Need input on potential dates!

[Ooba]

I am trying to plan our next visit to WDW - and am really torn what to do. Our options are Jan 1-8 (yes, I have at least the first few days reserved as of today), or March 24 - 31 (I have part of this reserved as well). I originally had planned for March because it is our spring break, but Easter is March 23, so I am sure the parks will be crazy (how crazy??). Plus, have you seen the points required for that week??!! Now going in January will likely be pretty crowded too, even though it is after New Years - alot of people of course will be staying the whole week. The points required for this are ALOT less. Points are not the end all in this decision, since we just added on, and have the points to do the March trip without having to borrow. Another factor in the January time frame is that I could only get OKW. Nothing against the resort at all (we have never stayed there), but prefer to be closer, with more transportation options. We won't have a car, so will have to rely solely on bus. We are not real big swimming pool fans, so being too cool to swim really is not an issue.

Those of you that have been there during these time, please give me some input!

 

[jekjones1558]

Are all the days available at OKW? I know that week is pretty popular.
We like OKW and find their bus service to be very good. The March week will be REALLY crowded. Some folks don't mind the huge crowds but we avoid them if at all possible. Jan. weather can be decent (70°s) or pretty cold. The March weather would probably be warmer. Jan. week would also allow you to see some of the Christmas stuff, like decorations and Osborne Lights.
Whatever you choose, have a great time!

 

[Ooba]

I guess another consideration in addition to the crowds would be the park hours. I know they are slightly shorter in January. What about in March?

Since we have only been once at the end of August, I really have no idea what "really crowded" is. Are the lines just ridiculous?

 

[RumpleMom]

We have gone in early January 3 times. Each time we were lucky to have warm weather for at least part of the week.

You will have the Christmas decorations then.

Easter, many schools no longer have an Easter break, so crowds might not be all that bad. Spring break is spread out over March and April.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd choose January. It is our favorite time to go, and even though some of the crowds will hang around the week of NY, it will be far less than the Easter crowd. Easter week will be PACKED!!!