Im going in May, what should I except?

[tommy@SWA]

I am going to WDW in May (May 3-8th to be exact) and want to know what to expect as far as crowds and weather go. I am staying at Port Orleans and wanted to know what to expect on the resort side as well. I have normally stayed at the CBR and CSR, but wanted to do something different. I have always gone in Sept or Oct. too, so the weather is bound to be a little different too huh???

Any help would be appreciated and would love any and all responses!

Thanks for you help!

Tommy McBride

 

[maelstrom]

I was in Disney World in May and it was HOT!! Definately pack shorts and tank tops. The Flower & Garden festival will be going on at Epcot and that is absolutely beautiful. It will be a bit crowded, but not as crowded as Christmas or in July & August.

 

[Daannzzz]

I have gone 6 times in the first 2 weeks of May since 1996. The crowds are easily delt with. I generally stay away from the park with early entry. Epcot has always been no problem. Go in and do Test track and Missions Space first and you will be set for the day. At Disney MGM Studios the crowds have varied but if you go in and do ToT and RnR first they rest of the day should be a breeze. At AK you can run with everyone to the Safari first thing or do what we do which is hit Dinosaur first (no line), It's tough to be a Bug (no line) Kali Rapids (if it is open, if not get a fastpass). The Lion King show can be fit in early and then get a fast pass for a late afternoon safari though most of the time the late safari's are not crowded. I have seen the most animal activity later in the day.
The MK can be iffy. Some days are pretty mellow but sometimes it isn't. Saturdays are packed and even worse if it is the only day that they do the fireworks and SpectroMagic Parade.
The weather has been in the mid 70's to mid 80's once. The high 70's to low 90's once. The mid 80's two times and twice it was in the mid 90's everyday. Humidity seemed to be relative to the heat but being from California I am not sure! It doesn't rain much in May. Twice we have had no rain. Twice there was a bit of rain on one day and twice there were a couple of 45 minute rainstorms...big rainstorms but it ended fairly quickly. I will say that the one time I went in August the storm, while still only about 45 minutes was MUCH bigger and frightening for this west coaster!
I have stayed at all the moderate resorts. I love them all and have never been into the Mansion Home architecture ( even switched my reservations on my first WDW stay to avoid staying in one) but just to give it a try I requested one for my stay this last May. I was put in Parterre Place and I loved it. It really feels like you are staying on some Grand Southern estate. The food court and front bus stoip were fairly close and there was a quiet pool and laundry nearby. I also like Alligator Bayou though.

 

[WDWhumanmap]

what to expect no lines for ridesi almost said no rides sorry folks but i am feeling alittle faint here but lots of heat i usual go in the summer but i went this past year on may 17th and it was hotter than anytime i been there in the summer and thats hot

 

[tommy@SWA]

...

sounds like it is gonna be smooth sailings....or am I wrong????

 

[Daannzzz]

It has always been smooth sailing for me at this time...well except for our first trip wehen we went to the MK on Saturday and it was the one night that the fireworks and Spectro were going. I will still go on a Saturday, I just know much better how to deal with it. Hopefully you will get one of the Maytimes when it isn't hot. Hope you have loads of fun.

 

[tommy@SWA]

Thanks!!!

From the replies that I have gotten, I am really excited!! My little girl has been 3 times, but this will be the 1st real time that I think she will remember everything (she is now 4 y/o). Does anyone though have any suggestions on POR....i have normally stayed at CBR and I guess I am second guessing my decision. Did I make a good choice???

 

[Daannzzz]

It is very pretty at POR. But it is real different than CBR. CBR feels bigger because of the lake. The views across the lake are great and I like that open feeling. At POR there are lots of trees, particularly in the Alligator Bayou section. You can not see how big the resort really is. At CBR the gardens are somwhat casual and meandering. In the mansion section at POR the gardens are more structured. The CBR is full of bright colors. Everything at POR is muted with tans, whites, dark greens, grays and light blues. The food court is a neat area and I like the food their. I think the main pool is the least interesting of the moderates but it is still fun. The music at POR is definately more of a southern sound with banjos and such. Both are great but they are different. If you prepare for it ahead of time you should be okay.