Easter or Christmas?

[DaystarPrincess]

We have two dates that my family have been looking at planning our vacation for next year, the week after Easter or the week of Christmas. Which ones of these weeks would be less crowded? My son will be in college now so there is no way we can have him miss any school.. I understand there will be crowds regardless of which one I pick but i'm trying to figure out which of the two would be more manageable. Last year we went for Halloween it was perfect, there was crowds but we used the fast passes and EMH's we didn't wait long for any rides. Night was my favorite no waits around midnight, perfect. If anyone has been there during these two holidays and have any advice plz share.

 

[scrappingbuckeye]

I've been there many times during Easter and only once during Christmas, Christmas is CRAZY! Easter is much much much more manageable IMO.

 

[CAS239]

Easter will be less crowded but the temperatures and atmosphere of the parks around Christmas is hands down better.

 

[DaystarPrincess]

Which week do you think would be less crowded the week before Easter or the week after Easter?

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

Which week do you think would be less crowded the week before Easter or the week after Easter?

Probably the week after Easter. We've been during Easter twice and didn't have any trouble doing what we wanted to do, and the weather was great. The temps were nice and it only rained on one day during our trip.

 

[buteraa]

We go every year in December and a couple of years ago we did stay over Christmas. Yes, it was busy but I don't think its any worse than mid-summer. We are going over Christmas again this year. Honestly, there is nothing like it. It is so beautiful and dare I say the word...magical....once you go you'll be hooked. Weather can be cold or warm so plan on bringing a few layers. Grab your Christmas light necklace and Enjoy!

 

[GrumpyDad1974]

Been both times and I vote week after Easter... I would go in December but never again the week between Christmas and New Years.

 

[AshleeH]

Easter, marginally, since you won't be there on the actual holiday. Christmas is the busiest day of the year (with New Year's a close second). Easter you at least have slightly lighter crowds, but I always say Disney couldn't pay me to visit on either of those holidays (or the 4th of July).

 

[scrappingbuckeye]

It's a toss up honestly, some schools start break with Easter others are the week leading up to it. Our spring break is actually 2 weeks before Easter which is shocking, I'm totally excited though.

 

[mister morrow]

I'd go with Easter, I could never bear the Christmas crowds imo.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

All those families who wake the kids up Christmas morning and learn that Santa has left a trip to WDW under the tree so let's get in the car and leave right now? Yeah, they're not there at Easter.

 

[hippiechicken]

I go for Christmas and New Year's every year. It's my favorite time!!
I went last year for Easter, and it was really nice. It was hot already, but the crowds weren't that bad.
AND, there's the Flower Festival with food booths at EPCOT!! That's the only reason I want to go back during spring.

 

[gzmtlock]

Having been both times of year. . .if your only concern is crowds, either week around Easter is less crowded than Christmas. Atmosphere? Christmas wins. Weather? Easter is more predictable; winter can make wide swings in temps (compartively - it is Florida!).

My college aged kids prefer Christmas. As much because it is a "true break" from school vs mid-semester, when they can't really gear all the way down. We stay on-site, and when park crowds get to be too much, bail and head back to the resort. Plus, I adore all the Christmas decos, in the parks and resorts. We would pick Christmas over Easter.

 

[DaystarPrincess]

For Easter our kids have two weeks off, the week before and the week after. What is the weather like during this time? Does Disney do anything special for Easter?

 

[Masonmj84]

For Easter our kids have two weeks off, the week before and the week after. What is the weather like during this time? Does Disney do anything special for Easter?

The average high in Orlando in late March/early April is around 80 degrees (but can range from mid 60's to mid 90's). In 2017, Easter is in mid-April, so expect the average to be a few degrees warmer.

I'm not sure if they do anything specifically for Easter. Epcot Flower & Garden is going on, which is pretty cool.

 

[hippiechicken]

In MK, there was a pre-parade parade last year on Easter (maybe 1 minute long). Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny meet all week.

 

[Poolmanjan]

We visited for Christmas in 2013. We arrived on the 21st and stayed until the 30th. The park crowds were very light for the 21st to the 24th. In fact my daughter and I spent a great evening in the MK on Christmas eve. ( the park was open until 2am) That night was on of my most memorable visits to the MK ever.
We eat breakfast at the CP Christmas morning (930am). After Breakfast we were greeted to a wall of people walking up main street. We knew it would be best to seek activities outside the Magic Kingdom.
The parks were very crowded for the rest of our vacation.
Bring your patience and you will be fine.

This year we'll be there for Christmas Dec 15 - 26