March Break 2011 - how busy was it?

[DisneyRookie2007]

We will probably be going during the March Break in 2012 (Mar 1-9) and I was wondering if anyone was at WDW the first week of March this year (2011)?

If so, how were the crowds and the weather ?

Our school March Break is always the first week in March, so 2012 being my daughter's HS graduation year, we would like to take her and a friend during the break so they don't miss many classes.

Thanks for any input

 

[dancin Disney style]

Our break is mid March and this year it was packed at WDW. The weather was fantastic....afternoon highs of 82-84. You did need a very light sweater in the mornings and after dark. The March weather can be hit or miss but historically it's pretty good.....for sure better than here in Canada. Although, last March we had warmer weather here in the GTA than they had in Central FL during the break.

 

[mtmbyck]

I had heard the first week of March wasn't bad. Ontario hit March break on the 12th and it was like someone opened the floodgates! We did not go to the parks knowing the crowds. But we did go to Citywalk at universal to do some shopping and dinner and they said Harry Potter Land closed at 9:30am due to capacity and she had never seen that. Not Easter or Christmas crowds but pretty close. I do know that this was the same week as the state of florid as March Break and we met tons of families from Florida.

As for weather, don't listen to this years weather - it was the best I've even seen it. We go every March Break and this year was 80's every day and sunny. Normally you are lucky to see 80's. As mentioned, last March Break was freezing and rainy. You have to pack for all weather. A few years ago it was so cold we had to leave Fantasmic because it was freezing and windy and we wished we had our parkas!

In March you are bound to see a but of every weather. But I think the crowds first week of March are manageable.

 

[dave 2]

We were there 1st week of march and wasn't too bad(except HS during ESPN Weekend). By next weekend crowds were picking up.

 

[CAJS04]

We were there too that week. It was really nice tempurature wise, but EPSN weekend was insane! That being said, the crowds were quite big - average wait time for popular rides were 60+ minutes.

We also went 2 years ago @ March break and the weather was really cold (average 15 Celcius). The crowds were about the same too.

Cathy

 

[Mom2HandR]

We were there this year. Arrived on the 12th. It was VERY busy. Florida Texas Ontario and little old NS on break. You are usually the week before NS, So I think it won;t be quite as bad until your 2nd weekend.
Weather was FABULOUS this year. Helped make up for the crazy crowds.

 

[iluveeyore]

Me and my DD were there Mar 1-8, just before our actual March Break - we just avoided DHS on the ESPN weekend and went to the other parks instead. We found we had to do early days at the parks to get fastpasses, and it was quite crowded towards the end of our stay. The first couple of days were great - the weather was hit and miss, usually needed a light sweater in the mornings, and definitely pants and sweaters at night - but no snow like at home! If you use fastpasses and EMH, it's manageable. We heard the week after was insane though, and we had just been for Christmas week which was also insane, so glad we chose the first week of March instead.

 

[IndianSummer]

And the only busy place we encountered was WWoHP at islands of Adventure. The Disney parks were not too busy. They were way busier last year during presidents week, so I think the first week of march is a great time to go.

 

[bankr63]

We always go on Ontario Break (DW is a teacher). This year had much nicer weather than last for both Ontario breaks and several weeks either side (we have some snowbird relatives who keep us up to date as we start getting ready).

If you are worried about crowds, be sure to have a touring plan in place and start early. If you hit the park at rope drop, you can get through most of the popular attractions before the main crowds start poring in around 10:00. Also, avoid parks with EMH. The Unofficial Guide touring plans really do work! We've used them very successfully for 3 years now. Read the book, drink their Kool-Aid, and have a great trip!

 

[MikeyNS]

We landed on the 3rd and the crowds weren't bad. Were at the studios for ESPN weekend and I didn't find it *that* bad. Kind of entertaining and we were able to do everything we wanted (except TSM). We hit Epcot that Sunday and it was busier than I had ever seen it. It reminded me of Christmas week. Nuts. We just went to the aquarium and then back to the resort. The rest of the week were ok, but busier than the last two years we were there in March. We're even thinking of going in September now just to avoid the crowds.

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

It was not so bad at first, but as each day passed it got busier and busier. I think we were there with all of ON and QC and some NS!

MK seemed hit rather hard with Toontown gone and people smashed into a smaller space. Fantasyland was so nuts we would just turn around and head to a different part since you could barely get through.

I told DH that other than DD's birthday (also near the end of our APs) that we should not go back until the Fantasyland expansion and Storybook Circus are open!

 

[greenclan67]

We have done the last few March Breaks as well, but we go for 2 weeks, the week before our actual bread and the week of the break! As far as the weather, it was the best we have seen! Crowds, the first week were reasonable, and not overly busy! We were there from March 5th to March 18th. The 5th to the 11th, were far better then the 12th- 18th. It was insane everywhere we went the last 6 days. Restaurants, traffic on Apopka Vineland were insane. So we did most of our parks in the first half, and did Discovery Cove in the middle of our 2nd week, cause they only allow a 1000 people in. So our first part of our trip was made busy by us, but we hung around the resort and pools more our 2nd week to avoid crowds, and came home far less tired then usual! Now trying to decide if March break or Xmas break this year!

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

Well, all signs (right now anyways) seem to be pointing to Feb 29-March 9, 2012 for our next trip.

We plan on leaving Feb 29th as it requires fewer airmiles than leaving any date into March.

Only problem right now is we only have enough airmiles for my wife and I, meaning my daughter and her friend will have to pay cash for their flights and the flights Westjet uses for our airmile flights are not the least expensive option.

Hoping for a seat sale for our dates (am I dreaming ?), as right now the price for the 2 girls is about $800 each

If we find less expensive flights I guess we'll use the airmile points for tickets...but seeing we are 11 months away from our dates, I hope we see some less expensive flights for our dates.

BTW....given the time of year we will be going, we will only be leaving from Moncton. We don't want the concern of traveling to Halifax or Portland, Me during that time of the year.

 

[mtmbyck]

That's a great week to go. Try to do the parks early in the week and save other things (waterparks etc) for later in the week.

You are still 11 months out. There should be better priced flights at the 7 month window I think.

 

[livingskies78]

DisneyRookie07 we will also be there Feb 29th - March 8th we will staying at POR. Where are you staying?

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

DisneyRookie07 we will also be there Feb 29th - March 8th we will staying at POR. Where are you staying?

Likely POP. We can't afford a moderate this trip.

My wife and I stayed @ POR for our "couples only" trip back in January, '10 and really enjoyed it. This time we're "tagging along" with my daughter and her best friend. Staying in adjoining rooms.

ps....I used to live in BC when I worked for the Ministry of Forests (Smithers, Prince George and Dawson Creek)