WDW MARCH Crowds...Advice Needed!

[muse1983]

I have heard so many mixed reviews on how bad crowds are in March. I have had a friend tell me that when they visited this last March it was no worse than your typical May crowd. However I can do a little research and find crowd calendars,articles etc which make March out to be hell on earth when crowds are concerned. So I would love it if I could get some more opinions towards March crowds and what time of the month would possibly be the best to visit. I suppose the key is to find out when the majority of schools go on Spring break...

The first week of March would be off limits to us since we have an out of town wedding to attend... Thanks:wave:

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

Over the years we have gone to WDW at different times. The trips at the end of June, middle of July and middle of August were all very busy. For the last seven years we have gone middle/end of March and have found the crowds to be manageable. Most of the public schools in our state have their spring break around Easter. My sister was down there last year with me around 3/23-328 and them again 2 weeks later with the kids on spring break. She said it was like being there during the summer months, crowded. The best time we had was middle of September

 

[bubbles1812]

Most schools will be on break the second or third week of March. I never had a spring break that wasn't one of those two weeks and that goes all the way up thru medical school. I'd recommend looking at the fourth week if you want to go that month.

 

[draybook]

We've been in March for the last two years, from the 10th until the 16th. Most waits are 35+ minutes, not including the major E tickets, which are over an hour up to 3.

 

[britdaw]

We were there in the last week of March this year, and the crowds were manageable to me. It was spring break for a lot of people, but honestly it wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be.

 

[mjmyers10]

I think Easter is in late March in 2013 so you'll want to avoid the last week if you are concerned about crowds.

 

[Hulacat]

Easter date

I think Easter is in late March in 2013 so you'll want to avoid the last week if you are concerned about crowds.

Easter next year = 3/31/13. Hope this helps
I am wondering what the April 2013 is going to be like- we were happy campers this April until the cheerleaders/ band groups invaded. How can we avoid the massive groups of teens next year? I wonder about having our 1st anniversary trip a few weeks early to avoid groups (say, early April).

 

[rufio]

We were there over spring break, March 9-18, and the crowd levels were 8-9 out of 10. It was pretty crazy. Lines at all the fastpass rides were 1-3+ hours long. Animal Kingdom was especially bad. Probably won't go in March from now on.

 

[real mad hatter]

Bring On The Crowds.

I know what your thinking! He must be mad but this year will be our fifth trip,all in July. Yes it's busy,but hey,why go to a party and there's no one there?.We love the big party atmosphere with people from all over the globe,and yes,if there's a South American samba crowd heading one way,we smile and just head the other.I've dozens of photos taken with Disney guests that we meet in the parks.Just say smile & cheese.:wave:Sorry,but that's just the way I am.

 

[Princess_Minnie]

We have been in March for the past 5 years. We go for our school's spring break, usually the second week. The crowds have always been pretty manageable (like walking onto Big Thunder in the morning and at night manageable) until last year, when they were CRAZY (like no fastpasses after 10 am for TSM crazy). Lots of CMs told us that it was the busiest March they had ever seen. Most public schools have their spring breaks either the second or third week in March. If you want to avoid spring breakers go the first or last week.

Other than this variable, March is a wonderful time to go. The Flower and Garden Festival has just started, the weather is nice but not too hot, and it isn't too humid. We have always enjoyed ourselves going in March: I would say go for it. There are ways to work around the crowds if you are surprised by them.

 

[10Magic]

The weather in March is outstanding, maybe the best all year. It can be a great time of year to go. I do have four bits of advice though:
1. Try to go EARLY in the month if you can.
2. AVOID EASTER!
3. AVOID EASTER!
4. AVOID EASTER!

 

[Ex-Floridian]

Disagree

We went this March 2012 early - to avoid the Spring Break crowds...take it from me (who used to live there) you get swarmed by cheer and dance competitions and many rude abroad visitors.....plan to stay far away from Values.....

 

[MorganKelly]

We've visited WDW in every month except October and April over the years. I would have to say that March (middle of month) was one of the busiest. Even check-in at the CR took quite a while with people swarming the lobby. It was pretty crazy.

If you decide to visit then, my advice is to get started early in the morning to avoid the crowd crush, break in the middle of the day and then return to the parks in the evening. There will probably be longer park hours, so that will help too. And I would make at least some ADRs, as the eateries will be busy too.

It's definitely doable. Just have a basic plan in mind. Go in with your eyes open and you'll be fine.

 

[SMS55]

Also check to see when is Easter. Some years it falls at the end of March. If that's the case that is a bad week to go.

 

[WildcatDen]

As someone already posted, Easter 2013 is March 31. We will be down for a Fame event at Universal Hard Rock Live April 4 to 7. Hoping crowds are manageable. 2014, on the other hand, has Easter on April 20. Curious what the crowds will be like that year on and around April 1? Possible Marching Band visit. . .