Trip in April have some ????

[Nala217]

We have our trip booked for Apr. 2-8. I know this is a peak time but DH is a teacher and it was either this or summer. First of all, how bad are the lines? I was there once in Aug. and know some lines were 2 hrs. This was before fastpass so I'm hoping it will be a little better. Also, we have 3 kids 3,5,and7 and Grandma and Grandpa coming. We plan on having breaks and are trying to figure out a loose schedule. Any suggestions would be GREAT. Lastly, dd is having her 5th birthday while we are there. We already booked Chef Mickey's. Any suggestions for her birthday would be great. We plan on getting the buttons and I'm going to make a t-shirt for her.

I LOVE these boards!!! Everyone has such great info. Any help would be great.


Thanks

 

[Kate-n-sam]

I'm sure the lines will be long, but not having been on spring break I can't tell you how long for sure. I can tell you, to make the most of your trip, you should be at the parks early (before official opening)

If you are on-site take advantage of the extra magic hour. If you are not on-site, avoid the park with EMH park like the plague

We like to go early, take an afternoon break and then head to EPCOT for dinner. We find it to usually be the least crowded park and is always open until 9:00. Of course, while you are there the MK could be open until midnight.

Use fastpass, always have one on deck. You can get another as soon as the window for your current one has begun. Say you have a FP that is from 10-11. As soon as 10:00 rolls around, grab another before riding the first. You can always send g-pa or someone in your group to get them all.

Make PS's for character meals. The lines to meet the characters are almost always long. We like character meals because we can see the characters while eating, which we have to do anyway.

Ride Dumbo first, the lines are always long and slow moving. Get it out of the way before the lines build.

Save the rides that typically have little wait for later when the crowds build, small world, TTA and the tiki birds for example.

Hope this helps!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I would also make PS's for other meals too. With 7 in a party, waits could be very long and counter service can get old real fast. I very much agree to start early and take a nice break and then return to the parks for or after dinner. If you do not already have reservations, I would very much encourage you to consider on-site for this very busy time.


Jordan's mom

 

[Vavasmon]

We were there the week before Easter last year (and will be there again this year). We leave early am the 31 of MArch (DD gets to miss 2 days of school and a teacher workday).

The crowd will build each day of the week. Make sure you hit the Magic Kingdom early in the am. By lunch time Thurs & Fri last year it was wall to wall people and it was still busy at 10 pm.

Try and make sure you see the Spectromagic parade. Our entire family loves it.

I suggest making a PS for any meal you are planning on. You can always cancel if you decide not to go. People were being turned away at the 50 Prime Time (MGM) and Liberty Tree Tavern with out PS (this was at both lunch and dinner). Plan on staking out parade spots early. I suggest an old sheet or beach towel to sit on. If it is like last year the weather will be warm during the day but a jacket/sweatshirt may be needed at night.

I also suggest letting the kids have some input on attractions before you go. Maybe have each select a top 3 and create a list.
If the group is going to split up I suggest cell phones (we used Verizon) or Radios. That way there is no pressure to get out of a long line you have waited in for the last 45 min. just to make a meeting time.