OFFICIAL April 2012 DISers! 2 months and counting!

[auprincess]

so bummed...my oldest DD spent the night with a friend last night and her dad asked her is she was excited about our Disney trip It was a suprise ~ boo! I know he felt bad and tried to play it off, but I'm pretty sure we're busted.

 

[204charity]

so bummed...my oldest DD spent the night with a friend last night and her dad asked her is she was excited about our Disney trip It was a suprise ~ boo! I know he felt bad and tried to play it off, but I'm pretty sure we're busted.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That sucks. (hugs) I know how hard you were trying to keep it a surprise.....and so close to the departure date too......

 

[Zuzu03]

So like every day, I tell my DH, "In ________ weeks/days we'll be at Disney and doing this, or this, or this!" He's getting really sick of me saying it so I had to come here and say, "IN 35 DAYS WE'LL BE AT DISNEY AND WALKING AROUND DTD!!!!!" I know you all understand!!!

 

[sarewil]

Mickey Mail came today!!!! Now I can finally stop stalking the mail! How soon is too soon to pack???

Mine too I can't wait to pack and have been trying to stop myself, from packing.

 

[auprincess]

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That sucks. (hugs) I know how hard you were trying to keep it a surprise.....and so close to the departure date too......

I know!!! She asked me today when we were going so I just told her hopefully sometime soon; maybe this summer. So, since we won't be able to surprise them by just showing up (we've done it this way b/f, and I know they would be excited but I don't think we'll get the huge reaction), I'm going to try to think of another way. Maybe I'll do the egg hunt. That way, we'll have the week of anticipation to build up before our trip, but it won't be too long to hear are we leaving yet?

So like every day, I tell my DH, "In ________ weeks/days we'll be at Disney and doing this, or this, or this!" He's getting really sick of me saying it so I had to come here and say, "IN 35 DAYS WE'LL BE AT DISNEY AND WALKING AROUND DTD!!!!!" I know you all understand!!!

woo hoo ~ 4 weeks for me!!!

Anyone been in April? I live in Alabama and it is already so stinking hot down here! Several days have been in the mid 80s; now I'm worried about the heat on our trip. I have a fan for the stroller and read about bringing the hand held misting fans (was planning on getting some when our trip was for June); do you think I should get some? Anyone else bringing any?

 

[Zuzu03]

Anyone been in April? I live in Alabama and it is already so stinking hot down here! Several days have been in the mid 80s; now I'm worried about the heat on our trip. I have a fan for the stroller and read about bringing the hand held misting fans (was planning on getting some when our trip was for June); do you think I should get some? Anyone else bringing any?

That's a really good question in light of how warm it's been so early - I wonder what April will be like? Last time we were there in April it was pretty toasty!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Anyone been in April? I live in Alabama and it is already so stinking hot down here! Several days have been in the mid 80s; now I'm worried about the heat on our trip. I have a fan for the stroller and read about bringing the hand held misting fans (was planning on getting some when our trip was for June); do you think I should get some? Anyone else bringing any?

I was wondering how warm it will be too! Every April we've been it's been beautiful- low to mid 80s. With you living in Alabama though, you already have a pretty good idea. It's going into the 70s up here this week!!! That is outrageously WARM for us (like a heat wave!!!) It's usually in the high 40s low 50s in March.


Hope everything works out for your surprise- that was a bummer.

 

[momtwoboys]

I love this warm weather we are having!! I told my DH that it is helping us adjust the change in temp CAN NOT WAIT kids were saying that they love the first ride in orlando.....the monorail tram at the airport! I really should be packing our stuff. lists and piles ready to go into the suitcases.

 

[figmentswife]

We have been in April before and I think one thing that makes it feel SO HOT - is that it was such a huge difference between home and florida. So it was hard to adjust when we were used to it be much cooler, but when we were there last October the hear wasn't bad because we were used to the heat we left at home.

 

[204charity]

We have been in April before and I think one thing that makes it feel SO HOT - is that it was such a huge difference between home and florida. So it was hard to adjust when we were used to it be much cooler, but when we were there last October the hear wasn't bad because we were used to the heat we left at home.

I agree, if you're coming from warmth, it doesn't seem overly hot in Fl. However, if you are coming from FRIGID temps, Florida will feel like the centre of the earth hot! We are experiencing a warmer-than-usual March here too in Manitoba. (Uh, how does 26 degrees celsius sound everyone!?!)

I love this warm weather we are having!! I told my DH that it is helping us adjust the change in temp CAN NOT WAIT kids were saying that they love the first ride in orlando.....the monorail tram at the airport! I really should be packing our stuff. lists and piles ready to go into the suitcases.

I pulled out my bag of summer clothes last night and am starting to piece together outfits and start throwing random items into our suitcases too. I probably won't get much done this week, but next week is our kids Spring Break, so I'll get tons accomplished then I am sure!

 

[auprincess]

I guess the good thing about the unusually warm temps is that we should for sure be able to enjoy the pool and water parks! Being from a warm climate, it has to be really warm for me to enjoy the water. I also have been going through summer clothes and setting things aside for the trip. The girls have so much they won't miss the few things I put aside. This morning I was getting something out of the garage and found our beach bag, so I pulled the buckets out for us to take as well (for the Poly beach).

 

[TammiDZ]

HELP......

We've only ever gone to Disney in September and January when there are no crowds. My daughter is now in school, and I refuse to take her out of school for a vacation. I have a new job, so my vacation time is limited. Before I was hired, I told them I needed off for Spring Break - so this is the only time I can take off this year. I really want to go to Disney, but I'm afraid of the crowds.

I am thinking about driving down (from Jersey) and getting there on Easter - Sunday 4/8 and leaving Friday 4/13. How bad are the crowds? Since I've never been there with crowds, I cannot even imagine how bad it will be. I'm hoping for some input, since I need to book soon....like today or tomorrow soon!

My daughter doesn't do the big rides ... space mountain, haunted house, fast track, tower or terror, etc. Will it be really really really bad? She will want to go on Soarin', Toy Story, People Mover (85 times!), Small World, Epcot Ball, etc.

Can anyone help me?

 

[wakica]

4 weeks left!!

Placed our order with Garden Grocer yesterday. Going to be ordering a cake this week for the Illuminations Cruise. Debating whether the all day dining deal at SeaWorld will be worth it. And checking the mailbox looking for our Mickey Mail. Even DW finally said yesterday that she's starting to get excited.

Hhmmm, good question about Sea Worlds all day dining plan - I'll have to check that one out - I typically find we don't eat enough at the parks to make any of the dining plans worth it for us bc we want to spend all the time riding.

That's nice that your DW is getting excited! It's hard being excited on your own - my DH is in the same spot as your DW - he's FINALLY starting to get excited too and will actually bring up the trip on his own sometimes now

Mickey Mail came today!!!! Now I can finally stop stalking the mail! How soon is too soon to pack???

It's DEFINITLY not too soon!! I already have a full box of stuff and the most recent things I've added to it are my medicine bag and my park medicine bag - I like to be prepared with one of everything we might need. lol.

So like every day, I tell my DH, "In ________ weeks/days we'll be at Disney and doing this, or this, or this!" He's getting really sick of me saying it so I had to come here and say, "IN 35 DAYS WE'LL BE AT DISNEY AND WALKING AROUND DTD!!!!!" I know you all understand!!!

YAY for you - it's 39 for us and my DH is FINALLY getting excited so he'll bring it up on his own now So hang in there - hopefully it won't be long before he's in that spot too. Until then - we are HAPPY to share in your excitement!!!

I know!!! She asked me today when we were going so I just told her hopefully sometime soon; maybe this summer. So, since we won't be able to surprise them by just showing up (we've done it this way b/f, and I know they would be excited but I don't think we'll get the huge reaction), I'm going to try to think of another way. Maybe I'll do the egg hunt. That way, we'll have the week of anticipation to build up before our trip, but it won't be too long to hear are we leaving yet?

Anyone been in April? I live in Alabama and it is already so stinking hot down here! Several days have been in the mid 80s; now I'm worried about the heat on our trip. I have a fan for the stroller and read about bringing the hand held misting fans (was planning on getting some when our trip was for June); do you think I should get some? Anyone else bringing any?

I'm so glad to hear he at least didn't give away the dates. I think she'll still be surprised when she finds out how quickly it is being that she thinks she has to wait for summer and that can feel like AGES away for kids. At least that's what I'm hoping for you

I have really been worrying about the weather too. Up here in SK the weather has been SSOOOO unseasonable warm. Our winter was WAY milder than ever and I'd say we are about a month ahead of schedule for spring so I am wondering if EVERYWHERE is about a month ahead??? and it's going to stay like that through spring and summer?? or if it was just really mild winter conditions and things will now return to normal? I'm really hoping for things to just return to normal and it was just the winter that was affected b/c we go end of April/beginning of May and I REALLY won't be able to handle JUNE like temps!

I agree, if you're coming from warmth, it doesn't seem overly hot in Fl. However, if you are coming from FRIGID temps, Florida will feel like the centre of the earth hot! We are experiencing a warmer-than-usual March here too in Manitoba. (Uh, how does 26 degrees celsius sound everyone!?!)



I pulled out my bag of summer clothes last night and am starting to piece together outfits and start throwing random items into our suitcases too. I probably won't get much done this week, but next week is our kids Spring Break, so I'll get tons accomplished then I am sure!

26C?!?!?!?! We are right next to you and shocked to be having 19C. I've been out in my tank top already a few times. but wow - 26 is like crazy for March!!!

I told DH that 3 weeks before we leave I'll have the suitcases on the couch. LOL. I know before then though I'll be going through and matching up outfits but I'll just have a box for the clothing until the 3 week prior mark. If I had a large home I would probably already have the suitcases sitting open in a spare room or something and toss things in. But for now I settle for a box hiding beside the couch (which is getting pretty full already though).
I think Easter break will be a good time to get things really taken care of too.

 

[auprincess]

HELP......

We've only ever gone to Disney in September and January when there are no crowds. My daughter is now in school, and I refuse to take her out of school for a vacation. I have a new job, so my vacation time is limited. Before I was hired, I told them I needed off for Spring Break - so this is the only time I can take off this year. I really want to go to Disney, but I'm afraid of the crowds.

I am thinking about driving down (from Jersey) and getting there on Easter - Sunday 4/8 and leaving Friday 4/13. How bad are the crowds? Since I've never been there with crowds, I cannot even imagine how bad it will be. I'm hoping for some input, since I need to book soon....like today or tomorrow soon!

My daughter doesn't do the big rides ... space mountain, haunted house, fast track, tower or terror, etc. Will it be really really really bad? She will want to go on Soarin', Toy Story, People Mover (85 times!), Small World, Epcot Ball, etc.

Can anyone help me?

We also have always gone in January,so I'm a bit worried about the crowds. Although last year we were there for January 1 (through the week) and I didn't think it was "that" bad, although a lot of reports said it was pretty crowded. Having said that, if you want to go, GO!! You've been before, so you know how it is; just have a good touring plan and I think you'll be fine. Check out easywdw for the free crowd calendars! A crowded WDW beats being at home!!

 

[wakica]

HELP......

We've only ever gone to Disney in September and January when there are no crowds. My daughter is now in school, and I refuse to take her out of school for a vacation. I have a new job, so my vacation time is limited. Before I was hired, I told them I needed off for Spring Break - so this is the only time I can take off this year. I really want to go to Disney, but I'm afraid of the crowds.

I am thinking about driving down (from Jersey) and getting there on Easter - Sunday 4/8 and leaving Friday 4/13. How bad are the crowds? Since I've never been there with crowds, I cannot even imagine how bad it will be. I'm hoping for some input, since I need to book soon....like today or tomorrow soon!

My daughter doesn't do the big rides ... space mountain, haunted house, fast track, tower or terror, etc. Will it be really really really bad? She will want to go on Soarin', Toy Story, People Mover (85 times!), Small World, Epcot Ball, etc.

Can anyone help me?

The crowds will be bad Like... as bad as bad gets there. Sorry to tell you. However you do have the option of getting into the parks AS SOON AS THEY OPEN to avoid the crowds b/c people on vacation like to take it easy so the parks don't get too crowded until between 11 and 2. That's when the bulk of the people will pile into the parks. Maybe at this time of year it's more like 10:30 but if you arrive 30 - 45 minutes before park opening you can get those busy rides out of the way before the swarms are in line for them.
because she doesn't like the thrill rides you have an advantage too bc those are the rides that wil accumulate the longest line ups - except you do have Soarin, Toy Story on the list so those MUST be your first stops for the day in those parks especially if she'll want to ride them more than once. Grab a fast pass IMMEDIATELY and then ride it.
the other ones you listed you can just head to after the busy ones b/c they don't have line ups build as fast as the others.

I DO strongly reccomend being at the parks BEFORE opening time!!! If that's going to be a difficult thing with her and she'd rather sleep in I would convince her to try it with you for the first day and make a decision after that. Usually once people are able to go on the rides without the waits they will see how aweful it is to have to wait for long periods of time as the day goes on and gets busier.

Good Luck. Lots of ppl make it work it just takes a bit of planning and a little motivation to get up early.

 

[tjls]

We will be there 4/6-4/15. Heard Test Track would be closing April 2012 for rehab. Anyone know the exact dates?

 

[TammiDZ]

The crowds will be bad Like... as bad as bad gets there. Sorry to tell you. However you do have the option of getting into the parks AS SOON AS THEY OPEN to avoid the crowds b/c people on vacation like to take it easy so the parks don't get too crowded until between 11 and 2. That's when the bulk of the people will pile into the parks. Maybe at this time of year it's more like 10:30 but if you arrive 30 - 45 minutes before park opening you can get those busy rides out of the way before the swarms are in line for them.
because she doesn't like the thrill rides you have an advantage too bc those are the rides that wil accumulate the longest line ups - except you do have Soarin, Toy Story on the list so those MUST be your first stops for the day in those parks especially if she'll want to ride them more than once. Grab a fast pass IMMEDIATELY and then ride it.
the other ones you listed you can just head to after the busy ones b/c they don't have line ups build as fast as the others.

I DO strongly reccomend being at the parks BEFORE opening time!!! If that's going to be a difficult thing with her and she'd rather sleep in I would convince her to try it with you for the first day and make a decision after that. Usually once people are able to go on the rides without the waits they will see how aweful it is to have to wait for long periods of time as the day goes on and gets busier.

Good Luck. Lots of ppl make it work it just takes a bit of planning and a little motivation to get up early.

Thank you. We have NO problem getting up and out early....we are morning people and my daughter will give me NO issues with going to the parks first thing in the morning - but she has said she doesn't want to wait in long lines, but she wants to go to Disney. In the past, we have gone back to the hotel to swim and they back to the parks at night. I really want to book, I'm just scared and looking for a little glimmer of hope that the parks won't be insane. I read somewhere that we would even be waiting 30-45 minutes for a bathroom. On average, any idea how long the waits will be for Small World at the worst time of day?

 

[figmentswife]

HELP......

We've only ever gone to Disney in September and January when there are no crowds. My daughter is now in school, and I refuse to take her out of school for a vacation. I have a new job, so my vacation time is limited. Before I was hired, I told them I needed off for Spring Break - so this is the only time I can take off this year. I really want to go to Disney, but I'm afraid of the crowds.

I am thinking about driving down (from Jersey) and getting there on Easter - Sunday 4/8 and leaving Friday 4/13. How bad are the crowds? Since I've never been there with crowds, I cannot even imagine how bad it will be. I'm hoping for some input, since I need to book soon....like today or tomorrow soon!

My daughter doesn't do the big rides ... space mountain, haunted house, fast track, tower or terror, etc. Will it be really really really bad? She will want to go on Soarin', Toy Story, People Mover (85 times!), Small World, Epcot Ball, etc.

Can anyone help me?

To answer - Yes - it will be crowded (see link to see just how crowded)
But if you follow a plan, don't go to the parks with EMH, get there early, take breaks - then you will be fine.

Here is what the spring break crowds look like
http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized/spring-break-crowds-at-magic-kingdom-lets-do-this-son-31212/

 

[wakica]

I just pulled up my wait time app on my ipod touch and it's telling me that as of noon today (It's 10am for me and i'm sure Floriday is 2 hours ahead of me) so as of noon it's a 20 min wait for small world.
It's not rated as the BUSYEST yet though but it is a NOT reccomended park so it is pretty busy at that park today so I would think that would be pretty close.

I will list all the wait times for you as of now - noon - to give you ideas of waits at noon time on a busy day...

Peter Pan - 55
Dumbo - 45
Winnie the Pooh - 45
Snow White - 35
Tea Party - 25
small world - 25 (it changed as i was typing lol)
Philharmagic - 10
Prince Charming - 5
Splash - 35
Pirates of the Carribean - 30
Jungle Cruise - 25
Magic Carpets - 15
Tiki Room - 10
Haunted Mansion - 30
Space - 85!!!!
Buzz 50!!
Astro Orbiter - 35
Speedway - 35
Monsters Inc - 20
Stitch - 15
TTA - 5
Carousel of Progress - 5


So on busy days those rides really start to line up after 11am.
If you get some sort of wait time app on your ipod touch or iphone or the likes you can look for yourself each day and see the habits of the line ups. But you should be ok if you are getting there early Ride the busy ones first and then ride the less popular ones after and leave the parks shortly after lunch or by 2 at the latest.
You can come back in the evening for some "atmosphere" but expect it to be very busy. Maybe just plan to pull a fast pass or two (if there are some left for the popular rides!!!) and enjoy the shops, and the more quiet things.

You'll still have fun and like a pp said - it's better to be in crowds at Disney than at home. LOL

 

[figmentswife]

Awesome looking at today's stuff - Here are 2 looks at expected crowds for April 8-14 also for you, and you can plan your days around them (I usually go by easywdw.com

touringplans.com easywdw.com

overall best park avoid overall best park avoid

April 8 - 10/10 MK AK HS 9/10 AK HS EP MK

April 9 - 10/10 EP HS AK MK 9/10 EP AK MK HS

April 10 10/10 MK AK EP 9/10 HS MK AK EP

April 11 - 10/10 EP HS 9/10 MK EP AK HS

April 12 - 9/10 AK MK 8/10 HS MK AK EP

April 13 - 8/10 EP HS MK 8/10 AK EP HS MK

April 14 - 8/10 EP MK 8/10 EP HS MK AK

The touringplans.com app is AWESOME while you are in the parks, however we found that the crowd calendar was better for our October trip when we followed easywdw.com

Hope this helps

EDIT - so it didn't show up the way I typed it it, left side if each row is from touringplans and the right is easywdw. the numbers are the overall crowds expected that day/

Here are the links also so you can look yourself.

http://www.easywdw.com/april2012-v7.jpg

http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/crowd-calendar