Tips for going in March 09? Don't do it??

[Mom23Disneybelievers]

I don't think it will be "that bad" because of Easter being late this year. Use the unofficial guide's touring plans..get to the parks early......go back to your room in the middle of the day for a swim....and you will be fine.

 

[currend]

We are going that week too! Planning on using FP and rope drop to help with expected crowds.

 

[dansyr2514]

We'll be there 3/17 through 3/25. Not spending the whole time at Disney. Any ideas which would be the best days to hit the parks?

 

[adreamisawish]

We are going the same week! It will be fine. Definitely hit rope drop every day, especially during EMH. You can get so much done in that hour. Then use fastpass wisely and enjoy! I would also have ADR's for dinner set up, so you don't have to worry about a line. You will have a blast!!!!

 

[figment814]

I just made adr's for a March-20-25 trip yesterday. I got every single ADR I wanted at the times I wanted.

Last year I made ADR's for an October trip five months out and couldn't get some and several were at weird times.

I am wondering if this is a symptom of the economy and if we will be seeing less crowds in March this year.

 

[disneynuts777]

We have been to Disney the past 4 spring bre aks and this March will be our
5th Spring Break in 5 years.

Yes Spring Break is obviously more crowded than February and October becuase the kids are out of school. That being said we have never had a problem getting on rides. You just take advantage of EMH and Fastpasses. We even rode Tower of Terror 6 times and Rock and Roller Coaster 4 times.

Last year was the most croweded due to Easter falling in March and obviously way more Spring Crowds around Easter.

We just go with the knowledge that many of us have to travel when the kids are out of school and have a little patience.

This is the first year in 4 years that we will not be going on spring break. We have never had a problem riding the rides or seeing the shows. Yeah...you have to pack a little patience but that is expected at any time.

 

[catjams]

I just made adr's for a March-20-25 trip yesterday. I got every single ADR I wanted at the times I wanted.

Last year I made ADR's for an October trip five months out and couldn't get some and several were at weird times.

I am wondering if this is a symptom of the economy and if we will be seeing less crowds in March this year.

We are going March 7-14 and I made ADRs about 2 weeks ago - I got every one I wanted too, at the times I requested. Not sure if this is considered "March / Spring break", or if it will be a quieter week?

Hope everyone has fun!

 

[extramagichours]

Look, I know your discussion is over a month old now. I just came across it, and I strongly advise you to GO GO GO this spring break. Just be prepared.

We went March 16-March 23 in 2007 and EASTER WEEK (March 15-March 22) of 2008, and we rode all we wanted to ride as often as we wanted with effective planning.

Open a park every day. Go back to resort and rest mid-day. Then try to close a park every night.

I remember last year opening parks in the morning and riding all we wanted for 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours. Then while we were gong back to our rooms for the hottest parts of the day, the crowds of people coming in were absolutely scary. We would just laugh and head back to the resort, already full of rides.

You must plan, though, or you will find yourself standing in very long lines.

Let me know if you have any questions. I hope somehow this helps you. Good luck.

PS - Don't forget Space Mountain will close in May and be down for a long time. You don't want your 12-year old to miss it.

 

[jens35]

I have been every year at spring break (husband and I are teachers, and I don't think kids should be pulled out of school) and yes it is crowded, but hey....it's Disney. Get to the parks early and use fast passes. Let's face it, you won't get on everything so decide ahead of time, what you do not want to miss.
We have a great time everytime, and in fact last year we were there for Easter and thought it was so fun (although very busy).
Be prepared for crowds and you will have a great time!

 

[MickeyPalace]

My husband and I are official crowd haters! We get stressed out easily...

Having said that, this will be our 4th year of visiting the World during Spring Break.

Definitely go to WDW; definitely get to the parks at Rope Drop; and definitely have a plan. Know what you want to ride and when the best time is to ride it. I'm using Touringplans and I'm also trying Ridemax for the first time (I can't wait to put their plans into action--they are seriously fascinating...).

Knowing what I do, I wouldn't even consider going without a touring plan. But then again, did I say I really hate crowds...??

Another thing we've learned is to stay on-site. That way, you can still enjoy "the magic" when you leave the parks. All the resorts are great--we usually spring for "deluxe" if we go at Spring Break--just because we know we'll be spending some time there away from the crowds. We also love visiting the water parks in the afternoon--people start leaving in droves by 2:00 or 3:00, and then it's really, really relaxing.

 

[Stitchfans]

Last year Easter was at the end of March so I think that would have impacted the crowds.

With Easter being in the middle of April this year I am hoping the March crowds won't be as bad (wishful thinking since I will be there from the 19-26)

You are not alone. I am wishing and hoping for the same thing. We will be there the 27th to April 4th. Like you said since Easter is in April I am hoping that will make a bit of a difference.

 

[seadd67]

I have a question and please Its only a question If the crowds are that big of a worry,why attempt togo to WDW with out spending a couple of weeks there? I see so many posters here dread the crowds and there really Is no way to avoid them,yes there Is times when Its not as busy but still there a lot more crowded then say your avg large crowds. It just always amazes me how scared folks are of the crowds. Me and my DS just plan on waiting In lines of 90mins or more for our favorite rides and shows,we emparce the crowds.Do we like to wait,no not really(i will explain) but what can you do we would rather plan for it then show up and get disspointed due to the long lines. Plus waiting In lines gives us a chance to reflect on what we have done,what we will do and just the exciment of being at WDW,we can talk about It. It gives us a time to bond(i know that sounds corny).My thinking Is that I would rather see one show with out rushing then trying to rush and hit 3 rides/shows. Now every Family Is diffrent,but I think even the most busyest times of the year can be seen In a timely matter just at a long time of matter

 

[plutoNme]

I will be leaving next Sunday the 8th. When I made my ADR last month, we too had no problem with getting where and what times we wanted. Again, I am hoping the crowds will be slower since Easter is late this year. We usually go itn the fall and take our son out of school. This year we are waking him up and surprising him for his birthday and then heading for the airport. Now to just get some sleep on Saturday. Flight is at 6a, plus it is Daylight Savings, so that means get up at 3a. UGH.

 

[leadfoot1019]

go in late aug or sep it will be very croded in march and the prices are way higher

 

[cdnKari]

We are going on my kid's Spring Break March 20-30 as they just cannot miss school. I have been once in July and would never do that again, too hot for me. So I am willing to deal with the crowds to deal with the convenience of school holidays.

 

[btcrane]

As others have said, since Easter is later this year, the crowds shouldn't be as bad. I'm going the same week you are--wouldn't have even considered it if our spring break was at Easter like it usually is, even though we did Disney at Christmas last year and had a wonderful time. Be there when the parks open, use a good touring plan (I LOVE the Unofficial Guide), and go with the flow. Have fun! While others have suggested that it's better to take the kids out of school (and they're right, we used to do it) there are times when that's not possible. Our daughter is now in high school, taking 5 AP classes, and it's just not an option for her to miss a week of school anymore. We'll go during crazy times and have fun anyway!!!