Someone tell us we arent crazy for going at Easter!

[allicat]

I have a new job where Im off when kids have school vacations!
We are scheduled for an Easter stay at BWV. We are used to non peak crowds at Disney.
I keep thinking that we will have a good time no matter what the crowd levels are but Im a bit worried.

 

[patsal]

You're not crazy. So long as you know your way around WDW and have a plan, use fast passes wisely and take breaks at peak times you will be fine. We stayed in a 2BR at WLV for Easter last year and it was great. I have a job that only lets me go at peak times when all kids are of of school (I am a teacher LOL) and I have only travelled when there are crowds--I can only imagine how I would feel in an uncrowded Disney! (It is a feeling I'm very willing to try!). Go and have a great time, just go with a plan.

 

[WOW]

Not sure if you are crazy, but we have gone to WDW during many peak times (not Easter), Thanksgiving, New Years Eve including l999 many times, July, August and it honestly isn't that bad if you are mentally prepared for it. (sort of like going to a sale at Macy's at Christmas) We always stay at OKW and that is certainly a plus (so are other DVC resorts), since you really can relax at the DVC resorts. Good luck with your decision.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I've been to WDW Easter week once in '99. Honestly, the days preceeding Easter weren't bad up until Saturday & Sunday. The MK was nuts ! I'm not sure how the other parks were on the actual weekend because my kids only wanted to go to MK. We went early, stayed until about noon and then back to the resort to relax (that trip it was our off-site timeshare). It was really quite hot (90's as I recall) and crowded in the MK come lunch time. We enjoyed swimming back at the resort much more. We did go back to the MK after dinner and it was a little better than it had been around lunch, but not much.
But, we found Epcot, AK and MGM to be very doable the Mon-Fri of Easter week. In fact, AK was sort of dead on Thursday (preceeding Easter) that year.
Like WOW stated, if you are mentally prepared for crowds and use the Fast Pass system strategically, you'll do ok. Have a wonderful time staying at the BWV !

 

[Pinnie]

If you are crazy then I am crazy, too. We have been down at Easter the last 2 years and will be back again this year. Sure the parks crowded...think gridlock in fantasyland at the MK....BUT the weather is incredible, the parks are open late and with the good advice you have regarding using fastpasses, you will have fun.

Plan on using your resort's pool during the afternoon and returning later in the day to the parks. It makes a world of difference.

See you there!

pin

 

[MiaSRN62]

think gridlock in fantasyland at the MK....BUT the weather is incredible,

Yep...I'd have to agree that Fantasyland was one of the most congested/crowded areas that weekend.
What is the norm for this time of year ? I'm not 100% sure, but Easter Sat and Sun was a little too hot in '99 ( mid 90's) with having the crowds and long lines on top of it. Maybe this was just unusually hot for early April ?

 

[vicandmick]

Well if you're crazy, so am I!! We are also going down over Easter and staying at BWV too!! We have been down before over Easter, and yes
it's a bit busy!! I really don't mind. Lots to look at and the lines go pretty fast. See you in April

 

[SimplyMagical]

We were at VWL last Easter, and a previous Easter before that. It does get extremely crowded. You should plan to head to the parks early, go back to the resort in the afternoon when the parks fill to capacity, and return later in the evening. We spent a good part of every afternoon at the pool. It is very hot in April. You have to have your mind set that there are going to be long lines for the rides (fastpass a must). We either go President's week or Easter week. We have never been when it is not crowded. As you, we must go when our kids are out of school. Have a great time!

 

[jcodespoti]

You are not crazy..Maybe nuts..but not crazy

Joe in CT

 

[stacy6552]

We went last Easter. You're not crazy, especially since youre staying with Disney. We didnt and that was crazy.

Theres good news and bad news. What do you want first?

Ok bad news: Flying will be a nightmare, every flight will be over booked. Fly non-stop, no matter the price. Arrive early and check in at the earliest chance. Dont expect any kind of service with a smile. If you get angry and dont fly with them, they have ten other people waiting for your seat. The same goes for other services like car rental. If you ever thought about driving to WDW, this is the time to go for it. Some of the rides run out of fastpass early ( the ones we noted were RNR, PP, TT, WTBM). Counter service will have long lines during regular meal times.

now for the good news: The parks are open very long hours, so theres plenty of time. Grab a bench 60-45 minutes before the parade and have an ice cream. Take a break. Enjoy lots of sit down meals and eat at odd hours.

Tips: more planning helps alot. Plan meals in parks before they opne, so you can beat the gate crowds. eat at R&C for illuminations....stuff like that. If youre up for early entry, go and then hop somewhere else. If not avoid those parks on those days.....

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

Your crazy!!!! I went one year and got stuck carrying my daughter on Main St. In the MK for an hour because she fell asleep and they couldn't get people out of the park because it was so packed. They actually opened up a side castmembers exit in tomorrowland because there were so many people and they were all stuck in the park. It was the worst experience I have aever had at Disney and will never go again when the crowds are like that. They can't handle that many people and it was evident that night.


Enjoy the crowds!!!

 

[dbkelly]

Just plan well and do not stay at any of the parks from 3:00 - 6:00. And, most importantly, do not go to MK on Easter. It is not worth it! Go to one of the waterparks. That is what we did and we had a great time.

D.B.

P.S. I just saw that you were from NJ. I didn't think that NJ spring break was according to Easter. I live in Mass and our spring break is according to Patriot's Day (3rd Monday in April). Some years we coincide with Easter and other years we do not. I remember the year we took a cruise, which was not the week before or after Easter and there were a lot of NJ families.

 

[belle3]

Crazy??? Absolutely NOT!!! Just wear a very comfortable pair of RUNNING shoes. We have been at WDW every year for the past three years, and as stated in the other posts, it's all about strategy!!! Stay away from Early Admission parks, and arrive about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled park opening. During the very crowded times ( and Easter is IT), they usually open the parks up early...sometimes as much as 45 minutes. I believe they do this for crowd control. Other than Magic Kingdom, there is very little Disney can do to stop people from lining up at the gates early. I know at MGM and Magic Kingdom, they open up the main streets early and walk everyone to the attractions behind a rope. It is like shopping the day after Thanksgiving, so just be mentally prepared and use the fast passes!!! Just kep an eye on the little ones, though, as they can easily be trampled by the adults who are running to get in line ( pet peeve of mine!!) Strollers are a godsend for that type of traffic. The others to watch out for are the electric scooters. I have seen a few children knocked around a bit with those, and it seems there are more every year...I'm waiting to rent a Sedgway, myself!! We will be there for Easter this year...had to book a moderate (with the new prices) as we don't have access to our SSR points until June. This year, though, we are going without admission to the parks...just going to kick back at the pool, DTD, and do something we always want to do, but never have time...tour all of the Disney resorts! I have to agree with the other posts, you just can't beat the weather at this time of year!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

And, most importantly, do not go to MK on Easter. It is not worth it! Go to one of the waterparks. That is what we did and we had a great time.

I agree that MK is probably the most crowded on Easter day.

As for the waterparks, I can't speak for Easter Sunday itself, but BB was closed due to capacity on Saturday in '99. We got there at 11:00 am'ish---maybe a tad later. I think because it was so hot and humid that alot of folks were looking to cool off. So if you do decide to do a water park on Easter just get there at least 30-45 min prior to the posted opening time. You should get in no problem then.

 

[Luv2Dream]

We are all a little nuts, but then again, we have DVC! I'll also be there Easter Week in VWL and then on the Magic cruise. I may be nuts, but I'll be a happy DVC nut! Bring on the pool and the sunshine!

 

[ryley26]

the idea is to have a plan and use early entry. my wife, kids and me rode 14 rides before 1:00 during easter. my kids 7and nine skipped some of the fantasyland traps but we rode buzz twice btmrr twice and space mountain three times. plan to go early have a plan of attack and hustle a little bit goodluck.

 

[FarmerJohn]

You're not crazy!! Disney at Easter time is great...temp. is just right , parks open late , extra special parades & fireworks , flowers are beautiful , & the crowds ; ahh the crowds..LOL I started going to Disney World from the first Easter they were open with my parents back in 73. Been back about 15 times now,with the exception of once for St. Patties day,once Superbowl Sun.& once Christmas 99,I've allways gone at Easter time!Disney doesn't seem right to me with no crowds, Superbowl Sun. it was a ghost town.We're gonna be there the week before Easter again this year staying at BW too . Who knows maybe we'll bump into each other!!

 

[Chim Chiminy]

We will be there the week before, departing on Easter Sunday for the long drive back home. Staying at OKW for the first time.
I am still trying to formulate a plan, it's not easy because we are not morning people. But I think we may need to force ourselves to make an exception for this trip!
Can't wait to hit the parks and the pools.

 

[Danny and Erica]

There will be crowds, but you can still get around the madness. You should definately take advantage of early entries, late nights and e-nights. This way you can get the big rides out of the way. If you are set on being in the parks all day and going commando you are in for a treat b/c the lines will be long the parks will be crowded. Be prepared and you will be fine,,,,Be sure to make dinner ressie's if you plan on going out to eat for Easter,,,,,Have a nice trip....I will be there the following week hoping the crwods are going home with you ,,,,,


danny

 

[Disney Doll]

I don' think oyu're nuts, as long as you go with the right attitude and a little bit of strategy.

As others have said, you know it will be crowded, so plan to use the Fastpass system as much as possible. Try and plan your meals for "off" times, so you avoid the mealtime crush. Get yourself into the mindset that you are not going to be able to do and see everything, so choose those things which are most important, let go of those which are not as important. Build in break time during the day, whether that means to leave the park and go back to your hotel for a swim, or just find a quiet corner somewhere to watch the world go by.

DH and I were there in July. It was crowded, but not unbearable, and we are used to travelling there in the off season, so we are used to few or no crowds. We planned our days, relaxed, remembered it was vacation, and did what we did and saw what we saw.