WDW in March?

[WDWstu]

Last year we kicked off a tradition and took our DD4 to WDW for the first time in the first week of May. We plan on going every year. The weather was perfect and there crowds were pretty low. It was 80 degrees and sunny everyday and we never really had to wait more than 10 minutes for any ride.

We are now planning our 2006 trip. We suffered a tragic loss to the family recently and we think a trip to Disney would really help our DD (as well us my wife and myself). Therefore we want to go ASAP! Any thoughts from anyone on going the first week of March?? I am concerned about the weather and crowds. I think it is early enough to avoid the spring break rush but are we taking a chance with the weather? Would it be too chilly for DD to play in the fountains which she loves? Or swim in the pool at the resort? Because of our situation, we really want to go soon but we don't want to risk not having as much fun because of the weather and crowds.

Anyone have any opinions on this?

 

[Bob P]

Hi and welcome to the DIS!

Average daily highs in Orlando for the first week in March are in the upper 70s. Average morning lows are in the mid 50s. But those are just averages, ther is still a lot of variation in March. You could have days in the 80s or mornings in the 40s.

The first week of May is usually warmer. Also, Spring Break crowds are starting to build the first week of March (later in March is much busier though).

I guess my point is that if you want May weather, March is probably not the best time to go.

Bob

 

[bettyann29]

Our first trip to WDW was in March 2000... We went over Spring Break because we didnt want the kids to miss school.. Id have no hesitations of going in March again.. It was generally in the high 70s/low 80's and nice at night time.. We didnt wait more than 15 minutes in any line except Test Track.. we had FP and still waited over an hour.. It did seem a little crowded, but not bad at all..

 

[SqueakyMouse]

If you plan for crowds, you won't be disappointed. We learned over Christmas that if you plan for the parks to be busy, you can still see and do everything you want. Be at the parks early, rest during the afternoon (when the parks are at their busiest), and return for the evenings. I expect March this year to be busy throughout due to a late Easter. Traditionally, our Spring Break has been tied to Easter. Not so this year. We will be visiting the parks during the last week of March, but I expect many school systems will have their breaks at various times throughout the month. The crowds won't be as focused on the week before and week after as they have been in the past.

 

[StormalongKay]

Having been in both May and March, I'd say go with May if your personal circumstances permit. I think May is probably the best weather month in WDW during the year. Our last March trip was 2004 and the weather was pretty cool - we only swam 2 days out of 7. With May, the warm temps are much more consistent. We're going this March and planning for moderate crowds. If we could go in May instead, we would. JMO.

Have a wonderful time whatever you decide!

 

[MBW]

The average high the last week of Feb/first week of March is 75/77. and the average low, 53/55. For the following week (first full week of March), it's a degree higher.

We're heading down Feb. 26th - March 6th. According to the Unofficial Guide, the crowds will be relatively low (after President's week, before most Spring breaks), and since we have two boys with autism, we try and avoid any really busy times (usually go in Sept, early Dec or Jan), but we had to cancel our planned early Dec trip this year due to moving at the same time. I also have RR-MS, and can't handle really warm, humid weather, so I'm hoping the weather follows the "average" temps.

I read on another thread of your family's sad trauma, and my heart goes out to you all. If you go, take lots of time. I went to Epcot following the unexpected death of my mom a few years back (on the way back from her home in FL), and it was a welcome reprieve from a lot of the grief. I ran into a family at lunch who had recently lost a child at birth, and they were doing exactly as you, for their older child (also about 4).

Warmest thoughts for you all,

 

[Focusdude]

We went March 1-6 in 2004; the weather was fine (even a little hot!). We swam in the pool every day (even at night!). It was not a crowded time either - but just as we were leaving the spring break crowded was coming in, so I would not recommend mid-March!

We have also been in October - which is a not crowded - good weather time! We are planning December next time - will be cold for swimming, but hopefully the decorations will make up for that!

Enjoy!

 

[mommyintn]

We are planning our first trip and will be in Orlando March 18-24th (this is DS #1's spring break), I'm mentally preparing for a mob scence so anything less will seem great! It can't be any worse than when we were in CA 3 years ago and went to Disneyland in the burning hot middle of August.

Angela