Orlando Travel Forum

HI Hope you can help:

1) What are the crowds and weather like last two weeks in May; there arent any major US holidays that will impact the crowds is there?

2) Planning to stay first week in Disney Animal Lodge)but looking to stay on I-Drive 2nd week to be closer to Universal and outlets Last time we went, we stayed at Holiday Inn, and whilst location was good hotel was not up to scratch, so need advice on a decent hotel on that side of Idrive that is accessible on public transport/shuttles as we will not be driving.

3) If we decided to spend 2nd week at the beach, would you recommend this on Gulf coast or Atlantic coast - looking for good beach, and good shopping (which hotel please of at least 4 stars)

4)Do you get to see any animals at Animal Lodge ? Is it worth the price ?

5) For UK residents - better to book a year in advance or 4 weeks ?

Thanks for all your help

Hi - below is the attendance info for the Disney Parks to give you an idea of what to expect. Memorial Day weekend is May 24th - May 26th this year, and you can definitely expect big crowds during that weekend. Temps will be hot - mid to upper 80's. Haven't stayed at the Animal Lodge (other Disney Hotels have been okay - maybe a little overpriced but guess that's part of the "Disney Experience"). Probably a good idea to split your time. Personal preference for beach is the Atlantic coast. If you go at this time of year or any other popular time of year, I'd book in advance - schools close for summer vacation as early as mid-May in many parts of the country. Enjoy!

Lowest Attendance at Disney Parks:
January (except New Year's Day) until just prior to Presidents' week in February
The week following Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
The week following Thanksgiving until the week prior to Christmas

Moderate Attendance at Disney Parks:
After Presidents' week in February through early March
Late April through early June (except Memorial Day weekend)
The first part of Thanksgiving week

Highest Attendance at Disney Parks:
Presidents' week in February
Mid-March through Late April ("Spring Break")
Memorial Day weekend
Mid-June through Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and weekend
Christmas week through New Year's Day

Hi again - found some other info that may help you plan your days:

Also, during regular attendance periods, our Parks tend to be the busiest on the following days:

Magic Kingdom® Park: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
Epcot®: Tuesday and Friday
Disney-MGM Studios: Sunday and Wednesday
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

What are the Theme Park's operating hours?
Operating hours vary greatly from Park to Park at different times of the year.

Disney's Magic Kingdom Park normally opens at 9 a.m. The closing time varies from 6 p.m. to midnight. The later closing times occur near the winter holidays, the Easter holiday, and during the summer, generally from mid June through late August.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park normally opens at 8 a.m. The closing time varies from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The later closing times occur near the winter holidays, the Easter holiday, and during the summer, generally from mid June through late August.

The Disney-MGM Studios normally opens at 9 a.m. The closing time varies from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The later closing times occur near the winter holidays, the Easter holiday, and during the summer, generally from mid June through late August.

Epcot Future World normally opens at 9 a.m. And the World Showcase does not open till 11am. The closing time varies from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. The later closing times occur near the winter holidays, the Easter holiday, and during the summer, generally from mid June through late August.

I just returned from the Animal Kingdom, it was the only Disney park that we went to on a short weekend. It was just my husband and I and we were very entertained. I have to recommend having dinner at Jiko at the Animal Kingdom lodge, but be sure to make a reservation in advance.

I second the recommendation for the beach on the Atlantic coast. Miami would have fantastic shopping and hotels.

2) Of course there are scads of hotels around Universal and the outlets, of many varying prices. I had a wonderful stay at the Caribe Royale (http://www.cariberoyale.com/index.html) a few years ago. We stayed in a large suite, very clean and new, quiet pool right outside. The hotel is very close to a mall and International Drive.

4) Animal Kingdom Lodge is really expensive, but also very nice. Personally, I think it's worth the price tag. The entire hotel is beautiful and very elegant. And you do indeed get to see animals: zebras, giraffes, wildebeasts, and flamingos. And both of the restaurants within the hotel are outstanding.