How busy is it around Easter time?

[Jersey Girl]

I'm sure it's crazy going around a holiday but with a new part time job in a school, I'm not able to take off when it's in session like we have our last two trips. And for the first time, my kids have more than three days off around the holiday. It's the perfect opportunity but I'm used to two trips in October where we didn't have to wait to get on anything.

So what I'm curious about is if people have been there the week before and after Easter - is it too crowded at the parks and around the resorts? Or is it maybe just certain days as breaks are different depending on where people live?

Thanks for any help anyone can give!

Debbie

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

Well we went at the end of April and before planning our trip, we did some extensive research and even talked to a handful of travel agents. Everyone assured us that this was a good time to go- crowds would be lighter since spring break for colleges and high schools usually make the crowds swell until about the third week in april. Apparently, no one got the memo, because when we went to any of the parks, there was a mob scene. The only relief from huge crowds seemed to be at UO and SW.

If you can go at any other time, I'd suggest it....unless of course you don't let the mob scene get to you.

Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

a lot depends on exactly when Easter falls. It is noticeably busier the closer you are to Easter.
The whole time is busy, but there are some advantages too. The parks are open later and there are extra performances of some parades. There are also more street performers, etc.
So, if you go knowing it will be busy and prepared for it, you will still haave a good time. Even during Spring break, some of the things that are normally helpful still work. We went to Epcot during EMH last year and found the only thing with any wait was Test Track - it had apparently closed down for a while during the day and people were using Fastpasses and return passes that couldn't be used earlier. Some of our party also went early at both MK and AK and were able to see a very lot with short waits. Because the parks are open late, some don't get going really early.

 

[aljack33]

We went this Easter break the Wednesday after Easter and stayed 10 days. Next year we are doing the same thing. The first Wednesday through Saturday were busy, but I thought manageable. The following week, was great.

I was worried myself after hearing all the horror stories going around Easter, but we did it and had a great time and are doing it again. The thing is to get the parks early to ride the rides, rest in the afternoon when it gets packed or take in the parades and shows and then enjoy the night.

I think with a plan, going during any holiday can be done and enjoyed.

 

[Stitchfans]

Spring break is the only time we can go. One March we were there right on Easter Sunday and yes it was crowded but manageable. Again this March coming up we will be there on Easter Sunday, and again I hope it is still manageable. This time though we are planning on going to Epcot on Easter instead of MK.

 

[DisneyMim]

Been there, done that! My husband is a teacher and we've always had to go during school vacations. A few times spring vacation happened to fall during Easter. Easter is a very busy time, BUT we still have had wonderful vacations. I think if you know ahead of time, and you are obviously planning as you asked, you are one step ahead. I would not do the MK on Easter Sunday (we have and it is VERY crowded), unless you are prepared for huge crowds. The weather is usually great and if you go with the right attitude you will have a wonderful vacation. I love WDW in the spring and Easter would not stop me from going if that was the only time we could go. You will have a good time. Don't worry too much about the crowds, go with the flow and relax, your going to DisneyWorld!!

ENJOY!!

 

[Pakey]

I agree. We went the week before Easter last year. We went with DS31/wife because that was the only week he could get off from work. I was dreading the trip because I was so afraid of the crowds. The crowds were bad but seriously, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be because we were already mentally prepared for it. I think if you plan what's important to see, get to the park at opening, get your fastpasses early (they were all given out by noon), you'll have a great time. We have been to WDW tons of times and we found this Easter week vacation was the most relaxing of all. We knew there would be lines everywhere so we didn't hurry. Soarin' was the worst--2 hours 20 minutes standby time in the afternoon. We did a lot of rides/attractions that perhaps we have skipped in the past for more popular things and we certainly managed to get a lot done in spite of the crowds.

I probably would not choose to go during this time again if I had a choice, but if there was no choice, I wouldn't skip the trip either. Plus the weather at this time of the year is usually great so that's a positive thing to look forward to.

 

[ldo]

this is the only time we go, as well, and have gone the past 5 years. There WILL be days that MK closes by 11 AM for capacity. Here are some tips. Get a park hopper---you need it to go to MK in the AM and then go to a less crowded park in the PM. Eat in your room or on the go--get to the park that you have "must do" rides each AM--get FP and ride a few rides--make sure all rides are in the same area of the park--you're 1st 3 hours will be the least crowded of the day. You can forget riding most rides after noon without FP--plan on FP for minor rides, like Jungle Cruise, or use the time for swimming, etc.
If you book character meals--make them lunch or dinner---it will be too crowded to do rides. In the afternoon or PM, aim for shows--they can handle crowds better. Be prepared to"give up" a ired--we did not ride Soarin or Buzz for 3 years!
As long as you have a crowd strategy, it is fine.

 

[LimeGreenEd]

All depends on school breaks. Easter itself is very busy but still manageable.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate them all and it really helps. I am a very big planner when it comes to going there so I get the most out of my time, even when I know it's not going to be so crowded as it was in October.

If we went, we'd arrive probably the Friday before Easter and stay the whole week after the holiday.


Thanks again for the info!
Debbie

 

[swilphil]

The weather is great, but stay on site. When we last went at Easter, MK had EMH EVERYDAY at 7 a.m. for two weeks. It was well worth it to get there that early and go back to the resort in the afternoon for a nap/swim.

 

[Goofy22]

HI! We went this past easter which also over lapped with spring breaks especially ours here in south jersey/pa area! It was amazingly mobbed I never seen it so mobbed! We also stayed at the asmu our first day you could hardly move! Then on to okw for 5 days and over to POp for the last! After the first 4 days it wasnt to bad! I never noticed until we arrived that easter and spring break collided! We have gone this time of the year numerous times and had no problem especially since the parks are open late! But with easter and Spring break overlapping it was kinda hectic and we took my sil and her kids and it was there first disney trip so they werre overwhelmed but she insisted on going then because school was out and she refused to pull the kids out of school! They are kinda slow risers take their time kind of people anyway and by the time they got to the parks they were already mobbed! It shouldnt be to hectic this year but it will be busy have a plan and you'll be fine! I agree with the going as early in the am as possible! This past year by 11am all fast passes were gone for the day! On a good not after waiting in line for test track for apprx 75minutes we were chosen as the family of the hour and recieved a behind the scenes tour of test track and got to ride 2xs that ticked the people waiting in line off and we recieved a certificate that said Family of the hour our name and the date and the year of a million dreams! My son was so excited it was the most wanted ride so thats why we waited! So if you see Iam going back this year March thru April it is the week after my childrens spring break so they will be out for two weeks one for spring break the other for vaca! It is suppose to be one of the wonderful weeks of disney! So we'll see but I look at this way it wont be anymore crowded than last year! Just remember Fast pass is your key to the World!!!