Orlando in April.How different will it be for someone used to visiting in winter?
From Sandro Giometti
Hi there,Posted March 7, 2010 at 1:40 PM I've been lurking around the site for a few years, and this is my first post. The advice I've read here has been invaluable so far. This year I'm taking my family to Orlando for our yearly visit in April. This is the first time we go in spring as in past years we usually timed our trip to coincide with the Miami Marathon (Late January). This year we will only be able to stay for 8 days, so I guess my usual visit everything until I drop routine will have to change. What should I expect? How are the crowds past april 15th? What about the weather? Any chance of Harry Potter being on soft open? By the way, does anyone have a list of toddler friendly attractions? My 3 year old will probably be a lot more active this year, and I hope to fit my park visits so that he gets to enjoy them also.
Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond. From Sylvain Comeau
According to my copy of the Econoguide travel guide to WDW, the second and third weeks of April are very busy due to spring break crowds. However, the parks do close later than in the winter months, with more night time events like parades and fireworks. Posted March 7, 2010 at 2:15 PM As for Harry Potter, my guess is that it will be opening in May or June. But of course, that's just a guess. Hope that helps!
From Bob Miller
Sandro, I've never been to Orlando during April, but I also think it would be crowed. As far as you 3 year old son, there are a number of things to do, like parades with Mickey and company.Posted March 7, 2010 at 4:33 PM Most rides at Disney are kid friendly, although Disney will not allow your son to sit on your lap during a ride, he must be able to sit on the seat. Like on Buzz, you could let him have the inside gun, while you sat with your arm around him. Just tell him to shoot at all the bad guys, and then tell him how great he did after the ride, even if he didn't hit anything. If he's into meet and greet events, there's plenty of them at every park. Then there's the train ride, plus all the rides in Fantasyland. Take plenty of photos and video, because he probably won't remember his trip. Have fun, and enjoy yourself.
From Sandro Giometti
I was hoping that by the second half of April the crowds would have died out. I though spring break would be over by then and summer holidays would still be a while.Posted March 7, 2010 at 5:41 PM
From Anthony Murphy
Its warmer, of course.Posted March 7, 2010 at 5:58 PM I have been there the first week of April and it was very crowded. Mainly the reason is because many Floridians get a three day weekend for Easter and the Flower and Garden show at EPCOT. Still, I would go, just do not be suprised!
From James Rao
How are the crowds past April 15th?Posted March 7, 2010 at 5:58 PM The Spring Break crowds should start to die down after the 11th of April. It will still be crowded, but manageable. What about the weather? Any chance of Harry Potter being on soft open? By the way, does anyone have a list of toddler friendly attractions?
From Bob Miller
Speaking of showers James, I remember going to the Disney area with my daughter on a 28 day extended vacation and it rained about 24 of those days. It wasn't one of those quick kind of thunderstorms, but the all day kind of rain.Posted March 7, 2010 at 8:10 PM With that in mind Sandro, you might want to plan some attractions that are indoor as a back up. I'm glad I did, so our trip wasn't completely messed up.
From Anthony Murphy
All Disney parks except for EPCOT are very toddler friendly. It just really depends what your toddler likes to do. I leave EPCOT off because there really is only one attraction for Toddlers.Posted March 7, 2010 at 9:08 PM For sure, go to Magic Kingdom, but DHS has some really great shows and Animal Kingdom has alot of Animal Exibits which are usually a big hit with kids!
From Amanda Jenkins
Sorry Anthony, but there are three things at Epcot a toddler can ride that don't require height restrictions: Spaceship Earth, The Living Seas with Nemo, and The Three Caballeros starring Donald Duck. Possibly, even the boat ride in Norway. I can't remember if there is a height reqirement on that or not. Posted March 8, 2010 at 11:25 AM If your toddler is like mine, then you may also be able to do Soarin. It is a 42in reqirement. My two year old little boy is now a lttle over 42 inches without shoes on! Can't wait to take him back. My five year old is currently at the 47 1/2 inch mark without shoes. Oh the things we will ride.
From Bob Miller
Gosh Amanda, now your getting as bad as James for thinking of your children in inches. lol Just kidding, I did the same thing with my daughter and now my grandson. I guess all us ride junkies are all the same. Zachary's 54 1/4 inches, just enough to make it on the big guy rides, finally, after 11 years of waiting.Posted March 8, 2010 at 8:02 PM
From Charles Reichley
I'm watching the responses, because we're going to Orlando in August -- my kids are older teens, so the only question is if they are too large for some rides. Posted March 9, 2010 at 3:57 PM I'm hoping that we can hit the 5 big rides in each universal park without needing more than a day to do so, although I might get my kids the 3-day pass if they want to go back a 3rd day while my wife and I relax at the resort and do a timeshare tour.
From Tyler Bell
Its usually crowded un april,it may be very crowded at Universal because the Wizarding World of Harry Potter could possibly openPosted March 9, 2010 at 6:06 PM
From Sandro Giometti
It seems my schedule is almost set:Posted March 11, 2010 at 2:20 PM Will arrive in Orlando late April, hoping for low crowds, but prepared for the worst. I've been going there every year now for the past 4 years, so I won't mind skipping a few attractions and just head straight to the ones I like. This year I vow to arrive before the parks open. For my 3 year old, I'm thinking Islands of Adventure (he loves Dr. Seuss), and my 11 year old can enjoy Hulk and Dueling Dragon. Magic Kingdom is likely next, as I can't see myself skipping the park. Even if I end going there for only half a day. I'm considering skipping AK and head over to Busch Gardens, I love the coasters there, and they might have the new Sesame Street section, that would cater to both kids. Either way the animals will sure entertain my youngest. Universal and sea wold are probably on the menu, as well as DHS, but I'm still working this out.
From James Rao
Just be careful on that Busch Gardens trip as Kumba is supposed to be down for repairs in late April/May.Posted March 12, 2010 at 4:18 AM
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