Which Reservation to Celebrate the 50th in the Parks?

[DisneyStarWisher]

I really want to see the 50th celebration. The original plan was to do two park days next month, but we are probably going to shorten the trip due to family medical issues. We are looking at going the weekend of President's Day and just doing a resort-only stay. We can do parks, but we are a little worried about the crowds and current Covid concerns. I'm assuming that weekend will be really busy in the parks which is why we are thinking of avoiding them. Are my assumptions correct?

That leaves me with when to go to enjoy the parks for the 50th if we decide not to do parks next month. I was able to book two reservations for the fall: September 29-October 2 and November 1-5. I'm hoping things might be more normal Covid-related and that our family won't be dealing with the medical issues we are dealing with now. We would really like to do the F&W Festival, too (as opposed to Festival of the Arts). Here are my thoughts on the two dates--

September 29-October 2: We would be there for the actual date of MK's 51st birthday. Would that make it super busy??? We would have to do Epcot on a Friday or Saturday. I know that will be busy unless we go right when Epcot opens. This trip would be a tack-on to a DHHIR trip October 2-7. This will save on transportation since we will be driving. We love Halloween decorations, too! I could only get three nights (AKV standard studio) which means we would have two days there and would spend both days in the parks.

November 1-5: This trip would be during the Wine and Dine half-marathon. I know that impacts crowds, but we would be doing the parks on a Wednesday and Thursday which should help. This would be a separate trip, so it will increase transportation costs, especially if we decide to fly instead. I was able to get four nights (AKV value studio) which means we would do two days in the parks and still have one resort day.

Of the three dates, which would be the best if my goal is to avoid crowds in the parks?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I have to think that President's Day weekend will be quite busy this year. That's subject to change, of course, but based on crowds recently, there's no reason to think it's going to be quiet in mid-February. The parks will likely be very crowded, as will the resorts and restaurants. If you're having any second thoughts due to medical/health concerns, your plan to postpone is probably a very good one.

Just taking a very quick look at your optional dates in the fall, none of them stand out as better than others. I suppose it's possible the Oct 1st date could be a big one, if folks decide to use that date as a substitute for not being able to be there this past October! But any of your dates will include the F&W and also Halloween decorations. Good luck with your decision and have a great trip, whenever you decide to return.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Any other responses? Especially from those who have been the first week of November. I'm wondering if the Wine and Dine Half Marathon will impact crowds on the Wednesday and Thursday before the race weekend.

 

[CarolynFH]

Isn’t October 1, 2022, Epcot’s 40th anniversary? Likely to be more hoopla about that than about MK’s 51st.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Isn’t October 1, 2022, Epcot’s 40th anniversary? Likely to be more hoopla about that than about MK’s 51st.

You are correct. I didn't even think of that. And we definitely want a low-crowd Epcot day after our last trip on Black Friday 2019!