Easter Week 2005- are we crazy to go at that time?

[WDWorld2003]

Our spring break next year falls during Easter week. I have made reservations for 6 nights in a standard view 2 bedroom at our home resort, BWV. I'm starting to wonder if this is worth all of the premium points considering the crowds. We were there this past year (first trip home!) at BWV Boardwalk view (Wow!). Our trip ended 1 week prior to Easter week - it was crowded in the parks during our stay, but not too bad. However, when we were checking out the the crowds were checking in!

Has anyone gone during this time and enjoyed it in spite of the crowds and additional point cost? Should we go somewhere else and bank or sell the points? We can deal with crowds but I heard last year they closed Magic Kingdom a couple of days during Easter week - I'm not sure we can handle those kinds of crowds!

A footnote, my oldest will be a senior the following year and go on a class trip to France so this may be our last spring break trip for a while as a family. We may try and do a fall or Christmas trip that year instead.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Pa@okw95]

Christmas Week would be worse than Easter. You might want to try a fall trip. If you are people that enjoy the parks you might want to skip that week, but the weather is great so that is a big plus for pool people. I see you are from the North so you should really enjoy the nice warm weather!!

 

[kathleena]

I was there the week before Easter for a conference last year. Palm Sunday we went to the AK and it wasn't too bad. I usually go in Oct or May so I would say on par with those times.

BUT then we went to MGM - arriving around 2pm on Wednesday (conference in between - rats!). It was awful. The ToT Fast Pass was already out to 7:30 that night and the standby line was 1 hour. RnRc FP was sold out. Millionaire FP was out to the last show. The parade route was 7-8 deep. They had two Fantasmics and both were packed full.

And that was the Wed before Easter.

So are you crazy? Well, in my opinion yes, but I couldn't stand those crowds for a full vacation. Maybe you could - but only you know that!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We thought we would always go to VB and WDW for my Spring Break, but next year that's Holy Week, and we're going elsewhere.

Bobbi

 

[jjnv]

Our spring break is always the Easter week. So we our choices for WDW are Easter week, Christmas week or Summer.

I subscribed to the http://tourguidemike.com/. He puts out a special edition just the week before Easter telling you which park to go on which day for Easter week. Then there is the detailed plan for every park. We went to the parks for 3 days and water park 1 day. The blizzard beach was full by 11, so we went to the TL. We loved TL. Also, we had to go to the parks very early in the morning. By lunch time, the parks got so crowded, it is hard to move. So we went back to nap and swim. We went back to the Epcot every night, and there is no waiting for almost everything. We enjoyed our trip. Given our limited choice of dates, we would go back in Easter again. My kids cannot stand the heat. Next year, we will go in January when the kids have two days off one week.

If you decide to go, check out the tourguide Mike. It would be impossible if you do not have a plan to follow.

 

[allicat]

We stayed at BWV last Easter week and it wasnt bad.We went to the parks early,made sure we used fast pass and we were fine.We also stayed away from MK on Easter .
Dont get me wrong, there were crowds at the parks but it didnt ruin our trip and we would go back again at that time too!
Due to what I had heard about crowds,I had visions of a horrible time before we went, but in reality, it was great.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Hey! You're at WDW. What could be bad about that??? Yeah, maybe it's a little crowded, or, well, a lot crowded , but you're DVC members, you'll be back. Just enjoy being at WDW and don't try to do too much. FastPass whatever you can and do some of those less popular attractions that you don't usually hit, and that the "commando"-style tourists are avoiding anyway. Oh, and just plan ahead so you have PSs so you can dine at a reasonable hour.

Just to repeat, you'll be at WDW; what could possibly be bad about that? Just a little advance planning and you should be able to mitigate the worst of the crowds.

 

[Macnjac87]

We were at BWV this past Easter week and the crowds at all the parks were unmanageable!! We have always gone the weeks before or after Easter and found the crowds large but dealable- this was definetly not dealable- after spending $$$ on passes and only doing 3 rides at MGM in one day- fastpasses all out by 11 am; etc. we were highly frustrated but it was our own fault. Don't do it!!

 

[LakeAriel]

I was at AKL this past Easter Holiday (the week before) and loved every minute of it! Yes, it was crowded but we went to at least two parks a day sometimes three. I had an annual pass left over from the previous August so we could bounce in and out just for a dinner. If school/job limits you to Easter, so be it. Just read all the tips you can. My party consisted of my 20 year old college daughter and my 7 year old granddaughter (NO! Not her child!) We had a leisurely swim in the morning then went to the parks. Personally I find it more crowded if you go EARLY.
The year before we went in August (missed the NY blackout) and stayed in a 2 bedroom for 11 nights. After August 15th points go down, Florida schools are in. It was awesome, but I could have been in the Pocono's then. If you're from the North I think going when you can't swim at home works best. What ever you decide you will have a great time!!!!!!

 

[Patty3]

I would not recommend it, at least for us, it is way too crowded

 

[travelbug]

I've been to WDW numerous times during peak weeks (Christmas and Easter). While it is crowded, we have managed the crowds just fine. We arrive at the Early Entry park when the gate opens, and maximize that morning with the help of a couple Fastpasses. When the park is getting more crowded (noonish), we'd head back to the resort for swimming, naps, shopping, whatever. Then usually to a different park for the evening. Parks are open later than usual during peak weeks, so that helps too.

Like everyone else, I would certainly prefer slower times of the year to go to WDW. But I have little flexibility for when I can be away from work. So it's generally peak times or nothing. IMHO, crowds can't be avoided during the peak weeks but they can be managed.

I'll be back down there for Easter week '05 too. We have a standard 1BR at BWV booked for 8 nights. Hope to see you around the Boardwalk!

 

[Doug7856]

If your choice is Christmas or Easter, take Christmas. The extra magic at Christmas is worth it. The parks don't really do anything special for Easter, but you do get the the high crowds and often high temperatures. We did Easter week once and don't plan on doing it again.

 

[goldilocks_63]

But was thinking pool time,

shopping, and maybe eating our way around the world (Epcot).

Skipping MK all together.

Only place Mom wants to see is AK.

Is that doable?

 

[disneydiz]

We go every year at Easter, and it is extremely crowded. Easter 2004 was the worst I have seen. HOWEVER, we have a standard 1BR booked at BWV for Easter 2005. Just be prepared!

 

[wintergreen]

We've done Easter week once at WDW and once at DL. Both times very crowded, and not our preferred time to go. HOWEVER,
you can still have a great time by getting to the parks early, leaving by lunch time, then returning in the late evenings after a pool break. We also try to visit some of the less-popular attractions during busy times. Have fun!

 

[cindy_k]

I've done WDW on Easter Week. Like others have said, its crowded, but I didn't find it unmanagable.

We still had a great time.

Also you may want to check the dates for the Flower and Garden festivable in Epcot. It usually starts right after Easter, you may be able to plan your trip so you can take in one or two days of it.

Some of the topiaries are already out on Easter week.

Have a good time!


Cindy in NY

 

[wdwfan1]

I was there twice during Easter week. The MK were so crowded they had to create extra exits by taking us through the "back yard" of the MK. Wall to wall people!!! the other parks were very crowded too, but not quite as bad. Never again.

 

[LakeAriel]

Is it possibly more crowded the week FOLLOWING Easter? I always go the week before and didn't find it as unbearable as some.

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks everyone for the great advice - this is going to be a tough decision. We still haven't come up with an alternative plan for spring break so WDW is still in the running. If anyone has any great alternatives - would love to hear them!

 

[WDWorld2003]

SORRY - double post