overcrowding over memorial day weekend.

[backpew5]

Just needing some feedback from others who have gone before us. We are planning our trip from May26-June 1, 05 and are getting a little worried that we will encounter horrible crowds. The last trip we went on was the week after Christmas through the first week of the new year and it was awful. It was wall to wall people with only a shuffle speed with a stroller in all parks except MGM. What can we expect?

 

[LindaR]

If you don't like crowds........you sure are picking some crowded times to go!

Seriously, I have been Memorial Day weekend in 2003 and 2004 and did not think the crowds were bad. Previously, we had gone in Sept and early Dec which is low season, so we were concerned about our first May trip. That being said, you DO have to do some planning. Arriving early, using fastpass, making PS.......just common sense things to "help" you have a wonderful time.

Have fun!

 

[dizagain]

Just needing some feedback from others who have gone before us. We are planning our trip from May26-June 1, 05 and are getting a little worried that we will encounter horrible crowds. The last trip we went on was the week after Christmas through the first week of the new year and it was awful. It was wall to wall people with only a shuffle speed with a stroller in all parks except MGM. What can we expect?

Hi! My family will be there at the same time, arriving on the 25th and leaving the 1st...where are you staying? We're at POFQ. Anyway, I'm a little worried as well, but from what I've been reading, it's not NEARLY as bad as what you had on your Christmas trip. Keep positive and have fun!!! Anyone have any GOOD news to share about this subject?

 

[fljelad]

Oooh, we'll be there from 5/26 til 5/29 when our cruise begins. I am deluding myself into thinking that the Thursday won't be as crowded as the Saturday so we're doing MK right away and then we'll do Epcot and AK on the second and third day. This is our first trip so I honestly don't know what to expect!!

We'll be staying at AKL.

 

[WDSearcher]

The week after Christmas is historically the busiest week of the year at WDW, so that should help explain those crowds! Memorial Day weekend won't approach what you encountered during Christmas week, but it will be crowded. You'll need to have PS's made for any restaurant you particularly want to visit, and you'll need to be prepared for lines and some long wait times at popular attractions. Utilize FastPass whenever you can, and plan a few afternoons away from the parks and hanging out by the pool. Go in early -- Memorial Day weekend at WDW is not a time to sleep in!

 

[Mickey Fliers]

We went Memorial Day weekend 2003 and we thought the crowds were pretty bad. We were in the MK on the Sunday before Memorial Day and it was literally wall-to-wall people through Fantasyland. Not kidding, shoulder to shoulder. We didn't arrive at the crack of dawn (I hate meeting up with people who are slow to get going ) so we paid the price for that. You can certainly manage the crowds if you do a little pre-planning. If it helps, we went back to the MK on the Monday, Memorial Day, and didn't think the crowds were nearly as bad as the day before.

Don't stress about it. Plan as best you can and have a great time.

 

[dischick4778]

We went Memorial weekend 2003 and thought it was fine. Usually we go in August, so Memorial weekend was much better. The only thing that was tough was getting dinner reservations for 4 in the parks. I would suggest calling ahead. But otherwise you should be fine. Have fun!!

 

[backpew5]

Which of the weekend days will be the worst? or is it Monday that will actually be a disaster? We will be staying at the BWV. Anybody know about the view for fireworks from there. We might just stay in the night that is supposed to be the worst.

 

[kilee]

I was wondering the same thing. We were originally looking for a quick trip this February, but due to several family reasons we feel it's best to postpone for awhile. So, rather than go mid-late April, we may as well hold out a few more weeks and see the new attractions. I was thinking Memorial Day weekend as DS has off school for 5 days---but I'm still playing w/ some days.

I've been at Easter, so I don't think the crowds could be any worse than that (however I'd even be willing to hope for a hair less????).

 

[LindaR]

MK seems to be the park that has the biggest problem with crowds. I never to to MK on a Saturday nor would I go on a holiday. We go to Epcot, AK, and MGM and then MK (Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues) when we go on Mem. weekend. It has worked for us. If you go to the parks EARLY, leave for a midday break and return later in the evening (families with young kids have usually worn the kids out by then because they don't seem to take breaks!) it is very manageable. Plan each meal and make a PS for your sit-down places ASAP. If you plan to do a water park, be there a little before the posted opening time (they fill up incredibly fast).

 

[WDSearcher]

Which of the weekend days will be the worst? or is it Monday that will actually be a disaster? We will be staying at the BWV. Anybody know about the view for fireworks from there. We might just stay in the night that is supposed to be the worst.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend will all be equally crowded. Monday will be crowded early in the day, but those crowds will drop off a bit as the day goes on, as people complete their Memorial Day vacations and head back to airports to travel home. But there's really no day that weekend that will be "less crowded."

 

[shannon1219]

We went on memorial week in 2004 and found that it was crowded but managable. If you plan ahead, use fast pass and plan on a mid-day break it isn't so bad. I recommend using the Unofficial Guide to Disney World, it has a lot of tips in it.