WDW Sold Out During Easter...Should I be

[snoopy5386]

freaking out??? Does this normally happen at Easter or Christmas. They are pretty much entirely booked up, every resort room taken....Is this normal for Peak Season??

 

[Luv2Roam]

I am sure you can expect busy parks. They have been this year, I think.
I had heard the rooms were all booked even over Valentine's weekend. (I don't know if it had to do with Valentine's Day. Or if that was just one of the contributing factors.)

 

[zurgswife]

Very normal for the Holiday season...which is a step above the Peak season....We spent Christmas/New Years there in 2003/2004 and it was packed...I'm expecting the same levels as then for our trip this Easter....

 

[mrsgus06]

Last year I wanted a campsite, but did not book early because I did not know if I was going to have the proper tow vehicle. We bought our truck in Feb of 04 and I started calling immediately, but no sites were available. I finally got reservations 2 weeks before leaving and my parents got their reservations 1 week before leaving. Keep calling back because people book early, but cancel closer to the time to leave. I think you have to cancel no later than 5 days before so you may get something. Keep trying and good luck!

 

[danny1649]

Plus remember to be flexible because you will encounter some huge crowds.I'm sure you will have a great time.

 

[n2mm]

This is the norm for WDW during these 2 holidays. One reason why we never go during these 2 timeframes. Have patience and plan your meals ahead of time. Use fastpass often and try to relax by the pool if the crowds start making you crazy.

 

[eeyore0062]

Back in the 90's it was VERY normal. We have been spoiled the last couple of years with less than normal crowds.

 

[princess aurora]

We've been to the park before with capacity crowds (Christmas). This means 45 mins, 1hr and up to 90 min waits for the "big" rides. (but this was also before fast passes). We had hoping passes and always went to MK early!!!!!! By the time we were leaving in the afternoon the park was closed due to FULL capacity.

The key is to get there early. IMO MGM was is the least crowded park then Animal Kingdom, then Epcot.

Take advantage of EMH in the morning then go to another park for the afternoon/evening.


Tips:
Take a deep breath and relax. You can sit down and ppl watch for a while having a or a .

Most guests arrive between 10:00am -12:00pm
peak time for crowds is 3:00pm

You will have "fewer" crowds at the rides when the Parade is on.

Always try to take the line to your left. Ppl naturally gravitate to the right.

 

[Luv2Roam]

During Christmas week I saw the rides were generally 2 hour waits.
Hopefully this will not be the case. Just use FP, plan and relax.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

I swear i'm having second thoughts about this Easter trip.

 

[buckeye]

Don't have second thoughts! Just be glad that you know ahead of time how to handle the crowds. We were there Easter 2001, and since that was before 9-11, I think tourism was probably still high. We had NO PROBLEM having a fantastic time! We got to parks before opening, ate lunch EARLY, and then left the park to go swimming. It was great! We were always able to get back in the parks in the evening. If you don't have PS's, eat at off times. It'll be fine.

 

[kilee]

I've in the week of Easter before. Plan well. It will be busy. The year I went MK closed 3 days by noon--- for about 2-3 hours to offsite guests. We avoided MK until the very end of our trip. I will be the first to admit it was the least we've ever been able to do on a trip. However, we still had a really, really great time!! It's DISNEY afterall.

Use FP, this will help you get through at least a few major rides. Just be sure to start collecting them very, very early. As many may run out by lunchtime. Also, use EMH to your advantage. If you don't want to get up early, stay up late, or your offsite--- then avoid the EMH park as it will be busier. Don't forget to have some PS's. Most likely walk-up's won't be taken, so having a few is always a good idea.

I wouldn't cancel. If you go knowing it's going to be busy, then you'll do just fine.

 

[Luv2Roam]

There are advantages to BUSY days. Transportation, rides, eating places, etc are all up and running often to the max.

 

[TnKrBeLlA012]

I went last year during Easter and that will NEVER happen again!! Way too many people!

 

[debbiedoo]

Easter--busy time of the year--I agree--I do not going during Easter/christmas/new years