Crowds the week BEFORE Memorial Day weekend?

[TejasMickey]

Hello everyone,

Could anyone with experience help me understand what the crowds are like at WDW the week before Memorial Day weekend? We will be at the parks May 18th (Saturday) -May 24th (Thursday). If possible, would you rate on a scale of 1-10 (ten being the busiest)?

Thank you in advance. Any help is appreciated. This will help me know if I need to move my trip out a week or more.

 

[LindseyJ]

We went in May 2006, staying from 9 May to 23 May. The first week was not too busy but it certainly got busier the second week but it was never terrible. On a scale of 1-10 I would say 7 with 10 being the worst. We made the most of EMH and Fast passes and I can honestly say we never waited more than 30 minutes for any ride, arrive early is the best tip, Q if the wait is 30 mins or less and Fast pass other rides. It was a lovely time of year to go, the Flower Festival at Epcot is beautiful, we also had fab weather.:sohappy:

 

[wdwpooh1027]

crowds

Crowds before and during Memorial Day weekend will be crowded. This will be my 2nd time going on Memorial Day weekend. Last year it wasn't to bad only because we went Thurs thru Tuesday. FRI-MON was packed because the kids don't have school that Monday.

My idea to you is go into the parks early morning..then go back to the hotel to go swimming or whatever, then go back to the parks at night. I found that it was less crowded in the early morning hours and the evening hours as well. Hope this helps.

But then again every year is different.

 

[hokielutz]

I've got several years experience here. The first two weeks in May are a pretty good time to go to Disney...
All kids are still in school either trying to finish up the last couple of weeks... or just got back from Spring break and don't get out of school until past Memorial Day.

I've been the week before Memorial day and the first weeks of May. The week before the memorial day weekend... starts out relatively calm... but it gets busier as it gets closer to the weekend. A good part of the country is freshly out of school at this time and they make their trip to Disney for the week and long weekend. Friday, Sat, and Sunday are the absolute worst for crowds. Since you are getting out of Orlando before the weekend, it won't be too bad... maybe a 6-8 crowd rating... with 8 being the busiest on Thursday.

My suggestion is this... Go to the parks early and stay away from the ones with the early EMH. Be there for the rope drop and you can easily hit all the major attractions in the MK, including most of fantasy land before lunch. You will have to be quick on your feet. (although if you are staying on property... do the EMH early and hop to a close by park to take advantage of lower crowds.)

I also agree with Lindsey... don't immediately fast pass attractions. Do it only if the wait is longer than 30 min.

 

[MickeyTigg]

Hello everyone,

Could anyone with experience help me understand what the crowds are like at WDW the week before Memorial Day weekend? We will be at the parks May 18th (Saturday) -May 24th (Thursday). If possible, would you rate on a scale of 1-10 (ten being the busiest)?

Thank you in advance. Any help is appreciated. This will help me know if I need to move my trip out a week or more.

As long as you're out of there by Friday, it shouldn't be too bad.

You should be okay....according to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, using this scale...

1 = Peak wait times of 14 minutes or less
2 = Peak waits of 15 - 24 minutes
3 = Peak waits of 25 - 34 minutes
4 = Peak waits of 35 - 44 minutes
5 = Peak waits of 45 - 54 minutes
6 = Peak waits of 55 - 64 minutes
7 = Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes
8 = Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes
9 = Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes
10 = Peak waits of 95 minutes or more

Your days are as follows...

May 18 = 5
May 19 = 6
May 20 = 5
May 21 = 7
May 22 = 5
May 23 = 5
May 24 = 7

 

[ThumperDude]

As long as you're out of there by Friday, it shouldn't be too bad.

You should be okay....according to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, using this scale...

1 = Peak wait times of 14 minutes or less
2 = Peak waits of 15 - 24 minutes
3 = Peak waits of 25 - 34 minutes
4 = Peak waits of 35 - 44 minutes
5 = Peak waits of 45 - 54 minutes
6 = Peak waits of 55 - 64 minutes
7 = Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes
8 = Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes
9 = Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes
10 = Peak waits of 95 minutes or more

Your days are as follows...

May 18 = 5
May 19 = 6
May 20 = 5
May 21 = 7
May 22 = 5
May 23 = 5
May 24 = 7

That scale is a great way to plan my trip. Can I find this scale on line anywhere? I'll be going the last 10 days in June and I'm afraid each day is going to be a 9 or 10 on the scale. I've never been to WDW in the summer before, (twice in Sept./once in Feb.) Anyone like to share their experience during this time or advice on handling the crowds, (besides praying and popping valiums). Thanks in advance guys.
ThumperDude

 

[amykissangel]

As long as you're out of there by Friday, it shouldn't be too bad.

You should be okay....according to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, using this scale...

1 = Peak wait times of 14 minutes or less
2 = Peak waits of 15 - 24 minutes
3 = Peak waits of 25 - 34 minutes
4 = Peak waits of 35 - 44 minutes
5 = Peak waits of 45 - 54 minutes
6 = Peak waits of 55 - 64 minutes
7 = Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes
8 = Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes
9 = Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes
10 = Peak waits of 95 minutes or more

Yes; is there anywhere online to find this? I'm going through Spring Break, and wanted to know if we're talking 8's or 10's. Thanks BTW, wherabouts in WI are you from?

 

[TejasMickey]

Thank you!

Thank you everyone for your responses. They've really helped me feel better about my trip the week before. I'm gonna stick with this week and take some of the advice about arriving when the park opens and taking a break in the day.

We're staying at the Beach Club so, I know the pool is fantastic!

Thanks again!

 

[Disneydreamer16]

We were thinking about going may 15th to the 22nd so that shouldnt be as crowded since its not as near memorial day right?

 

[Aprilnjosh]

As long as you're out of there by Friday, it shouldn't be too bad.

You should be okay....according to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, using this scale...

1 = Peak wait times of 14 minutes or less
2 = Peak waits of 15 - 24 minutes
3 = Peak waits of 25 - 34 minutes
4 = Peak waits of 35 - 44 minutes
5 = Peak waits of 45 - 54 minutes
6 = Peak waits of 55 - 64 minutes
7 = Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes
8 = Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes
9 = Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes
10 = Peak waits of 95 minutes or more

Your days are as follows...

May 18 = 5
May 19 = 6
May 20 = 5
May 21 = 7
May 22 = 5
May 23 = 5
May 24 = 7

What about May 4-14