We are headed to WDW from Thursday, May 21- Sunday, May 31. My question is about crowd predictions. When I look at past predicted vs actual for the Weekend before Memorial Day and the Monday holiday it looks very favorable. However everything I read online says that there is a spike in crowds around this time. We have 10 day park hoppers and will be going to at least one park every single day while we are there.
As I plan our days and dining reservations, I’d welcome any input from anyone who has actually stayed around this time. MK on Memorial Day, good idea?
Tentative Park Plan:
Thurs. 5/21 - arrival day (early) MK
Fri. 5/22 - EP
Sat. 5/23 - HS
Sun. 5/24 - AK/hop to MK
Mon. Memorial Day 5/25 - MK? or… EP/hop to MK?
Tues. 5/26 - HS
Wed. 5/27 - AK
Thurs. 5/28 - HS
Fri. 5/29 - EP
Sat. 5/30 - MK
Sun. 5/31 - head home
We were at WDW similar dates in 2025. I think I asked this same question in chat as it seemed counterintuitive. We did rope drop MK on Memorial Day - Monday, May 26, 2025. MK was forecast as a “4” and ended up being a “1.” We had a great time!
I frequently go to WDW around this time. Memorial Day is actually less impacted by crowds compared to other major holidays. I don’t really notice a spike either on the holiday or the surrounding days, other than that crowds start to build the further into May and June you go as different school districts get out.
One thing to keep in mind is that the local APs are blocked on Memorial Day proper, which tends to counterbalance the holiday impact.
So I would just plan your trip around what makes the most sense for you and your preferences. I wouldn’t worry too much about the crowds from one day to the next. Be prepared for lots of people - it’s summer break after all. But it won’t be one of the busiest times of the year.
I’d be more concerned about 10 park days in a row negatively impacting your trip rather than the crowds at the end of May.
Have you done that many consecutive park days before? What age range are your kids? [I assume you have kids with a name like DadHatter and that they are joining you on the trip.]
I have been this weekend twice over the last several years and fully agree. Crowds may see a small spike but they aren’t that high in late May. Many schools are still going into June and it’s only a 3 day weekend for most.
I think if I had a 10 day ticket I would also go into the parks every day. Some days may just be a couple hours. But that many days means none of the days have to be very long either.
We have done WDW for eight days in a row before and then most recently 5 days WDW and then moved over to Universal for 3 days straight. Kids are 21, 19, 9 and 5.
We found ourselves hardly in our hotel except to sleep and occasionally swim between park hopping.
I am one of the few like you who can handle that many park days in a row. But it’s a fair point for consideration. Most people like a rest day every 3-4 days. Or at least a “take it easy” park day like @drvillarejos recommended.
But it’s a fair point for consideration. Most people like a rest day every 3-4 days. Or at least a “take it easy” park day like