So how is mid/late March at FW?

[Tinkmom]

Planning a trip to Fort Wilderness for next spring. I am curious not only about perceptions of crowds, but weather and any sort of special activities or things to particularly plan to see or do on a trip to the campgrounds in the spring. (I do hope to get good tix for a spring training game since DH is a serious Braves fan.)

We will arrive 8 days before Easter, leaving on Good Friday. Since Easter is so early this year I know that many schools which usually try to coordinate their spring breaks with Easter will not be able to do so, so that should mean a bit less on the crowds, but since we have spent the last two July 4th at FW I think we have some idea of peak crowds for the WDW area!

 

[sshuttle]

The advantage over July will be the weather. Large crowds are always easier to handle in cool weather The cool weather will make bike riding, canoing, horseback riding, campfire movies all very enjoyable. If you can handle the July 4th crowds, then visiting in the spring should be very enjoyable.

 

[VAN]

That is the time we normally go due to our children being in school. The weeks surrounding Easter (the week before and the week after) are ALWAYS crowded.

However, the weather is much nicer and if you try to take advantage of the early openings, Fastpasses and any e-ride nights (if available), you should be okay.

We were there the week before Easter this Spring ... it was the busiest it has EVER been!!! There were several days when one or more of the parks reached capacity. I think the park visitors have increased significantly in the last couple of years. Additionally, it may have been a few years since we were there the week before Easter. We managed, but had to adjust our expectations somewhat.

My youngest starts college this fall, so we will move our two-week visit to the end of Feb/early March this year so they can fly down during their breaks (two different colleges, with back-to-back spring break weeks).

Good luck ... just make some park touring plans and take your sense of humor!!!

 

[Tinkmom]

I do feel that we are familiar with being there at a peak time and were able to handle it, and believe that going the third week in March, even being the week before Easter, will be significantly less crazy that going the week before Easter if it was later in April when it would coincide with so many school spring breaks.

We had a blast in July, so I figure it can only get better if it is more pleasant (i.e., less hot and humid!) outside.

 

[sshuttle]

Just FYI, Brevard County school's (about an 1 hour from Disney) spring break is March 25 - April 1. Nearby counties are usually the same within a week or two so this may give you an idea of resident traffic you may see.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry. Be prepared for the worst and you'll probably be pleasantly surprised!

Have fun on your cruise!!!

 

[Tinkmom]

Originally posted by sshuttle
Just FYI, Brevard County school's (about an 1 hour from Disney) spring break is March 25 - April 1. .......

It seems that nearly everyone has spring break that week or later, which is why we feel like the crowds will not be as bad as they were July 4th. Luckily we get to go to WDW often, so we don't feel the need to do the commando crazed park visits, and it was surprisingly calm at FW even during the overall heavy crowds during July 4th. Cooler and quieter would just be gravy as far as we are concerned. I haven't visited in March before though and aren't aware of any special events -- no Flower and Garden festival, MNSSHP, F&W festival, Christmas party, July 4th fireworks, etc. like we get on other visits. Just trying to make sure I don't miss any events, activities or whatever at WDW or at FW that may not be widely publicized.

 

[ugadog99]

March is my one of my favorite times for WDW. We always camped for a week during March. The crowds may be a little heavier, but the weather is great! I much prefer March to the summer months!

 

[VAN]

Not sure why you would ask about that week if you already knew. I'm glad you enjoy the crowded weeks - have fun.

 

[Tinkmom]

I have never been to FW or even to WDW during March. I was asking about weather, events, special "stuff" during that time. We seem to have gotten sidetracked with crowds, but I realized already that we have been there when WDW is packed and had a great time, so I figure it can't be worse crowdwise than what we've already experienced. Thanks very much to those who responded with encouragement and info.

Looking forward to riding those bikes when the temperature and humidity aren't pushing triple digits!!