• On Jan 25, 2019
    Sharmila from MN Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi, Good day. Our family is planning for a trip to Disney in the week of March 4. Could u help me understand if Disney will be crowded that week since it is the week of Mardi Gras.

    Hello, Sharmila! You've asked a million dollar question here, and I'm more than happy to give you my thoughts!

    I grew up in The Big Easy, and my family visited Walt Disney World during Mardi Gras. Most schools in the New Orleans area will have off Monday- Wednesday that week, so that means the crowd level will probably increase during that time. Touring Plans is a subscription-based website, and they have Crowd Calendars that may interest you. There's research that goes into their predictions, but it's partly speculation, too. They also have historical Crowd Calendars, so you could go back and look at Mardi Gras week from 2018 to get an idea of what to expect.

    However, don't fret too much about the crowds, because even a busy day at Walt Disney World is way more fun than anywhere else! My best advice for you is to arrive at the parks 30 minutes before opening (we like to call it Rope Drop). Most people won't get up early, so you'll have shorter lines for the first hour or two. Also, if you're staying on property, take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours in the parks. Another tip is to make your Dining Reservations as soon as possible. You can make them up to 180 days in advance of your trip, and you need to book them that early if you want the most coveted reservations. On the same note, plan to eat your Quick Service meals at off-peak meal times. Finally, schedule some downtime for yourself and your family. Crowds tend to get heavier by mid-day, which is the perfect time to schedule some pool time back at your resort so that everyone can recharge their batteries!

    Sharmila, I know you'll have a great time on your vacation...and remember to check out the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival while you're there!

    Eean
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Meet the Panelist: Eean, Pennsylvania

Hi, I'm Eean from Pennsylvania! My name may be unique, but my love for Disney is something I share with many. I'm the mom who's always ready to sprinkle a little pixie dust at PTO meetings, in the grocery store aisle, or during my monthly Bunco club. Whether it's sharing tips for navigating the parks or helping someone plan their dream trip, I can't resist the chance to make someone's Disney vacation even more magical! Learn More About Eean

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