WDW in April / Easter

[Canadave]

ok Disney folks...we need some advice
We're planning our next trip in April 2009.
The decision is to either arrive April 2nd and leave Easter Sunday (13th) or arrive Good Friday (10th) and leave the 21st.
Questions are:
How is April for WDW? ie. crowds, spring breaks, ADR's
How is Easter weekend? see above
Any thoughts on whether it is better to arrive earlier in April or mid April?
How are crowds in other parks at that time? ie Universal, Busch Gardens

 

[mtmbyck]

We were there last year for Easter (remember it was early in March). The rule of thumb is that the week before and after Easter are the 2nd busiest times of the year in the parks - next to Christmas.

I can tell you the Disney Parks were pretty busy - I think AK even stopped allowing guests on a couple of days. But interestingly enough, US was unbelievably quiet! We kept saying "where is everyone".

So answer to your question, go as far away from Easter as possible either before or after. And get to those parks early!

 

[Canadave]

thanks mtmbyck,
We were also thinking about the end of February, but we have been to WDW end of January/first of February 4 times...were hoping for something different...but with a high school DD and a working DD, it's hard to find a time that's good for everyone.
ps. we do HATE crowds, so maybe plan A (Easter) is not a good one.

 

[laura001]

I agree with the fact that those weeks are very very busy! BUT......if that is the time that is suitable for you to go, then go ahead and make your planning around the fact that you know it will be busy. Get to the parks and do what you would like to do early in the day and don't sweat the fact that it is busy, then the rest of the day you can hit and miss what you would like depending on how busy it is.

If you plan your days around that and accept it as it is, you can still have a great time! Any vacation is what you make of it!!! Also, remember that the weather will be a lot warmer than you are used to it in Feb, so you may choose even to spend more time at the water parks etc.

 

[mtmbyck]

I agree with laura001. Yes, we were there and it was packed, but we got there for park opening, did our favourite rides until noon (which you could practically walk-on or fastpass), and then left and came back for dining reservations and an evening in the park. FYI - most parks were open until midnight so if the kids can handle it....it's really fun at night. I can tell you that upon our return to MK, SM fastpasses were gone, BTMR fastpasses were gone, PP had a 60 minute wait until close (No kidding), and so I have to tell you we did the "B attraction" things like the train, the people mover, the carousel of progress......


We have in the past gone the last week of Feb/1st week of March and it is a remarkable difference in crowds. If you can swing it - go then

 

[Canadave]

thanks mtmbyck...I know my oldest DD just can't handle waiting in lines, so I think we're going to see if February works.
...it's funny because originally we were trying for the end of November this year...but we'll have lots of opportunities in the years to come ...might even be an excuse to go DVC