What is it like in late April?

[mickeyminnie]

We have only ever gone in the fall. I am considering planning a trip for late April 07, it would be after Easter, so I am hoping the crowds will have thinned out. Is is warm but not unbearable hot? Can I expect a lot of closures of rides during that time, or will most of that annual stuff happen in January?

Also am coinsidering myself and my 2 kids only, they are 6 and 9. How many rides are there where the odd number will be a problem? I am thinking that BTMRR will be, and Dumbo will be, they aren't much for coasters yet.

Do they have a way for 2 to ride a coaster and the 3rd child to wait with a Disney person? I am thinking my older daughter may be braver on some rides. Not an expectation that they babysit my son, just a question.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Very late April/Early May is a nice time. It's pretty warm, but no where near summer, and can be wet, but crowds are usually settled a bit from the Easter rush. We can't predict refurbs, but I can't recall many that time of year in the recent past. It will be during the Flower and Garden festival at Epcot, and it's a very pretty time of year (don't miss the butterfly tent).

I wouldn't worry about the "odd" number issue. You can take turns with them, and in most rides you'd still be able to see each other (like Dumbo, as you pointed out). The vast majority of rides at WDW are either large enough for 3 or in vehicles for groups anyway.

As to the 3rd child waiting if the two of you go on rides, I think you'll get a few different kinds of responses here. In my opinion, it depends on how mature your 6-year old is. Disney's really not allowed to watch your kids, but there are CM's around a lot of places and if you've got a mature 6-year old I think you can feel comfortable when it's necessary. It really depends on the ride.

I'll give you an example - Rock'N'Roller coaster. Your 6-year old can wait in line with you and your 9-year old, then when it's time to load you can tell a CM your child decided not to ride, and ask if it's possible for him to wait at the exit. Most of the time a CM would be happy to walk down the hallway to the exit with your kid. Just ask nicely. The same can be done with the ToT - it's known as the "chicken" exit.

Now, like I said, you will get differing opinions on this, as there are some people that won't let young adult of 11 or 12 go into a bathroom alone and bring them into the opposite-sex room with them. Speaking as someone who was a six-year old before, LOL, I would have been (and was) responsible enough to wait in a gift shop and look around waiting for someone to get off a ride. There are lots of 6 year olds that couldn't. You know your kids best.

NED

 

[chrissybear]

My DSis was in WDW the last week in April this year and she said it was a great time to go, not too crowded at all.

As far as having an odd#, you could always seat the 2 kids together and sit behind them. We have done this. I wouldn't want the kids to be out of my sight.

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

Yeah, weather wise its really nice. I went the last week of April, first week of May in 2006 and it was perfect. No rain or anything. Im actually going with my girlfriend again during this same time. One other nice thing is that its not value season, so you dont have as much construction or attractions not running. Yeah, you will pay a little more for your room, but its not crowded at all because kids are still in school and most dont want to take them out before finals.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hands down my favorite time to visit. As others have said, very doable with crowds and warm but not sticky weather. There are Grad Nights going on at the MK which means some nights that park will close early but it didn't affect us too much. We went this time in 2005 and 2006 and both years was great.

 

[monarchsfan16]

The last week of April is great. Be forewarned that NH and NY typically have their April vacations that week so the parks are a sea of Yankees and Red Sox t-shirts and hats. I swear it's as though everyone knows their opponents will be there and dresses for it
The weather is great. There are some hot days, but not too bad. We've also seen some cooler days but most are 80ish and beautiful. We have seen some really bad wildfires when we've been down there at that time, but overall we've loved the weather.
Crowds are not bad. A LOT better than the week before the last week in April, which is when the rest of New England has their April break. That week in the parks is very crowded
Also that is during the Flower and Garden festival in Epcot. Lots of cool topiaries to look at

 

[disneyfan61]

Being from NH we always go the last week of April. I love this time of year. The
weather is great. Very little rain. Temps around 85. With EMH & fast passes you
can get everything done that you want. We do make ADR's for our meals & we
have a great time. We are stretching our trip this coming April to 10 days so we
are leaving the 3rd week of April (a little busier) but we will deal with it.

 

[english rose 47]

Going April26th thru May 3rd. So glad to hear all the positives about this time!

 

[deekaypee]

It's one of my favorite times of year; highly recommended! It's warm but not oppressive, a springtime feel is in the air and in people's attitudes, and there is a lightheartedness to the (light) crowds. If I could get away from work during this period, which I currently can't or at least can't do easily, I would.