Nervous about upcoming trip for May 5 celebration

[kellymouse]

I am really nervous about my upcoming trip. I planned it for April 30-May 7 thinking that this would be a good time to come and that it would be not be crowded. Now, after reading some things on here I am worried that I made a big mistake and wish I had made it one week later. Should I change my ressie and pay the extra $ the airlines is going to charge me or just hope and pray it won't be too bad? I am scared everything will be closed early for parties and too crowded!
Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[DebbieB]

It's hard to say. I would check into how much it would cost to change it before you decide. I don't think it's going to be that bad. There may be early park closings (probably not more than 1 per night) but that may discourage the crowds. I was there for Walt's 100th birthday press event in 2001 and people on this board were freaking out about that, some people even cancelled or rescheduled. Pop Warner was also that week. Hours were cut after 9/11. Turned out not to be crowded at all and we worked around the early park closings (I think MGM closed at 3:00 one day).

 

[n2mm]

If you want to avoid the activities, it might be worth it to you to check to see how much it would cost. We do know right now that there is a press even at MGM and EPCOT on May 4th. Not sure if both are closing early, but looks like EPCOT may be since there are no PS available on the evening of May 4th. I think the news will start filtering in as it's released. I, on the other hand, planned to be there. Yes I want to be in the center of all of the activities. But we are there 2 weeks, so if the first week is wild, I still have the second week to relax. Only the May hours/calendar will tell how this is going to affect the first week and we have a long time until they are released. Good luck on whatever you plan to do.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I still don't think it is going to be all that bad. I think you will be fine.
This is the way i see it... yes it will be more crowded than a usual first week in May but the kids are still in school and people are not going to pull their kids out of school just for this when they will be able to experience the same thing when school gets out.
I think I would avoid MK on that day due to all the press but other than that I really think you won't have any problems with big crowds.
We'll keep our fingers crossed for you!!!
My husband and I are going the week before. I really wish we were going the week you are since crowds will be worse when we are there.

 

[DebbieB]

I don't think MK is going to be the spotlight for the press. I think it will be more MGM for the Stunt Show and Epcot for Soarin'. They already mentioned a press party for MGM on the AP page.

 

[keagansmom]

bumping

 

[tjkraz]

Go ahead. Reschedule. We won't miss 'ya.

 

[rhiansmom]

I'm coming on the 6th and staying for a week. When booking my tickets a few weeks ago I had my choice of any hotel and many of the hotels had good rooms available. I'm using that as part of my guide (and maybe wishful thinking) that the park won't be that crowded.

We are doing a lot of character meals and special events (pirate cruise, cooking with goofy, princess tea party, family magic tour) so I know we will have an awesome time with or without the crowds.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

rhiansmom "cooking with Goofy" Is this the same as the Grand Adventures in Cooking at the GF or something entirely different? Looking for something fun to do for my boys (7 and 5) and we have already done the pirate cruise. Any help would be great.


edited to add: We will be at the SOG from the 7th-13th. Maybe we will see you there

 

[n2mm]

I don't think MK is going to be the spotlight for the press. I think it will be more MGM for the Stunt Show and Epcot for Soarin'. They already mentioned a press party for MGM on the AP page.

Again DebbieB is correct. MK will be kicking off their show and there will probably be something there, but so far it's EPCOT on the 4th & 5th, and MGM on the evening of May 4th. But am sure there is still more info to come.

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

It's more of a press event than anything. But, if you feel you don't want to risk it, one less family there won't bother me! I like low crowds myself!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I am also thinking along the lines that the crowds may be somewhat more than usual... But, may not be that bad. I mean, schools are still in session.. This celebration last for months... There really is no huge compelling reason for everybody in the world to be flocking to the parks on that given day.

On another forum here, there is a huge thread with everybody who is going in May. There is no preponderance of DISers who are planning to be there that week. Most are going later in May, for their own personal reasons and schedule. I think I remember reading something by a Disney travel expert, somewhere else online, that sounded like "Yawn.... another big celebration... Disney seems to have these things every so often...." (remember the Castle looking like a big melting Cake!)

Yes, this week at WDW may have some things going on... And the press is likely to be out full force. But, with some planning, I am hoping to have a wonderful visit to the Magic Kingdom!

I just want to know more about the planned Press Events!!!! I wanna see that May Schedule!!!

 

[kellymouse]

Unfortunately, to change my airline tickets is almost as much as I originally paid for them, so looks like I will be there! Oh well, I'm still going to Disney World!!!

 

[LoveMickey]

We are going the week before, leaving for WDW on 4/26 and returning on 5/4.

Do you think those times will be busy? I booked at this time, thinking we may get to see some "soft openings" but go home before the big day.


Is there a thread which list the "happening" events?

 

[Wishing on a star]

There is word of one closing for Press Events, on May 4th.. You will see some recent threads on this. We will want to keep our eyes glued for Disney to release the May Calendar Schedules for sure!!!

My gut feeling continues to tell me that May 5th, and the days before and after, will not be really bad. Another example of why, is that during this last week (90 days out) DISers have not had a hard time making reservations for things like Cindy's Breakfast... Which is often almost Impossible to get!

I asked about PS at the Castle for May 4th... (called later in the day) I was asking about just ANY time... Lunch.. Dinner.. whenever. The lady on the line said that she did not have anything at all... which tells me that May 4th might also have Cindy's Royal Table reserved for Press Events going on at MK as well. Just like the people who found that nothing was being made available at one of the other Parks.

I had no problem whatsoever making any PS I wanted for May 5th when I called on that morning.

I am just looking forward to taking DS (and my DH) on their first visit to the Magic Kingdom!