Visit Easter or the Day After?

[dodgersgirl503]

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if any Disney experts can let me know if I should visit Disneyland on Easter Sunday or the day after, and which will be less crowded. I realize that it is a very crowded time, but it's the only time our family is able to go. We are actually surprising the kids with this trip! We have 3 first timer kids with us ages 8, 9, and 11 I am just wondering if there are any differences in the days or if they would be able equally as crowded. Thanks!

 

[Gisele]

I am not an expert on Disneyland. I do have personal experience though on visiting the land during Easter. My conclusion (The hard way) from that experience is don't, if you can choose other dates.
The rule of thumb is: the week before Easter, during Easter, and the week after Easter is particularly busy. So either avoid the parks then or have a good plan. And I do mean good.
I happened to have visited the week before Easter, several years ago now. And I so had wished that I had payed attention to when that day was. Suffice it to say, I did not. Anyway, the weather was hot, the lines were long, and it looked like stroller hades. And if that was not enough, there were people that were crankier from myself.
If you have MM, and utilize fast passes (Collect them first thing) or be at the park before it opens and collect your FP's throughout the day, then that will make your day go so much smoother and better. I had started out my day then during the early afternoon, big mistake.... never again, that late during a very busy time,nor during that season.
You might want to bring those nice little fan misters. They do feel quite wonderful on a hot day.


Have a fantabulous time!

~~ I love you Phil, and you will forever be with me! Forever my very best and most special friend! I love you to no end. ~~​

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

If this is the only time you can go, then so be it. Here's what to know. It will be very, very busy which you seem to have accepted. I have gone on Easter and actually like that day because the morning is sometimes a little less busy relative to the rest of the week before and after. Perhaps people are having brunch or hunting eggs or going to church or whatever. Crowds will pick up significantly by 10 or 11 AM and stay strong. Monday too will be a very busy day, possibly even busier than Sunday. During Thanksgiving week for instance, Monday felt busier than Sunday. If it were me, I would probably choose Sunday over Monday.

The only other consideration though is how interested your group is in Fantasyland. If you wait until Monday, you will be on equal footing with others entering the park. If you choose Sunday, people with Magic Morning entry will get in ahead of you, and the Fantasyland rides and Tomorrowland rides will already have lines. If you are staying onsite, you will have access to Magic Morning, and this point will be moot.