The truth about going in May, please!

[Frantasmic]

I have been to WDW twice in the late April/early May time frame; both trips were several years ago (92 and 99).

Both trips were very nice. We had light to medium crowds. I don't remember using FAST Pass too often. The weather was very nice. It wasn't too hot nor too cold (except the 99 trip when a late cold front came through and we were buying up old winter stuff at half price in the parks). Our only complaint was that this seems to be the time of year when the FL schools tend to come to the parks, particularly MK for a final field trip or something. It was never really crowded, but there did seem to be a lot of 8-13 year olds with little supervision. I noticed more individuals cutting in line, but it wasn't too rampant.

 

[SeaSpray]

When DSs were younger we went in early May and it was a great time to go to WDW, in my opinion

Very short lines, excellent weather (it only rained for a short time on our first evening there)! The parks did close a little early, but we always had something to do anyway, including going to Epcot which closed later than the other parks, or Downtown Disney.

I'd love to still go in early May, but DSs are both in high school now and it's just too hard on them to miss that much school. If your DD is in elementary school, I'd definitely choose early May

 

[Bugsmom73]

Sister and I went Memorial Day monday -friday of 95. Absolutely no waiting.Weather was fine.

 

[mill4023]

This past May we were there the entire first week. Despite all of the press events and early park closings on certain days (Because of the press events for the "Celebration Kickoff", we found the crowds to be very light and the parks were very enjoyable. We just picked a park that wasn't closing early for that day and it worked out fine. Of course you probably wouldn't run into this next May.

The weather was quite cooperative most of the time. I was comfy in capri pants everyday and in long pants at night (can't do that in the summer months). The temps were in the low 80s and 60s at night. I don't remember any rain.

I would definitely plan to go again during this time. However keep in mind that when it comes to weather, "you never know". A few years back we went the same week and FL was having record high temps in the 90s everyday so it was hot!! Another year at this same time we had a lot of rain. So, it can really vary one year to the next. But, it DEFINITELY beats the heat and crowds of summer.

If your dd can make up her school work then I say, go for it!

You don't remember any rain? What about Tuesday, May 3rd. At the exact time that Wishes started, it started to rain. It got heavier and heavier and continued througout the show, the exit from the park, the bus ride, and the walk to the room. Everyone leaving the park was completely drenched.

We were there from April 28th to May 8th.
The first few days were hot with temps from the mid 80's to 90.
The rest of the time, the temps were in the mid 70s to low 80s.
In addition to the one I mentioned above, there was one more evening with heavy rain, but it didn't start until after 10pm. There was also a bit of light rain during the day on May 3rd and again on May 4th.

Crowds weren't bad at all. We followed a plan, arrived early when we could, and never waited longer than 15 minutes for anything. The longest wait times I saw posted for most of the big rides was about 40 minutes. Usually it was less. The only day that seemed crowded was May 6th at Epcot and even then, most of the crowds were concentrated around Soarin, which had officially opened the day before.

I would probably go in May again except that I want to make this a 2 week trip and I don't want my kids to miss that much school. So we're going to brave the spring break crowds in March.

 

[MaryPA]

We like May. Weren't able to go this past May but I am sure the crowds were outrageous anyway. Normally go the second week of May. Love the Epcot flower festival - never took any of the classes. Just love looking at and smelling the flowers, bring something if you have any allergies or sensitivities! We have gone 6 times in May and other than 1 extremely hot unbearable day in the 6 years, weather great!

Good Luck!

 

[bonnielynn]

I have to say that May is my absolute favorite time to visit Disney.. the flowers are in bloom...Epcot is gorgeous and smells wonderful.. the weather is fantastic.. the lines are not as long...
You can breath and you aren't sweating...
You can swim during the day... but aren't uncomfortable.. what else could you ask for.. If I had my way and school cooperated in Maryland I would not visit Disney any other month... I promise you will love it... smell some flowers for me...

 

[DisneyPhD]

You don't remember any rain? What about Tuesday, May 3rd. At the exact time that Wishes started, it started to rain. It got heavier and heavier and continued througout the show, the exit from the park, the bus ride, and the walk to the room. Everyone leaving the park was completely drenched.

We were there from April 28th to May 8th.
The first few days were hot with temps from the mid 80's to 90.
The rest of the time, the temps were in the mid 70s to low 80s.
In addition to the one I mentioned above, there was one more evening with heavy rain, but it didn't start until after 10pm. There was also a bit of light rain during the day on May 3rd and again on May 4th.

Crowds weren't bad at all. We followed a plan, arrived early when we could, and never waited longer than 15 minutes for anything. The longest wait times I saw posted for most of the big rides was about 40 minutes. Usually it was less. The only day that seemed crowded was May 6th at Epcot and even then, most of the crowds were concentrated around Soarin, which had officially opened the day before.

I would probably go in May again except that I want to make this a 2 week trip and I don't want my kids to miss that much school. So we're going to brave the spring break crowds in March.

Tuesday May 3rd we were at Epcot until 6:00, we left and ate at chickflia and then drove to Vero Beach. We got to Vero beach and went through some major storms. The next day it rained all day at vero beach (May 4th.) and the weather wasn't so great the time we were there (but not a total wash. However April 29, 30, May 1 to 3 was great.)

 

[mommic32]

HI..
We were there this past May from 14-22 and the weather was HOT HOT HOT!
It NEVER rained the entire time we were there, or we never say it

As for crowds, I truly felt the busses were horrible, but the parks were manageable...I never used a fast passs for anything including Soarin..

We are going back in Oct, I want to see what it is like during October. I can remember going Sept 92 and the parks were almost empty, except for Fantasyland in MK. I can remember riding the buses every day from CBR and never having to stand the entire time I was there,,, what a shocker this past May when I never got a seat unless it was first thing in AM..

 

[DisneyFreaks]

1. The weather doesn't seem as bad as the summer months (although I am sure it CAN get super hot). We are VERY sensitive to heat.
So please tell me how it really is in May (1st or 2nd week probably) and help me decide about this!
Carrie

Since you have pointed out that you are VERY sensitive to heat (like me) my advice would be like others have already posted. Pick a different time of year to go. We have given May a shot three times and each trip we have roasted. In May of 2003 we cooked! It ruined the entire trip for me. Some friends of ours went in May and said it was great. I don't know if they just had an unusually cool May in Florida or we happened to catch the bad years. LoL We most always go at the end of the year in November or December. This trip we are going in October and I am already nervous it's going to be hot then too.

 

[Spartan]

We went the first week in 2002, and I couldn't believe how hot it was. It was mid 90's most days, and no clouds. Of course, that was the time I remember having to carry my son around a big majority of the time. Nothing like having a 25 pound heater attached to you when you're already hot. I remember coming home and asking if May was always like that, and it turned out we had record highs on a few of the days. The flower fest was nice to see, and crowds were pretty good, so that helped.

 

[HANDYMOM]

We took DS's the second week of May '04. They weren't in school yet so we were fine. We absolutely loved that week. Crowds were manageable, weather great! We are currently saving for May '07 trip and we will be pulling both boys out of school for the week. They will be in Kindergarten and second grade. Our school year ends on May 25th or so anyways, the last couple of weeks aren't that heavy academically. I'm sure when they get in middle or high school, this won't be an option!

You will love it, I'm soooo jealous!

 

[mill4023]

Tuesday May 3rd we were at Epcot until 6:00, we left and ate at chickflia and then drove to Vero Beach. We got to Vero beach and went through some major storms. The next day it rained all day at vero beach (May 4th.) and the weather wasn't so great the time we were there (but not a total wash. However April 29, 30, May 1 to 3 was great.)

Awww. Sounds like you just missed the downpour. My wife makes fun of me when I say it, but I actually thought it was pretty magical to be standing in the pouring rain while watching Wishes.

But yeah, overall, the weather wasn't too bad. Two nightime rains and a few sprinkles on our animal kingdom day was the only rain we got.

 

[PrincessKitty]

May is already getting brutally hot. I am very heat sensitive (despite living nearly my entire life in Florida) and I could only tolerate the heat by rushing from one World Showcase Pavillion to another to stand in the air-conditioning (which didn't help much because the shops leave doors open).

I heard many of the other visitors were commenting on the unbearable heat, and saw a family pour ice water over their heads. Yes, it was that bad!

If you are going to take your daughter out of school anyway, I would recommend earlier in the year--maybe late Feb or early March.

 

[TDC Nala]

It is hot, it can get crowded, but it is not as hot or crowded as summertime; it isn't hurricane season; the resort rates are a bit lower. Keep an eye on the first weekend in May, there are sometimes Grad Nights at the MK then. These won't affect other parks, but the MK closes early and there are usually no nighttime shows on Friday or Saturday. If you're staying at a value resort you might see lots of teenagers.

 

[Gabrielle]

Just for the Florida flowers alone, May is a wonderful time to go.

 

[dsneygirl]

We were there the first week in May this year. Unfortunately it rained the first 3 days of our vacation. But I found the temperature great, not too hot at all. Crowds were also very manageable. I think we just got some bad luck in the rain department.