Easter crowd levels

[ParentsOf4]

We've been to WDW many times but usually avoid the crowds. The heaviest we've dealt with was during a couple of trips during Thanksgiving, which we considered manageable. We are thinking about a last minute trip this Easter. Traditionally, Easter is the second most crowded time of the year, behind Christmas. We think that WDW will be more crowded for Easter than Thanksgiving. We are seeking opinions about how much more crowded.

We also subscribe to Touring Plans so we know what that shows for the 2012 Easter week, the same "10" that it showed for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We have questions for those who have experienced WDW during Easter week:

1. How crowded are the water parks during Easter week?

2. Do the parks typically go through shutdowns during Easter week?

3. If anyone's been during both Thanksgiving and Easter, how much more crowded does Easter feel?

 

[PuertoRekinSam]

Easter is much much worse than Thanksgiving. There will be park closings. I've even seen them do crazy 1 way traffic through the island shops at DAK during the parades during this time of year.

I was there with my daughters school for Magic Music Days in 2007, and I will avoid it again, even if the school paid for it.

 

[mickeysshoes]

I have to agree that Easter is worse than Thanksgiving. I did not think Thanksgiving week was that bad. But I go into a busy time of year with the correct mind frame that I will not allow the crowds to over come me. What you most have to worry about at Easter is will get HOT and that will make the crowds seem worse. Crowds and cooler weather not as bad. We were there back around 2001 or 2002 in April (spring break) and it was 90+ and we liked to die from the heat.

 

[WDW_Princess24]

Went Easter of last year and I doubt I will ever go back during Easter week again. If you get to the water park at opening you will be able to do all of the things you want to do but once 11am-noon rolls around the water parks are packed with waits for some attractions 45+min. Last year I don't recall any parks being at capacity but many attractions had 120+ minute waits.

Going for my birthday/Thanksgiving this year, hoping it's no where near as bad.

 

[vcstr]

I was there for Easter last year and I didn't even find it that bad! I guess I just don't notice the crowds anymore. We managed fastpasses the best we ever have and didn't wait longer that 35 minutes for anything!

 

[riess424]

We have been to Disney during Easter roughly 6 times and never found it that bad. There will be days where MK will reach capacity around 12-3. If you make a plan of what days you will go where such as maximize morning and evening magic hours you will be fine. I am going this Easter. We will do AKL on Saturday for the early hour plus MK 2x for the early hour since it has it every day during Easter week. We typically get to the MK when it opens, stay until noon/1PM, go back to the hotel to swim/eat/nap for a few hours then head back around 5. If you do this you will avoid the busiest times.

Around 5 years ago, after hitting Space Mountain 2-3x and Buzz Lightyear we headed over to BTMR and Splash and did not see a person in the general area as we walked by the Liberty Square Riverboat but we just happened to have Mickey Mouse walk by us.