March, April, and May

Spring is in the Air

Spring means it is time for Spring Break crowds, consequently parts of March and April can be some of the busiest times in the parks, with long lines, high Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass costs, and people everywhere you look. If you are working around a school schedule though, the milder weather and fun of Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival can make this a prime time to go. We recommend making sure you have a game plan and pack your patients though. If you aren’t working to a school schedule and want to go in the spring, we would suggest aiming for early March or May.

March is one of the busiest months of the year as school Spring Breaks bring large crowds to the parks. If you are looking for lower crowd levels this month, the first week can be a great time to go, as this is the week before Spring Breaks tend to start, though you will likely see an uptick in levels toward the end of the week. However, in 2025 Mardi Gras is on March 4th, and Louisiana's Mardi Gras Break can bring an uptick in attendance. The crowd levels typically remain high through the beginning of April with Easter and the end of Spring Break season. Spring Break is a hugely popular time for families to visit the parks because the weather is considerably better than you will find in the summer. Additionally, to compensate for the increased Spring Break crowds, the parks will have longer operating hours, which can work to your advantage if you are an early bird and/or a night owl.

Later April through most of May tends to see lower crowd levels with no school breaks between the end of Spring Breaks until Memorial Day weekend, which is when many schools are wrapping up before Summer Break. By the end of May crowds will have started to pick up for Summer travel as plenty of families like to take their vacation at the beginning of the summer break to take advantage of the holiday time before it gets too hot.

Due to the high demand during the Spring, discounts are not as readily available, but you can sometimes find some deals, especially during the month of May.

The weather in March tends to be quite pleasant, with lows in the upper 50s and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Once you enter April the weather starts to heat up. By the time May rolls around it will start to feel much more like summer, with days getting up into the 90s. You won’t find the blistering summer days of July and August, but it isn’t necessarily pleasant anymore. With the increase in temperatures, the pools and water parks gain more popularity as a way to cool off in the midday heat. If you want to spend time in the water we recommend planning your pool time in the morning, and then going to the parks in the afternoon or evening.

May is also the start of the rainy season, bringing frequent midday showers and resulting wet shoes and socks, so pack accordingly. If it does rain, and you are able to, wait it out or accept getting wet. The rain often clears out the parks and you will be able to get more rides done. However, the rain also closes down some rides, so be aware of that.

Finally, with the spring comes Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival kicks off, which generally runs from March through May. During this festival the park comes alive with beautiful flowers and character topiaries. There are also fun activities, food booths, and a nightly concert to check out.

Pros:

• Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival runs from March through May most years.

• Operating hours are longer during most of March and into April, great for if you want to rope drop a park (get there before park opening), take a midday break to avoid crowds and heat, and then close out the parks in the evening.

• During March and April the weather is warmer but still generally pleasant. Lows in the upper 50s and highs in the upper 70s to upper 80s.

• Less of a chance of a popular ride being closed due to refurbishment during this time of year.

• Later April through most of May, after Spring Break and Easter holiday season are over, the cost of tickets, hotel rooms, and LLMP go down.

• Every Disney resort has multiple pools, one main one and additional smaller quiet pools, that are a great way to cool off during the heat of the day.

• Disney has two great water parks that have great theming and plenty of great attractions to fill a day with. These are a ticket add on, but in 2025 resort packages will include admission to both water parks on arrival day.

Cons:

• Most of March and into April can be quite crowded due to school Spring Breaks and Easter. Plus Mardi Gras is the first week of March in 2025.

• Cost of going is higher as the date-based pricing leads to higher pricings during busy times.

• During March and April there is generally less of a chance of a discount being offered.

• By late April and into May the weather starts to get warm boarding on hot, with average lows in the 60s and highs in the low 90s.

• May is the start of the rainy season, so expect midday showers and bring ponchos/umbrellas, and a backup pair of shoes.

• The pools and the water parks both can get quite busy, so be prepared

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