Early 2018 visit

[Davey Jones II]

Against our better judgement (after our recent October visit), we are considering making a getaway to WDW early in the New Year. So my questions are: when do the tour groups invade, and when does Spring Break begin? When would you recommend that we visit, given crowds and tour groups (i.e. we`d like to avoid them if possible) and other factors, such as free dining (i.e. we`d love to get it!). Any random advice would be welcome. We`ve only visited in October, early December (once) and May (once).

Thanks!

 

[VAfamily1998]

So, in the next few weeks?

Marathon weekend is coming up next weekend. The official events for marathon weekend begin on Wednesday January 3, and the final race is on Sunday January 7, but many runners and their families will come before and stay many days after.

 

[pitpat]

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my go to resource

 

[disneyseniors]

We were there this year in the middle of February, first time at that time of year. We went into it "blind" too.
So, I will say that it was not crowded, a lot of attractions were walk on's. The weather was great, in the 70's, but I know that we were just lucky that way!
We saw a total of 2 tour groups in 10 days, and they were small groups under older guides direction. No trouble with them at all. One small group was chanting while walking down the path to Adventurel and. They were not overly loud or a problem.
There were many more cheerleaders in large groups. But we didn't get in line behind them.
It was all manageable. I can't say what they will be like this next February. You might check ESPN sports for the dates of their cheerleading events at WDW.
I hope this helps.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Mardi Gras is February 13th, so take that into consideration!

 

[CrankyDad]

We tend to go each year around the 2nd week of January. The weekend that the marathon ends, we arrive.

The crowds are very light and never have issues getting on all the rides we want and nabbing the FP+ at the 60 day window.

The only groups we notice has been some cheerleading ones. Not a huge issue as we stay in Art of Animation and don’t see them there. They can get a little loud on the ride queues but the lines are short and to be fair, the CM are on top of them and don’t let them get too crazy.

However if you were at their hotel (All stars???) then I could imagine them being a handful outside your rooms without proper supervision.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Thanks for the advice. What about early March, anyone visited then?

 

[Davey Jones II]

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my go to resource

Thanks. One question: this chart lists all of April as a low crowd period. What about Spring Break?

 

[My3SweetSuns]

Because Mardi Gras, President’s Week, Easter break aren’t always at the same time every year, it’s kind of hard to say. Besides the marathon, there’s a cheerleading convention 1st week of February.
The first week of March actually looks pretty decent. I’ve been watching it, because of a mom-son trip I’m taking with my oldest.

 

[pitpat]

Thanks. One question: this chart lists all of April as a low crowd period. What about Spring Break?

Most fall in March this year.