Starting to worry about our trip in May!

[NicholeB630]

So we have a trip booked May 4-8, I chose these dates instead of spring break in hopes that the crowds would be at least a tad lower but that isn't going to happen because everyday and every park were going to minus AK on Sat is sold out (as of right now). So basically the same thing as being there on a holiday. I know that there is no real low time anymore and so many people are making up trips, but Im just so concerned how crowded it will be. Im seeing videos etc recently and its just wall to wall people. I can handle the long times for rides but goodness when you can't even walk because its so many people that is concerning. I just wish Disney would take that into consideration. Im trying not to worry too much but Im def starting to stress out. Id really like to know what capacity is because I find it hard to believe it not basically pre covid, I think theres def more people in the parks now everyday then prior. Any advice or anyone there recently to ease my mind some. Def am not complaining about going because Im so grateful just concerned. Its an expensive trip and Im hoping its magical for my kids.

 

[jennyq87]

I think the key is just setting your expectations and not being so overly-scheduled that a delay will ruin a day. Like you said, there's not really a "perfect" time to go. So go when works best for you and just plan for things to be crowded and have it be a nice surprise if it's not! A busy day at Disney is still better than a slow day NOT at Disney

 

[lynch34]

It will be crowded.
Disney will run parks at low capacity.
All Disney trips are now determined by attitude.
Go with just saying you will do the best you can and you'll have a fun time.
If you compare it to the old days - you won't enjoy it and thus, you shouldn't do that.

 

[NicholeB630]

I think the key is just setting your expectations and not being so overly-scheduled that a delay will ruin a day. Like you said, there's not really a "perfect" time to go. So go when works best for you and just plan for things to be crowded and have it be a nice surprise if it's not! A busy day at Disney is still better than a slow day NOT at Disney

Yeah I’ve definitely lowered my expectation I went in December with my Friend and it was completely manageable we had a great time but it seems like there’s way more people in the park now.

 

[NicholeB630]

It will be crowded.
Disney will run parks at low capacity.
All Disney trips are now determined by attitude.
Go with just saying you will do the best you can and you'll have a fun time.
If you compare it to the old days - you won't enjoy it and thus, you shouldn't do that.

I’m definitely going to try and keep a good attitude because when I have a bad attitude then the rest of my family does and I will just send my husband back to the resort if he can’t handle it as he hates crowds LOL but again I don’t mind the lines or even waiting and stores to check out or for food it just comes down to where you can’t even walk comfortably that’s my biggest concern, and I was hoping now that character meet and greets are back up that would disperse people a little more and with the returning of some shows. But we shall see!!!

 

[Smugpugmug]

I definitely agree that if you have realistic expectations of how busy the parks will be, then you won't be disappointed. I also chose to go in May after a canceled 2020 trip (May 7-15) and in the past that week is a slower crowd period. Well now there is no slow period anymore and I had to come to terms with the fact that it'll be just as busy as every other time now. Even despite being busy you can still have a wonderful trip. I did a brief trip during President's day week, one of the busiest weeks of the year, and I managed to ride/see everything I set out to do. Yes it was stressful to walk through the major bottlenecks in the park (the part of Adventureland by Magic Carpets of Aladdin is the worst) but just go with the flow and try not to let it bother you. I would much rather be at Disney than at work lol

I do hope that with character meet and greets, it will get some people out of ride lines and disperse them into other areas of the park.

 

[disney-inspired]

It will be crowded.
Disney will run parks at low capacity.
All Disney trips are now determined by attitude.
Go with just saying you will do the best you can and you'll have a fun time.
If you compare it to the old days - you won't enjoy it and thus, you shouldn't do that.

Disney is definitely NOT running parks at low capacity anymore. That was evident when I went in January.

I agree that attitude and outlook are most important. Also, doing early entry will help a lot and taking breaks will help avoid you burning out too quickly.

 

[pens4821]

I was worried about our trip too. We went early spring break (usually go in January or February). All parks sold out. We still had just as much fun as ever though. The lines are ridiculous, and yes the walkways are packed. Sometimes you just get stuck in bottleneck. But with a good plan you’ll be able to get a lot accomplished.

For us hoppers were key. We were planning on genie+ twice, ended up using it three times. Next time I’ll get it every day. Start booking when you can for the evening park. That way when you get there and while there you should be able to ride around 5 rides without waiting (we got 5 all three times). If you’re on site go in the morning for the early hours. You can get a few rides done then with minimal waits. We took a break in between.

The three days we slept in we didn’t get much accomplished. One day we used deluxe evening hours at MK and got a lot done, but got very little accomplished in epcot late morning/early afternoon. Didn’t get much done at MK entering same time frame. Walked the countries in epcot, lunch, and rode Mexico ride and figment. MK we did buzz (hour), lunch, carousel, people mover, and philarmagic. We also didn’t get there till 930 one day, rode splash (90 minutes at 945/10), ate lunch, then left. Lines were too long for us.

One plus genie has over FP is the redemption doesn’t take nearly as long. Our last trip in January of 2019 we waited 30ish minutes often for FP. The big rides then had huge standby lines too as they do now. But I’d say the big difference between then and now is the smaller/less popular rides have long lines early. You can still get some really low key things done in the afternoon though with minimal wait.

I know people say they get to the parks after sleeping in and get a lot done but that just didn’t work for us (minus normal lower wait things). Go early, take a break, and hop to another park using genie was perfect for us.

We were adults with a 14 year old. He wasn’t necessarily thrilled with getting up, but did so and didn’t complain. The last day when we only rode splash he said he wishes he would’ve just gotten up earlier so we could’ve done more (I gave him the option since it was our last day). But we had genie for HS in the evening so we got 5 LLplus ILL for rise so we got plenty done for our last day.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

So we have a trip booked May 4-8, I chose these dates instead of spring break in hopes that the crowds would be at least a tad lower but that isn't going to happen because everyday and every park were going to minus AK on Sat is sold out (as of right now). So basically the same thing as being there on a holiday. I know that there is no real low time anymore and so many people are making up trips, but Im just so concerned how crowded it will be. Im seeing videos etc recently and its just wall to wall people. I can handle the long times for rides but goodness when you can't even walk because its so many people that is concerning. I just wish Disney would take that into consideration. Im trying not to worry too much but Im def starting to stress out. Id really like to know what capacity is because I find it hard to believe it not basically pre covid, I think theres def more people in the parks now everyday then prior. Any advice or anyone there recently to ease my mind some. Def am not complaining about going because Im so grateful just concerned. Its an expensive trip and Im hoping its magical for my kids.

One tip would be to not go to DHS for May 3-5 if you can avoid it, or if you do go, don't try for Batuu. SW fans are why that park was the first to "sell out" for that period for May the Fourth Be With You and Revenue of the Fifth. There will be people dedicated to spending the whole day there and, I imagine, after 2pm, parkhoppers who don't know what day it is OR using a hopper when they couldn't get a reservation will further fill up Batuu. MTFBWY

 

[Sinder]

Isn’t it sad that we have to lower our expectations in order to enjoy our WDW vacations. There was a time not so long ago that Disney used to exceed our expectations.

 

[NicholeB630]

I was worried about our trip too. We went early spring break (usually go in January or February). All parks sold out. We still had just as much fun as ever though. The lines are ridiculous, and yes the walkways are packed. Sometimes you just get stuck in bottleneck. But with a good plan you’ll be able to get a lot accomplished.

For us hoppers were key. We were planning on genie+ twice, ended up using it three times. Next time I’ll get it every day. Start booking when you can for the evening park. That way when you get there and while there you should be able to ride around 5 rides without waiting (we got 5 all three times). If you’re on site go in the morning for the early hours. You can get a few rides done then with minimal waits. We took a break in between.

The three days we slept in we didn’t get much accomplished. One day we used deluxe evening hours at MK and got a lot done, but got very little accomplished in epcot late morning/early afternoon. Didn’t get much done at MK entering same time frame. Walked the countries in epcot, lunch, and rode Mexico ride and figment. MK we did buzz (hour), lunch, carousel, people mover, and philarmagic. We also didn’t get there till 930 one day, rode splash (90 minutes at 945/10), ate lunch, then left. Lines were too long for us.

One plus genie has over FP is the redemption doesn’t take nearly as long. Our last trip in January of 2019 we waited 30ish minutes often for FP. The big rides then had huge standby lines too as they do now. But I’d say the big difference between then and now is the smaller/less popular rides have long lines early. You can still get some really low key things done in the afternoon though with minimal wait.

I know people say they get to the parks after sleeping in and get a lot done but that just didn’t work for us (minus normal lower wait things). Go early, take a break, and hop to another park using genie was perfect for us.

We were adults with a 14 year old. He wasn’t necessarily thrilled with getting up, but did so and didn’t complain. The last day when we only rode splash he said he wishes he would’ve just gotten up earlier so we could’ve done more (I gave him the option since it was our last day). But we had genie for HS in the evening so we got 5 LLplus ILL for rise so we got plenty done for our last day.

Thanks for your input. We are early morning people and looks like hours are earlier now too so that's good. We will def take advantage of the extra 30 min in the am. And take breaks!

 

[NicholeB630]

Isn’t it sad that we have to lower our expectations in order to enjoy our WDW vacations. There was a time not so long ago that Disney used to exceed our expectations.

This is true, with spending thousands of dollars on a trip I shouldn't have to lower anything lol

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

What bucket of availability are you looking under for park reservations?

For normal park tickets on if looking right now

May 4th: Epcot and AK are available, understandably DHS is not but that was sold out already last month or so ago
May 5th: Epcot and AK are available
May 6th: AK and DHS are available
May 7th: All parks are available. This would be the Saturday I believe.
May 8th: All parks are available

 

[3gr8boys]

So we have a trip booked May 4-8, I chose these dates instead of spring break in hopes that the crowds would be at least a tad lower but that isn't going to happen because everyday and every park were going to minus AK on Sat is sold out (as of right now). So basically the same thing as being there on a holiday. I know that there is no real low time anymore and so many people are making up trips, but Im just so concerned how crowded it will be. Im seeing videos etc recently and its just wall to wall people. I can handle the long times for rides but goodness when you can't even walk because its so many people that is concerning. I just wish Disney would take that into consideration. Im trying not to worry too much but Im def starting to stress out. Id really like to know what capacity is because I find it hard to believe it not basically pre covid, I think theres def more people in the parks now everyday then prior. Any advice or anyone there recently to ease my mind some. Def am not complaining about going because Im so grateful just concerned. Its an expensive trip and Im hoping its magical for my kids.

We were at WDW April 2-9 (park days April 3-8) and had a FANTASTIC trip. I went in with high expectations looking for magic and great experiences and was not disappointed. I am not a frequent visitor, our trips have all been four or more years apart (2008, 2014, 2018, 2022 with a Busch Gardens Williamsburg and a couple of Universal Orlando vacations in between). I was not looking forward to the crowds (they were higher than any of our past trips). The lines seemed long to me, but we skipped 'em, and the only time I really felt overwhelmed by the masses of people was afternoons in the MK area around Aladdin's Magic Carpets. I will say that we went back to Galaxy's Edge in the evening and I definitely appreciated the atmosphere more with less people in it. Just in case there is any helpful info or perhaps some reassurance, here are links to a few posts from after our trip.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/h...-including-park-hopping.3807247/post-63923788

https://www.disboards.com/threads/some-brief-reviews-april-3-8.3879262/

https://www.disboards.com/threads/q...king-thoughts-from-park-days-4-3-4-8.3879263/

Have a great trip!!

 

[Dis Dragon]

It's going to be busy, you're still going to have fun.

 

[NicholeB630]

What bucket of availability are you looking under for park reservations?

For normal park tickets on if looking right now

May 4th: Epcot and AK are available, understandably DHS is not but that was sold out already last month or so ago
May 5th: Epcot and AK are available
May 6th: AK and DHS are available
May 7th: All parks are available. This would be the Saturday I believe.
May 8th: All parks are available

Were doing HS and MK on the 5th of course both are sold out and then epcot Friday which is sold out and I cant change these due to other things booked, but it will be ok I hope.

 

[john7994]

Staying May 15-19, absolutely looking forward to our second trip this year (last was in early January). Even nabbed a GOTG preview. ADRs locked in, Park Reservations loaded. We are staying at two resorts for the very first time, and while I expect it to be busy, I have no reason to lower expectations especially as more things have come back online since our last visit. Always look forward to the experience.

 

[pigletto]

I was worried about our trip too. We went early spring break (usually go in January or February). All parks sold out. We still had just as much fun as ever though. The lines are ridiculous, and yes the walkways are packed. Sometimes you just get stuck in bottleneck. But with a good plan you’ll be able to get a lot accomplished.

For us hoppers were key. We were planning on genie+ twice, ended up using it three times. Next time I’ll get it every day. Start booking when you can for the evening park. That way when you get there and while there you should be able to ride around 5 rides without waiting (we got 5 all three times). If you’re on site go in the morning for the early hours. You can get a few rides done then with minimal waits. We took a break in between.

The three days we slept in we didn’t get much accomplished. One day we used deluxe evening hours at MK and got a lot done, but got very little accomplished in epcot late morning/early afternoon. Didn’t get much done at MK entering same time frame. Walked the countries in epcot, lunch, and rode Mexico ride and figment. MK we did buzz (hour), lunch, carousel, people mover, and philarmagic. We also didn’t get there till 930 one day, rode splash (90 minutes at 945/10), ate lunch, then left. Lines were too long for us.

One plus genie has over FP is the redemption doesn’t take nearly as long. Our last trip in January of 2019 we waited 30ish minutes often for FP. The big rides then had huge standby lines too as they do now. But I’d say the big difference between then and now is the smaller/less popular rides have long lines early. You can still get some really low key things done in the afternoon though with minimal wait.

I know people say they get to the parks after sleeping in and get a lot done but that just didn’t work for us (minus normal lower wait things). Go early, take a break, and hop to another park using genie was perfect for us.

We were adults with a 14 year old. He wasn’t necessarily thrilled with getting up, but did so and didn’t complain. The last day when we only rode splash he said he wishes he would’ve just gotten up earlier so we could’ve done more (I gave him the option since it was our last day). But we had genie for HS in the evening so we got 5 LLplus ILL for rise so we got plenty done for our last day.

I see this advice quite often and I am wondering if there is a particular significance to adding Hoppers that I am missing? Could I do the same thing and stay in one park ? I would show up for Early entry and use standby for the morning .I would stack all of my Genie+ for the evening, take a mid day break and come back to the same park in the evening.

I’m just wondering if I am missing something by not hopping or is that just individual preference?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Were doing HS and MK on the 5th of course both are sold out and then epcot Friday which is sold out and I cant change these due to other things booked, but it will be ok I hope.

I don't know if Media previews for Guardians will be going on May 6th but it's possible that's the reason Epcot is unavailable. If that's the case it may be that temporarily there's a rush of people just for that but the remainder of the park isn't so bad. I do believe media previews are the first week of May (one of our CM friends thinks that and I have seen that mentioned it being the first week of May) but I don't know for sure it's the 6th. This is just me talking out loud about that one.

We'll be going May 8th-14th so just after you and for the most part the days that Epcot isn't available lines up with either DVC or AP previews. We'll actually be going to the DVC one on the 9th. For the previews no park reservation for Epcot is required but from what I'm thinking they reduced the availability to account for people being there so I'm expecting it to be busy those days but I don't know that media previews get the same access to Epcot as the other previews do.

I hope it will be okay for you as well! And fingers crossed it is

 

[3gr8boys]

I see this advice quite often and I am wondering if there is a particular significance to adding Hoppers that I am missing? Could I do the same thing and stay in one park ? I would show up for Early entry and use standby for the morning .I would stack all of my Genie+ for the evening, take a mid day break and come back to the same park in the evening.

I’m just wondering if I am missing something by not hopping or is that just individual preference?

You can absolutely use a late day genie+ stacking approach without hopping. That said we have always been hoppers. We like the ability to eat dinner and explore at Epcot after spending the day at a different park. We like that we can make evening plans on a whim. We like that we can plan around weather last minute. Hopping isn't for everyone, but it definitely works for us.