What's worse? Fri grad night, Saturday, Mother's Day, or Monday?

[RedHotMama]

I'm planning a trip next May and am trying to decide which days to avoid. We have 4-day (1 park/day) tickets.

I'd like to have our first park day (prob DL) on my husband's 50th birthday on Wednesday 5/6, but it's not necessary. Then DCA day on Thursday.

We'd like to have a break day after the first 2 or 3 days. (We rope drop and go all day.) Friday is grad night, which many say to avoid, so that could work out. But then, our next 2 days would be Saturday and Sunday (Sunday being Mother's Day!). Or we have 2 break days, go in on Sat or Sun, and have our last park day on Monday, which some say are worse than the weekends.
(Imagine key blocked Fri-Sun. Enchant only blocked Sat.)

Also, I've heard about Star Wars nites that could close DL early. That would be discouraging, so I want to avoid that but they haven't released those dates. I'm assuming one would be Monday May 4? Would that be the last one?

I'm strongly considering upgrading to 5-day tickets. Not sure how that affects my days.

I could change it up and have our first park day on the Monday or Tuesday before my husband's birthday, but to get any shows (fantasmic is a must for the kids!) we need to be in parks at least once Fri-Sun.

There will be at least 5 of us, with kids ages 9, 11, and 15. We won't be getting Lighting Lanes because of the cost and because of how we tour. We prioritize lower crowds to keep the stress down. We're okay eating during off times to try to ride when others are eating and eat when others are riding. We tend to stay in only half a park for a whole day (hit the headliner at rope drop, then enjoy all the smaller rides, characters, entertainment, and maybe a meal before moving from that land to another one).

We haven't been to Disney for about 7 years, and it may be that long before we're back. So I'm trying hard to make this a great trip, without breaking the bank.

...Also, does Disney do anything different on Mother's Day?

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[LAS2AMS]

You’re way overthinking this. Magic Keys and the discounted ticket offer available to anyone from CA, will keep the parks full pretty much all of May. Lots of school groups visit DLR during the week as well.

Avoid DCA on Grad Nights for sure. Avoid DLP on Star Was nights as well.

 

[LKing]

We'd like to have a break day after the first 2 or 3 days. (We rope drop and go all day.) Friday is grad night, which many say to avoid, so that could work out. But then, our next 2 days would be Saturday and Sunday (Sunday being Mother's Day!). Or we have 2 break days, go in on Sat or Sun, and have our last park day on Monday, which some say are worse than the weekends.
(Imagine key blocked Fri-Sun. Enchant only blocked Sat.)

I wouldn't be afraid of grad night - just plan to be in DL that day rather than DCA.
That time of year Saturdays are less busy than Sundays which are less busy than Mondays

Also, I've heard about Star Wars nites that could close DL early. That would be discouraging, so I want to avoid that but they haven't released those dates. I'm assuming one would be Monday May 4? Would that be the last one?

Last year the last SW nite was May 6. DL does close early for SW nights.
Disneyland should release their event calendar the first week of December. Here is the 2025 Event Calendar: https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disneyland-resort-2025-event-dates-and-details/

Also, does Disney do anything different on Mother's Day?

In the past, they have handed mothers a flower as they entered the park. They also offer Mothers Day brunch at some of the restaurants.

 

[LAS2AMS]

They also offer Mothers Day brunch at some of the restaurants.

RIP Grand Ballroom Brunch !!!

 

[Cal-Pie]

My birthday is the same week in May, so we’ve taken several trips during that timeframe. I haven’t found the parks to be more crowded on Mother’s Day than any typical Sunday. I would, however avoid DCA in the evening on a grad nite.