Planning for Spring Break

[DizGirl20]

OK, so I was just sitting here thinking about our upcoming Disney vacation (hmmmm, how many of you can relate?!) which will be the week after Easter. This is the first time we will be going during the Spring Break time period. Now that we are DVC Members, I am thinking we won't be doing a commando-type trip this time around. My kids are older (10 & 13 yrs)and truthfully I really wouldn't mind spending a lot of time hanging around the Kidani pool area, enjoying the resort, going to mini-golf, Downtown Disney, etc.

For those of you who typically go during Spring Break, any tips? Are you there at rope drop and then spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool... or vice versa? Any tips would be much appreciated! TIA

 

[staceymay00]

We like to arrive for RD and get the parks out of the way while they are not as crowded. Then back to the resort to relax. We did go for spring break this past year (right after Easter), but that is what we do on all of our trips. On longer trips we'll take a day or two off from the parks.

 

[high meadows]

Remember that spring break is the time 6,000 or 7,000 high school cheerleaders visit WDW, to the amazed delight of teens traveling with their families. They will be all over the parks early and late, giving everybody a springy step!

 

[mecllap]

Yep, go early, get FPs for rides that have them that are important to you. It might be hot, and will be crowded/busy. Don't go to the park in the evening that has evening EMH. If you want to do Toy Story MM, do that on a non-EMH morning day at the Studios. Highgrade the park attractions that are must-dos for you early, and enjoy other stuff, or nonpark stuff later in the day.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Spring Break - did that once - Geeze Louise!

 

[DizGirl20]

Spring Break - did that once - Geeze Louise!

I know - we have taken our kids out of school for Disney but now that they are older can't anymore for awhile - will try to make the best of it. I saw a poll on another board and it seems Spring Break varies across the country. Hoping it won't be as bad as I think...

 

[AlwaysDreamofDisney]

I see that you are from Jersey. Why not go during the exalted NJEA convention - the first week of EVERY November! It falls during the Food & Wine event at Epcot.

Almost everyone you meet will be from some place in New Jersey.

The hardest part of going that week is the Airfare. Prices tend to go up a lot.

The best part is that you get that nice warm weather right befor the temps get really cold here and all the ugly white stuff starts to hit the ground! Ugh I hate the thought of shovelling any more snow!!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

This is the first time we will be going during the Spring Break time period. Now that we are DVC Members, I am thinking we won't be doing a commando-type trip this time around. My kids are older (10 & 13 yrs)and truthfully I really wouldn't mind spending a lot of time hanging around the Kidani pool area, enjoying the resort, going to mini-golf, Downtown Disney, etc.

You know that it will be extremely busy, the lines long (60+ minutes) but if you take the attitude that "Hey, it's too crowded, lets go back to the pool" , it's doable. The irritating thing is that the FP's go fast and unless you go at rope drop to get them, the return time is well past the time I choose to still be in the parks. If the Kidani pool is real busy you can always pool hop to another pool you've never tried for the day or better yet try a water park!

Personally, I no longer go during spring break! Good Luck!

 

[DizGirl20]

Thanks everyone for your insightful responses... bumping this to see if anyone else has input? Thanks!

 

[thepops]

I agree with get there early and see what you "Must" see and then head off to the pool or DTD. The other thing to do is hit the BLT tour (ask at the DVC kiosk). The game they do is OK, the cheesecake on a stick is very tasty and you'll get some instant fast passes which are very valuable during this time (as long as you get to what you want before they run out.) We did this last year and hit TSM 3 times (2 on the special FP and once on the regular one later in the day).

 

[AirGoofy]

Are all the parks crazy crowded or just MK? Is it that much busier in Spring Break when it is an Easter week? Easter in 2011 is towards the end of April. How busy would the first week in April be?

 

[toniosmom]

I see that you are from Jersey. Why not go during the exalted NJEA convention - the first week of EVERY November!

The hardest part of going that week is the Airfare. Prices tend to go up a lot.

I will be going during Jersey week next year. I noticed that the airfares from NJ to Orlando are up during that week, which really stinks.

We did Spring Break in 2008 and I noticed the weekends noticeably more crowded than mid-week. We spent the mornings at the parks and then swam the rest of the day. It wasn't too bad, crowd-wise. We're going next Spring Break and plan to do the same, although we won't be going to the parks every single day. We'll be at BCV, so we are planning to take full advantage of Stormalong Bay.

 

[kristie03]

My view is as long as you know in advance that it is likely to be crowded it won't be a problem.

If you are willing for this not to be a commando trip, then everyone's advice about early morning park/afternoon pool and evening at a park or otherwise sounds like a great plan!

We will be there spring break as well (but the week before Easter). I'm electing to do the Deluxe dining plan that trip so we can use our table service meals as another "rest" period from the crowds.

 

[DizGirl20]

I see that you are from Jersey. Why not go during the exalted NJEA convention - the first week of EVERY November! It falls during the Food & Wine event at Epcot.

Almost everyone you meet will be from some place in New Jersey.

My kids go to parochial school and unfortunately we do not have those days off in November. But thanks for the thought!

 

[londonderrydisneyfan]

We just changed our reservation from June/July to the same week you're going. This is the third time we've gone at this time and in the past it's been busy, but nothing crazy and the weather has always been excellent. We've never had any problems touring as people have already suggested -- grab FP's early and then hit the pool in the midafternoon. This year should be busier though because now it's going to be the week after Easter. I'm hoping that the Easter crowds start to die down around mid-week.

 

[Aunt Cawa]

I see that you are from Jersey. Why not go during the exalted NJEA convention - the first week of EVERY November! It falls during the Food & Wine event at Epcot.

:

Just so you know, the NJEA convention in 2011 is 11/10 and 11/11 which fall during the second week of November as does Election day. I don't know what formula they use but it is not always during the first week of November.

 

[toniosmom]

Just so you know, the NJEA convention in 2011 is 11/10 and 11/11 which fall during the second week of November as does Election day. I don't know what formula they use but it is not always during the first week of November.

Thank you for posting those dates. I was thinking it was a week earlier and was going to book at the 11 month mark next month!

 

[Aunt Cawa]

You're very welcome! The dates change every year. Good luck with your reservation!