival, even though it was quite warm by then and the heat was starting to take its toll on the flowers.

I hope you are all able to go and relax - Mickey has a "special" way of taking away your troubles.

 

[susy]

I agree with taking it easy-spend your afternoons by the pool and go to the parks early or late. Be prepared for your MIL not to want to go, though. A few years ago, my MIL's brother (he was in his 50's) was battling cancer and when he passed, his mom wanted to die. Even though she had other children , grandchildren and family around her. Even though she thought she was prepared, she wasn't. She was in a deep depression for a very long time. I would suggest some counseling for her or a support group, if she's not going already.

 

[suevee]

Thank you for all your advice. I am not expecting anything from my MIL. She may not even come. She is a very strong lady, but I know this is devastating for her.

 

[susy]

suevee,

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!!!

 

[100%Disney]

We were there last year at that time, it wasn't that bad, July is much worse. We just avoided MK on Saturday, we also avoided MGM on the weekends because of the Star Wars weekends. Epcot and AK were great on the weekends. We will be there 5/21-6/1 I'm not the least bit worried about the crowds.