[KarenT]

Has anyone been to Disney over Easter weekend? Just how packed is it? With the good spring room rates we were thinking of going 4/8 to 4/12 Good Friday leave Monday. After that we are going to relax at Marco Island!

Thanks
Karen

[Dana]

I went on Easter Sunday in 2000. It was PACKED! I'm sorry but I wouldn't ever go there at that time again. This is only my opinion. If this is the only time you can go, a crowded WDW is better than none. I suggest a hard core plan of attack and a detailed itinerary. Utilize every "trick" of the trade and get in line before the park opens, use Early entry days for each park, see attractions during the parades (lines lighten a tad), eat at off times and see attractions during people's "normal" meal times, make PS's for ANY meal you want to sit down at, and take that afternoon break! You will want to make a list of "must see's" in order of importance and get these done first. Fast Passes will be gone early in the day, so get the ones you want early. Another good idea would be to get a copy of the Unoffical Guide to WDW and follow one of their touring plans that suit your family. I do not mean to sound so negative, but I am trying to give you a realistic view of what to expect and an honest opinion. I would wait if you could, but if you can't wait, make a plan for sure.

[KarenT]

Thanks for the tips. We usually go in the more off seasons. We will be in Florida that week and thought about going to wdw for a few days. I did not know if it was as packed as christmas time, because of spring breaks being staggard in schools.
Thanks
Karen

[Dana]

I didn't realize you went there often. I don't think it's as bust as Christmas week, but I know it runs a very close second or third busiest time of the year..wish I knew that before I went ..lol found out the hard way.

[VarnumFamily]

we were there last year for Easter week. It was not busy at all. As the week went on the better the lines got! I was shocked. By the second weekend we had the pick of the crop!! We had such a great time that we're heading back again for our April vacation.

[geeman]

I hope you're right Varnum, as I have to be in Florida those 2 weeks, too, this year and will be parkhopping with friends from day after Easter -on. But hopefully, with some careful planning, we can make the most of it, as it's one of my friend's first time ever to WDW and Florida itself.

[Dana]

Originally posted by VarnumFamily
we were there last year for Easter week. It was not busy at all. As the week went on the better the lines got! I was shocked. By the second weekend we had the pick of the crop!! We had such a great time that we're heading back again for our April vacation.

Welcome to Disney Central. I am glad your Easter Week wasn't like mine. Maybe it's not as popular to go then? I don't know, but am glad you didn't get the same crowds I did.

Welcome again, Glad to have you here.

[disneyguy]

Yeah rite around Easter it will be terrible!!! Shortly before that or after that it will get better. That is just the way it works.

[delmarjohn]

I have been there may times aroud easter...it is very busyu but the parks are open late so that gives you more of the day to do things and also to recoup....my suggestion is get up early do what you want then take some time off in the middle of the day and plan each evenings events ....the middle of the day is just that in the middle of all the traffic...water parks sell out early but if you stay on the resort you still have a chance ,... but if you really want to go early is the key word

[Marnie2004]

We went Spring Break 2002 which coincides with Easter. The parks were way crowded!! I even heard that they had record attendance the week were there. We were there from Good Friday until the Wednesday after Easter. I'm sure it had something to do with the 100 Years Celebration. We didn't let the crowds stop us though. I thought for a 1st trip we did a lot.

A friend of mine told me that they went Spring Break 2003 and the crowds weren't that bad.

I don't how the crowds will be this year, but I will be there again. This time the whole week before Easter. I can't wait, only 52 more days.:D :D :D

[babets]

My sil and I usually take our kids to the Magic Kingdom for a day trip during our spring break which includes Easter in it. We have family in Orlando with whom we stay with for the week of spring break. Yes it is usually crowded but we go with the attitude its GREAT just to be at Disney. We ride pretty much whatever we want to ride and we make sure we sit down for the night time parade about 1 1/2 hrs before it starts on Main Street. Its great to sit back and watch people at the end of the day. So what I am trying to say is, if you have the right attitude the crowds should be no problem.

[Disney6]

We were there in 1998 and again in 2001 for Easter and found the crowds were managable except for of course when the parades and fireworks were going on but that is common for about any time of the year.

[Marnie2004]

I agree with Babets' statement: "So what I am trying to say is, if you have the right attitude the crowds should be no problem."

We went with a good attitude in 2002 and had a great time. It's Disney, we just expected it to be crowded and dealt with it. We did almost everything we wanted to and everyone had a great time. You can't ask for much more than that.