March Trip...Crowd Concerns

[J. Worthington Foulfellow]

Hi all-

My mother (and trust me, I am not complaining) decided to treat the family to a WDW trip March 13-18th.

From everything I have read, this can be a completely crazy time. Our past trips have all been at much slower times (Early December or February) so I am preparing myself for relative insanity (seems like 8 out of 10 on most crowd calendars.) I know this can change somewhat if Easter is later on in the year (as it is this year,) so I am hoping for the best.

I just made our dining reservations (well into the 180 day mark) and was pleased to find I had no troubles getting even tough reservations (Be Our Guest dinner, Cinderella breakfast, Chef Mickeys etc) at traditionally difficult times.

Could the later Easter be working in our favor?

Is it still going to be a madhouse?

Any personal experiences would be much appreciated!

 

[FCDub]

It's always crowded. Have a good plan and reasonable expectations, and your trip will be all gravy

 

[wfjny]

It's always crowded. Have a good plan and reasonable expectations, and your trip will be all gravy

Buuuuut...

Last couple of visits, the crowds do seem to be a little smaller...

Having said that, I do actually agree with you! Good plan, reasonable expectations, pack plenty of patience and all will go well. How can it not, even a bad day at Disney is better than my best day at work!

 

[FigmentSpark]

I think tentative expectations are in the 5-7 range for crowds. Of course, that could change in the next few months. Remember that Easter is later, but also Galaxy's Edge is supposed to open later next year. It's possible that people will save their money for that.

Just make sure you have a good plan, RD and make your FPPs. You'll be fine.

 

[g-dad66]

We go in mid-March nearly every year. It is crowded, but not so insane that we stop coming back year after year.

I would say that if you simply lower your expectations for what you can get done in December or February, you will be in good shape. Just figure that everything will take a bit longer (waiting at the concession stands, weaving your way through the crowds, lines for the bathrooms, etc.), but with judicious use of Fast Passes, Rope Drop, and a good touring plan, we are almost always able to accomplish what we set out to do.

 

[MermaidMommy]

The second week in March is always one of the busiest of spring break (outside of the week before and the week after Easter). It's spring break for almost all public schools in Texas, and the crowd levels are usually 8-9, with an occasional 10. We've gone that week for the last 5 years, and it's never been a 5-7.

I think tentative expectations are in the 5-7 range for crowds. Of course, that could change in the next few months. Remember that Easter is later, but also Galaxy's Edge is supposed to open later next year. It's possible that people will save their money for that.Just make sure you have a good plan, RD and make your FPPs. You'll be fine.

That said, it's still not a bad time to go. The weather is usually great -- temperate, with very little rain. And, while the parks themselves are crowded, they should be running all the rides at full capacity, so your wait times might not be that much different than going at a slower time. For example, we took an 11 day trip last year, and the first four days were during the first week of March, before the spring break crowds hit. While our MK day that week didn't "feel crowded," and was much less congested than any days the following week, our wait times were pretty comparable.

Also, MK usually opens at 8:00am that week, with 7:00am EMH. You can get so much done during that first hour, as not many people know about/take advantage of that early opening, so definitely take advantage of that if you can. Just have a good plan, and you'll be fine.

Oh, and take all kinds of clothing. Some days can be really warm, and some days can be cold, so be prepared for anything.

 

[TexasBee]

We've gone twice that same week and are going again next year. It definitely 'feels' less crowded for this time, with reservations being easier to get and fewer people talking about going. I agree that Easter being later and SW opening later in the year may be affecting people's decisions to go over what is Spring Break for us. Even in the prior years, I didn't think it was terrible. Just make your plans and it should be fine.

 

[Missyrose]

Expect it to be crowded and let any "hey, it doesn't feel so crowded" feelings be a welcome surprise.

 

[NashvilleMama]

We went during March spring break last year - 9/10 crowds on every crowd calendar, sometimes 10/10 - and had an amazing time. Expect the crowds, get an early start to the days, plan your schedule and go with the flow and you'll be great!