Thinking about going around MLK weekend ?

[GCM]

My family is considering a trip around MLK weekend and for those who have gone during that time I could use some help. I know the crowd will increase, but wonder when that usually happens. Do the crowds start increasing the week before the weekend, the week after, is it just during those 3 days of the long weekend that the crowd is higher??? We are trying to decide if we want to come the weekend before (arriving on the Saturday evening of a marathon) and head home on the Saturday of MLK weekend or arrive the Saturday evening (wouldn't visit a park until Sunday) of MLK weekend and stay through the next Saturday. When do the Brazilian tour groups start arriving? We have been the first week of January several times and I realize there really isn't a slow time anymore, but trying to determine which scenario is best for our family. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!!!!

 

[KrazeeK120]

I’ve been to Disney twice in that timeframe. In 2013, I was there the Thurs-Sun of the holiday weekend and in 2014 was there the Sun of the holiday weekend-the following Friday. I didn’t purposely plan to be there around the holiday, but that’s when my birthday is. When it’s on a Monday (as it was in 2014), it lands on the holiday itself. Anyway, it was crowded on the weekend. but not unmanageable. My husband used to be a teacher and we went during spring break twice...that was way worse! The days following the holiday were very uncrowded compared to other times we’ve visited. If you can go during that time, I think that would be ideal.

 

[GCM]

I’ve been to Disney twice in that timeframe. In 2013, I was there the Thurs-Sun of the holiday weekend and in 2014 was there the Sun of the holiday weekend-the following Friday. I didn’t purposely plan to be there around the holiday, but that’s when my birthday is. When it’s on a Monday (as it was in 2014), it lands on the holiday itself. Anyway, it was crowded on the weekend. but not unmanageable. My husband used to be a teacher and we went during spring break twice...that was way worse! The days following the holiday were very uncrowded compared to other times we’ve visited. If you can go during that time, I think that would be ideal.

What an awesome way to spend your birthday!!!!! Thanks for letting me know your experience. We were there the first week of January this year and the parks really got crowded once the marathon crowd came in, so I imagine that either weekend is going to be about the same crowd wise. I haven't seen on any of the threads though a comparison of marathon weekend versus MLK weekend, so really interested in getting everyone's experience.

Once again, Thanks!!!!