Who's been in early May? (m)

[bajanswife]

Howwould you rate the crowds? The heat?

Which would you recommend for a family from Barbados who is not accustomed to cold weather and does not like too large a crowd: May, when it's warmer (and maybe too hot at times), or early December when it could be quite cool? The kids love to swim, so we'd want at least a couple days of good warm swimming weather! My parents will be there, so with 2 elderly folk and 3 little ones, we are trying to avoid extremes of anything (heat, cold, crowds, waiting time for attractions etc.). Resort prices won't factor in - we'd stay offsite at an RCI timeshare property.

 

[Chicago526]

I was there for 6 nights the second week of May of '03. It was in the 90's with high humidity, but I don't think it ever rained. Hot but tolerable, as long as we took breaks in rides or attractions with A/C. An afternoon break back to the hotel for a swim isn't a bad idea either, but since you are staying off site that may not be practical for you. The crowds were perfect, just enough people about so that the parks didn't feel deserted, but hardly any lines to speak of. I think our longest wait was for BTMRR, about 40 minutes. But we had FP's for Splash Mtn, and after we got out of that hot line for BTMRR, we walked on to Splash and it was so refreshing! Otherwise, I don't think any of our waits was longer than 20 minutes, tops. We walked right on to many rides.

I haven't been in December yet, (I'm going Dec. 3rd, I'm so excited) but two of my past trips have been in November. Both times it was too cold to swim (for me, anyway, but other families used the pools) but we only had to wear light jackets in the evenings. During the day we just wore long pants and shirts with long sleeves. I imagine that December would be similar, but I've heard it can get very cold at times, even into the 30's overnight. But it can also be quite pleasant, it all depends on your luck. The upside to December is that all the Christmas decorations are up, so that may make up for the less than perfect weather. Also, from what I've heard, early December enjoys the lowest crowds of the whole year.

I know what you mean about not being used to the cold weather. My parents were visiting Hawaii once, and there was a very unusual cold snap. It was in the high 50's and low 60's most of one day. The Hawaii locals swore they were freezing to death, and were bundled up in their heaviest clothing. My parents, natives of Wisconsin and Illinois, were outside in their short sleeves, enjoying the "spring like" weather. The locals thought they were insane!

 

[dizagain]

We were there May 5-12, '03 and as a previous poster said, it was HOT! We were told it was a good 7-10 degrees above normal for that time, meaning it must usually be mie-upper 80's. Perfect swimming, water park weather, but a little roasting for us at the parks. The parks close pretty early then, so we stayed all day and crashed afterwards each night. We thought the crowd levels were awesome and hardly waited more than 10 minutes for anything without Fastpass even. Great time to go, and we'd do it again if we could...have to wait until the first of June now cause of the kiddos!

 

[momof3greatboys]

Obviously it is difficult to answer this question since no one knows what the weather will be. My personal choice would be to go in December. The average high is 73 in December vs. 88 in May. We went in May 2003 and it was in the 90's and it was crowded so it made for a long day. Luckily we were at Wilderness Lodge so it was relatively easy to go back mid day and cool off in the air conditioning or pool. That's not as convenient if you are offsite. I've heard the first two weeks of December are the least crowded plus you have all the great Christmas decorations and the Christmas Party. Mid 70's should be warm enough to swim for the kids, that's what we're hoping for as well since we will be there this December. Good luck with your decision.

Momof3greatboys

 

[daannzzz]

I have been 6 times the first 2 weeks of May. 3 of the times it was in the mid 90's and somewhat to very humid. The other three times it varied from day to day from the high 70's - low 90's. It has not rained much at all in May. Crowds are easily managable except at the MK on Saturdays.
Have not been in December. Went once the end of January and it was anywhere from the 50's to the low 80's and generally cool to cold at night.

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone the first or second week of May the past 5 years. This year it was the first week and it was great - low/mid 80's and a little rain. Past years though it was low 90's but very little rain. Crowds are not bad. We have also gone the first or second week of December the past 6 years. Some years it was great - high 70's/low 80's. Some years it was cold, low/mid 60's and very cold at night. It really can vary. Crowds a little lower than May.