March 2005 crowd levels

[Tottwo]

My DH and I are thinking about going to WDW one more time before our annual passes expire. It will be for a long weekend and we're thinking about staying at a resort we haven't stayed at before - the Wilderness Lodge. Can anyone give me an idea of how the crowd levels will be March 2nd through March 5th? We've gone in September and found that nice. We just recently went for a weekend in December and were very surprised to find the parks very, very busy. It was the last weekend before Christmas. We went in May once and found the parks busy but not unbearable. Does anyone know if March will be similar to May? I know its hard to predict because the parks seem busier this year than they have in recent years but I would appreciate any comments.

 

[lillygator]

That weekend is ESPN weekend, we are also planning on going then. I think MGM may be crowded but I am not sure about the other parks.

 

[Tottwo]

Bumping. Looking for your expert opinions on crowd levels for March so DH and I can decide whether to commit to booking through BRP. Does anyone know if there are special functions or events happening at that time? It looks like we might be going before Spring break weeks start, so we beat that crowd.

 

[Tottwo]

Thanks Vannesa. Do you know what happens during ESPN weekend? I've been there during the Star Wars weekends in the past and found MGM crowded - so it sounds like a similar thing.

When I was looking at what resorts were available most of the Epcot resorts were booked or only concierge rooms were available which I thought was strange - but now it makes sense.

Is March normally a busy time?

 

[lillygator]

March and April are during the spring break times for many schools...usually not the first week though.

 

[lillygator]

ESPN the weekend has tapings for many of the shows, etc and there are supposedly some sports celebrities there.

Also spring training will be going on in March.

 

[DisneyPhD]

We were there last year over ESPN weekend. The parks were normal, busy but not crazy. We were able to get things done, never was there anything so crazy that we stood in line for long times (we just don't do that, we get fast pass or go back when it isn't so busy.) The weather was nice. It was a nice trip.

My only complant about that time of year is they charge peak rates, but the parks are not open peak hours. However the new evening EMH is nice.

The only difference with ESPN weekend was the wake up call was Dick (most likely * out, but you know who I mean) Vitale. I didn't like that, but what can you do?

Edited to add that......
March is often spring break for many colleges, but college spring breakers at WDW isn't as popluar as going to other parts of FLA or for HS and younger to go to WDW. We go then because DH teaches college.