Advice on week of April 14-20, 2019

[Nutmeg2016]

I’m really grateful for any thoughts on visiting Disneyland the week of April 14-20, 2019.

Is this a big spring break week on the west coast? Do you think there’s a good chance Galaxy’s Edge will have recently opened? (We have no immediate interest in this and would rather avoid it).

For context, we’re Disneyland newbies (living in Massachusetts, WDW is our “home” park). Here in MA, spring break is always the third week in April. In 2019, this week coincides with both Easter and Passover- many school districts in the northeast always tie spring break to these holidays, so I’m anticipating massive crowds at WDW. And aside from that, we’d love to see southern CA and the first Disney park (we're celebrating my 40th so it's a good time to splurge : - ).

Thank you!

 

[figment_jii]

There really isn't a specific week for Spring Break...it's more like a season that spans about 4 to 6 weeks. Easter is late next year (April 21), but there are schools that still tie their Spring Break to Easter, but there are also a number of schools that do not use Easter as a basis for their Spring Break. Based on the AP calendar, DLR expect the bulk of the Spring Break crowds to arrive before Easter (AP blockout is from April 12/13 through the 21st). So I do think you'll see some Spring Break crowds when you're there, but it might not be as concentrated as when Easter is earlier in the season. I haven't started the 2019 calendar yet, but you can look at some of the school breaks that were tracked in 2018 to get a sense of how Easter tied into Spring Break this year.

They haven't announced an opening date for SWGE yet, but they keep saying "summer of 2019", so it seems unlikely that it'll have opened by April.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

In my experience from the last two years only, "Spring Break" at DL is a period of about five weeks, so both before and after Easter. I assume this is because people come from all over the country for their personal spring breaks, and the dates vary depending on your state and even your county. The biggest crowds seem to be in the week before and after Easter, so that would put your dates in the thickest of the crowds. However, you should also get the Food and Wine Festival at DCA, which would be fun. I think if you expect crowds and plan for crowds (both mentally and strategically) you will have a good time. I would also suggest MaxPass if possible.

 

[Greg Lembrich]

Hi @Nutmeg2016 . My daughter and I will also be traveling to DLR that same week next April. We live in NJ and are also WDW vets. I have spent two solo days at DL/DCA when I had free days while in LA on business, but my daughter (7 years old) has never been and is very excited. I am anticipating high (but not insane) crowds most days that week. Guessing 7 or 8 out of 10 most days during the week (maybe as high as 9). It should certainly be less crowded than WDW that week, with Easter and Spring Break crowds at their max.

We will definitely be getting MaxPass since rides are our top priority. SWGE will not be open yet (hearing June 2019 at earliest, more likely July or August), so that won't be an issue. Bug's Land will be closed by then, but all of Paradise/Pixar Pier will be up and running. Hopefully the holiday period will mean a minimum of rides down for refurb at that time (fingers crossed that everything will be open). There should also be nice long hours (presuming 8AM to midnight each day at DL and 8AM to 10PM at DCA), which should help to space the crowds at bit. We will be staying right across the street, so our plan is to RD every morning, take a significant break each afternoon, then return to the parks in the evening.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[Nutmeg2016]

Thanks so much for the replies everyone, all very helpful!

I'm definitely encouraged to head to DLR next April. I'll look into MaxPass, etc. and will mentally prepare for Easter crowds. I'm glad SWGE is scheduled to open later in the summer, so we'll get to taste DLR before Star Wars changes the dynamic (assuming that will happen).

Thanks again

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will have lots of helpful information for your trip planning: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. And don't worry too much about Spring Break crowds. When DLR is prepared for crowds (like during summer and peak Spring Break), things really run so much more smoothly than you'd think. With good planning and organization, MaxPass/FP skills, and a positive attitude, you can have a wonderful trip!

ETA: This thread has helpful information, too: www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/.