give it to me straight, I can take it...(MLK related)

[Rozzie]

so looks like I've done the unthinkable and have planned ressies for MLK. Can't really change now, as I all ready put in for my time at work.

So am I nutso or what? Will be arriving on the 14th-19th. First trip ever for MIL and first time for mother in 18 years.

Who's been? How bad was it?:help:

[lllovell]

Weeeeeellllllll

It would be bad for someone with no WDW experience. Do your planning as if you were going during a summer week (crowd wise) and you will do just fine. For me it would be - - - Get to the parks early, leave around lunch time and do something else for a bit during the mid day time and then head back in the evening to play more (evening time depending on dinner plans/ressies/park closing times). Use fast passes and hit the rides and areas FIRST during the day that you KNOW will be busiest and don't go to the MK on MLK day. The Magic Kingdom tends to be awful on days when it is full not only tourist but locals having the day off as well. (I have been there on Presidents day before and it was without a doubt the busiest day I have EVER seen at MK - - - EVER no matter what time of year).

It will be busier because of the long weekend, but you will have fun as long as you buck the traditional tourist timing of getting up, eating a slow breakfast and finally strolling into the parks at 11.

Have fun!

[Rozzie]

that's what I figured. We usually are always at rope drop, and collect FP's through out the day, and we never had a problem no matter what time of year we go. We have a pretty effective system, so DH and I are not scared of crowds, but I hate that we are dragging MIL down into all that.

Now my mother, on the other hand, once stood in line for 2 hours with me as a child waiting for Dumbo in a baking July sun, so I think anything will be better than that. :blech:

I hate that this will be MILs first WDW experience, but it could be worse, I could be taking her on Christmas Day for her first experience?!!!

[bavaria]

I went last year for a quick weekend trip. It wasn't that bad, but it was the wekeend of the Home Builders convention, and it was the largest convention ever held in Orlando (due to the 2004 hurricane season)

The parks weren't overly bad (much more crowded than the rest of January, but not crazy busy) BUT one could not get a reservaiton at any full service restaurant Saturday night. The conventioneers were offsite all day, but most had events or dinners planned that night. Even Marrakesh was turning people away.

That was the first time in my life that I paid full rate to stay at a WDW resort, by the way - no AP or AAA discounts available, and I didn't own DVC then but I doubt that there was much available there either due to the convetion.

I didn't hear how it went in 2006 - the same convention was being held, but I haven't heard if it had the same impact.

[matysgranma]

We were at WDW during the MLK break, and it was VERY crowded Sunday and Monday. By Tuesday, the crowds had died down, and for the remainder of the week, it was light.
Make sure you make ressies in advance. The table service restaurants were packed!!
Get to the parks early, and utilize the FP system and you'll be fine!
Have a great trip!
Pam

[Pumpkinboy]

I have been over MLK weekend in '03, '04 and '05, and experienced very light crowds. If you plan ahead you will have short lines and all the ADRs you want. We're going to be doing MLK weekend next year, reserving just as soon as we can figure a plan and get the points in order; this is complicated by the fact that our DVC use-year is February. But in the past we have had very good luck with availability, even getting BWV std view at 3 months out.

[Rozzie]

reserving just as soon as we can figure a plan and get the points in order; this is complicated by the fact that our DVC use-year is February.

our use year is also February, which does require creative planning. :scratchch

thanks for the info, I am starting to feel a little better!

[nono]

Rozzie,

Let's face it. Everyone is being nice -- I'll give it to you straight: You're scr%wed. Oh, not because of the weekend you chose, but because your Moms will be along. :crazy:

Just kidding, have a :margarita first thing each morning, and the days will go fine!

[jaysue]

Rozzie,

Let's face it. Everyone is being nice -- I'll give it to you straight: You're scr%wed. Oh, not because of the weekend you chose, but because your Moms will be along. :crazy:

Just kidding, have a :margarita first thing each morning, and the days will go fine!


:ROTFL:
jaysue