Haven't been to WDW in May since 1978. Any Changes???

akaDaddy

"Thanks Charming, but my daughter's got this."

Joined

Jun 3, 2005

• Jan 7, 2017

• #1

Just Kidding...about the changes anyway. Heading to WDW May 19-26

Our family loves Disney and try to make it at least every other year. But it has always turned out to be Christmas, early Spring, Summer or Fall. No one in the family has been in May except for me and that was when I was a kid.

Tell me what to expect in crowds, weather and any other advise you are willing to share.

 

glassslippergirl

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jul 15, 2010

• Jan 7, 2017

• #2

Lol

If you've been in summer, May won't be a surprise weather-wise. It will be hot, but maybe a few degrees cooler than at the height of summer (still expect 90s everyday and afternoon rains). Prepare for the heat as you did on summer trips.

Your dates sound Memorial Day-ish, so expect holiday crowds. Rumor mill thinks that Pandora may open around then, so expect higher crowds at AK. If seeing Pandora is a priority, keep a close eye on when FPs come available for the attractions, be connected at the specific time, and prepare to become one with your computer and MDE for a long, frustrating period of time as everyone virtually fights for FPs.

 

Accident

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jun 13, 2015

• Jan 7, 2017

• #3

When is the last time you went because there is always crowds since frozen came out it just depends on if it's what you remember really crowded or much worse..

it's the start of summer season (well it starts right as you leave) and it's summer weather. it won't be the 95% humidity at end of summer but it'll be hot and humid and summer. Daily rain for 20 minutes may not be daily but you'll see some rain.

Pandora I think might help you with crowds though. I'm expecting around marchish to get a more firm opening date and the commercials running to come to disney for pandora. There is a ticket for florida residents that has blockout dates starting the 27th so it's expected to open then. There was an interesting article in the news yesterday where the cfo of disney is expecting avatar to do for WDW what cars land did for california. Basically they think it's going to pull crowds to help even out the parks with attendance more. so it means more crowds at AK and less crowds at other parks until they all get something new. Really interesting article I didn't really look at how much work they are doing as crowd control measures to spread people out by getting somethign exciting in each park that has staying power.

 

CinderellaElla

Mouseketeer

Joined

Dec 28, 2015

• Jan 7, 2017

• #4

Lol! you should be a business man with that kind of misleading title Touche. I've lived in FL for the past 3 years. May is already hot and humid with unpredictable rain (so watch the weather or come with/buy ponchos). It's also heading into busy time for Disney World. But, this year, there is also Pandora opening up in Animal Kingdom, so there's something else to consider with crowd levels.

 

Farro

Argh.

Joined

Jun 19, 2016

• Jan 7, 2017

• #5

Great thread title!

We haven't been in May since 2000 (so take this for what it's worth). We went within the first two weeks. Great crowds and hot (but not too humid).

After this upcoming trip we will go back when Star Wars Land opens and we plan to go in early May again, hopefully seeing the flower show!

 

HopperFan

"It's a bug-eat-bug world out there, princess."

Joined

Sep 6, 2003

• Jan 7, 2017

• #6

LOVE LOVE LOVE MAY! The end.

 

cgattis

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 1, 2009

• Jan 7, 2017

• #7

Well, bell bottoms and platform boots are out, as are shorty shorts with tube socks

We've been Mother's Day weekend and had glorious weather and low crowds. Also been Memorial Day weekend, warmer and more crowded, but still lots of fun. I think you'll like it. It'll give you a good chance to hit a water park if you don't usually do that.

 

bbjunkie

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 3, 2015

• Jan 7, 2017

• #8

cgattis said:

Well, bell bottoms and platform boots are out, as are shorty shorts with tube socks

We've been Mother's Day weekend and had glorious weather and low crowds. Also been Memorial Day weekend, warmer and more crowded, but still lots of fun. I think you'll like it. It'll give you a good chance to hit a water park if you don't usually do that.

Click to expand...

Most awesome response, ever!

 

akaDaddy

"Thanks Charming, but my daughter's got this."

Joined

Jun 3, 2005

• Jan 8, 2017

• #9

cgattis said:

Well, bell bottoms and platform boots are out, as are shorty shorts with tube socks

Click to expand...

Well played, grasshopper...

Although I do take issue with the "shorty shorts & tube socks". They still exist.

Last December, our family was "exposed" (literally and figuratively) to a sixty-ish year old gentleman wearing knee high white diabetic socks and what can best be described as "coach shorts"; those all polyester, skin tight shorts with a two inch inseam. Every morning on our way to the bus stop at CSR he was walking up and down the sidewalk. Friendly chap, he always spoke and asked "where are you heading today", which made us obligated to at least acknowledge him. By mid-vacation, I almost felt familiar enough to mention he should have that mole on his upper right thigh looked at, but then again, he was on vacation...

 

michelleiada

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 12, 2006

• Jan 8, 2017

• #10

We have done several May trips, both early and late May. We have experienced everything with regards to weather. We had a 10 vacation where the weather was PERFECT! Warm and dry and cool at night. We had one vacation where it poured for 10 days straight...very unusual though, and we have had a few vacations where it was hot! Crowds have also varied. I think that through the years, Disney marketing has come up with ways to fill the resorts and the parks no matter what time of year. 10 years ago, early May was not crowded at all and the perfect time to visit. However our last few May trips we have found it to be very crowded. Either way, May will still be less crowded than June or July but you should definitely plan your days and utilize Fast Passes.

 

Eddie512

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 26, 2016

• Jan 8, 2017

• #11

1978 was a great year!!! I was 8 and my parents would drop me off in MK for the day, no worries. I was only allowed to cross 2-3 highways on my bike at the time, so did need a ride.

You could ride rides w/ people you just met and when you got hungry just eat your marshmallow creme and jelly sandwich on white bread and drink your tang. Mom may pick you up eventually, just head to the smoking area (where all the parents are) and find the lady smoking Camels. Most moms smoke Virginia Slims, so she will be easy to spot!

Disclaimer: if you follow this advice you may have a cop and a social worker at your door within a few minutes.