Worried about going to Disney at Easter

[minnieears]

Okay...I'm getting really nervous about our trip to Disney March 20 - 24. From what I've read on these boards, the week before Easter AND the week after Easter will be packed!!!! Because my DH does not want to take the kids out of school, we have to go during their Spring Break.

Some of my concerns are:

1. What if the park and/or parking lot are at capacity? Will we be turned away? We're staying offsite because we want a suite, and onsite suites are way too expensive.

2. More chances of loosing sight of our children, ages 5.5 and 7, because of the crowd. Last year, I momentarily lost sight of my daughter when she bent down to tie her shoelaces and I kept walking. When I realized she was not with me nor with her dad who was ahead of me with our other child, I started panicking. I looked back and saw that she had finished tying her shoelaces and had stood up and was searching for me...It broke my heart to see the panic on her face. Needless to say, both of us were unwilling to let go of each other's hand for the rest of the trip! What are some ways to minimize lost child/parent situations?

Our itinerary is as follows:

Sun Check-in; Sea World (1/2 day and dinner)
Mon Animal Kingdom
Tue Magic Kingdom
Wed Sea World (full day)

Should I even consider trying to go earlier, like first weekend in March? The kids will miss three days of school, but they're only in 1st grade and Kindergarten. The only consistent homework they have is 20 min of reading each night, which they more than exceed because they love to read!

Any advice?

 

[jennymouse]

The first time I took my granddaughter by myself she was 6 and we went the week before Easter. I had already bought a package before I found these boards and was like you, worried. Everything went fine. Yes, it was crowded, but thankfully I found these boards before I left and it helped me survive it. Here's some tips:

1. Find out when the early entry days are for your Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom day and be sure to NOT go to those parks on those days. The extra hours could change before you go so you'll have to keep on top of it right before you leave.

2. Be at the park gates at least 45 minutes early to be one of the first into the park. Ride the big rides that form long lines quickly first, then do the others pulling Fastpasses as you go. If you're going to ride Dumbo do it the first thing.

3. Take an afternoon break at your resort if you'd like to swim, nap, etc., then head back to the park around 4 o'clock or so. Animal Kingdom closes early so you probably don't want to leave that day...do things there that don't get packed like the conservation station, etc. Magic Kingdom will be open late so you can tour late after your break there.

4. If you don't arrive late in the day, the parks won't be closed to capacity. Get there before opening.

5. I held my granddaughters hand the whole time so I wouldn't lose her.

Early March will be less busy and I wouldn't worry about taking kids that age out of school.

 

[DianeV]

Heck I would take the kids out of school..they are still young enough and it will be worth it avoiding the crowds (which we cant avoid since our kids are older)

 

[minivan3]

I've always been confused by the advice of going back to take a nap, swim , etc.

I understand this advice IF the parks are not expected to fill to capacity-- however-- if you know you are going at a very busy time, do you still follow this advice and go back to your hotel?????

What if on your return at 4pm or whenever, you can't get back in the park because of capacity issues?

Also, what if you have a priority seating in the evening at a different park than where you are during the day and that park fills to capacity before you arrive for your PS, will you be allowed in for the dinner anyway?

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I thought a couple years ago I would avoid Easter crowds by going a couple weeks before. Took Ds out of school only to find that Florida was on spring break the week we choose. Needless to say it was very busy and I was dissappointed that we missed school and the parks were so busy.

If you are going over Spring Break be sure to make PS for any meals you will eat in the parks. Have a plan for what you really want to see and and you'll be fine. Remember you won't see it all in a week, so just enjoy what you can do.

 

[the kabuki]

There was quite a discussion about taking kids out of school a while back here. I take my kids out for family vacation, especially if we're going to Disney. I have been during the busy times, and honestly don't enjoy myself there with loads of people around. It's just a better vacation when it's less packed at the parks. BTW-mine are in 6th and 2nd grade and we just returned from a trip in Jan. Neither one of them had any trouble making up work.

 

[liveforthemagic]

We went the week right after Easter in 2002 and it wasn't bad at all. I guess its all relative--but it wasn't too hot--and that always makes lines feel longer. I know we used the Fast Path system, and that helped alot. Both days we were at MK the park never closed due to capacity. One day we spent the whole day there, and the crowds seemed to thin right after the afternoon parade and it never got crowded again.

I would recommend always going early, just because its cooler and the crowds are lighter.

I am sure that if you have a PS they will let you into the park. Keep in mind, they have already taken money from you for that meal. If you are worried, call 1-800-WDW-DINE and they can confirm that for you.

You will have a wonderful time!

 

[Sharon Esch]

YES it's packed, but plan early with the EMH, EvMH and Fasspass. We did it last year the week prior to Easter. We did most everything we wanted. We didn't wait too long in lines. Knowing what you and your kids like, if it's too scary or the height requirements should eliminate attractions for you. My kids were 7 and 4 and we rented a stroller. It saved on time, they could eat and drink as we went to our next stop much faster.

Hey DianeV - do you miss the "Red Wings" as much as I do?

 

[Luv4Disney]

It is packed! My aunt is a Disney freak and booked for spring break last year. They were supposed to go for a week but it was so packed, they left after 3 days. I guess it also depends when Easter falls.

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

We arrived at WDW on the day before Easter, 2004. Sure there were crowds, but nothing like I was expecting. We stayed for a week, and had a fine time. Don't worry - you'll be fine. If its crowded, don't stress out. Just take advantage of fastpass.

 

[zurgswife]

The hotels onsite are booked almost to capacity the week before and the week after....It will be very very crowded....We will be there....

EMH is a little different now then in the past..so I wouldn't worry too much....but be prepared because you are off site to be shut out...it can always happen usually MK is the first park and then MGM....We were there at Christmas/newYears 2003/2004 and MK closed by 11am everyday...

GOing the first week of March will be a little less crowded but not dramatically..this is usually our spring break and it is busy this week just not packed...

-

 

[cyndibelle]

take those kids out of school and go when it isnt so crowded....they arent going to miss anything at that age and what they will gain from that family time totally is worth it..

 

[candleonwater]

I say, go... and don't worry about it! I hate crowds, but I've never had a meltdown because of the crowds. We went last year at Easter, and we've been for the week between Christmas and New Years.

The only down side I can see is that you're not staying on site. The parks can reach capacity for "outsiders", while still allowing on site guests to enter. And since you're not staying onsite you can't follow our plan of attack as we tend to GO to the EMH park... ride the rides we want to (many times we just walk on) and then get the heck out of dodge! Usually that means heading over to EPCOT to wander around. When the crowds start to wear on our nerves, we head back to the resort to swim... usually intending to head back to MK for the evening, but never quite make it.

This year we're staying at the Contemporary (tower room) and if we get a MK view... I can guarantee we won't head back over for the fireworks - we'll just watch them from our balcony!

 

[Turner5]

Can you still be shut out even if you stay on-site? We are going to be there exactly five days (3/21-3/25) and will buying 5 day tickets that expire. We need to use all five days, and I don't want to get stuck paying for a day that I can't use in the park of my choice. Thanks!!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Turner5, Yes it can happen to you even on-site. To be sure you get into the park of your choice, go in the morning. Once you leave you may not be admitted back into the park even if you have a PS.

 

[candleonwater]

There are different levels of closing the park (due to attendance)... the first, I believe is where they close it to non-disney resort guests. Only once has any park been closed for us during a visit, and that was EPCOT for New Years 1999. From what I understand, if they close a park, as the crowds begin to thin out, they will reopen.

 

[laurabelle]

I was there last Easter, staying at the Dolphin. It was crowded, BUT I had done my planning! I joined Tour Guide Mike and followed his advice and it worked beautifully.
HTH

 

[Turner5]

Yikes! Okay, thanks. I never realized that we might not even be able to get in the park. How disappointing!!!

 

[KimR]

We went the week before Easter last year and it was packed. We still had a great time though and as far as I know, the parks did not reach capacity. Although we were staying onsite, so I suppose they could have closed the park to off-site guests and we wouldn't have known.

As far as losing your child, just make sure to always hold on to their hand, but also have a plan in case you do get separated. I drill into my kids over and over what to do in case they get lost and explain to them that there is no need to panic. They know how to find a CM and they know that if they get lost I WILL find them. Never had to use the 'plan' though...we've been many times and I'm happy to say I've never lost a kid at Disney (knock wood!)

 

[Lucky4me]

Take the kids out of school. You will not be sorry. First week of March over Easter week even if I had to take them out 5 days.