Help... did we make a mistake?

[jammer444]

We haven't been to WDW since 2000 due to financial reasons. We weren't planning on going this year either until we received an e-mail with a pretty good rate at moderate resorts. So, we started talking about it and decided if we could get that rate during our spring break we would go ahead and do it and surprise our kids (13 and 7). Anyway, we booked it, got our airplane tickets and are soo excited to surprise our girls. Today we realized that our spring break (3/21 -3/25) is the week prior to Easter....we had know idea Easter was early this year so now we are wondering if the crowds will be just plain awful. We were prepared to experience crowds in March, but now it looks like we may be there one of the most busiest times and it has us a little scared. Did we mess up? Any advice on how to make the best of it?

Thanks!

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

Hello ~

No, you didn't mess up, just enjoy the fact you're going to Disney!~ And if it's crowded, take advantage of the EMH and do what you can before it gets crazy crowded and you can't deal with it. I'm sure you'll have a great time and don't worry, its Disney, have fun, and be sure to make PS for your restaurants!!!

 

[swilphil]

I hope not. We will be there March 17-22nd. From what I understand schools that base their spring break on when Easter is usually take it the week AFTER Easter. I do think that the Friday and Saturday before Easter will be packed, but maybe you can avoid MK on those days.

Welcome to the DIS boards! Let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[got2lovedisney]

In Miami, our Spring Break starts 3/18 and kids are back in school 3/28. I also planned our trip for 3/22-3/27 not realizing 3/27 was Easter. I've been there for the last 3-4 Spring Breaks so I'm not too worried but I am making my PS early. I am going to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour at MK & Epcot (which is great cuz I hate to wake up for Early Entry).

Actually, I was at Disney this year 3/30-4/4 and it was chilly so hopefully the cool weather will send the crowds home early so the Magic Hour will be less crowded.

 

[kilee]

It's going to be busy, no real doubt about it. Just plan, and definetly make some PS's as sit down's are going to be hard to come by. You're going to Disney, and that's all that really matters. Use EMH and FP to your advantage by all means, and stay flexible enough to go w/ the flow.
Going with the attitude and knowing it's going to be busy are going to make your trip. If you go hoping for low crowds you're only going to be frustrated when it is busy. Also if you plan for the mobs, it can only be what you expected or better!

 

[Laz]

Welcome to the Dis!

Anytime you go to WDW is a good time! Just use this site to help you plan for any crowds you may encounter. Always remember that no matter how many days you stay you can not do everything. List your priorities and make the planning a family affair. That can be half the fun!

Enjoy!

 

[MrShiny]

I was at the MK for one day the week before Easter this year. It was crowded, but the crowds were mainly a lot of youth groups and all in very good moods. That certainly helps! It is not unbearable at all, but I wouldn't try to do it commando style. Take advantage of the new Extra Magic Hours. Ride the first hour parks are open and the last 2 hours before they close. Try to do you "must do" rides early in the trip to get them out of the way. Eat at the resorts instead of in the parks. Take breaks to swim in the middle of the day. The usual stuff! You'll have a great time.

Another hint - try to forego carrying anything with you. Stick cameras in pockets, etc. That way you'll cruise through the security lines (and skip them altogether at MK). If you are early risers, you could bring your park bag in early (before the security lines build) and check it in a locker. Then park hop without it and leave it in the locker for your mid-day break.

At least have only one person carrying the bag - then the others can get starting in the park earlier (at least have them get a Fast Pass for the bag carrier to use!)

 

[civileng68]

The crowds will be heavy but I love going at that time more than any. The extended hours are awesome! Dont be surprised to see the MK open until between 11:00 and midnight.

 

[All Aboard]

We go up to WDW about 10-12 times a year, almost entirely at times when crowds are light. Amongst all those trips, we've enjoyed one 8-night stay each year during either January or late April.

With our daughter in school now, we decided not to pull her out for a week and instead go during Spring Break which, like many others, is the week leading up to Easter.

Given this double-whammy (Spring Break and Easter at the same time), we are fully expecting mega-crowds. But, we can deal with that. Since we go so often, a high "attraction count" is not our goal. Instead, we plan to do some things we don't normally do. Given some later hours, we are going to skew our day - getting up later and staying up late. We found the midnight closings at MK during T-giving to be fantastic. We'll probably only go to MK at night. Otherwise, if we are there in the daytime, we'll spend more time on Tom Sawyer Island, explore the Tree House, ride the railroad. At Epcot, we'll see what's in Innoventions (since we haven't been in there in about 4 years.) We'll spend a lot of time in World Showcase, watching the performers in each country. Spend some serious time in the Living Seas. Make sure we see the Universe of Energy. We'll explore the trails at AK, watch Tarzan Rocks. We'll see Cirque. We'll spend a ton of time at Stormalong Bay. We might even hit a water park at opening mid-week.

It will definitely be a different kind of trip for us.

 

[eeyore0062]

No, of course you didn't mess up... as long as you go with the mindset that you will not be able to do EVERYTHING. Pick each person's "must do" for each park and go from there. Take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour if you are staying on Disney Property, and make good use of those Fastpasses.

Because Easter and College Spring Breaks will overlap this year, attendance may be more than most Easter breaks when College breaks are in March and Easter arrives in April.

Congrats on being able to go, and think of it this way.... would you rather be in Disney with others, or home alone?