WDW late April early May

[brockash]

Hi,
What can you tell me about WDW late April into early May. We're considering a trip 4/28-5/3 and wondering about crowds, weather, any events that go on during that time or that may impact crowds etc. We're used to going over LD weekend, however did go in July this past year. Any info. is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sponica]

I think it's one of the sweet spots in terms of crowds/weather...I've gone early May and enjoyed the weather/crowds thoroughly. Granted it's never "slow" but the crowd levels at this time are manageable most of the spring breaks are done, there are some oddballs with that week.

Flower and Garden will be running in Epcot.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Agree with the pp. It’s a very good time to go. It can still get pretty hot sometimes (high 80s) but it’s not nearly as humid as other times and (usually) doesn’t rain as much. Crowd levels are nice compared to other times of the year but be aware that park hours tend to be shorter and the rides are sometimes running at lower capacity so you’ll still see waits.

 

[Beachmom0317]

We’re thinking of bumping our usual early December trip to first week of May. My kids love swimming and it’s been a little too chilly the last couple trips we’ve been down. We’re from New England and I’m just nervous of the humidity but from what I understand it’s not as bad as summer?!

 

[grannyminnie]

One of my favorite times to go, for the reasons stated above.

 

[gharter]

We like April as its still a little cooler.
Last year, we went mid-May. Huge number of school groups there. From 2nd grade to Senior High School. All had matching t-shirts so you could tell different groups.
The crowd wasn't bad, but busier than late April.

 

[subtchr]

Big Cheer competitions that time of year, but if you aren't planning to stay at a Value resort, there isn't a huge impact.

 

[WEDWDW]

Flower and Garden will be running in Epcot.

With some good Garden Rocks Concerts those dates.

• April 24-27 – Plain White T’s
• April 28-30 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
• May 1-2 – Don McLean NEW
• May 5-7 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett NEW

 

[brockash]

Big Cheer competitions that time of year, but if you aren't planning to stay at a Value resort, there isn't a huge impact. View attachment 459170

Hmmm...thank you. We are planning to stay at Movies...little concerned about the bus situation with this.

 

[kwdw]

Hmmm...thank you. We are planning to stay at Movies...little concerned about the bus situation with this.

It's not a bus issue. There are separate buses to take the groups to their competitions. Sometimes these groups can be loud at the resorts.

I really don't think it effects bus transportation to and from the parks at all.

 

[sponica]

It's not a bus issue. There are separate buses to take the groups to their competitions. Sometimes these groups can be loud at the resorts.

I really don't think it effects bus transportation to and from the parks at all.

Yeah I've stayed at POR with dancers/cheerleaders...granted I left the day after they arrived but other than the fact they move as ONE LARGE HERD, it really didn't impact anything.

 

[Miffy]

We often go the first week in May. Cheer Summit goes on then, but it has little impact on anything, as far as I've noticed. The cheer people are often at their events and not in the parks.

The only downside of early May, to me, is that it can get really hot. But, OP, you're used to going over Labor Day. The heat in May is nothing compared with September!

 

[CastAStone]

It's not a bus issue. There are separate buses to take the groups to their competitions. Sometimes these groups can be loud at the resorts.

I really don't think it effects bus transportation to and from the parks at all.

If anything it will decrease demand for the buses because the cheer groups will take private coaches on the day they go to the parks.

 

[gap2368]

Hi,
What can you tell me about WDW late April into early May. We're considering a trip 4/28-5/3 and wondering about crowds, weather, any events that go on during that time or that may impact crowds etc. We're used to going over LD weekend, however did go in July this past year. Any info. is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have gone the last week of April ( for my birthday) the last few years. The crowds are ok they have cheerleaders there that week so the all starts can be a bit crowded with them they like to take pictures infront of the castle but they are not that bad ( there is always some group or tour group there now a days. The weather is not too bad warm for sure it dose rain some afternoon for an hour or so I enjoy it and go for a week every year at this time. I just would not stay at the all star at all and you will be fine

 

[gap2368]

Hmmm...thank you. We are planning to stay at Movies...little concerned about the bus situation with this.

I stayed at sports one year with them Mikey moved me to animal kingdom Lodge savanna view for free and my vacation was so much better I now to pop and a lot better. If you can swing pop or AoA Moderate or bigger or off site I would do this over the all star. And they use the same bus you use to go to and from the parks. So if you have to stay at all stars look in to alternative if you find your self needing it But I would still go

 

[WEDWDW]

And they use the same bus you use to go to and from the parks.

That has been our experience with the various Cheer/Dance events when we are at the All-Stars as well.

They have Private Buses from Celebrity Hall to ESPN WWoS and also from Celebrity Hall to the Celebration Parties,but when they are just going to the Parks to tour,they are on the normal Guest buses with us.

The 15s HAVE in recent years begun to use Private Buses a lot of the time to go to the Parks(but not always).

 

[scrappinginontario]

We were at WDW Apr 27 - May 2 this year and it was the PERFECT time to go! Yes, it was more crowded than we experienced in September but, the weather was absolutely beautiful and the crowds still quite manageable. We'd travel your dates again for sure!!

 

[JMommyof3]

Having been a parent at Summit the past 2 years, the hotels offered are All Stars, CBR, and CSR, with CSR being the hotel that also hosts the dance competition the first weekend of May. The main impact you will see are in the food courts and busses to/from parks on non-competition days. I know that Varsity (the organization that runs the comp) will reserve all of the All Star hotel so I don't know what availability would be for dates end of April through mid May.
Also, last year there was a massive infestation of love bugs. It was so disgusting and while we still toured like normal, it was not fun to have those bugs all over.

 

[WEDWDW]

CSR being the hotel that also hosts the dance competition the first weekend of May.

And just a note,the Dance Summit competition itself will be held at the Contemporary Resort this year(The athletes will still stay at CSR).

 

[Farro]

And just a note,the Dance Summit competition itself will be held at the Contemporary Resort this year(The athletes will still stay at CSR).

We are staying at Gran Destino 5/6-5/15, so missing first summit but there for the second weekend.

Oh well! We will avoid the pool on the weekend!