Spring Break in Orlando

[calena]

Going to Orlando for Spring Break. Never been during that time before. We usually haul the kiddies out of school in Feb but because of other work/school/sporks/etc commitments we are going in March this year - March 8-19 so just a few days before our break starts here. We arrive on Thursday at about 2 p.m so that day is shot, but other days are open. Is it worth it to even try to go to WDW during this time? We still have 5 days on our tickets and a plus, so we know we will go to one of the water parks for sure and I am thinking maybe of one day or two days at WDW and then going to Universal. I'm just scared about standing in line forever! We do know Fastpass and that would work if we are at the park early which we can do. Any suggestions?
What about good side trips? To give some background - family of five, myself and DH in our 40s, DD, 12, DS, 10 and DS 6 - turning 7 in FLORIDA! (Maybe Chef Mickey's for his birthday?) We have been to WDW twice - both times in late Feb/early March so crowds were not too bad - were we spoiled? Went to DL last October. We like all the parks. I like MK and Epcot the best. DH likes AK (which I think might be a good place to go because of the new ride). I think the children like MK and Epcot best too... Any ideas from experienced March Break folks? Open to all suggestions.
THANKS ALL
Deb

 

[mtmbyck]

We are headed there March 3rd - 17th. I have been to Disney with/without kids over 30 times and at all different times of the year. I have to prepare you that it will be CRAZY BUSY! But there is a way to enjoy and get everything in if you plan ahead. You know the fast pass so arrive at the parks at least 1/2 hour before they are published to open but DO NOT go to the parks that are open early for Disney resort guests (unless you are one and even then, I would go to a different park). Most resort guests will head to the "early entry" park so you go somewhere else! Try to hit the parks on the weekend as these are travel days so it may be slightly less. Make your meal reservation NOW! If everything is booked, call when you get there to see if there are cancellations and if this is still no luck, just go there the day you want to dine and they usually can squeeze you in.

Do your favourites first. We find we can get 4 or 5 of our favourites in before 11:30 which is when it gets really busy, we go back to the hotel/resort(we are actually renting a house this year) and then come back at night for the evening fireworks and shows.

It will be busy but at least the parks will be full of happy Canadians on vacation!

 

[calena]

So you think Sat and Sun might be LESS crowded? We arrive Thurs March 8 at 2 p.m. so that day is out. Then leave again on March 19 early. I was thinking MK on Friday, March 9 or possibly Wed March 14 and then Blizzard Beach on Monday, March 12. If things aren't too wild we will go to EPCOT one day. We have non-expiry passes which still have one water park day and 5 days on them so we will see! DH hates to plan anything in advance... so I am trying to organize stuff. I want to go to Chef Mickey's too but we will see. Also a day at Universal and one at IOA. Busy, but not too busy.
Deb

 

[mtmbyck]

Believe it or not Sat and Sun are good days since many people travel on these days. But they also arrive and always do MK first so aim for another park. MK might be a good bet for Friday if it isn't an early entry park. I don't have my schedule in front of me but have a look at the hours of operation and see which park is early entry and AVOID THAT ONE! Last year we did the same - week before March break and week of March break and it almost doubled in crowds the second week! Unbelievable! We are doing Universal the second week also.

Only 46 more sleeps for us!!