Strategies for Easter Break -getting nervous

[libertygirl]

Hi All,

I'm getting very nervous hering aobu the crowds. We are leaving April 13 - Holy thursday until the follwoing wednesday April 19. I am getting very nervous about the crowds. As a teacher, I can't go during the school year and refuse to go in the summer heat. WE are paying so much money to go this time - will it really be a waste? What can I do to makeit more enjoyable?

Thanks!

 

[dcmbshafe]

We were there the weeks before AND after Easter last year. The crowds will be extremely large, but you can still have an awesome trip with some good planning, effective use of the FastPass system and appropriate expectations. We used TourGuideMike last year and were very glad we did. There are many other great planning resources as well.

When it is really crowded, I believe one of the best things to do is simply prioritize what you want to do and see. Have everyone in your party list out their absolute "must do's" and put together a plan around this list. If you keep this list reasonable (i.e. the list can't include every single attraction at MK) and you're able to check everything off, you'll be really happy you got to do everything you wanted and you'll be extra happy that you get to do some other things not on your list.

 

[disneydiz]

Libertygirl -

We go at Easter every year and although it is extremely crowded -- with a lot of careful planning you will have a great time! All the parks will be open late...MK was open until at least Midnight and with EMH is stays open until 3 AM. Go to the parks early, leave around lunch time, and go back at dinner time. Always go the later showing of Spectro, Fantasmic, etc. They line up a couple hours ahead of the first shows. Make sure you get ADR for Easter Dinner and any other ADRs as soon as you can. The waterparks are often at capacity by 11:30 -- get there when they open. Finally, you should join TourGuideMike for help at the second busiest time of the year. All his advice is great!

 

[crow11ad]

We went in April of 04. We went for our Disneymoon. This was our first time going and didn't know what to expect. The best strategy for this time of the year is to go early. If they have EMH then take advantage. They will end up closing the parks if it is too busy even to resort guests. This happened twice. But if you go lets say the emh for MK is 8 am. Be at the gates between 7:30 and 7:45 am. Goto to the left. Adventure Land. As most people will go towards Tomorrow Land. This way your getting everything done that you can. Leave the parks about 11am or 12 and take a break. If you don't need one stay, but if you do, come back around 4pm. This worked our great. Oh if you can take the KTTKT. It's worth the money and you will enjoy it very well.

 

[disneyjunkie]

My son and I were there for Easter 2004 and will be there again next year.

Yes it will be crowded, but you can still have a great time.

By getting to the parks early and using FP, you should be able to avoid standing in long lines.

Make your PS now. You can always make changes later.

I refuse to pull my son out of to spend a week at WDW, so we travel when school is closed. The parks are packed, but we still have a blast and hardly ever have to wait in long lines.

 

[Pinnie]

I am a teacher, too, and DH and I always enjoy going at Easter. The weather is incredible!!! Going at this time requires a bit of planning. The ideas you already have received are good ones. Go early, leave at midday and come back at night! We avoid the MK on Easter Sunday and the following Monday (think gridlock) instead we enjoy Easter breakfast at either Boma or Cape May. In 06 we are thinking of WC. We then enjoy walking around EPCOT for the day and ending with a "dinner" of ice cream at Beaches and Cream.

Since we go a few times a year, we look at Easter as more of a kick back and relax trip and enjoy our BCVs amenities!

Have fun!

pinnie

 

[TinkOhio]

DH is a teacher, and we're in the same boat. I agree with all the above posters! We go every Easter and have a blast! Just do your homework, make lots of dining ressies and use the fastpass system. Also, we hit Epcot on Easter day and have never run into crowds! There are special Easter activities there, and the laid-back pace is great!

Have fun!!