Early to mid March crowds

Question

I appreciate that no one has a magic ball, but I wondered what the thinking was about how busy WDW will be in the earlier part of March this year given that Easter is so late?

We did visit once before in March and I said never again, but that was when Easter fell much earlier.

Usually now we visit late August but I wanted to do an extra trip to cheer up my Daughter who has been ill. We could travel earlier but she really likes the warmth and Feb looks a bit cool?

Answer

Visiting Walt Disney World in early to mid-March generally means moderate crowds, but the timing of Easter this year can have a noticeable effect. Since Easter falls unusually late, most school spring breaks in the U.S. are spread throughout March rather than concentrated around Easter weekend. This can actually help keep crowds a bit more manageable in the earlier part of March compared to years when Easter is early.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Early March: Usually sees lighter crowds during weekdays, especially the first two weeks, before most schools start spring break. Parks tend to be quieter, making it a good time for shorter wait times on rides.
Mid-March: The crowd level can start increasing as more schools have their spring breaks. Some local Florida schools may also break during this time, bringing more visitors. Expect weekends to be busier than weekdays.
Weather: Early to mid-March in Orlando is typically warm and pleasant, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Nighttime can be cooler, so layers are recommended. It’s warmer than February but generally less humid than later spring months.
Special events: Keep an eye out for events such as runDisney races or EPCOT festivals, as these can increase crowds on specific days.

Tips for managing your visit:

Try to plan park days for weekdays rather than weekends to avoid local visitors.
Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane passes if you want to reduce wait times, especially as mid-March crowds increase.
Check park hours in advance; some attractions may have shorter hours early in the month but generally increase closer to mid-March and spring break.
Arrive early in the morning; rope drop can be one of the best ways to experience popular rides with minimal wait.

Overall, early to mid-March is usually a favorable time for a visit, balancing decent weather with moderate crowds. If your daughter enjoys warmth, March will likely feel pleasantly comfortable without the intense heat and humidity of summer.