Spring break is in full swing at Walt Disney World! Spring is a wonderful time to visit Orlando theme parks, with great weather and festivals like EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival and Universal Mardi Gras. Plus, there are many new and returning experiences for 2022! Many people take advantage of all there is to do during this time, making spring break season one of the busiest times to visit the theme parks. Spring break varies from year to year but generally starts in mid-March and runs through Easter week. If you’re planning to visit Disney in the next few weeks, or want to plan a spring break trip for next year, here are a few tips for making sure your trip stays magical.
1. Have a reservation
To enter a Disney theme park, you must have a park reservation using the Disney PASS reservation system in addition to purchasing valid tickets for the day. Parks can reach capacity during spring break, so it’s essential to book your reservations early to make sure they are still available. For this reason, we suggest viewing future park reservation availability before purchasing your tickets. Once you buy your tickets, make your park reservations immediately.
2. Watch the weather
Florida weather in March and April is finicky. There are many days of pure Florida sunshine with low humidity and gentle breezes, but there are also days of clouds and rain. You may experience extreme temperature changes, with highs in the 80s one day and highs in the 50s the next day. Failing to pack sufficiently for various weather conditions may cost your family hundreds of dollars in sweatshirts or rain gear at the parks. Check the forecast and pack accordingly. Then, download a weather app with live radar to get notifications about incoming storms, which will give you time to find a nearby indoor attraction to enjoy while the rain passes. The good news: rain and storms tend to pass quickly!
3. Arrive early
Even if you plan to purchase Lightning Lane passes or Genie+ for attractions you want to experience the most, it is still beneficial to arrive at the parks before they open. This will give you ample time to park and go through security in time for the official park opening. Attractions typically have shorter wait times when the parks first open, so it’s a good time to hit some of the park’s most popular rides before they get crowded. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you get to enter the parks 30 minutes early, every day!
4. Get familiar with My Disney Experience
Park planning has changed with the release of My Disney Experience. Accept that being on your phone will be a part of your trip to set realistic expectations. My Disney Experience is your central planning hub in the parks. It’s where you’ll purchase Genie+, Lightning Lane passes, view the park map, see attraction wait times, find the nearest bathroom, and much more. One of the most valuable ways to save time with My Disney Experience is mobile food ordering. Add your credit card to the app before your vacation, and take advantage of ordering anything from dole whips to hot dogs. Some quick-service dining locations require you to order using mobile ordering, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
5. View new entertainment
Since the beginning of 2022, Disney has added more and more entertainment options. The Festival of Fantasy parade recently returned to Magic Kingdom (with two showings a day!) There are many new shows throughout the parks, including HarmonioUS at EPCOT and Disney Enchantment fireworks at Magic Kingdom. There are also several new character cavalcades and other activities for Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
6. Take advantage of extra experiences
Avoid the parks on the busiest days around spring break by experiencing more fun on Disney property. Play a round of mini-golf at one of two courses on property, or spend a day at a water park. Take a stroll around Disney Springs, soar on the Aerophile balloon, and enjoy some happy hour cocktails. It’s also a great time to experience Disney’s outdoor transportation options, like the Disney Skyliner and ferry boats.
Disney travel tips from Mousekeplanner
We are an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency with over 40 agents who visit the theme parks regularly throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected with the latest theme park travel news, and check out the Mousekeblog for more theme park travel tips.
