How busy is 3rd week in March?

[kapeman]

I was planning on a Sept trip next year to BCV because I thought that would give me the best chance at a 7 month reservation, plus MNSSHP.

Then I attended my DS kindergarten orientation and they are fanatical about their attendance policy (family vacations are not excused).

So, since I don't want to spring for the touringplans.com membership yet, I was wondering what crowds are like the 3rd week in March AND if there was a snowball's chance of getting BCV at 7 months then.


Thanks!

 

[drusba]

When it is one of the two Easter weeks (not next year) it is extremely crowded (think of MK as a 4 by 8 closet and trying to squeeze into it 100 buffalo). When it is not, it is still quite crowded (it is the spring break week annually for large numbers of colleges) which is generally true of all spring break weeks. As to getting BCV at 7 months, it is hard to say but should assume it might be difficult.

 

[kapeman]

When it is one of the two Easter weeks (not next year) it is extremely crowded (think of MK as a 4 by 8 closet and trying to squeeze into it 100 buffalo). When it is not, it is still quite crowded (it is the spring break week annually for large numbers of colleges) which is generally true of all spring break weeks. As to getting BCV at 7 months, it is hard to say but should assume it might be difficult.

That's kinda what I figured.

I never thought I would miss private kindergarten!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Search for a thread regarding "when is your Spring Break", If memory serves, quite a few of the northern states start March 12th. Here in s. Fla it's starts April 6th. I think it will be the beginning of the busy Spring/Easter season!

 

[kapeman]

Thanks for the info!


I need a grumble smiley!

 

[rkwells]

We are going this March as well...here is a link to the spring break 09' poll.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1748721

 

[bradisgoofy]

Crowd levels are 7s and 8s with a weekend 9. We are going to be there at that time. Heck, that's when we always go.

 

[toesmom]

I was planning on a Sept trip next year to BCV because I thought that would give me the best chance at a 7 month reservation, plus MNSSHP.

Then I attended my DS kindergarten orientation and they are fanatical about their attendance policy (family vacations are not excused).

So, since I don't want to spring for the touringplans.com membership yet, I was wondering what crowds are like the 3rd week in March AND if there was a snowball's chance of getting BCV at 7 months then.


Thanks!

I'd still go in September and school would have to understand. It is only kindergarten (4-5 year old kids?). I understand elementary and especially high school, but kindergarten? I'd just book it anyhow.

When it comes time to going, explain to school that either you or dh were not able to arrange vacation time at school break, and you want a family vacation. Plus, better swimming weather at BCV in September than in March (not always swimming weather).

It's only 5 school days.

 

[kapeman]

I'd still go in September and school would have to understand. It is only kindergarten (4-5 year old kids?). I understand elementary and especially high school, but kindergarten? I'd just book it anyhow.

When it comes time to going, explain to school that either you or dh were not able to arrange vacation time at school break, and you want a family vacation. Plus, better swimming weather at BCV in September than in March (not always swimming weather).

It's only 5 school days.

That is what I thought too, until I read the code of conduct:


"Responsibilities of the Parents:
...
B. Discouraging their child from absences related to family trips and/or vacations during the school year...

...Upon the fifth unexcused absence during the school year, a truancy referral will be made to the Early Warning Program, with mandatory parent participation.
...

Per State Department guidelines, participation in the Early Warning Program is required. Should truancies occur, the parent(s) and child may be summoned to a juvenile court session."


That's pretty harsh. And the ONLY reason it is in place is because the school gets paid per student/per day."


Don't get me wrong, the school is great academically and the staff and teachers are awesome, but the mandates from the state bureaucrats are what hack me off!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

That is what I thought too, until I read the code of conduct:


"Responsibilities of the Parents:
...
B. Discouraging their child from absences related to family trips and/or vacations during the school year...

...Upon the fifth unexcused absence during the school year, a truancy referral will be made to the Early Warning Program, with mandatory parent participation.
...

Per State Department guidelines, participation in the Early Warning Program is required. Should truancies occur, the parent(s) and child may be summoned to a juvenile court session."


That's pretty harsh. And the ONLY reason it is in place is because the school gets paid per student/per day."


Don't get me wrong, the school is great academically and the staff and teachers are awesome, but the mandates from the state bureaucrats are what hack me off!

Schools need to understand that some families can not always take vacations when school is out. There are several professions that vacations are seniortiy based, and can only take them at certain times of the year. I say do it anyway, there are ALWAYS exceptions.....I worked in the school system for many years. Believe me, you will be alright.

 

[kapeman]

The whole deal is frustrating.

We had to write a letter to the principal begging permission to take our already scheduled and paid for December trip and it looks like the September trip to BCV is a bust.

It wouldn't be so bad if my son weren't repeating kindergarten due to a September birthday!


It would be another issue entirely if he were falling behind or having some other trouble but, kindergarten, come on!

 

[janni518]

Wow! That is harsh. I used to take my kids out for mental health weeks at that age. I mean they went in reading and what, they were going to miss the letter "R" and how to identify a circle vs an oval?

I do believe that at about 3rd grade you should avoid taking them out but Kindergarten seems a bit drastic.

We will unfortunately be going to WDW this year during spring break. My kids are in high school and have asked that we schedule our vacations during their breaks.