Is March Break Really That Bad ?

[Dazer22]

We have always travelled to Disney in April or October and taken the kids out of school. Well, even though I swore we would never go during March Break I am now considering it. The kids are getting into the higher grades and I don't feel as comfortable having them miss a week of school.

Is March Break really intolerable for crowds? Just wondering

 

[eliza61]

We have always travelled to Disney in April or October and taken the kids out of school. Well, even though I swore we would never go during March Break I am now considering it. The kids are getting into the higher grades and I don't feel as comfortable having them miss a week of school.

Is March Break really intolerable for crowds? Just wondering

I've never thought any time in Disney is intolerable but you just have to have some realistic expectations. Here are a few tips from when we go during Christmas (wall to wall people). We've never taken our kids out of school so most of our visit are during busy times. We've never missed out on any rides and we've loved all our visits.

1.) Accept the fact that you will not walk right onto rides. Some times it takes a bit of time just to walk down main street in the MK. Make use of the fastpasses and let every one pick which ride they really, really want to do.
2.) I always have Park hopper passes, this way if one park is unbearably crowded, we simply hop to a less busy park.
3.) Get an early start.

We've had great vacations during busy times but it will be different than what you're use to in October.
Wishing you magical vacations whenever you go.
Eliza

 

[BarbWB]

We wrapped around Easter one year. A few days before and after were okay. Easter weekend was INSANE (and we didn't actually go on Easter day). We just gave our rented stroller to another family and left after we got stuck in the middle of a mob at MK. We had to grab hands and snake out between people.
But that was the only really miserable day. We stayed on site and we had really good plans for touring and took advantage of EMH in the morning (which actually led to the mob scene later during the day -- we should have hopped to a different park after EMH).
If you make your ADRs early, have a plan for touring, and have realistic expectations, you will be fine!

 

[deedeetoo]

Not everyone has a break at the same time. Our schools (and most in New England) have a week off in April, not March. I think spring breaks are spread out across March and April. As long as you don't go at Easter time I think you are probably OK.

 

[AllesonWonderland]

We took our first trip to Disney this year over our Spring Break (last week of March.) I was kind of scared after reading some negative posts about going over break, but it was just fine. We used the Unofficial Guide Touring plans, were there first thing in the morning, and did get to walk right onto rides. Yes, there were waits later on, but following a plan we got to see everything we wanted. I also looked at the crowd calendars and most of our days were 8's and 9's but still manageable. We had a great time and I would going in March again. We were like you and couldn't miss school, so between March and summer which are both going to be busy, I would take the nice temps in March. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Dazer22]

Thanks for your replys. Maybe March Break is a possibility. Are there any others who go to Disney during March Break ?

 

[Funwith4kids]

We go every year during our Spring break around Easter. As already mentioned, the crowds can be crazy at times, but hours @ the parks are extended to help spread the crowds out. However, that time of year is beautiful weather and we don't need to take our kids out of school. Know what you want to do at the parks, have a plan, and start early. We usually have seen everything we wanted to see by early afternoon.

We stay off site so we are not fighting the disney crowds everyday at the attractions and restaurants.

 

[mareed]

Which week in March are you looking at? The last 2 weeks are around Easter and will be much more crowded than the 1st or 2nd week, I think.

 

[Dazer22]

Our March Break starts March 10th. Good Friday is actually March 21st. With March Break being so close to Easter Break, now I'm thinking it might be a little crazier than usual during this time.

I have heard that the week before and after Easter is extremely busy.

 

[grantclaire]

Hi, We have gone 2 times during March break, 2003,2006 and it was fine! The worst day is the first day in the airports, Toronto and Orlando. Get to the airport early! You do have to plan wisely when going to the parks. Drag the family to the gates for opening and take a long break for lunch. We leave the parks and go back to our hotel for a swim and lunch. We stay offsite. We head back around 4pm . If there is a real long lineup for a ride we skip that attraction, The kids know this in advance. We also head out before closing to avoid that rush.