This week (2/22) and next week (2/29)

[ClaraOswald]

We are planning a trip for NEXT February/March. Can't decide exactly which week though.

Just wondering if the park hours this week and next week will likely be repeated in February/March 2017?

Also...why do the hours this week seem to be a bit longer than next week? Something special happening?

Which week is likely more crowded...this week or next week?

 

[sherilaine]

Comparing this week and next week is like comparing 2 strands of thread and 2.2 strands of thread. I don't think that are that different. Park hours can indicate crowd expectations from Disney - but being open from 9AM to 9PM vs. 10AM to 8PM is not a huge difference. I'd say work with what works with you best. There are many events that affect the parks and the nearby hotels and many of those are not known until much closer to the dates.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I wonder where I can find out when Spring Break would be for schools in 2017. I know that where I live, it's usually around mid-March. I am hoping to avoid those crowds.

We did early February last year but it was cutting it a bit close for Small World reopening. My son loved it so I am hoping to not miss it.

 

[Vgraves2003]

Easter is April 16, 2017....so I would guess that most school districts have Spring Break 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after that date.

My kids get 2 weeks off in March (no matter when Easter is) and then a 4 day weekend for Easter. We are in Northern California

 

[ClaraOswald]

Easter is April 16, 2017....so I would guess that most school districts have Spring Break 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after that date.

My kids get 2 weeks off in March (no matter when Easter is) and then a 4 day weekend for Easter. We are in Northern California

Do your kids get early or late March off usually?

 

[Angrose]

President's Day is Feb 20th next year, so I would avoid that week. I think you would miss most spring breaks if you go before mid-March. Our school always takes the 3rd week of March off, no matter when Easter falls.

 

[lalasmama]

I'd avoid the week of Presidents' Day--LA area schools have "ski week" all 5 days, which results in higher crowds... I'd go the first week of March, personally. It's a little early for most Spring Breaks then.

 

[AZMermaid]

Our break in AZ is the week of 3/7 and it seems like most schools around here are the next week 3/14. I just checked the modified year round districts schedule and their two week break starts the 13th next year. I think the first week of March would be pretty good, especially with the later Presidents' Day next year.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Thanks all.

Last year we went early February but Small World didn't reopen until half way through our trip. Obviously there are no guarantees on ride closures and we expect many. But I am hoping if we go first week of March, we might be better off than early February. So I guess we'll likely stick with February 28th - March 7th. (With 5 park days in there.)

 

[sherilaine]

We just returned from DLR and arrived on Feb 26th. Our last trip was the same week in 2014 and it was a LOT busier this visit. I'd say we saw 3 or 4 out of 10 2 years ago mid week and this year it was more 5-7 during the week days. Much busier and crowded with longer lines and more reliance on fast passes. I think the days of finding those few weeks where most is open but it's not that busy are gone - not unless Disney decides to do a major price hike which appears unlikely. We can't complain though, we have had three great visits where we saw very short lines and enjoyed our time immensely - I think now you just need more of a plan to get as much done as you want - so I'd suggest no matter when you go to be at the gate well before the park opens and always make sure you have a fast pass!

 

[ClaraOswald]

I noticed 2015 was much more crowded than we were used to. Just the new norm, unfortunately.

No "before the gate opens" for us last time though. We learned our lesson day 1. Our toddler was NOT happy waiting outside the gates doing nothing. Not a great start to the day. Maybe he'll be better next time. We'll see.

 

[AZMermaid]

I've read crazy reports about security (backed up to Harbor Blvd) right at opening, especially on 10 AM opening days. It seems like you should get there by 9:30 or after 10:30 to avoid that!

 

[ClaraOswald]

Maybe by next year they'll have the kinks worked out.

 

[sherilaine]

I've read crazy reports about security (backed up to Harbor Blvd) right at opening, especially on 10 AM opening days. It seems like you should get there by 9:30 or after 10:30 to avoid that!

We were there around 8:15 Tuesday and Thursday of last week, and yes, the security line was long, and got a lot longer after we were in it as we were close to the front. This was due to the MM at DL at 9AM though. On mornings when DCA has EMH security was not nearly as bad. The lines move though, they opened an extra security tent as the lines approached Harbor - so while it looks ominous it's not as bad as it seems!!