March Crowds

[tndisney5]

Thinking of future trips we might want to try the first of March for a visit. We like February because of the low crowds, but two weeks ago it seemed more crowded than usual for Feb.

Is there anything going on the first of March that would cause a major crowd increase? I figure Spring Break doesn't pick up until mid-March.

Just curious and would love to hear from those that have visited during that time.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Mardi Gras is the first week of March. It can be CRAZY!

 

[tndisney5]

Mardi Gras is the first week of March. It can be CRAZY!

See, didn't even think of that. We'd love to visit in Mar for DD bday one year, but spring break crowds do not sound at all appealing.

 

[JennyDrake]

I think you will find March as crowded--if not more--than what you just experienced in Feb. Thanks to free dining and many schools going to a year round calendar, the *slow* times as we knew them even 5 years ago no longer exist.

 

[tndisney5]

I think you will find March as crowded--if not more--than what you just experienced in Feb. Thanks to free dining and many schools going to a year round calendar, the *slow* times as we knew them even 5 years ago no longer exist.

Ah, didn't think of the year round schools.

We visit in '12 during first week of Feb and it was dream. This year was more crowded in Feb than that trip for sure.

 

[jaman12]

Mardi Gras is not always the first week of March. This year it is but it varies. Normally, it's sometime in February.

I don't think Mardi Gras by itself will be as bad as other holiday weeks...summer, spring break or President's week.

 

[gilesmt]

To me and I could be wrong this march does not seem to look as crowded as in the past. In 2008 we went in feb/march and hit the beginning of spring break, the crowds were insane, 9 and 10's, this year middle march is only at 6's. In 2005 we went Disneyland in march and the lines were 3 and 4 hours long. Again this year they expect to be much shorter. We have done just about every month and I don't see they crowds as much as years ago, they seem to be evening out, even sept a year ago in Disney felt much more crowded than in years past, and may last year in WDW where mostly 5/6 when we went, so 6 in march seems good to me.

 

[MermaidMommy]

To me and I could be wrong this march does not seem to look as crowded as in the past. In 2008 we went in feb/march and hit the beginning of spring break, the crowds were insane, 9 and 10's, this year middle march is only at 6's. In 2005 we went Disneyland in march and the lines were 3 and 4 hours long. Again this year they expect to be much shorter. We have done just about every month and I don't see they crowds as much as years ago, they seem to be evening out, even sept a year ago in Disney felt much more crowded than in years past, and may last year in WDW where mostly 5/6 when we went, so 6 in march seems good to me.

I'm not sure what crowd calendar you're looking at, but easyWDW has the second week of March at an 8. There's no way that week will be a 6.

This year, the Spring Break crowds are predicted to start arriving on March 7. The very first week of March is usually a good week, but the crowds will start arriving by the second week every year. I agree with PP that Mardi Gras might cause a slight increase, but not too much.

 

[GovieMom]

Many colleges have the first week of March off for spring break. Even if there is no Mardi Gras that week, the crowd levels definitely won't be low.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Many colleges have the first week of March off for spring break. Even if there is no Mardi Gras that week, the crowd levels definitely won't be low.

Josh has the first week as a 4. Not too bad.

 

[MichelleVW]

We're going March 9-14 for spring break. Both my girl's have the same week off from college.

We're going expecting crowds but hoping for the best!

 

[NinaBella]

There is a cheer competition at the Swan March 1-2.

 

[disfanforlife]

We are going for the first time in March. Going 16-21 hoping for the best but expecting it to busy. Worse case, spend more time relaxing at our resort. Not so bad.

 

[CanadianPaco]

After doing Christmas at WDW, I'll be happy with what March brings!

 

[siskaren]

Josh has the first week as a 4. Not too bad.

Where are you seeing 4? I see all 5s except for Friday at 6, and Saturday at 8.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Where are you seeing 4? I see all 5s except for Friday at 6, and Saturday at 8.

I'm so glad you pointed that out! I had printed off Josh's crowd calendar a couple of weeks ago, and it looks like the crowd levels for several weeks in March have increased since then. Apparently, the second week - when I'm going - is now a 9. Yikes!

It's funny that Josh has the second week at 9 while TP has it mostly at 6. I wish TP was going to be right, but I'm sure Josh will be much closer, unfortunately.

 

[tcherjen]

We will be there March 23-28

 

[harbin]

We will be there March 26-April 5th. I figured it will be crowded, but not as bad or at least equal to our trip last July where everyday was an 8-9. Having 10 days lets us still be able to go non commando and see what we want to see!

 

[BrittyRo]

I went April 5-April 9 last year and I wonder what the crowd calendar had that listed at? I though the crowds were fine and just wanted to get a gauge if thats what crowds would be like when I go March 29 - April 3

Anyone have a crowd calendar saved from April 2013?

 

[999DoomBuggies]

we went first full week of march 2013. Crowds were just like second week of Jan 2014. Basically, magic kingdom is crowded from 11-6ish. Before or after these times the majority of rides are extremely fast waits.

I realize Mardi Gras and LA schools will disrupt the standard first week of March. Therefore, my experience likely holds no water for 2014.

With magic bands I would make sure to do rope drop and then exploit the park from 6 till close. Use your fast passes in the middle of the day...and profit?!