We're first timers! What should we expect crowds to be like?

[BRANDIRN]

We will be arriving at WDW for our first time March 17-23. How heavy do the crowds tend to be around that time? How long should we be prepared to stand in lines?

Me

DH

DS

DS

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Actually, I would think that they wouldn't be too bad for those dates. It will depend on everyone's spring break. If the park is crowded I would consider NOT doing the EMH in the evenings. They are usually very crowded and when you're already tired it just isn't worth it. You might try going to the park the day after their EMH, say the MK eveing EMH is Sunday then go to the MK on Monday morning, etc.

 

[Globug68]

This is our first time taking our kids...

How are the crowds and what can we expect for the first week in May 2007?

 

[WDW1979]

Hi BRANDIRN,

I'll be at Disney World during the exact same dates as you. Crowds at the end of March will be heavier than in early March. The other factors are when spring breaks happen and the build-up to the busy Easter season in early April.

I agree with the suggestion that on a given day you avoid the Disney Park that has extra magic hours for Disney hotel guests.

I also recommend that you purchase the Tour Guide Mike service, which is a sponsor of the DISboards. There is a discounted rate of about $18 available through a link on the "Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies" forum of the DISboards. Tour Guide Mike will give you lots of info, but most importantly where to go on which day (even which morning and evening). I have been to WDW many times and used Tour Guide Mike for the first time last year. This service is well worth it.

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

We will be arriving at WDW for our first time March 17-23. How heavy do the crowds tend to be around that time? How long should we be prepared to stand in lines?

Me

DH

DS

DS

Well be there 18-24 @ POR this will be our 3rd trip during Spring Break and while it is busy, it's very managable. My best tip is to get to the parks when they open and use Fast Pass are much as you can. We love going this time of year and have always been able to do the things we wanted, without standing in long lines thanks to FP and getting there when they open. However we do not go to EMH. You'll have a wonderful trip and maybe we'll see you there.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

we will also be there, look 4 our LGMH

 

[JDFan]

This is our first time taking our kids...

How are the crowds and what can we expect for the first week in May 2007?

I'm not too sure about the first week of May, but we go every year the second week of May and the crowds are manageable. It's after spring break and before summer vacations. Using Magic Hours, smart planning and fast passes, we never wait more than 15-20 minutes. Many rides we just walk up and jump on. And the weather is nearly perfect. PM me if you would like some tips.

Have a wonderful time and wave on your way out cuz DH and I will be on our way in.

 

[BRANDIRN]

Well be there 18-24 @ POR this will be our 3rd trip during Spring Break and while it is busy, it's very managable. My best tip is to get to the parks when they open and use Fast Pass are much as you can. We love going this time of year and have always been able to do the things we wanted, without standing in long lines thanks to FP and getting there when they open. However we do not go to EMH. You'll have a wonderful trip and maybe we'll see you there.

Really? We will be staying at POFQ! Maybe we will see ya there.

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

I'll be carrying an orange Baggallini. Maybe we'll run into each other on the bus.

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

we will also be there, look 4 our LGMH

Are you staying at POR?

 

[BRANDIRN]

I'll be carrying an orange Baggallini. Maybe we'll run into each other on the bus.

We will have a brown Baggallini, and our 2 little blue eyed boys. We'll look for you.

 

[BRANDIRN]

Hi BRANDIRN,

I'll be at Disney World during the exact same dates as you. Crowds at the end of March will be heavier than in early March. The other factors are when spring breaks happen and the build-up to the busy Easter season in early April.

I agree with the suggestion that on a given day you avoid the Disney Park that has extra magic hours for Disney hotel guests.

I also recommend that you purchase the Tour Guide Mike service, which is a sponsor of the DISboards. There is a discounted rate of about $18 available through a link on the "Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies" forum of the DISboards. Tour Guide Mike will give you lots of info, but most importantly where to go on which day (even which morning and evening). I have been to WDW many times and used Tour Guide Mike for the first time last year. This service is well worth it.

Thanks for tips. We will be staying at Port Orleans French Quarter.

 

[mom2zoejane]

We'll also be there 18th-23, staying at SSR. First timers, too. TourGuideMike was very helpful, lots of info. I guess we'll see how well it works when we use the tips he provides.

 

[JDFan]

We'll also be there 18th-23, staying at SSR. First timers, too. TourGuideMike was very helpful, lots of info. I guess we'll see how well it works when we use the tips he provides.

Can you please explain TourGuideMike? Although I have been to WDW many times, there is always something new you can learn. Thanks!

 

[tearawayface]

Rather than asking will WDW be crowded during the time you will be there, just always assume that WDW is crowded, going in assuming it will be crowded (by the way it will be because you are going during Spring Breaks) plan accordingly on how to maximize your fun while minimizing your waits…I am sure this has all been said but here are my tips…

1. The early bird catches the worm…two words..rope drop…get into the park right when it opens and you can knock off a couple of good attractions right off the bat. Try to leave the park you hit early by 11am or noon, take a break and then head back around dinnertime…
2. Make use of the Extra Magic Hours,if your paying Disney to stay on property take advantage of this benefit. My experience has been that early EMH are better than evenings. If there is a Early EMH for Animal Kingdom definently do it, you can go on the Safari and Everest before most other people even get into the park.
3. Fast passes, always get fastpasses and plan your stops accordingly. Never wait in line for any Mountains…get a fastpass for them and go back later..this is especially true for Splash Mountain..I have never waited in the regular line for Splash..other good attractions for Fast passes are Test Track, Soarin, Mission Space,Rock roller Coaster, Tower of Terror.

 

[Mousema]

Tour Guide Mike is a sponser on the boards. You can subscribe to his service and gets plans, tips, etc. for park touring. I am using him this year for the first time because I will be there during spring break.

 

[mom2zoejane]

TourGuideMike just provides into on how to make best use of your time, best uses of fastpasses, which parks are expected to be less crowded than others (I guess there is a particular pattern, based on EMH's) . I'm sure if you're seasoned Disney travelers you wouldn't need it. I found the info helpful for a first trip.

 

[dsnymomof4]

1. The early bird catches the worm…two words..rope drop…get into the park right when it opens and you can knock off a couple of good attractions right off the bat. Try to leave the park you hit early by 11am or noon, take a break and then head back around dinnertime…
2. Make use of the Extra Magic Hours,if your paying Disney to stay on property take advantage of this benefit. My experience has been that early EMH are better than evenings. If there is a Early EMH for Animal Kingdom definently do it, you can go on the Safari and Everest before most other people even get into the park.
3. Fast passes, always get fastpasses and plan your stops accordingly. Never wait in line for any Mountains…get a fastpass for them and go back later..this is especially true for Splash Mountain..I have never waited in the regular line for Splash..other good attractions for Fast passes are Test Track, Soarin, Mission Space,Rock roller Coaster, Tower of Terror.

I think these are excellent suggestions, no matter what time of year you go! If you have parkhoppers and you go to a morning EMH park, you can hop over to another park when it starts to get too crowded. Sometimes it's hard to drag yourself out of bed to make rope drop, but it is definitely worth it! Have a great trip!

 

[3mickeymom]

Taking a look at the park maps before you go can be really helpful. I believe you can find them online. Just familiarize yourself with where you want to go,where the restaurants are etc and you will save lots of time. Also Fast Pass and Early Entry are key. I am always amazed at how much we can get done in one morning when we arrive early and use fast passes.