March

[money4mickey]

We were planning to go to WDW in March 06 but I read on Mousesavers that it is one of the "worst times" to go. Is this because of crowds? weather? prices?

 

[EthansMom]

It's because of the crowds and prices. You won't find many discounts during regular season. Plus the crowds during Spring Break can get pretty bad. If you can go during Value Season, you'll find better deals on hotels (both on- and off-site) and crowds are much more reasonable.

 

[granmanh603]

We were planning to go to WDW in March 06 but I read on Mousesavers that it is one of the "worst times" to go. Is this because of crowds? weather? prices?

All of the abo ve but we go every year at that time, this year the weather was cold and rainy and the parks were empty YEAH. but other years it has been in the 80"s and sunny. You can have a good time anytime just depends when YOU can go and how you work the parks. Don't let that keep you from going but if flexable go at another time.

 

[etwinchester]

We went in March of 2003 and LOVE it. The weather was great, only 3-4 really HOT HOT days. The lines to the rides were wonderful. We rode on Space Mountain with only a 5-10 minute wait. Also, we went for 2 weeks and would have some rain showers late in the evening.

I loved March and plan to go again during that month. We did go the first two weeks of the month so I think we were there before spring break. I would recommend it from the experience we had.

 

[Focusdude]

We went during the first week of March last year. The crowds were not bad at all - but I did notice some spring breakers heading in right as we were leaving. I was not on these Boards at the time I booked the trip - if I was - I would have realized that it was during an expensive "season" and would have picked another time.

The weather was fine, and I thought the crowds were the same as they were when I had gone in October.

Hope this helps!

 

[etwinchester]

When is off-peak time? Are the crowds REALLY LOWER or less noticable?

 

[Nicolepa]

When is off-peak time? Are the crowds REALLY LOWER or less noticable?

Well to answer your second question, YES. We go in September and the rides are pretty much walk on. 2 years ago we did Buzz, Teacups (3x), Dumbo, Pooh and Small World in less than an hour. By our second day at MK we had ridden everthing the kids wanted (many times over) they were ready to leave!

Value Season (it looks like they've changed to Adventure?) is January, September and the first two weeks of December. The next lowest is Choice, and that is October, November (except for Thankgiving), and 3rd week in December (until the 23rd).

 

[jiminy14]

Most of the high schools in my area sponsor their senior trips to WDW during March. We sometimes go in January after the New Year's crowds have departed. The parks are very empty and waits for rides are no more than 10 minutes. We usually walk right onto most rides. The weather can be iffy but on most of our trips we were still able to wear shorts and t-shirts during the day.

 

[canwegosoon]

I go in March.
2 years ago we went 3/10-3/17, That year Easter was in April. We had a great time, cool in the am, hot all day, cool in pm. Crowds were manageable. We did everything we wanted to. Had tons of fun. Only the Saturday was really bad at MK. But the park hours were just extended, so we had lots of time.

This past March we went 3/20-3/30, Through Easter. We had a good time, hot, hot, hot. Crowds were intense, PS were needed everywhere for every meal. We did everything we wanted to do. Had tons of fun, but would never do 10 days, or a trip at Spring Break if possible. Yes we were at MK at 2:30am with 7yo's at MK riding Splash Mountain.

Next year we are going either 3/4-3/11 or 3/11-3/18. We are leaning toward 3/11-18 due to DH's work. But I think you will be fine in the first 2 weeks, after that you will be starting to hit college spring breaks. The park hours will be extended, but just don't think you will have the park to yourself. Read about Fast PAss, and make sure you make PS. Make a list of must do's, you will have a great time. It does rain 1-2 days.

 

[Simba]

We usually go in April during "Spring Break Time" and the weather is great but there are Tons of people. We are going this coming year in March. Depending when you go you will start to hit college Spring Breaks. I know we are going during my SB and it starts on March 3rd. So, anytime during March and April will be Spring Break Times but it's a lot worse in April during high school spring breaks

 

[becky7953]

When is off-peak time? Are the crowds REALLY LOWER or less noticable?

We always go in January. It is not busy at all. I think the longest wait we waited was 20 minutes and that was for the DUMBO ride My DD just had to go on it The weather has been great for us. A little chilly in 2001, but by the afternoon we were in shorts. 2004 was awesome it was in the 80's the whole time. (all though my friend and her DH arrived at WDW the day we left and it was cold for them their whole trip, sweatshirts and jeans and they were ok) I was tempted to beg hubby for doing a last minute trip with the free dining, but due to finances and the fact I don't want to face the crowds.

 

[dizcrazy]

I think the best time to go is during Value Season - the prices are lower for a reason!

The best advice I have for timing your trip is to aviod all holidays! This includes Mardi Gras, which is not celebrated in the North but it is in the South! Two years in a row, our trip coincided with Mardi Gras and we noticed an increase in crowds around that day. (Although I will add we met a lot of wonderful people from the New Orleans area!

You are always gambling with the weather. Last February, the weather was about 85 degrees most days!

 

[money4mickey]

Thanks for the responses! We are actually planning on March because I am starting Graduate school in the fall so that will be my spring break. It's good to know the weather will be good and as weird as this sounds...I actually like the thought of it being a little crowded. I mean, isn't that part of the fun!

 

[Simba]

The crowds are def. part of the enjoyment for us. We sit and people watch a lot. It's very cool to see people from around the world enjoying themselves. It's gonna be a little different this year for us because we are use to wall-to-wall people during SB in April. Hope you have a great time and maybe we will see you there

 

[etwinchester]

What is the weather like in September? We would like to do water parks. DD will be in 2nd grade when we decide to go again.

I loved the first 2 weeks of March but if I could get a value season, I may opt for that since it will be our first onstay visit.