Is April insanely crowded?

[bdlily]

Hey Disney friends- I need a little help. Even though we live in Utah, which is closer to DL, I have spent most of my life visiting WDW so I'm more familiar with it and the best (i.e. least crowded) times to go there. I haven't a clue about Disneyland and I'm hoping you can help me. Our spring break is a little later than normal this year- it's April 10-14, and my son's birthday is on April 13th. Soooo, I was thinking of making a birthday/spring break trip to Disneyland. Is this a VERY crowded time? According to the 2005 rates it is considered value season but I know that the season dates change from year to year and I haven't been able to find anything for 2006. So, what do you think? I could use a little expert advice. Thanks!

 

[Michelle2]

I know that it might be considered value season for the hotels (I have no clue why?) but since it is in the general spring break time (March and April), I would assume that it would be pretty busy.
I just looked on a calendar and noticed that it will be the week leading up to Easter Sunday on the 16th...so I would guess that it would be very crowded. I have heard that the time surrounding Easter is the second most crowded time behind the Christmas/New Year's holiday?

But I have not been there during that time, so this is just an educated guess. Maybe someone from Southern California can say when their spring break is scheduled? I thought I saw that it was in mid-April as well....
I know that no matter how busy it is, it is still doable with a little planning, and early mornings. Staying onsite and through AAA can get you the enhanced fastpass (if they are still offering this in 2006), and Ridemax is made for the busy times of year!

 

[SANDIEGOFAN]

It's busy. I take my kids for 4-5 days leading up to Easter every year. It has always been crowded but below the attendance of the Christmas holiday season. I can't imagine it will be any different this year - in fact it may be worse due to the 50th but I hope not because I'll be there at the same time this year.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

I'm assuming it'll be busy since DLR hotels are at peak rates and parks are open (dl)8-12 and (DCA)10-10. I've never been there during this time though. This will be our fist spring break/easter at dl. We'll just be missing you though (april15-21). I'd say go ahead and go. Don't let the crowds stop you. I believe fanatsmic and the fireworks will be playing daily so you'll have plenty of chances to watch both. Our dd's turning 5 when we go. DL just seems like the perfect place to celebrate a birthday.

 

[PrincessSitka]

I am going April 5 thrugh April 12. When I called to make my ressie I asked if it would be crowed they told it should not be because it would not be spring break than. So I am hoping that it will not be.

 

[Dana_Buckley]

We live in San Diego and our spring break is the week after Easter

April 17-21

I'm hoping to go as we have passes, but I am curious when other spring breaks are. I'll start a new thread.

 

[TeacherDad]

It will be extremely busy if you go the week before or after Easter. I would avoid April altogether. It is easy to say "we know it will be busy and we expect huge crowds". When you get there and see how busy it is, the words are little comfort. My advice is go mid March, or early May. That way you avoid the masses of people. Spring Break and Easter are a nasty mix. That being said, you still have the locals (with AP's) who venture into DL during this very busy time and don't seem to mind walking shoulder to shoulder with everyone. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[JLSM97]

Several travel guides have listed the weeks before and after Easter Sunday as among the busiest of the year.

Vic

 

[Laz]

I am going April 5 thrugh April 12. When I called to make my ressie I asked if it would be crowed they told it should not be because it would not be spring break than. So I am hoping that it will not be.

You may run into me and my Family! We are in the DLH April 1-April 8. I will be the guy with the Indiana winter tan!

 

[bdlily]

Thanks for your input/advice everyone. I think we might forgo the trip this year and try for another time. That makes me sad but oh well! Hope everyone else who is there at that time has a good time!