when to go may or nov?

[dana1003]

heard that they both have down times? would like to go in may cuz of the weather but arent schools out in fla already? im trying to avoid crowds. does anyone have any experiences to share? thanks.

 

[SummersMom]

We were there April 26-May 7 this year. The weather was beautiful (except for the haze from the fires). Our first 4-5 days there weren't any crowds or lines. Then it seemed like more and more people were arriving. By our last 3 days we felt like the park was so crowded we couldn't move. Granted, we like un-crowded parks so I'm sure it's even worse in the summer. If I went again, I would make sure to leave before the first weekend in May (also timing it far enough after Easter). That's just our personal experience.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

We like November, but its all a personal choice. There are some very busy times in November like Jersey week and Thanksgiving. Other than that, it is pretty much the dead zone-even with super soap weekend, we did not find it crowded at all and if you go between Jersey week and Thanksgiving, you get to do the Food and Wine Festival (but we're foodies). The weather is pretty mild, no sweating your butt off and lines are pretty good too, we never really have had to wait very long for anything.

 

[twoprincesses]

My choice would be Nov. In 2005 we went the week of Thanksgiving and the weather was awesome. Some nights we needed a light jacket, but it just added to the Christmas feel that surrounded us. The Christmas decor was already out and the park was very festive. As far as crowds go, they were minimal. We did, however, skip the parks on Thanksgiving Day and spent the day at the Boardwalk and Downtown Disney. Thanksgiving dinner was at Chef Mickey's and we turned in early and got ready to return to the parks the next day.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We've been in May and Nov. as well- They were both great!! If you are not planning to be there on Thanksgiving day, which I have is crowded, they are both good times. Just make sure you are not to the end of May. We were there the 21st-26th and it was getting crowded by Fri. Schools there got out on the 23rd, so they were flocking to DW!!! It still wasn't bad, but more than I wanted. We are actually planning on going in Jan 08 this time. We love it at Christmas, but it just seems to be busy the whole month. We have hit 3 different Dec. weeks and they were all pretty busy.

I think between May and Nov. is going to be a personal preference-but Nov. is probably the best for crowds according to the Passporter book.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I only have an October and a May experience. And I say MAY all the way!!!!!

We just went last month - May 13-19 and the weather was great and the crowds were low! When we went in the first week of Oct. 2005 we were expecting low crowds and boy were we surprised. The average wait time was 45+ minutes.

This time in May we never waited more than 10-15 minutes for anything. Sometimes the wait time would say 20 minutes and there wouldn't be a wait time at all, this even happened on Space Mtn!! Keep in mind that we avoided extra-magic hours everyday, so maybe that helped. . .

The weather was in the mid 80's during the day and the evenings cooled off into the 70's, which was nice. They were calling for rain and thunderstorms for everyday of our trip and we only ever got sprinkled on 2 times and then it rained hard one evening for like an hour. Great weather!

We were actually planning on going in Nov or Dec 2008, because we would love to see WDW all decorated for Christmas, but after such a great May experience we figure why chance it, let's go in May again!!

 

[auntie]

I would prefer May...but I've never gone in November. I know it sounds dumb..but I also prefer that it stays lighter out longer in May than it will in November. We recently returned from a May 19th to 26th trip..this is the third time we've gone at this time of year and we LOVE it. The weather is great..warm without being too hot, and the parks are open later also. It's really delightful. I didn't find the crowds bad at all. We did return home Memorial Day weekend..but the crowds were great all week, and we were in MGM on that Friday before Memorial Day and had a great time. Given the choice between May and November, I'd opt for May all the way!

 

[deejohn]

We've been there at both times and find Oct-Nov to be the better of the two:
1. Weather is nicer - not so much rain. Warm during the day (not too hot) and comfortable to go swimming at night
2. Less crowded, although we are noticing an increase recently
3. Nothing puts you in the Christmas mood like a WDW decorated resort

Good luck....