Hey everybody, I'm trying to choose between these two dates. I want lower crowds and nice weather. I'm concerned about Jan 5th being too close to the New Years crowds and May being too hot with long lines. Any info would be appreciated.

caubert

Actually January 1st is the start of value season. By Saturday the 5th crowds will be way down, and by Monday the 7th the parks will be almost deserted.

As a general rule you can expect highs in the 70s and overnight lows in the 50s. However, it is possible (usually for not more than two or three days) to get highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. However, it is usually very sunny at that time and even if low temperatures during the day it will be comfortable.

Good morning,

I think weather wise, May is better. I think crowd wise, January may be better but please keep in mind that if you'll be spending a week or so at that time, you'll be coinciding with Marathon Weekend. Having never been that week/weekend, I'm unaware of how this will affect crowds that specific week. I know you can add myself, my wife and son to the list of those heading down for Marathon Weekend!

Having said that, we've frequented WDW virtually every May going back to the late-80's and while crowds may not be quite 1st week January or 1st week December levels, we've always found crowds to be very manageable should you have a decent touring plan in mind (go early, FastPass what you can, etc, etc) regarding the weather, you can't beat it in May!

FYI - we're book for May 3rd-10th already!

Take care and I hope this helps.

Bobcat

Crowd-wise, I'd say January. But May was really manageable. We walked on to most everything and never waited more than 10 minutes-by using fastpass, having a plan and using "best days/best parks" tips. And, for us who are used to no humidity whatsoever, May still felt really humid as compared to January.

If you're planning on water parks and pools alot you may want to think about May. I know that my kids would swim in any kind of weather but I prefer a warmer outside temp. for swimming.

Where are you? For us, flying in January can be iffy; May is more temperate-but we still had snow the day we flew out!

May 3rd there is going to be an pin event.