So ... How bad is spring break?

[PlaneJoy1]

We have decided that we will probably go on a trip during spring break in April. This is the first time we will have gone anywhere during that week. We've always chosen other, non-busy times of the year to vacation. We just can't do that anymore, unfortunately.

I was thinking of going to Disney. What should I expect? Do you think crowds are heavier during spring break or during the summer? I know it will be busy, I just really don't know what to expect.

Thanks for your help!

 

[spiceycat]

they are busy - but if you stay onsite just use the EMH to their best advantage.

go early - leave when it gets to busy for you - come back that evening - sometimes at a different park (EMH)

remember at spring break you get longer park hours.

 

[Twinprincesses]

Are you going the first week of April??? If so it is very busy. Do not even try to get near the water parks they fill to capacity right away and we have not been able to get into them the last couple of years. It is busy but managable.

 

[MinMouse]

Yes it will be busy. We've been twice for Easter and the week following . . . I think the week prior to and following Easter is the busiest. We have found it to be manageable by following the same plan spiceycat described. We go early, swim at the resort in the afternoon and then return in the evening to just enjoy the park . . . by that time the ride lines are long so we usually do all riding in the a.m. We go other times of the year too so it doesn't bother us that we may not ride everything more than once.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

Thanks, Everyone! We are going April 6th-11th and staying at AKL. We have NEVER stayed at a deluxe before, so this is huge splurge for us but we did get a good rate (well, compared to "rack rates"). I'll look into mousesavers for a deal on tickets.

Since AKL is reported to have a great pool, we may not even go to the water parks. Just hang out there in the afternoons if it gets too hot or when we need a break. Hopefully that will work out. What do you think?

I now need to plan for ADR's. I am within the booking window so I am behind the curve so to speak!!

Thanks, again!!!

 

[tmonferdini]

You're going 2 weeks AFTER Easter (March 23). I wouldn't think it would be THAT bad. We have only gone during spring break in the past & yes, it was busy, but tolerable. As far as the water parks go, get there when they open & we had a blast last year. We didn't stay all day, but did everything we wanted. Have fun!!!

 

[Kimmumum]

We went the week after Easter 2006 and I didn't think it was that busy. I guess I was thinking it was going to be insane. We could walk around, didn't have to wait in crazy lines etc. We told our friends how enjoyable it was that week. They went this year (2007) and said it was beyond insane.

I don't know if there really was that big of a difference in crowds or if we were expecting the worst and it wasn't

 

[Gillian]

THat week won't be as bad as the weeks closer to Easter. I think NY schools often have their break at the end of April, regardless of Easter, but you might miss them too. We've been the last week of April and it was fine. Busy, but workable. Also March is when most colleges have their breaks, so you're missing them.

Have fun! Eat at Boma early, before it gets crazy crowded.

 

[lovinpoohbear]

Even though it is a popular time, you will have the best weather. I have found other times of the year unbearable in the heat. But so far, I have always found April perfect. In the 80's, not too humid. I would go in April rather than the summer or the fall!!!

 

[TSNCS]

We went this year the week before Easter, and we actually left Easter Sunday evening. The crowds were big, but we didn't have a problem. We used Tour Guide mike, stuck to his touring plans, and the most we waited in line was maybe 10 minutes. We always were there for rope drop, took and afternoon break, and went back in the evenings. We had a great time, and we are going again in April.

I am a teacher, and with both kids in school, that is just the best time for us to go. It is crowded, but it is doable.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Just an FYI about my observations about Spring Break and Florida. My parents are in Southwest FL so we often visit during Spring Break. Our Spring Break is always the first week of April. Because some areas coordinate their Spring Break with Easter, Florida is more crowded when Easter coincides with our Spring Break. When Easter does not fall on one of the weekends of our Spring Break, Florida is more manageable. Hope I made sense!! Anyway, have fun!

 

[PlaneJoy1]

Wow! Thanks you guys! I hadn't even looked to see when Easter was. Our break usually coincides with that so I just assumed it was the same. I guess b/c Easter is in March they kept our break in April.

Yesterday I made reservations for Lunch in the castle. I'm now wondering if it is really worth the price (around $150 with tax and tip). That's A LOT of money for lunch. But I know the memories are priceless. Maybe I'll consider 1900 Park Fare. I also make reservations for character breakfast at the animal kingdom. I don't know what else right now.

Again, THANKS!!!