So how have crowds been for early March?

[BABYJOSIE98]

I have never been at this time of year...

Isn't it peak Season???

Something to consider??? How bad is it from those just back???

 

[teachingmykids]

We were there from the 1st thru the 7th. Weather was cool, but sunny most of the time. I didn't find the parks crowded, I suppose that's relative! The longest we had to wait was Space Mtn, 40 minutes. We didn't do ToT, Splash or Aerosmith, which I assume are the most popular. We walked onto everything else we wanted. I was disappointed that we paid "peak season" room prices, but the parks closed at 7PM. I thought we should have gotten peak hours too!

 

[Skroops]

pretty good! I walked right on most rides and shows. I think part of it is a matter of timing though. Walking through the countries before dinner time catching a snack and then around dinner time when most people migrate towards dinner and their PS in the countries is a great time to hit the rides. Then hit a later dinner. It works great! After Epcot closed, DTD shopping area was really busy, but fun.

 

[Mainebound]

We were there March 1-8, and I would say the crowds were very manageable. the most crowded day we had was Tuesday March 1 at MK. but Thursday March 3 and Tuesday March 8 at MK were great (although it was rainy on the 3rd). Yesterday at MK was so uncrowded we coudl not believe it! At 11:30 am, Aladdin was a walk-on, for example.

 

[tinkwishes]

I went this past weekend. We live about 5 hours away and LOVE quick weekend trips throughout the year. We went to MK. yes on Saturday and yes during Peak Season. (some of you are doing this as you read )We fast passed Space Mountain because it was 70 min long !!! But we walked on the fast pass lane. No wait at all!
The other rides were anywhere from 5-20 min. Now of course, Dumbo was 45 but I suggest to ride him after the fireworks. People left that park like they were going out of style when Wishes ended! We walked on Dumbo and other fantasyland attractions. There was still 45 min left of the magic available!! I wonder why people left? Oh well, it was fun to have fantasyland to ourselves and a few others!!!
Anyway--it was a great time. It looked crowded but lines and eating were never affected in my case!

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

Don't you agree that the more times you visit the more you know how to work around crowds????

I think one of these days I may try Summer just to have the longer hours and more activities...

We are planning for the week before Memorial day next year...

Sounds like with planning you can get through any type crowd at WDW...

Wish I was there now!

 

[tinkwishes]

I do agree the more you go--the more "tricks" you learn on how to deal with crowds. I guess I don't really care what season it is according to crowds--we can deal with it!! Although I will say--i did go to MK on Christmas Day once. I will NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!! They closed the park b/c it was full to capacity. We watched the parade and I am not kidding at all when I say we were touching people's shoulders on both sides as we were trying to get out after the parade. There was NO room to walk at all. We were in Adventureland at that! It took FOREVER to get out of that park. But then we hopped on over to MGM. It was dead as a door nail and walked on every ride!!

 

[fyreworks]

I was there 3/2 to 3/6. Crowds were very manageable. I did see some 70 minute lines on some of the more popular rides (Test Track etc.) but this is where you use Fast Pass, or use the touring plans in the unofficial guide to figure out when the best time to ride is. Also, EMH's were very helpful. I spent 5 minutes in line at Dumbo during the EMH at MK. The longest I ever stood in line was 20 minutes.

 

[teachingmykids]

Yes fyreworks, EMH were a definite plus!

 

[henrylovespooh]

We were there March 1-5 and I liked it. It was cool at times - I don't mind wearing a sweatshirt and jeans - beats shovelling snow! Besides, I would rather avoid the oppressive heat and humidity.

We don't ride alot of thrill rides, so I don't know how bad those lines were. We got to the parks first thing and rarely waited in line. Then we used Fastpass for the important rides later in the day. I would go that time again.

 

[Lizzybee]

I've only been to Disney once since 1976 and it wasn't peak season. We leave on March 24th and I was beginning to get concerned about crowds. I guess I'm wondering if it will even phase me, I grew up close to Six Flags Great America (even worked there) and it is nothing to wait 2 hours or more for a primo ride (roller coaster). I'm wondering if it will still feel like not too bad of a wait to me lol

 

[Mainebound]

I've only been to Disney once since 1976 and it wasn't peak season. We leave on March 24th and I was beginning to get concerned about crowds. I guess I'm wondering if it will even phase me, I grew up close to Six Flags Great America (even worked there) and it is nothing to wait 2 hours or more for a primo ride (roller coaster). I'm wondering if it will still feel like not too bad of a wait to me lol

I think there will be a pretty sharp increase in crowds from early to late March this year due to Easter being the last weekend in March. Just looking at WDW's posted hours shows you they expect BIG crowds then. If you are attending during peak times, you really need a good touring plan. We have used the Unofficial Guide to WDW and TourGuide Mike. The plans for the parks are pretty similar, and both recommend arriving EARLY, like 30-45 minutes prior to park opening. I can't stress early arrival enough.

There is no reason to wait 120 minutes for a ride, even at Disney at Easter, and most DISers will agree with me. Have a good touring plan, arrive early, and use FASTPASS to avoid long waits. It can be done!

Go to www.touringplans.com for the Unofficial Guide's list of which parks are best on which days. They also have recommendations on when to visit each attarction (although you'll need to buy the book for a detailed itinerary).

Have fun!