Question about crowds on MLK Day (Jan 19 '04)

[sweetp267]

We will be in WDW from 1/14 to 1/22 and my daughter's birthday is on Mon. 1/19. If I am not mistaken that is Martin Luther King Day that year. We already decided to visit the MK on that day because she would probably get the best birthday treatment while wearing the special birthday pin you get for your birthday at the parks. We will have two character meals that day one at the Crystal Palace and one at Chef Mickey's. Now you know why we are going to the MK that day.

Because it is a federal holiday, how much of an increase should I expect in the crowds that day? Is that Monday each year typically that much more busy than average. Should I seriously consider another park that day?

Thanks to all.

Jon

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Not sure about the crowds that day but we'll be at OKW 1/11/04 - 1/23/04 for my DD's 5th birthday on 1/16 and my in-law's wedding anniversary on 1/14.

We'll on at the parks on Friday, 1/16/04 for my DD's actual birthday and will be having a birthday party for her in our OKW GV with all her cousins on Saturday.

If your daughter's on 1/19/04, just go for it. If it is crowded just take it easy and enjoy the day. Standing on long lines is no longer necessary when you have DVC. Just enjoy the atmosphere and skip the lines, you'll be back next time.

Depending on how old your DD is, make sure you get there early to avoid lines for Dumbo.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[BillPA]

We were ther over MLK weekend in 2000, not much in the way of crowds, except MK on Sat, Sun and Mon, not crowded like summer time, but 15-30 minute waits. The weather was cool over night and early mornings, the CMs looked like they were going skiing, all had on parkas, gloves and earmuffs, I guess they get cold when it is way down in the mid 40's, for us it was like an early spring.
By early afternoon it was in mid 60's. You will need to be ready for ANYTHING weather wise. Think layers, 40 is cool, but if you are dressed for that, when it hits the 60's it's hot.

Have a great trip.

 

[Disney Doll]

We have been there over MLK weekend...it's a little more crowded than normal, but nothing like the summer.

Dressing in layers is the best advice we can give you. The mornings are chilly, but it's warms up nicely as the day goes on, into the high 60's/low 70's, which is positively balmy for us Northerners!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PKS44]

We were there last year but not in the parks on the Monday..other days it was not very crowded but it was also incredibly cold...unusally so for 3 days in a row with freezing temps..there was NOBODY at Illuminations or Fantasmic-slight exaggeration..but we had no trouble finding a last second lakeside spot for Illuminations...and the warmth from the explosions was very welcome...during the day it got warmer one day but the cold in Florida is a wet cold -the air humidity is higher than Northern winter cold- and you feel it deeper in your bones...my wife says NEVER again...though I appreciated the smaller crowds...fastpass was not even being offered at numerous attractions on Friday (Buzz, space mountain, haunted mansion...jungle Cruise had waits over an hour and still no fastpass offered)...be prepared for anything...I would guess if the weather had been better it might have been more crowded. A lot of things like Boardwalk entertainment were cancelled altogether.

 

[anniet]

That 3 day cold snap last year was record setting and not usual. We've been going in January for the last 12 years and that was the first year that I pulled my mittens out of my luggage! But you should be prepared for anything from the 30's to the 80's so layers are best. The parks do seem to be slightly more crowded on MLK day, but it IS January so as others said it won't be anything like the summer and the waits are not unbearable.

We'll be there the same time as you.

Have a great time!

 

[roserae]

Yea, I'm glad to see some responses to this question! I posted this same question a while back with maybe one response...maybe not even one!

Anyway, how does MLK day compare to President's Day in February? We were there for PD last year and the MK was packed! We will be in WDW for MLK day this year and are wondering if the crowds are similiar to PD or less...or more? Just would like to have a frame of reference if possible.

 

[ccrosner]

Like another poster, we were at Disney World for MLK weekend 2000. Can't compare lines to other times (don't go that often) but did not find it crowded. I will say, though, that the MK was very crowded on the Saturday of the weekend--especially as it got closer to the night time parade (Electric Light back then). Wondered where all the people came from! We had to get a spot an hour in advance but that's because it was the only time all week that they had the EL parade.

We leave this Thursday for the World--can't wait. Hope you have fun!

 

[crystalb]

Agree with Disney Doll.
We are there the week before during marathon time. Just like any Disney vacation, it is much quieter and enjoyable during the week. The weekend crowd builds up. It is crowded, but not terrible. And at least it's not CROWDED AND HOT.

 

[anniet]

Originally posted by roserae
Anyway, how does MLK day compare to President's Day in February? We were there for PD last year and the MK was packed! We will be in WDW for MLK day this year and are wondering if the crowds are similiar to PD or less...or more? Just would like to have a frame of reference if possible.

roserae, I would imagine MLK crowds to be much less. Many schools take their February vacations the week of President's Day and so they head to the World for a week. MLK DAY may be a little more crowded than usual for January but after that weekend the parks are relatively empty, so if you'll be there longer than the weekend, you should enjoy the low attendance.