Crowded May Touring Plans, is it worth it?

[Kristamouse]

We are headed down to WDW 5/28 and doing EPCOT on 5/29 and MK on 5/30. We are going with my In Laws who previous WDW trip in the 1980's over 4th of July was horrible. I want this trip to be great for them and am super stressed about the crowds. TGM is predicting them at 8's and 9's. (This is our 6th trip in 4 years so we are familar with the most of the in's and out's of the parks esp MK). I am a little nervous about the crowds with my kids as well, they are 5, 4 and 8 months. We will have our double stroller but one of the older kids will be walking and I am freaking about losing them. I dare not take two strollers for my three kids for fear the WDW magic posters would talk about us.... anyway.....
Back to Point, would the touring plans be worth it to make our very short time in the parks a little more bearable? Who has done this and though the plans were a great help with crowds?

 

[DisneyMusician2]

Yes.

Buy the UG, and USE THE PLANS. I am a teacher, and my family only travels at peak times, and I've done it both ways. Even though it seems like a bit of backtracking, use the plans and save yourself some time. It is completely worth it.

 

[IMPoppins]

I have been to WDW many, many times and still use Tour Guide Mike's website every time! I detest crowds and waiting in line. So, if it's going to be crowded when you go, I would definitely use your touring plan of choice. Have a great trip! I am pregnant (due in Aug) with our third. I am nervous about having 2 in a stroller and one walking (even though he's 7) Good luck and have a great trip:wave:

 

[NewfieFan]

We are headed down to WDW 5/28 and doing EPCOT on 5/29 and MK on 5/30. We are going with my In Laws who previous WDW trip in the 1980's over 4th of July was horrible. I want this trip to be great for them and am super stressed about the crowds. TGM is predicting them at 8's and 9's. (This is our 6th trip in 4 years so we are familar with the most of the in's and out's of the parks esp MK). I am a little nervous about the crowds with my kids as well, they are 5, 4 and 8 months. We will have our double stroller but one of the older kids will be walking and I am freaking about losing them. I dare not take two strollers for my three kids for fear the WDW magic posters would talk about us.... anyway.....
Back to Point, would the touring plans be worth it to make our very short time in the parks a little more bearable? Who has done this and though the plans were a great help with crowds?

Who gives a ____!!! Do what's convenient for your family! I had my son in a stroller at WDW when he was 5! Shocking, I know!!! He only used it occasionally but the times he needed it - he NEEDED it! It was easier to keep track of him when we were exiting the parks as well!
In fact he'll just turn 6 on this upcoming trip and I'm still taking the stroller for him in the night time! I also have a 3 year old which will still be in the stroller.
Some people just like to criticize what parents do - you can't please them all!

 

[figmentisgreat]

just a fyi, i read about this in Redbook... they have temporary tattoos that you can put on your child...you can put your phone number on and any medical concerns they have...they last for about 2 weeks if you need them to...

the website for the company is http://eyedentitylabel.com/

I just noticed the prices, so maybe you could just write your phone number with a marker or something...

 

[tjkref418]

Yes.

Buy the UG, and USE THE PLANS. I am a teacher, and my family only travels at peak times, and I've done it both ways. Even though it seems like a bit of backtracking, use the plans and save yourself some time. It is completely worth it.

I agree with you, they really help minimize your time in line a lot. Def. worth it.

 

[Kristamouse]

I have the UG for 05, do you all think the touring plans from that would hold up?
Will dig it up now and see what is says.
I like that with Mike I can cut which attractions we won't use, ie HOP (not with toddlers, SGE and Space and People mover since they are closed.
HMMM....
Thanks for the stroller support! I dont' think anyone should comment on stroller threads if they have never had a child in the park in a stroller. I don't comment on threads I have not expierenced myself. I will probally decided right befor we leave about the second stroller. It most likely won't fit in the van anyway.
Thanks for the input, BTW the temp tattoo's are a great ideal but pricey.

 

[joshrut]

A yearly membership to www.touringplans.com is only $8.95 and is the best money you'll ever spend. My wife and I have done Disney during Easter week and the plans helped us get through the MK on a "10" day by 4:30 in the afternoon.

 

[KCMO]

We should now be well into TP's predicted freak May attendance surge - any signs this is actually materializing or should we start looking for them to revise the projections back towards conventional wisdom?

 

[3fordisney]

Is it that crowed??

I just saw on Fox News that Disney had a slightly better than expected earnings report, but attendance was down 50%. Is it that crowded there now:veryconfu? I am confused by touring plans as well. We have adopted the mind thought of: "Always expect and plan for big crowds. If its crowded, you are not disappointed. If it isn't crowed, the trip is even better than planned."


I am just excited we are able to go and will be there in about 2 weeks time. I can't figure out why crowds are predicted this early in the month.

 

[Jessie&Buzz]

I would take the stroller if it fits. My dd was 8 almost 9 on our last trip and I ended up renting a stroller for her. She was sick so she tired easliy but it was nice knowing where both kids were at all time. I used Who's Shoes Id's for them. http://www.whosshoesid.com/ I really like them. In fact I think I might make my 11 year old wear hers again in Oct.

 

[disneyliv85]

We should now be well into TP's predicted freak May attendance surge - any signs this is actually materializing or should we start looking for them to revise the projections back towards conventional wisdom?

I'm curious about this as well. Anyone been down there recently or down there now??

 

[MissM]

I'm curious about this as well. Anyone been down there recently or down there now??

I'm worried it's going to be slammed for my birthday next weekend. (the 16th) We have to run out there this weekend to renew our passes. Not sure if we're heading into the park or not but if we do, I'll be curious to see how busy it is. Normally, it's not bad until Memorial Day. Though of course this Sunday is Mother's day so it might be a little busy for that.

Anyone else been recently? It's been a few weeks since I've made it out there. (We were on blackout for a couple weeks too in April.)

 

[brentl1127]

My brother is there this week, we are heading next week. He told me the crowds were moderate which to him means no long lines, nothing that bad.