The first decision we have to make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation is choosing when we want to go. There isn’t a wrong time to be in the magic of Walt Disney World; however, some times of year might be better or worse for your family.
For those that love the holidays, visiting between September and December is a beautiful time of year. If you prefer lower crowds, skipping March to April is important for avoiding spring break crowds. Three day weekends such as President’s Day, Labor Day, and Memorial day also bring larger crowds to the Parks. We have various tips and tricks for when to visit Walt Disney World throughout the year on How to Disney if you are looking for more information.
In 2023, the month that surprisingly might turn out to be the craziest month of the year at Walt Disney World is April. We will explore why April 2023 might be the craziest month to visit Walt Disney World this year.
Spring Break Crowds
The first week of April often sees larger crowds as schools wrap up spring break. Although this week isn’t as busy as mid-March will be, expect to have larger crowds and groups. Spring break brings a lot of families and school groups to the area as they celebrate sunshine at Walt Disney World.
Easter Weekend
Easter Weekend 2023 will be April 9. This weekend sees larger crowds as many schools tie in their spring break to Easter weekend. Be aware that this weekend typically sees the busiest Parks in April. Consider enjoying more Resort time or purchasing Genie+ to help navigate the crowds.
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
April will also bring crowds to EPCOT as Guests continue to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival. Even though is starts March 1 and runs through July 5, many Guests use this month to enjoy the festival offerings. From new food booths to live entertainment, Flower and Garden is a popular and beautiful festival.
Saying Goodbye- April 2
Another reason April will be busy this year is that two nighttime shows will wrap up on April 2. In Magic Kingdom, Disney Enchantment will be lighting up the nightsky one last time on April 2. This show was brought in along with the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Even though it got mixed reviews from many, we are surprised it had such a short run.
Over at EPCOT, we aren’t as surprised to see Harmonious also leaving on April 2. Many Guests love the show and the message that is brought along with the songs, projections, and fireworks; however, the barges in the middle have caused many complaints. We won’t be sad to see the barges leave the World Showcase Lagoon as we miss this beautiful, unobstructed view.
Many Guests who are fans of these two shows will be hitting up the Parks at the beginning of April to ensure they experience the show one more time before they are replaced. If you too want to see these two shows one last time, consider booking a dining package in EPCOT or a dessert party over in Magic Kingdom to avoid the large crowds.
Welcome Back-April 3
Since Harmionus and Disney Enchantment are leaving, we will see the return of two new shows to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Disney has announced the EPCOT Forever will be returning on April 3 to the World Showcase Lagoon. Although this nightitme show isn’t as spectacular as Illuminations, many passionate EPCOT fans love how the show pays tribute to the history of the Park.
Also, coming back on April 3 will be Happily Ever After. This beloved show will bring a large crowd to Magic Kingdom as Guests want to see this fantastic nighttine show. Not only will the beloved song be back, but new projections and details have also been added. Like many Disney fans, we can’t wait to see Happily Ever After light up the sky in Magic Kingdom again. This show will be extremely popular, so look into those dessert parties to avoid the large crowds.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ- Toy Story Land
Disney finally announced that the long awaited Roundup Rodeo BBQ would open March 23 for Guests. This new table service restaurant will bring Guests into the fun of Andy’s backyard even more as they see the world through Andy’s eyes.
We will see increased crowds throughout Toy Story Land as Guests try out this new restaurant. Dining reservations are already available, so make sure you are making those ahead of time if this is an experience you want to enjoy.
TRON Lightcycle Run- Magic Kingdom
The biggest reason we will see large crowds in April is the opening of the long awaited Tron Lightcycle Run. This new E-ticket coaster will be welcome all Guests starting on April 4. If you haven’t gotten you Park Pass Reservations yet for Magic Kingdom, we highly recommend doing that now as we anticipated them booking soon.
Guests can ride Tron Lightycycle Run starting April 4 using a virtual queue or through Individual Lightning Lanes. No standby queue will be used when the ride opens. There will be two drops for the virtual queue at 7 am and 1 pm. Those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can book your Individual Lightning Lane at 7 am, whereas those staying off property must wait until Magic Kingdom opens.
We have been waiting years for this new coaster, and now that an opening date as been announced, we know that April will bring big crowds as Guests want to experience it as soon as possible.
Those are why we think that April might be the craziest month in Walt Disney World this year. If you are heading down to the magic, check out our top ways to avoid crowds HERE to prepare you for a magical time.
