Spring Break 2010

[mommomtoJoseph]

How bad is the crowd during Spring Break times in March-April? I know the weather would be better for us then (at least cooler), but how are the lines to rides, restaurant reservations, etc...

TIA!

 

[simba20]

We were there the first full week in April (April 5-10) and it was very crowded.

Our first day and a half we had no problem, until we decided to hop over to Hollywood Studios after a morning at Animal Kingdom (around 1 p.m.) it was so crowded at HS that I was miserable. My husband rode RNRC (70 min wait)and we walked towards the back of the park, and I couldn't deal with it. I decided to leave and we'd hit HS another day.

There were also days that MK was at or near capacity. Usually we were somewhere else when we heard this (lunch/another park/etc).

We finally got smart and employed the strategy of going to each park that had EMH or getting there for rope drop (MK was open early all week) and then leaving at lunch time and coming back to a park after dinner (7/8 p.m.) It totaly made the experience more enjoyable. We had out 20 month old with us, and we'd leave and head back to our resort to get her a nap/rest so she could stay out late. Surprisngly, even though we'd hit bed late every night (midnight/1 a.m.) it was easy for us to get up early (6 a.m.) to make it to rope drop or early MK hours the next day. I also had to remind the hubster that since we had DVC we'd always be coming back to WDW and there was no need to go gung-ho commando trying to fit everything in.

 

[drusba]

Most spring break weeks are very crowded. However, the two weeks surrounding Easter make all the other spring break weeks look like off season (during those Easter weeks the average daily standby line for Soarin and Test Track is 3 1/2 hours). So when you may actually go makes a big difference.

 

[Dizny Dad]

DW & I had one Spring Break experience in 2007. Never Again. I took a picture holding my camera over my head looking back toward the train station on Main St in the MK. It was nothing but people walking back to chest, shuffling along at a snail pace! I took the picture to remind myself why I will never do this again!

All of the parks were PACKED. It was tedious to do anything. The only relief from the crowds was back at SSR, where the wide open spaces soothed the savage beast!

 

[bobbiwoz]

My spring break is the 3rd week in March, and we've had great times, but the weather isn't always as warm as we would like it for swimming. I was with DGFs this year and the two that were more commando in touring style felt they "got their money's worth" in the 4 nights they were there! The other 3 of us, more laid back, felt the same. The week before Easter was very crowded this year and had park closures. If you can avoid the weeks before/after Easter, I think you should do that.

When my Spring break coincides with either Holy Week or the week after, we don't "Do" WDW that year.

Bobbi

 

[Natterjack9]

Despite the crowds our favorite time to go is over Easter break. Sure it's crowded, but let's be honest, when is Disney really not crowded. If you go off peak there are less people, but the parks close early, some of the shows and parades are on a limited schedule, and you run the risk of your favorite rides being closed for cleaning and refurbishment.

No, we love going over Easter. If you manage the crowds correctly by going to the parks early, leave around or after lunch, then go back after dinner and stay later the crowds are not an issue. Also, fastpass as much as possible.

I will take the crowds for the better weather. I have been there at just about every time of year, I will take Easter over most times. You want to see crowds, go during Christmas. It makes Easter look like off peak!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Despite the crowds our favorite time to go is over Easter break. Sure it's crowded, but let's be honest, when is Disney really not crowded. If you go off peak there are less people, but the parks close early, some of the shows and parades are on a limited schedule, and you run the risk of your favorite rides being closed for cleaning and refurbishment.

No, we love going over Easter. If you manage the crowds correctly by going to the parks early, leave around or after lunch, then go back after dinner and stay later the crowds are not an issue. Also, fastpass as much as possible.

I will take the crowds for the better weather. I have been there at just about every time of year, I will take Easter over most times. You want to see crowds, go during Christmas. It makes Easter look like off peak!

I disagree! We have been during crowded times and off seasons with the parks closing early, and we always see WAY more in the off season and do it all much faster. I HATE those heavy crowds the two weeks around Easter, Christmas or other major holidays. I deal with them for NYE, because it's only 1-3 days, and I know the days following will be better.

We will be at WDW the first week of March, and we have done these dates before. That seems to be crowded, but not as bad as close to Easter. Still doable. We like to do Disney the first week of March and spring training the second week.