Tell me the truth- March break crowds

[fnkyyellow]

Thinking of making a trip to WDW in March (13 to 20th).
We have been only once before, in September where the crowds were amazing. Actually there were no crowds!
Anyways, how is March really? Will we be miserable waiting in lines? Does anyone know what the typical weather is like then?
(We are taking my parents this time and I do think that September will be too hot for my Mom.)

Thanks!

 

[wtpfan]

We went in Mar 2007 for 10 days and Mar 2009 for 12 days and both times were perfect. The weather ranged from high 70's to mid 80's...we only had one rainy/cloudy day each time. You couldn't ask for better weather and the crowds aren't as bad as everyone says. If you get fastpasses for the popular rides, you'll be fine. The pools were nice for swimming. We've even been to some beaches during March trips and the water wasn't too bad. Siesta Key was much warmer than Clearwater. Have a great time if you go, we'll be planning our March 2010 trip soon.

 

[rhiannon]

I have to respectfully disagree with you wtpfan re: the crowds. We went last March 14-21 and I have NEVER seen WDW so crowded. We've previously been in Sept., Nov. and Feb., and March was twice as crowded as any of these times. Shoulder to shoulder people in theme parks and DD was just as bad, like walking in Times Square, and long lines of a minimum 2 hrs. for all the major rides.
I should add this was during the buy 4 nights get 3 free sale, which may have affected the crowds, but then again they are doing that offer again this year.
If you have your heart set on going, go and have fun! Just keep in mind that you won't be able to do everything, so get Fastpasses for things you want to do most. Research what parks are busiest on what days. And if you're hungry DON"T go to DD, because we waited 1 hr. to eat at Earl of Sandwich.

As for the weather, wtpfan is right, it's very nice in the day, 80s, cooler to about 60s in the evenings. We enjoyed the pool every day.
This March we are doing the DC instead, I figure they can only fit so many people on the ship!

 

[hcoker1]

We went at Christmas time last year so I'm not too worried about the crowds: nothing can be as busy as that week!
I think March break shouldn't be too bad this year because Easter is later this year (last year US breaks were similar to ours, hence the crowds). Have fun regardless!

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

We have gone every March Break for the past 7 years . Typically the weather is great. (We did summer twice and March weather is sooo much better!) The crowds vary. We have had busy busy years and then others not so bad. The OP who said last year was very busy is correct. We found in comparison to some other years it was busier. However, last year there were more people in Florida because Mexico was having some problems and so we think some travelers may have diverted plans.(at least that is what a lot of people where saying in casual convos at the World) When March Break is close to Easter it is busier. So, this year should not be as bad. Also, depends what deals are offered at the time.
Either way...it is better than being here in the cold and snow.
Go for it and have a great time!!

 

[dvcdisney]

I agree with those who said that last year was busier than previous years. I believe it was because of the 4/3 promotion. In previous years, it was busy the week of March break. We usually go for 2 weeks (week before and week of March break) and there were usually a significant difference in crowd level between the first and second week. However, this past March, it was busy from the time we arrived.

I will agree that when Easter is close to March break, it was quite busy.

For March break 2010, I am anticipating higher crowd levels again due to the 4/3 promotion again. However, it may not be as bad as this past March since the Celebration year will end by then. I don't think the new promotion (Volunteer - Give a day, Get a day) will draw in comparable crowds.

 

[twokids0204]

We were there 2009 same week (March 14 - 21).

It was the busiest I'd ever seen WDW. But with a good plan, and ADR's, and Fastpasses, we were able to see what we wanted with little wait times.

Worst wait was 2 hours for Pixie Hollow. Besides that, I don't think we waited more then 20 mins for anything (except maybe Dumbo - about 30 mins).

 

[fan1080]

We were there this past March too, 15-22. While the parks were busy, we didn't have any trouble doing what we wanted.

It wasn't our first trip, so we don't try to see everything. But we do ride all the head liners, and we had no trouble doing them multiple times.

Tips:

1. Take advantage of FP. And remember, FP's don't expire on the day they are issued. You can use them anytime after the return time, right up until park closing. You do not have to use them during the time window on the FP.

2. If you are early risers, take advantage of Morning EMH. You can get alot done in that first hour. We always get Hoppers so we can hop over to the suggested park for that day when the crowds get too busy. You can even hop back to the first park you were at to use FP's you collected if you want.

3. If you can, take advantage of Evening EMH too. However, to really get the most of it, you need to stay until closing. The closer you get to closing the better it is for little to no wait times. Very tiring, but worth it if you can do it.

4. There are 3 attractions that offer single rider lines (Everest, Test Track and RnRC). If you don;t mind riding alone, use them. They work great for being able to ride multiple times with very low wait times.