April 18th - 24th, how bad really?

[HauntedMansionFan]

So usually I go in the off season (Feb, May, & Oct), but this time I can't avoid the Spring crowds.... we are headed down for a family gathering of sorts. My father being the teacher, this is the only week he can get off from work. So how bad are the crowds going to be really? I know that Disney classified the end of their "Peak" season as April 16th, two days before we leave. I know a lot of flights are full coming down from New England, but they don't seem to be as crowded coming from anywhere else. Also, it looks like the parks have normal hours instead of crazy extended ones... and rental cars are moderately priced also. Am I get all worked up for nothing? Any help is appreciated!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

It should start to unwind while you are there. By the last few days of your trip, it should be less crowded.

 

[kilee]

I know SW is pretty much booked for several days in that timeframe from our area. We are going down 4/12-4/20. My parents and aunt/uncle want to join us from the 14th- 19th and they're having a really hard time finding flights for under $200 ea way (typically we usually pay $50-99 each way from our airport). I'm thinking it's going to be pretty busy. This way-- it really only can be what I expect or better.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Don't forget that all over Florida colleges (and all schools) will be on their spring breaks too, and not all the same week either. Floridians love Disney! Whenever we have been to WDW on spring break, we noticed a considerable difference in attendance as even opposed to the summer months when it too is crowded. Parks were closing their gates because they were at maximum occupancy.

We still enjoyed it!

 

[shafke]

I would expect crowds to be fairly consistent throughout the week. If your schools are off that week, NY schools are following the week after. I am expecting crowds to be bigger than normal for April but less than say President's week in Feb.

Also, don't get worked up over the crowds. How bad can it be? Definitely not as bad as Christmas, Easter, July 4th, etc... They will be what they will be. You cannot do anything about it. Your first day or two will show you what to expect and if the crowds are higher than you were expecting, change your plans accordingly. Get to the parks earlier, stay later, use fast pass as much as possible.

 

[JESW]

We were down at Disney last year the same week as we are also in MA and that is our spring break. (We will be there this year too but we will also be doing the 4-night cruise) It won't be the same as the off-season trips you've taken, but we didn't think it was too bad. The weather was BEAUTIFUl last year! And it's also the Flower & Garden festival at EPCOT. The only park that was REAL crowded was the Magic Kingdom, but that ALWAYS seems to be crowded. I think you'll have a good time!

Jill

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Thank you all so much for the info, I'm going in with the expectation that it will be crowded, but then I reflect on that it is going to by myself, my partner and his mother, my mom and dad, and my aunt and cousin.... my brother is flying down about mid-week also. So tons of people or no people I'm sure we will have a good time. Thank you all!