March Break

[MommyBG]

A couple of questions about Disney World during March Break (Ontario, Mar 9-18)

1. How busy is it? We've done August 2015 and Jan1-7, 2018. Obviously it doesn't compare to Aug but how does it compare to Christmas/New Year crowds?

2. Flight. I've been looking for flights and can't believe the prices! Any recommended to time to book? We don't mind flying from Buffalo but there doesn't seem to be much difference in price. Unfortunately as a teacher I don't have much flexibility in departure/return dates.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[grantclaire]

March break is busy but much less then Xmas. I would have booked my flights the first day they are released, April/ May for AC, WJ. August for Southwest. Some people have found good prices on Sunwing out of Pearson. Another option would be to try Airmiles or another type of travel points or what I have done is signup for a WestJet MC that gives you a yearly companion flight for 99.00$ plus tax with no blackout weeks. Good luck with your search!

 

[darwinsrule]

Any flights for MB you need to jump on and commit to when they are released. We have Southwest booked Saturday to Friday (booked day of release) down to FLL for a cruise. Paid $1300 USD rt for the 4 of us. Was expecting to pay closer to $1500-$1600 based upon past experience so quite happy. Price has already more than doubled so there aren't the savings anymore that make BUF an attractive point of departure. DW is a teacher in TO so we have the same flexability issue. As a result we plan out based upon when flights are released (and for cruises when they are released so potentially up to 18 months out0.

 

[FigmentSpark]

March break needed to be booked on the first day or so. If you were going through Buffalo, then July was the best time to book. The price of airfare is frustrating when you only have 7 days off, but we have in the past (and will again) taken a couple of days on either end, rent a van and drive. Yes, renting a van, even if you end up paying for miles (look for the unlimited mileage ones), it's still cheaper than flying.

Other options, still, take those extra days off and fly out on Wed, Mar 7 and return on Tues Mar 20. That will be cheaper for airfare, but you'll pay for hotels and food for the extra days you're there. But at least you'll be there.

As for crowds. There are crowds. Have a good touring plan and expect to rope drop and hit the big rides in the morning. You'll be fine. You'll be laughing at those who are standing in long lines after sleeping in.

 

[MommyBG]

Hmmm. I guess I should have started planning sooner than this. Usually when we travel for March Break we book around November/December - should've have realized Disney would be different. Thank-you for all of the advice, I'll just keep my fingers crossed and see what happens!

 

[FigmentSpark]

You may still get air fare deals. They won't be as great as if you'd booked right away, though. Also, at least with Air Canada, they tend to have deals for flying on Tues and Weds.

Last year, the crowds were a level 6 and 7. This year, Easter is so close. That will affect the crowd levels, as well. Touring Plans has the following for crowds, but they could change as the dates get closer:

 

[rxbeth]

I was there that week this past March. If you look back at touring plans information from that week, they were anticipating 7-8 level crowds and they ended up posting actual crowds of 9 and 10 for those days. I've never been to Disney before that so have no frame of reference for anything other than that. It was very, very busy but doable with a good plan. We are going back this year as well.

 

[dis_guy]

That crowd calendar looks better than the one for our trip: Mar 24-Apr 1/18.

 

[mab2012]

Last year, the crowds were a level 6 and 7.

I was there that week this past March. If you look back at touring plans information from that week, they were anticipating 7-8 level crowds and they ended up posting actual crowds of 9 and 10 for those days.

Yup, have to agree with @rxbeth on this one. Particularly the last few days of March Break, the crowds were crazy. I wasn't a bit surprised when I looked later and saw the actual level 9-10 crowds on Touring Plans. Just walking through the parks was a chore.

Usually, the March Break crowds are heavy, but manageable with appropriate planning. 7/8 would be more "normal", I think. It may have been worse last year because Florida's Spring Break was the same week as Ontario March Break. I'm not sure if that's typical. This year it looks like Florida schools will be out a week later (March 19-23). The other big one is Texas; their Spring Break seems to always line up with Ontario.

 

[CdnCarrie]

According to Mousesavers it's one of the worst times to go as the room rates are higher and crowds are larger. https://www.mousesavers.com/walt-di...asked-questions-about-walt-disney-world/#busy

 

[deedubb]

We've only ever gone March break so I can't compare the crowds, but I remember the very first time going expecting it to be insane but actually finding it pretty reasonable when we were there. Every year since then, I've felt that the crowds were more than manageable. Just use your FP+ wisely and don't waste them on rides that don't need a FP+. If you are a RD person, use that to your advantage.

You do need to find a spot early for parades and fireworks though, so expect to camp out a bit if you want a good view. Dessert parties are your friend if you're willing to spend the money.

Flights are definitely pricey though. Flying direct for us is about double, so we usually fly Delta out of Detroit. Cheapest was $2400 CAD for 4 of us one year. It's usually about $4K to fly direct during March break. As mentioned above, book early for flights.

We went this past March and are going again for our first Xmas trip so I'll have a better idea of crowd levels after that. Flights from Canada vs US are really no different at Xmas so we are flying from home and paying March break prices. Fortunately, we booked in April since the flights have gone up considerably since then.

Make sure you plan for every type of weather. This past March, the forecast didn't look too bad immediately before we left but it changed drastically upon arrival and we had a couple of nights when it dipped down to about 4 degrees C.

 

[isabellea]

Maybe you could check for flights departing from further airports like YUL in Mtl? Our Spring break is always a week before ON and luckily crowds are much lower (still considered value season until the Thursday by WDW) and for affordable flights you need to look further south like Albany which is a 4h drive from Mtl. Good luck!

 

[bababear_50]

Jumping in to say it is the best time of the year to get away especially if you are a school employee.
The sunshine and warmth (yes some days can be a bit cool) are just MAGICAL.
We go to the water parks and I love the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Just the chance to stop and smell the roses is so invigorating.
I am another person who books dessert parties(yes I know they are expensive) but having a premium seat (spot) can't be beat. Yes the Parks are busy and Disney Springs was crazy last year, still not as busy as Christmas time.
Having a good plan can make all the difference:
1. Become an early riser (Extra Magic Hour) and get 4-5 rides/attractions done early before the crowds set in, then use your 3 FP+.
2.Make a couple of Advance Dining reservations (ADR).
3. Pack a jacket/hoodie/sweater just in case.
4. Take a resort day and check out what your resort has to offer. We spend afternoons back at our Resort and then head back to the Park in the evening.

Flights -know your limit and buy when you can live with the cost and don't look back second guessing yourself.
Check Air Canada
We found cheaper flights one year out of Hamilton.
YYZ (Toronto Pearson) YHM (Hamilton) YKF (Kitchener) YXU (London Ontario)

Check Sunwing Airline

Check WestJet

I have a WestJet Mastercard card that allows me to book a cheap companion fare ,but
WestJet flights were so expensive this year. I ended up booking with Air Canada,,,very disappointed in West Jet. and I hope they do better next year.
Nothing like a chilly Fall to make us all think about getting away in the Spring.
Best wishes and I hope you find a great deal.
Hugs Mel

 

[Frozen2014]

Any flights for MB you need to jump on and commit to when they are released. We have Southwest booked Saturday to Friday (booked day of release) down to FLL for a cruise. Paid $1300 USD rt for the 4 of us. Was expecting to pay closer to $1500-$1600 based upon past experience so quite happy. Price has already more than doubled so there aren't the savings anymore that make BUF an attractive point of departure. DW is a teacher in TO so we have the same flexability issue. As a result we plan out based upon when flights are released (and for cruises when they are released so potentially up to 18 months out0.

Not OP but curious is you remember when you booked? That's amazing. I'm seeing crazy costs for March break time from Toronto/Buffalo to Miami/Ft Lauderdale for $900+ a person

 

[grantclaire]

Hmmm. I guess I should have started planning sooner than this. Usually when we travel for March Break we book around November/December - should've have realized Disney would be different. Thank-you for all of the advice, I'll just keep my fingers crossed and see what happens!

Do not worry too much about the flights. There can still be sales. Also sometimes I get a great deal on flights but not so great prices on hotels and car rentals. So you might pay more for the flights, then shop around for hotel and car deals. Also there can be deals to be had on attraction tickets. Again good luck and have fun planning!

 

[greenclan67]

I disagree with most, I fly southwest in Dec & March Break!! From Buf, I have rarely ever booked on opening day. I got my flight home on Jan 27th for the sat of March Break the 18th, for $132.00 It's a a matter of checking constantly.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I disagree with most, I fly southwest in Dec & March Break!! From Buf, I have rarely ever booked on opening day. I got my flight home on Jan 27th for the sat of March Break the 18th, for $132.00 It's a a matter of checking constantly.

Sounds like there's hope, if you keep watching the prices. You could set a Google flights to notify you and also, the app, Hopper watches airfare prices.

 

[greenclan67]

Google flights doesn't track Southwest but Hopper does, but I usually found them myself first. I do check on every coffee break and in the evening, you have to stalk the sight. We are flying down on March 7th right now for $83 haven't booked my flight home yet. Last year the $333 flight on Sountwest is the one I got for $132. Only check for one person at a time. Also Frontier airlines flies out of buffalo starting in Dec. they have a flight home on the 16th for $139.00 right now.

 

[grantclaire]

Also because Southwest has no change fees, there can be some flights that become available. I think for March Break it is the flights from Canada that just keep going up until the flight is sold out.

 

[MommyBG]

Thanks again for all of the info. We were there Dec 31-Jan 7 this year. The crowds were crazy but I'm pretty good at coming up with a plan so I didn't find it overwhelming; did everything we wanted! We used our FastPasses wisely but they were difficulty to change and get additional once our 3 were used up.

Just got my WestJet mastercard today, so I will stalk the flight sites - I actually enjoy it! Last year we flew on New Year's Eve from Buffalo and paid about $1600 CAD for all 4 of us - I guess I was expecting something like this for March Break. Keeping my fingers crossed and we will see!