Disneyland at Spring Break

[Colorado DISers]

We are looking at taking a four day trip to Disneyland starting March 22nd. 2008. Does anyone know what the crowds are like this time of the year? How about the weather? Thanks in advance for any info.

Mike

 

[DLR29]

We went in 04 during Spring Break and it was CROWDED! But if you get there early, use FP a lot, take afternoon breaks (especially because you're staying at the DLH = easy access to monorail = easier breaks), and stay later, you should be fine.

Just to give you an approx., lines for major attractions in the morning should be no longer than 30 minutes, but by midday, rides like Space, Indy, and Splash will be up in the 45-60 minute range. Nemo will be long starting early, so hit that first. Fantasyland rides are good to hit during EE (which you have every day that it's offered during your trip because you're staying onsite), as is Nemo if you have more than one EE day. DCA's rides open at 10 (9:30 for Soarin) and won't have long lines until at least noon.

As for weather, it's very nice. Warm, not muggy, and sunny. There might be some little showers, but nothing large at all.

 

[flyinshirer]

OOOHHHHH you asked..............Here I go...........

We went this year over spring break. We went the first week of April I think. THE WORST TRIP EVER at Disneyland! The lines were so outrageous and we could hardly walk side by side. Had to walk in a line most of the time. It was so crazy! I took my sister who hadn't been since she was like 10 and my other sis who is 15 and then my 2 girls 7 & 9. It was so crowded and bad for us that we promised to take my girls back in a couple of weeks. DH went with us the 2nd time and it was so much better! We had to take the kids out of school for a few days, but I had to redeem myself!
When we went back that second time in April, it was awesome! It wound up being the best Disney trip that we have had. I was so glad that we were able to make up for such a bad trip that first week!

Good luck! I don't think March is as bad. I hate to be a downer but just wanted to be honest. Like I said.....you asked!

 

[DLR29]

Good luck! I don't think March is as bad. I hate to be a downer but just wanted to be honest. Like I said.....you asked!

It has nothing to do with March/April. It has everything to do with when Easter is. This year it's in March. When you went, it was probably in April. That's when most schools have breaks.

 

[sweetascanbee]

We went a few years ago, I am not sure if it was spring break but I know it was the week of March 10th because that is DH's birthday. The crowds were horrid, On the saturday it was a sea of people, you couldnt move or get around the park, I remember we went on very few rides and kept saying to each other..."thank goodness we have been here before, because it would be a big ripoff if this was our first trip" We finally went up to ride the monorail just to get out of the crowd and the monorail driver was telling us that in all his years at the park this was the MOST people he had ever seen in one day.

All our trip before that had been late October / or November. Crowds were always great. We were just there last weekend 09/21 - 09/23 and it was perfect almost walk ons for most rides.
We will never go near spring break again....

Becky

 

[Husker Mickey]

I don't want to rain on your parade, but IMHO it is not a good time to go. We went this past Easter - when you are planning to go is the day before Easter - the crowds on Friday and particularly Sat. were overbearing!!! I'm not talking just a little crowded, I'm talking shoulder to shoulder in the afternoon and evenings. We still managed to have fun, but are really looking forward to this next trip during the slow time to experience a little more of the magic DL has to offer.
As for the weather, it can be warm or cool, plan for both. Make sure you take long pants and a jacket. I see you are from Colorado. We were so anxious to be in warm weather at that time of the year, but it wasn't very warm any of the days. We were all glad that we packed a couple of pair of long pants for the cooler days. Good luck on your decision.

 

[disney-super-mom]

We went in March of 04, and it was HORRIBLE! Our worst DL trip ever! Way way too crowded.

We'll never go during March or April again.

The weather was nice though, and luckily we were staying at HOJO which has a great pool area.

 

[flyinshirer]

I'm glad to know that we were not the only ones that had such a bad time during that time of year.

Not kidding when we say "shoulder to shoulder". Many people were in my "bubble"

 

[eeyore3847]

oh march is BBBAAADD! sometimes it is hot and then the nights are cold!!!!!!!!!! lines are huge in the mid day, so go early and go late. take advantage of a close hotel to swim in the aft.!!!
good luck, we enjoy going no matter if there are lines. we just make sure to stay an extra day so we get everything in at least twice!

lori

 

[21yankees]

I took my three kids (ages then 5, 3, and 1) during Easter week (starting the Monday after Easter through Friday). I had ridemax and was prepared for the crowds. Granted I didn't have to deal with the 'big' rides since it was just me with the kids, we loved it. If you know it's going to be busy then you'll be more prepared. I highly recommend being in line before the park opens each day you are there (that goes for the early entry days as well). In the morning it really wasn't too bad. We'd end up leaving the park around 11-12 for lunch and a nap, then we headed back around 3-4 and again took it slow. We loved it, my kids had a great time. They still talk about it and how they wish they could go back. Dh and I are planning a surprise trip for them in December, can't wait to go back.

steph