Worth it to go over Easter vacation?

[pepperderr]

Hi. I am still trying to make up my mind when to go to Disney this year. The origional plan was June or July but now DH might not be able to be home then either. He will likely get time off in April so I was thinking of going to WDW in April over Easter vacation and it would also be DS 7th birthday (April 23rd). They would maybe miss 3 days of school which I would hate but since we were planning to go last year and then didn't I would hate to promise them to go again this year and not go again.

It looks like we will be driving (from PA to FL) even with gas prices going up because of that hassle and cost of flying and if my mom goes along flying would not be something she would want either. I know driving won't be an issue with my boys because we drove down in 2008 with no hassles what so ever.

So are there any advantages to going over Easter? Would any of you recommend not to do it then? Do they decorate or do anything special for Easter? What about for DS birthday? Right now we likely won't get the dining plan but maybe the quick service one. I am not sure. Last time we had not dining plan either. Is it going to be super crowded or extra hot or anything like that that you can warn me about?

If my mom goes, it will me me, DH, DS who turns 7 there, DS 11, and my mom.

Thanks!

pepperderr

 

[goingquackers]

We have gone over Easter break several times in the past. It's a wonderful time of the year to go. The magic kingdom has an Easter parade. The resorts all have Easter egg hunts. The characters appeared in their Easter outfits and posed for pictures on the hotel grounds. It was very memorable and a great time.

 

[Kimmy]

We are going Easter break this year. Our first time during Easter. I think if you get to the parks at opening, use fastpass, and take advantage of extra magic hours you'll be ok. Just have it in your mind that you know it will be crowded. At least it won't be hot, like in the summer. The Flower & Garden festival will be at Epcot during that time. They are planning new displays this year. One other thing, Easter is late this year, some schools have spring break in March or early April.

 

[growinupdisney]

We have gone the last 2 years during Easter and we are going this year at Easter as well. We will be there week after Easter Sunday this year. As long as you get to the parks at rope drop you should be fine. Its amazing what you can get done between that time and uaually when the rest of the crowd arrives. 10 am is when its starts picking up and by noon its much more crowded but we usually have all of Adventureland and Fantasyland completed as well as Haunted Mansion done by 11:30, with out waiting more than 10min. This year should be alot better on crowds since Easter is later this year. Spring breaks for schools are spread out. Weather is usaully not to hot and not cool! Perfect Time!!!!!

 

[stace1214]

We've gone at Easter a few times. It's crowded, very crowded, but totally do-able. If you can get there at rope drop you'll be fine. I've found, especially at MK, it feels fairly empty till 12-1pm, then it suddenly seems sooooo crowded. When we go at Easter, we get there at rope drop, we eat a late lunch, then do less popular attractions for the afternoon. It works, we've always little wait time doing this and have always had great trips. Oh, and the weather is perfect, a little cool in the morning and very warm in the afternoon.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

For us, no. Not sure I would go if I won a free trip Easter week. Too crowded for us.

 

[pepperderr]

Thanks everyone. I think I am definitely leaning towards going over Easter vacation if DH knows for sure he will be home and if we can book something by then. They always seem to change his time off at the last minute.

We might only be there 5 days so the kids don't have to miss school and If I decide to let them miss 3 days we can go much longer depending on when DH will need to be back to work. I am sure 5 days is doable too but the last time we went we did about 8 days and still never saw WS. Since my mom is going along I might really just try to do the main ones and hope for the best. There are just so many we like!

The weather sounds good for my mom. The last time we went, it was in June and it was hot, hot, hot but we could have cared less. We used water fans and lots of bottled water. I am pretty sure the heat would bother my mom to be out in it all day.

Oh and I hope for no more snow days or the kids will have to make them up over Easter. We already have one to make up on MLK day.

pepperderr

 

[growinupdisney]

I dont know your pace but we go at an average not really commando since we have a 3 yo but we always get all the main attractions done at all the parks no problem! I have NEVER waited more than 15min for a ride ever. Rope drop is key...We are going for 5 days this time and in the past we have gone for 6...But last year two of the days we were there we were done by 3. and we stop for characters.

 

[Iheartdis]

Thanks everyone. I think I am definitely leaning towards going over Easter vacation if DH knows for sure he will be home and if we can book something by then. They always seem to change his time off at the last minute.

We might only be there 5 days so the kids don't have to miss school and If I decide to let them miss 3 days we can go much longer depending on when DH will need to be back to work. I am sure 5 days is doable too but the last time we went we did about 8 days and still never saw WS. Since my mom is going along I might really just try to do the main ones and hope for the best. There are just so many we like!

The weather sounds good for my mom. The last time we went, it was in June and it was hot, hot, hot but we could have cared less. We used water fans and lots of bottled water. I am pretty sure the heat would bother my mom to be out in it all day.

Oh and I hope for no more snow days or the kids will have to make them up over Easter. We already have one to make up on MLK day.

pepperderr

Maybe I will see you there! I am also from PA and we are driving too! My DD will be missing three days of school which isn't that bad. We will be staying at the Pop! As for the crowds all I have to say is who cares! Waiting in line at the most magical place on Earth sure beats being at home or working!!!

 

[lilygracesmom]

I am also from PA and will be there then!!!

 

[tnkr mom]

I've been there and its been really crowded but to me there is no better place on earth; so..... I am more than willing to deal with it. However I do not like the high season price tag that ususally coincides with Easter time frame and normally try to avoid that week. Don you fancy and stroll down Main Street for us!!)

 

[pepperderr]

Right now I am pretty sure we are staying at Pop for just 2 or 3 days and then go to SOG. Might try Movies instead of Pop though becuase I like the toy story theme. We are going for my DS 7th birthday and he is a Toy Story NUT!

pepperderr

 

[Aroth28]

.

 

[pepperderr]

At least the schools won't be out then. The last time we went was in June and we were fine. I am sure it won't be any worse than that. That was even during Star Wars week and we just listend to TGM and had no problems.

pepperderr