Ontario March Break 2008 busy?

[Jeffan1ca]

The family and in-laws are planning on heading to WDW during March break 2008. Usually we go in February but for 2008, March break is our only option. How busy are the parks?

 

[highland3]

We're heading down for two weeks (only part at WDW) the week before March Break 2008.

When we were there for March Break 2005 the crowds were really pretty good. I'm a firm believer in the best advice I've ever read on these boards... GET TO THE PARKS WHEN THEY OPEN!!!!!! You can hit the top favourites with absolutely no lines. By 10am it's getting busy and by 2pm very busy. But... it was managable lines.

 

[RainbowsMist]

We're heading down the week before our March break and the week of March break. Feb 29 - March 14. We're REALLY hoping we'll be avoiding the HUGE crowds because most people will be there the week after March break due to it being Easter. This year we went the week of March break and the week after. The week after was a lot busier than the 1st week.

 

[disneyfan2]

March break will be busy next year because Easter is moved up to March so the crowds will be earlier.

 

[MainStreetMouse]

We have been to Disney World the past two March Breaks, (2007 & 2006).

It has been busy both times but with a 7 day park hopper pass you will be able to do everything you want.

I recommend staying on Disney property and taking advantage of the EMH for hotel guest as that really helped us.

Also if there is something you realy want to do at a certain park get there early. We went just months after Everest opened and were able to ride it a few times because we got to Animal Kingdom early in the morning. By noon the lines to Everest were long and the fast passes were gone.

Gary

 

[KerriMc]

Be sure to check and see if your board has even finalized their March Breaks yet. Our board (Simcoe County) was going to give it the stamp of approval as to what the ministry sets out, but then realized Easter was the week after. They don't think it will be a good idea to have three four day weeks and that people will go away for two weeks instead anyways. I don't see this as a HUGE issue because people who will holiday an extra week, would do it whether there was that break or not.

So we may be moving March break to coincide with Easter, which I dont' want to happen. I think it will make it crazy busy in WDW and I think prices will be up for certain things ... car rentals, condos, airplane tickets, etc. So hopefully the trustees for our board will change their minds when they meet with the other three boards that have to agree (Separate, French, and Trillium boards). I'm not counting on much as our trustees leave little to be desired.

Anyways, I know the York board is going with the ministry guideline (trad'l break week of March 10-14), but I haven't heard of any other boards in Ontario that have finalized theirs. Has anyone else noticed if their board has yet? Most don't do it until the end of April.

Kerri

 

[MainStreetMouse]

Good uggestion.

I can confirm that The Essex County Public School Board March break will be March 10 - 14.

Gary

 

[KerriMc]

I have been searching to see what boards have approved the school year calendar as set out by the ministry (ie. to have March Break from the 10th - 14th). So far the boards I have seen that have done this are ...

PUBLIC: Avon Maitland (London), Bluewater, DSB of NorthEast ON (Timmins), Peel, Essex, York Region, Renfrew County, Rainy River, Keewatin-Patricia (Kenora), Superior-Greenstone, Upper Grand DSB

SEPARATE: NorthWest Catholic (Fort Frances), Wellington CDSB, Ottawa-Carleton CSB, Huron Superior CDSB, Halton CDSB, Toronto CDSB, and English Language #38 CDSB (London)

I have emailed Trustees at other boards to see their response. My board (Simcoe County Public) thinks they are leading cutting edge to combine the two . I would like to send them a list of all of the others that are following mnistry outline.

I know some people don't really care if the two are combined, but I do. Travel for one, but also the actual celebration of Easter is something I prefer to do at home, with extended family and our own church. I don't think it is fair for them to make decisions about such things.

Anyways, I will add more if I hear from them ... so far three trustees have responded (good PR!! )

Kerri

 

[KerriMc]

Two more replies ... also adding

Public - Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB

Separate - CDSB of Eastern Ontario (Cornwall area)

 

[KerriMc]

Again adding ...

PUBLIC - Ottawa Carleton DSB, Toronto DSB, Lakehead DSB, Hastings & Prince Edward DSB, Halton DSB, Algoma DSB, Near North DSB, Limestone DSB

SEPARATE - Niagara CDSB, Durham DSB, Huron Perth CDSB, Superior North CDSB

I am up to 30 boards now, so I just don't see how my board could veer off into another direction. One can only hope

Kerri

 

[highland3]

I have an e-mail in the the Upper Canada District Board... but no word back yet.

 

[KerriMc]

Also adding ...

PUBLIC ... Rainbow DSB, GRand Erie DSB, Trillium Lakelands (this is a good one for me, because our board has to go along with them )

Kerri

 

[dangler]

Hi,

A friend of mine just went this last March Break and had a blast. She said she would go again on the March Break, but it was very crowded.
Go to the parks early, FP everything you can and do the EMH if at all possible. MK was opened until 2am one night and she mentioned that from 11-2 they could walk right on any ride they wanted. Her son was 9, but had no problem staying up that late and was ready to go again the next day.
Have a great time!

 

[bababear_50]

KerriMc
are you saying the Peel District School (public) board is saying
March 10th to the 14th 2008,,????
I work for them and haven't been able to get this info --could I ask how you found this out,,I'd like to make plans but need to know for sure
Thanks Mel

 

[Disneyof3]

I heard Wellington Catholic Board South is March 10-14 as well. But I won't believe it until my girlfriend a teacher's aid gets it from above. She will hear soon because all the numbers have to be in soon for the count 2007-2008 school year.

 

[KerriMc]

Mel ... this was the email I received from a Peel board trustee ...
Hello Kerri
The proposed calendar does not combine Easter and March Break--that is not the ministry recommended calendar. The calendar should be completed mid-may.
Allison Van Wagner
Trustee Ward 9 & 10

I am assuming she means that the board is going along with what the Ministry has laid out. So that would mean they are not combined!

Disneyof3 ... I do have Wellington CDSB on my list, so either it was on their website, in their board minutes, or I had a reply by a trustee ... don't know offhand, but I can look back to verify this. I think most Catholic boards will be the way the MInistry has mandated it, as from posts on the other thread, there are Holy Days leading up to Easter and they wouldn't want students to be away for that.
Edited to add : Here is a link to the board's minutes from a meeting. Go to page 8 for a layout of the calendar for school year 07-08 .... http://www.wellingtoncssb.edu.on.ca/webagendasandminutes/I00DA66B6.0/Apr.%202.07%20-%20Regular%20Part%201.pdf?InAttach=1.

KErri

 

[bababear_50]

Well I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they keep them seperate,,thanks Kerri
hugs Mel

 

[petbren]

I got an e-mail from our board, Hamilton Catholic, about a month ago that it will be March 10-14.
Booked BWV for the week on Saturday.

 

[KerriMc]

Thanks for that info petbren ... I also just got an email from York Catholic saying it is also separated.

Kerri

 

[disneyfan2]

I got an e-mail from our board, Hamilton Catholic, about a month ago that it will be March 10-14.
Booked BWV for the week on Saturday.

Thanks you just saved me an email!!!
Wonder which week will be LESS busy!