Pros and Cons of early May vs. late May

[SFMommy]

I am debating if we should take our first trip to WDW the first week of May 2016 or the week after Memorial Day. This would be a week-long trip to celebrate our DD turning 10! These are my pros and cons.

Early May Pros - not as hot, less crowded, DD is still 9, F&G at Epcot, no SWW
Early May Cons - DD misses 5 days of school, DH uses 5 vacation days

Late May Pros - last week of school for DD (so less important in terms of missing school work), DH only uses 4 vacation days
Late May Cons - hotter, more crowded, SWW, DD is 10 ($)

Anything else to add that we should consider? Thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

3 for 3 on those arguments.

Definitely worth trying to catch better weather and crowds.

And absolutely better to get one last trip in at kids prices.

 

[Alli76]

Although there are obviously other things to consider I know my kids would not like to miss the last week of school because so many fun things happen

 

[minnie mum]

Looks like you've hit all the high points OP. I'd definitely go earlier rather than later.

 

[busymommy2pink]

Flower and Garden is so worth the trip alone. The flower arrangements are stunning. Plus my kids would hate missing the last week of school. it's what they wait for all year...fun with friends, no real work and nice weather

 

[Xennia]

I am going both times. I say do it. I've been every single time this year for the last 4 years. It's a little humid. Sometimes too hot. But mostly easy going on the wait times.



Join me.

 

[Hezzy04]

If it were me, I would go in early May.

 

[UncleMike101]

We went the week of Memorial Day last year and the temperature was tolerable.
The crowds weren't too bad except for Memorial Day itself.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Early May would also be my preference. Though I don't find the weather to be so different to have it impact my decision. It really depends on what the weather decides to do. We had some summer weather recently and it is only April.

 

[momof2n2]

The crowds just ramp up all through May. The earlier the better. In fact - the first two week of May are our favorites of all year.

 

[C.C. Langley]

I think early May... smaller crowds and better weather are huge variables that can effect every aspect of your trip... how much you will get to ride, how quickly you will get tired, etc... Just my opinion though. : )

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I'm going early May please only say good things for me!

 

[LoveToTravel2001]

Where would you plan to stay. Depending what early May is to you, keep in mind that if you are thinking PoP, AsMMS, or CBR, they will most likely be packed the first weekend in May. The Summit (All Star Cheer version of the Super Bowl) usually takes place the first weekend in May though 2016 it straddles April and is Passover I think. The event sponsor has not announced the dates yet.

 

[maryj11]

We went last year Memorial Day week and we had a good time. It wasnt as crowded as I thought it would be. Weather was pretty nice except for those afternoon thunderstorms that dont last very long.

 

[MrKnight]

The month of May is typically the least busy of the summer months, I am currently finalizing some last minute details on my trip to WDW next month (May 2015), there is still plenty of ADRs and FP+ available within less than a 30 day period.

 

[sweetnjmom]

We're going the first week of May (this year/2015) and I was able to get a lot of 30 Day FP+ (just not Anna & Elsa or MSEP). I AM pulling my son out of school (Kindergarten) and both my husband and I are using 5 vacation day. BUT the airfare was much less than "Jersey Week" in November--our other option, as we are from NJ and have several days off that week--AND we got a Star Wars meal. I'd love a SWW one day but it isn't really in the cards because we probably won't pull our son out of school again. Hoping the crowds truly are lower/moderate per all the predictions.

 

[PEC]

Probably want to run by husband. Will the 5th Day of vacation be a big deal. Another words would he have something to do with that extra day that by going early May would not be able to do?
Weather is not a tremendous deal. More likely will be a little warmer in late May vs early May but late May is rarely July or August type weather. The Daughter at 9 vs 10 is a huge deal.
Late May is more crowded (assuming you mean Memorial Day week). Other than that June is more the big Summer crowd because many schools go until early June.

 

[SFMommy]

Thanks everyone! I think the first week of May 2016 will be the week for us! DH would rather take an extra vacation day in the hopes of less heat and less crowds. So excited to have finally settled on dates! Thank you!

Looking forward to reading trip reports and hearing about the crowds for the first week of May for THIS year!