WDW Mid March Visit-Many Questions...

[Disney_1derland]

Greetings All,
This is my first post and I can't believe this wonderful resource that you are all sharing.

We are planning a trip for March 19-27 2004. I cannot seem to find any info about weather that time of year nor can I seem to find any info about park hours (haven't been released yet, but I know there must be some kind of standard for hours at that time of year). I have found that many hotels in the area consider this to be a premium time period.

Any feedback on visiting mid-march is appreciated! This is my 3rd trip, Dh's 2nd trip DD's (3) third trip and DD#2's 1st trip.

Thanks,
Lori

 

[alwaysmom]

Our last 2 visit to WDW have been the last week of march thru the 1st week of April.

Our first visit, we enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather (no rain). In fact it was so warm, we spent more days at the water parks then planned and many afternoons at the pool. We did have 1 morning that we wore light jackets which were stowed away by 11 am.

Our second visit, we arrived on a rainy day, followed the next day by the coldest, windy day I've ever imagined we'd experience in Fla. (the day we left NY it was snowing and it was colder in Fla. we wore our winter fleece's to Epcot. lol) But by the next day it was beautiful, sunny and warm (the kids were in the pool) as was the rest of our stay.

The park hours for both out visits (although it's considered peak) were not extended (no complaints from us). We did get an e-ride night our first time, none the second.

The crowds were not bad at all and using the Fastpass on the most popular rides helped even more.

We love going this time of year. Hope this helped.

 

[MouseLover]

We were there in March 2001, I believe about the 12-19. The weather was warm & somewhat humid, mid- to upper-80's daily, with the usual afternoon shower.

Although this time is considered "peak" season, crowds seemed about the same as May/June to us. Of course Fast Pass was a big time saver. There are still usually discounts to be found. At that time there were codes available for moderate resorts for (I think) $109/nt+tax. I had booked one, and then we opted to stay off-site for more room.

I am hoping to find a good Entertainment rate for this trip.

Parks Hours in 3/01 were not the best, but not the worst. And I think they do alter them if park attendance is up more than expected. I do recall MGM adding an unscheduled 2nd showing of Fantasmic, and therefore later park closing one evening. I'm sorry, I don't remember more specific times. I *think* MK, Epcot, & MGM all closed at 9pm, and AK earlier.

 

[Jenn]

We were there in mid March 2001 and 2002. 2001 the weather was low 80's and beautiful. 2002 we hit a heat wave and the weather was hot - high 80's to low 90's, until our last day when it was high 70's and just perfect. Both times we had mostly sun, little rain, swam in the pools, wore shorts. I brought sweatshirts which we used on and off (early morning and late evening mainly). Crowds were fine - As long as Easter doesn't fall early, you should have no problems.

Park hours - I can't remember exactly but I think MK closed around 8pm - which was perfect for us - not too early, not too late.

 

[laceemouse]

Hi! We will be there the week after you next March, our kids' spring break. The weather will be unpredictable and the crowds will be moderate ( a lot of spring breaks are Easter week.) Shorter hours don't bother us, we find it tough to burn the candle at both ends with 4 kids anyway!!! Welcome to the DIS, and have fun planning your trip!!!! Lacee

 

[llp479]

We were there last year March 29 - April 4th. Weather was cool - only wore shorts one day and swam once. However, the crowds were non-existant! Longest wait for anything was 20 minutes.

We've been there prior years in mid February and have had very warm weather, so it's hard to tell. I usually start checking the 10 day at www.weather.com and try to use that to help with packing. Remember, even if it's warm enough for shorts in the daytime, most evenings you'll still need long pants and a jacket.

We'll be arriving the day you leave - March 27.

 

[Disney_1derland]

Since we are practically locals to the Gatlinburg/Smokies/DollyWood area and spent a week there just a few months ago I just wanted to wish you a wonderful trip! Don't know if it's your first or not but it's a wonderful place. We usually take short weekends there 2-3 times a year in some amazing and reasonably priced secluded cabins in Pigeon Forge.

And to the rest of you, thanks so much for the input, dh seems to now be questioning if March is the best time to go but I'm going to drag him out the door on March 18th if it kills me!

Lori

 

[Disney_1derland]

I just wanted to make sure you know about the Disney Catalog outlet in Pigeon Forge. It's in one of the big outlet malls and the deals are amazing!

Lori

 

[Kirby]

We went in the middle of March 2000 and the weather was great! No rain, a little cool in the mornings and evenings but we wore shorts the whole time. We just grabbed a light jacket if we felt cold.

We felt the crowds were comparable to early June, not bad at all. The hours were regular hours, none extended but I do think that they had E-night while we were there. We just didn't take advantage of it.