The first thing you’ll need to decide when planning your Walt Disney World vacation is when to visit. And, one of the most popular times for families to take on the Disney Parks is over spring break!

Every year between March and April, the parks fill up with crowds excited to escape the cold winters of the north and enjoy a trip to “the most magical place on earth.” However, with lots of people in the parks around this time of the year comes long wait times, sold-out dining reservations, and often higher prices for hotels and tickets. So, how do you avoid all the Disney World spring break woes and make the most of your vacation? We’ve got you covered!

Benefits of Planning Your Spring Break Trip to Disney World

There’s a reason that a lot of families plan to do Disney World for spring break. And you shouldn’t let the threat of large crowds stop you from planning a trip of your own! There are still a lot of benefits to planning a trip during this time of year. Here are a few reasons why you should consider visiting Disney World over spring break:

• Beautiful Weather –Spring is a great time to visit Disney World because the weather is mild and comfortable. The temperatures are typically not too hot, and there is usually a nice breeze in the air. So, you can enjoy the parks without feeling like you’re going to melt in the sun.
• Extended Park Hours – During spring break, Disney World typically extends its park hours. This gives you more time to take in all the rides, attractions, and shows. This also means that you can get more done in a day and make the most of your vacation.
• Special Events – Disney World always has something special going on. But during spring break, there are even more events to enjoy. For example, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival takes place during the spring and features gorgeous flower displays and delicious food.
• It’s Convenient – For some, the timing of a Disney World trip over spring break is really what sells it. With schools out for spring break for a full week (or even longer in some cases), the convenience of not having to miss a day of class to take a family vacation can be one of the biggest reasons families visit during this time of year.

Special Events and Activities During Spring Break at Disney World

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World during Spring Break, you’re in for a treat! There are a lot special events and activities that take place during this time of year, making your visit even more memorable and the high cost of your park tickets more “worth it.”

One of the most popular events that lines up with Spring Break every year is the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This festival is a must-see for anyone who loves the spring and food. The entire park gets decked out in flower displays and topiaries that are designed entirely out of plants to look like your favorite Disney characters. Plus, World Showcase fills up with food booths that serve up unique farm-fresh eats and drinks. This festival is included with your park admission, so you don’t even have to worry about budgeting extra!

And, if you want some time at Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios without the crowds, you’re in luck over spring break! Disney After Hours events take place at both parks on select nights in March and April. This gives you an extra two hours to enjoy all the rides and attractions without long wait times. Plus, you can even score free drinks and snacks at select snack locations! Just keep in mind that these events are an additional cost on top of your daily park admission with prices ranging from $145 to $175 per person.

Insider Tips for Navigating the Parks During Spring Break

Now, Disney World is a popular destination all year round, but during Spring Break, the crowds can be overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to suffer! With a little planning and insider knowledge, you can make the most of your time at the parks. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Arrive Early

Getting to the parks early is one of the best ways to avoid the crowds. The first few hours of the day are typically the least busy, so plan to arrive at the park about 30-45 minutes before it opens. This will give you time to get through security and be one of the first people in the park.

Stay at a Disney World Resort Hotel & Take Advantage of Extra Park Hours

Speaking of getting to the parks early, guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry. This perk allows you to enter any of the four theme parks 30-minutes before they open every day of the week. So, you’ll be able to ride some of the most popular attractions with little to no wait time. And, if you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Villa, you can also take advantage of Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This perk gives you an extra two hours in select parks on select nights of the week.

While the Disney hotel prices are a bit higher over spring break, the extra time in the parks can give you a huge advantage and make the additional cost worth it.

Consider Purchasing Disney Genie+

While FastPass+ is no longer available in Disney World, you can still skip the lines at popular attractions throughout the Disney Parks using Disney Genie+… it’ll just cost you extra. This paid service lets you bypass the standby line by using the Lightning Lanes during a 1-hour return window that you select. And, while Genie+ can be costly, we’ve found that it’s well worth the price if you’re trying to accomplish a lot during your spring break trip.

Just keep in mind that Disney Genie+ can sell out (and often does over spring break), so be sure to purchase it early in the day if you plan to use it. You can buy Genie+ through the My Disney Experience app as early as 12AM on the day of your visit. And you can make your first Lightning Lane selection at 7AM.

Plan Your Meals in Advance

During busy times like Spring Break, restaurants can fill up quickly. Be sure to mark your calendar and make your dining reservations 60 days in advance to avoid long wait times and ensure that you get to eat at all the table service restaurants you want to during your trip. 

Even quick service restaurants get busy over spring break. So, we recommend mobile ordering your food to skip the long wait times at the counter. You can mobile order at most quick service restaurants (and even some snack locations!) through the My Disney Experience app. 

Must-See Attractions and Shows at Disney World

With high crowd levels and long wait times, doing everything in Disney World over spring break isn’t always possible. So, we recommend creating a list of your top must-see attractions to help you plan your days and walk away from your trip feeling like you accomplished everything you wanted. Here are some of the most popular attractions and shows at each park to include in your list:

Magic Kingdom Must-See Attractions and Shows

• Space Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• TRON Lightcycle / Run
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Jungle Cruise
• Haunted Mansion
• Festival of Fantasy Parade
• Happily Ever After Fireworks

EPCOT Must-See Attractions and Shows

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Test Track
• Frozen Ever After
• Soarin’ Around The World
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana
• Club Cool
• Luminous The Symphony of Us Fireworks
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Must-See Attractions and Shows

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Toy Story Mania!
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
• Wonderful World of Animation Nighttime Spectacular
• Fantasmic! Show and Fireworks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Must-See Attractions and Shows

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Expedition Everest
• Dinosaur
• Walk the nature trails
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

Dining Options and Reservations at Disney World

There certainly isn’t a shortage of places to eat in Disney World…especially over spring break! With over 200 restaurants to choose from and other snack locations, you likely won’t find yourself hungry at any point during your spring break trip. But, that doesn’t mean that dining is easy with the massive park crowds.

When planning your spring break trip to Disney World, it’s important to know what table service restaurants you want to eat at months before you even set foot in the parks. Advance dining reservations can be made up to 60 days before your trip. Disney hotel guests can make them 60 days in advance of their arrival date plus the length of their stay.

It’s important to set a reminder on your calendar for the day dining reservations open up for you so that you can go online and make your reservations as early as possible. The most popular restaurants often book up fast and even some less popular spots can go fast with so many people visiting during this time of year.

It’s important to note that some restaurants may require a credit card to hold the reservation, and there may be cancellation fees for no-shows or cancellations made less than two hours in advance. Be sure to check the specific policies for each restaurant when making your reservations.

And, when it comes to Disney World’s quick service restaurants, you can also benefit from planning ahead. When you’re in the parks, we recommend choosing to eat at places that offer Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app. This feature allows you to order and pay for your food in advance, so you can skip the line and pick up your food when it’s ready. Just keep in mind that even mobile ordering pick-up windows can book up when the parks are busy, so consider ordering before everyone in your party is ready to eat for a later pick-up time so that you don’t have to deal with any hangry family members when it’s time to eat.

Packing Essentials for a Spring Break Trip to Disney World

When packing for your Spring Break trip to Disney World, it’s important to bring the right essentials to ensure you’re ready for anything. You likely won’t want to be making multiple trips a day between your hotel and the parks due to the crowds (which often means longer wait times for Disney transportation), so you want to be sure that you’ve thought through everything you need before you leave. Here are some must-have items to pack for your trip.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Central Florida weather can be unpredictable – yes, even in March and April! So, it’s important to pack clothing that will keep you comfortable in different weather conditions. During the day, you can usually expect temperatures to reach the mid-80s, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. You should also pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

In the evenings, temperatures can drop to the mid-60s, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater to have on hand. It’s also a good idea to pack rain gear, including a poncho or umbrella, as rain showers are common during the spring months.

Essential Gear for Park Days

When spending the day at the Disney World parks, there are a few essential items you should bring with you to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This includes:

• Comfortable shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that provide good support. Pack a pair that you’re used to walking long distances in and be sure you have comfortable socks to go with them!
• Backpack or bag – Bring a backpack or bag to carry your essentials, such as sunscreen, snacks, and water bottles. A larger bag can also come in handy for storing any souvenirs you might buy along the way.
• Water bottle – Staying hydrated is important – especially in the Florida sun! So, bring a refillable water bottle to fill up at the park’s water fountains and your hotel.
• Portable phone charger – With all the photos and videos you’ll be taking and how much you’ll be using the My Disney Experience app to keep track of your plans, your phone battery can drain quickly. Bring a portable phone charger to keep your phone charged throughout the day.

How to Save Money on Disney World Tickets and Accommodations During Spring Break

Let’s face it, Disney World can be pretty expensive, especially during peak seasons like Spring Break. However, with a little bit of planning and research, you can still find ways to save money on your Disney World tickets and accommodations during Spring Break.

• Choose the Right Time to Visit – One of the best ways to save money on Disney World tickets and accommodations during Spring Break is to choose the right time to visit. Avoid visiting during peak seasons like Easter and the weeks surrounding it. Instead, consider visiting during the first or last week of March, or the first week of April. You can also save money by visiting on weekdays instead of weekends.
• Look for Package Deals – Another way to save money on Disney World tickets and accommodations during Spring Break is to look for package deals. Many travel agencies and websites offer package deals that include tickets, accommodations, and sometimes even meals. These deals can save you a lot of money compared to purchasing everything separately. 
• Stay at an Off-Site Hotel – Staying at an off-site hotel can also save you money on your Disney World accommodations during Spring Break. Many off-site hotels offer free shuttle service to the parks. And, some even offer complimentary breakfast! Plus, off-site hotels are often less expensive than Disney World hotels and some have the same Disney Resort guest perks like Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours – just check with the hotel before you book to see if they qualify!
• Purchase Theme Park Tickets in Advance – Purchasing your Disney World tickets in advance can also save you money during Spring Break. You can purchase tickets online or through a travel agency, and sometimes you can find discounted tickets. Purchasing tickets in advance can save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket lines at the park.
• Consider Purchasing Annual Passes – If you plan on visiting Disney World multiple times throughout the year, it may be worth considering purchasing an annual pass. Annual passes can save you money on tickets and even on food and merchandise. Plus, annual passholders often get special perks and discounts.

All in all, don’t let the crowds deter you from visiting Disney World for spring break! With a little bit of extra planning and adjusted expectations, you’ll see why so many people say that the spring is one of the best times to visit the parks.

Comments

Have you visited Disney World for Spring Break before? Do you have any other tips or tricks for tackling the crowds? Leave us a comment below to share your expert spring breaker tips.