Planning a May trip with a 4 year old.

[TERRILYNN]

What are the lines like in May? My husband and I visited once several years ago in late September. We got a 1 day Park Hopper pass and visited 3 parks... everything except the Animal Kingdom (hubby doesnt like zoos) and it was great, we had very minor waits and just walked onto most rides. I'm just wondering what to expect in May and how many days we should play for tickets. The rides she will like are pretty limited, Peter Pan, It's Small world, maybe the Jungle Cruise and Snow White (if its still going)and Aladdin's Magic Carpet, plus she likes carousels. She will love the Beauty and the Beast show at Hollywood and the Nemo ride at Epcot. Other than that just seeing the characters and the Mickey Philharmic, that's about all we will do. With wait times in May is all of this doable with a 1 day ticket + PH? I've agonized and planned and replanned. She doesnt do lines well. We usually go to Silver Dollar City all summer, we live in Missouri, so she is used to just pretty much walking on whatever she wants to ride. Any ideas?

 

[SAV]

everything except the Animal Kingdom (hubby doesnt like zoos)

First off, Animal Kingdom isn't a Zoo. It is much more than that and should be experienced.

Secondly, I haven't been during may in about 7 years, but May is a great time to go. Majority of kids are still in school and the weather is nice.

Only 1 day for WDW isn't nearly enough. You will miss so much.

 

[TERRILYNN]

My husband was wondering about school being out so that's really good to know. He doesn't like to see animals confined, at all. He thinks they should all be free, it really bothers him to see them in enclosures. He doesn't like Sea World either. I would love to go and I'm sure our daughter would too but I doubt I can convince him. Thanks for the response. I think this seals the deal for us going in May like we originally planned!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Lines in May will really depend on when you go in May. Obviously, crowds are going to be larger around Memorial Day and some southern school districts let out towards the end of May (although most are early June that we know of), so that too can impact lines. I'd check into a membership on Touring Plans if you want to see projected crowd volumes.

As for your daughter, you might find there's a lot more she likes once she's there. You might also see new found patience. My girls were 2 and 4 on their first trip and even 45-50 min on line at TSMM was fine with them just b/c the queue is so neat. As for days to plan for tickets...it's up to you and your time & budget. While I've been to WDW in the double digits - for our girls' first trip we planned 3 days at MK and then one day at each of the other parks. We're planning 5 days of tickets in Nov and I know we'll do 2 in MK, but the big debate is 2 in Epcot or return to AK. We also don't hop b/c things just take longer with the kids.

While I think there are definitely things in AK that you all would enjoy, it's also the park we are least likely to visit. It bugs me that we missed Nemo and Lion King on our one and only visit to AK, yet for our 6 day trip we've got planned for Nov...I'm still thinking about skipping AK. Very torn on that as I want to try it again, but just not sure if this is the right time.

 

[SMS55]

I've visited in May on many ocassions and it is not too bad, although two years ago I went on the last weekend for the Play 4 Pass (this year it's 3 days) and it was a little busy. Something you might want to consider. It starts getting hotter and more humid so drink plenty of fluids and if your little one has sensative skin, sunscreen will be important.

 

[vjgraham]

My husband was wondering about school being out so that's really good to know. He doesn't like to see animals confined, at all. He thinks they should all be free, it really bothers him to see them in enclosures. He doesn't like Sea World either. I would love to go and I'm sure our daughter would too but I doubt I can convince him. Thanks for the response. I think this seals the deal for us going in May like we originally planned!

I agree with the other post that said: AK is not a zoo. It is so much more than a zoo. As a matter of fact, you should consider doing it without your husband if he really feels that way. Maybe he can enjoy the something else that day. MK really needs more thanone day unless you get there right at opening and stay until it closes, which may be a little much for your 4 yr old.

 

[meeskamickey]

We took our kids last May and have to say the weather was pretty nice and the lines weren't bad at all.

 

[CaptainJackNO]

Yes, May is nice. The crowds are managable, especially in the earlier parts of May.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

I've visited in May on many ocassions and it is not too bad, although two years ago I went on the last weekend for the Play 4 Pass (this year it's 3 days) and it was a little busy. Something you might want to consider. It starts getting hotter and more humid so drink plenty of fluids and if your little one has sensative skin, sunscreen will be important.

This exactly. I've gone to WDW the past 3 May's, and this has been my experience. It isn't too bad, but I did notice an increase w/the promotion two years ago. Last year it was 97 degrees the second week of May, so much hotter than I am used to that time of year. But all in all, I think it's a good time to visit.

Hitting 3 parks in 1 day with a four year old would seem like a lot of work to me, and might be a bit stressful. It can be done, but I'd give yourself a few days if you are able to. You'll find more in the parks to do than you think. Even if you only see a few attractions, just the travel time & eating will be less stressful if you aren't trying to do it all in one day. If you can only do one day though, go for it! Disney even for a day is worth it.

Visiting when the park first opens will give you the shortest lines. Also, utilize fast passes if a wait is too long, and then you can walk on later on in the day.