[TK924]

Well, after our last trip, which I did not enjoy, my wife is now making plans to go back the same time next year.
This is the only time that the rest of our family can go, some of which have never been to WDW. We're supposed to be going the week after Easter and I know that the crowds are going to be unbearable. I want to go for the sake of our DD, but I'm just not looking forward to going through what we did this past year.

btw, is there any way to find out if there will be large groups of cheerleaders or high school marching bands at WDW ahead of time?

Looking foward to it, but not looking foward to it at the same time.

[EmpressJenny]

Here's a bit of advice. Don't go during spring breaks!!!!!! Go in mid Sept- early November, or go in January-mid February. Otherwise, there's no guarantee you won't get hit with a bunch of teenage groups. Also, don't stay at a value resort, that's where the groups usually stay. Best of luck to you in your planning.

[TK924]

Unfortunately, this is the only time available for us right now. My DW wants her family to join us and this is the only time they have available. In addition, the Value Resorts are the only way we can afford to go.

My DW is letting me plan our next WDW trip and this time we're going during off-peak time no matter what it takes!

[MerlinMatt]

Don't stay at the All Stars. Pop Century doesn't allow large groups (I think they did that SPECIFICALLY for that reason.)

Plan out your trip and post your plan here. All of us veterans will be glad to help you get the most out of it.

[mickaholic4077]

Yes,absolutely make plans for the Pop Century resort. You won't have to deal with large groups.

[llama]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

Here's a bit of advice. Don't go during spring breaks!!!!!! Go in mid Sept- early November, or go in January-mid February. Otherwise, there's no guarantee you won't get hit with a bunch of teenage groups. Also, don't stay at a value resort, that's where the groups usually stay. Best of luck to you in your planning.

We were there in January and the cheerleaders were out in full force. I think it's a year-round thing now. My best advice is to plan, plan, plan. Crowds do make it harder, but if you become familiar with WDW and have a good idea of where you're going and what you're going to do, and make your PS's well before hand, you can still have a good time.

[TK924]

Originally Posted by mickaholic4077

Yes,absolutely make plans for the Pop Century resort. You won't have to deal with large groups.

Yes, we stayed at PC last time and will book there for next time too. We really enjoyed PC over the AS experience.

[EmpressJenny]

Originally Posted by llama

We were there in January and the cheerleaders were out in full force. I think it's a year-round thing now. My best advice is to plan, plan, plan. Crowds do make it harder, but if you become familiar with WDW and have a good idea of where you're going and what you're going to do, and make your PS's well before hand, you can still have a good time.

That's true. I'm totally commando when we're at Disney, and we get each park done in a half day, so we can relax, and then choose which ones to do again the next day. Planning is what it's all about, but I still think there are better times of year.

[WDWNutCase]

Goodness....

We've been to DW during the first week of March many a time and have never had a problem with crowds. In 1999 when we went during the first week of March we stayed at All Star Movies and did not have a problem with crowds either. However, we have stayed at moderate or deluxe ever since and have bought into the DVC. We definitley don't have a problem with crowds at the villas.

EmpressJenny, you get the parks DONE in half a day? You must be a veteran like us with specific things you wish to see and others you cross off. We do the same. We go to specific parks for specific things. However, for a first time visitor, a Disney park can NOT be DONE in a half day.

[EmpressJenny]

You're right, it can't be done in half day if you're new to it, but we know exactly what we want to see and do (plus, we don't have any kids, so that helps us go faster, and we don't have to do a lot of the rides geared for smaller children, except for fantasyland, which EVERYONE loves).

[TK924]

My wife just got this email:

Welcome back! And thanks for expressing interest in staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort. Below you'll find the information you've already given us, along with links that make it easy to book now, modify your plans or continue shopping.

As you know from visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in the past, there's always something to discover ... or rediscover ... in this enchanting world––from classic favorites to exciting new things to see and do!

Arrives: 03/28/2005
Departs: 04/01/2005
Resort: Disney's Pop Century Resort
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children (3-17): 1

I've told her not to actually book the room yet, as the price could come down in the future.
Do you think this is a good idea? Are there usually discounts for that time of year?

[mickaholic4077]

Yes,there are discounts for that time of year. You can always book now,and when the discounts come out,call to cancel and re-book with the discounts.

[TK924]

I came across this site - http://www.disneyzone.net/attendance.htm - and I was wondering if the chart looks correct? Is there any other info like this on the web?

The dates we're planning for seem to fall, according to that chart, in the moderate category. Here's hoping!

[pudgethefish]

I am so sorry you didn't enjoy your last trip. I usually plan a trip the second or third week of March (my DH works for a small private school in New Haven that tends to take it's spring break at the same time as Yale University). So we are down there during prime spring break time. I have to say, that while there might be crowds - it is far from the crowds we have encountered in June, July, and August. Although, that may be because the heat isn't as unbearable in March, so I have more patience.

In terms of hotels, I have no experience with the value resorts. But if PC doesn't allow big groups than I would plan to stay there. Also, check and see if instead of getting several rooms for your group, see if it would be cost effective to share cabins at Fort Wilderness. It is truly a great place to stay and unbelievably peaceful.


I hope you have a better time this March!
Amy

[PrincessJill]

If you call and ask about large groups a CM *MIGHT* be able to tell you. I'm not sure if they do this all the time or if they're even allowed to say, for whatever reason... but I called once and asked about something I heard was going on, and the CM told me rather subtly that it wasn't, like she didn't really want to come right out and say yes or no. Don't know if I just got a gossipy CM or what, but it's worth a shot. :)