Spring Break Season! March 2021 and early April 2021 are typically a BUSY time to visit Walt Disney World. The crowds will remain Heavy to Insane through the entire month due to a variety of school spring breaks. Be sure to follow my recommendations here on the Disney World Crowd Calendar for March 2021.
The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins in March and runs until Late May and it creates a slight increase in crowds, but affects Epcot more on the weekends than at other times. The concert lineup for Garden Rocks haven’t been announced yet. It’s rare that rides are closed during this month, but check my Attraction Refurbishment page closer to your date to verify. We do know that the Walt Disney World Railroad and Tomorrowland Speedway will be closed.
While March 2019 is typically busy, you can manage them with good touring plans and Fastpass+ usage. I’ve set touring records during some of the busiest days, so I know what I’m talking about. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, rise early on your Magic Kingdom day and take advantage of the early opening of the Magic Kingdom.
Avoid the trap of visiting a park on its longest hours day. More people will be there and the wait times can be 30% to 100% higher than other days.
What will the weather be like during your March trip?
- Average high temperature: 78°F
- Average low temperature: 54°F
- Mean temperature: 66°F
- Record high temperature: 92°F (1963)
- Record low temperature: 25°F (1980)
- Average Precipitation: 4.01 in.
Weather in Orlando in March tends to be mild, but evenings can feel chilly, so bring a hoodie or jacket. It still rains some times, but not like it does here in the summer.
Should I use Extra Magic Hours privilege?
(This information is not valid during the Covid-19 recovery) If you are a Disney World hotel guest who is planning to use Extra Magic Hours, use the morning ones. The morning ones are a great benefit, if you leave after lunch or parade time. Avoid the parks that offer evening Extra Magic Hours because they have large crowds at night and many rides have long lines (Hollywood Studios and Epcot). I used to recommend the Magic Kingdom late EMH, but only the final hour has any benefit. If you choose a Late Extra Magic Hour park, you should plan to sleep in the next day.
A note on Fastpass+ Booking(This information is not valid during the Covid-19 recovery) Fastpass+ can be booked 60 days in advance for ONSITE guests and 30 days in advance for OFFSITE guests and Annual Passholders. You can begin booking them at 7am Eastern Time. The booking dates are included on my Disney Crowd Calendar below. |
Special April Events at Walt Disney World
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To read the crowd level, follow the DATE at the top! The best park each day is marked in GREEN. |
| Lowest Crowds |
| Low Crowds / Best Park |
| Moderate Crowds / Median Park |
| Busy Crowds |
| Insane Crowds / Worst Park |
Includes all entertainment options, weather and Fastpass/Dining booking dates!
Be sure to print in landscape mode with background image turned on!
If you are viewing on a desktop/laptop, you will see a week at a time with all the full details. It is printable. If you are on mobile, it will show in mobile format that will stream down the page. You must subscribe to Character Locator in order to see more than one day at a time..
My March 2020 Crowd Calendar includes park hours, Extra Magic Hours, special entertainment options, 180 Days Dining Window, 60 and 30 Day Fastpass+ Booking Windows!
Disney World Crowd Calendar March 2021
I’m also confused, going to DHS on 3/15. It’s listed as a best park day, but has evening EMH?
I am going to Disney world in March 27th to April 2nd
I switched our HS day from Saturday 3/14 to Sunday 3/15 because of added evening extra magic hours. Also gave up 2 fast passes for Smuggler’s Run. You have HS listed as the best day on the crowd calendar. Was this a good switch? Should I switch back? TIA!
EMH are not a benefit, they attract much larger crowds
NP thanks!
Kenny, you have Sunday March 15th listed as having early morning magic from 8-9am at HWS on your crowd calendar, but Disney does not show this extra magic hour.. Is this on there in advance of knowing Disney will be updating soon? Has Disney just been slow at plugging this change in on their end?
It used to be Early, but they changed to Late, when I updated it, it did not remove the Early ones. Thanks for pointing this out. I have fixed the issue.
just booked the last week in March 2020 at WDW/ How does one get into the Rise of the Resistance? Does not seem like there are any fast passes for this.
https://www.kennythepirate.com/2019/12/09/complete-guide-to-star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance-boarding-groups/
Kenny, I was looking at coming on Monday March 23 for the Disney After Hours at the MK. That night is available for purchase on the WDW website stating the event takes place from 10-1 AM, but you only have After Hours at MK listed for that Friday night. Am i missing something? I don’t want to make plans to come for that Monday night if After Hours isn’t availslbe
Thanks for making me aware of this issue. I noticed that many dates were switched and went through and edited them all from January through June.
You don’t have overall crowd levels listed for 3/8/2020 to 3/10/2020? what do you think those will be? thanks!
Updated, sorry!
do you have any idea when the flower garden starts – we want to go early march – 7 -11 – but i want to make sure it will be running at that time – thanks!
When will you release the first week of March 2020?
I have a question? On days that a park has after hours, will the day time crowds be high? We are going to animal kingdom the Wednesday the 27th. Should I try for Thursday instead?
Those events have no effect on the park
Thank you! Where do I find your Priority Guide?
http://www.characterlocator.com rides tabs
Thanks. But I can’t see spending any more money for recommendations on what is going to clearly be a mess of a day. Thank you for your time.
Wouldn’t be a mess for me, but enjoy your trip.
Hi Kenny – We are going to Magic Kingdom with our 5 year old on March 8th, apparently the worst possible day to go. Do you have any suggestions on how to make this a little less terrible for us? We have fastpasses for Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear and Meet Mickey.
Improve buzz FP to something better on my priority guide, use my Tap, Grab and Modify strategy and arrive before rope drop
We are visiting Mk one day between March 9 to 12…which day do you recommend ?
You’ll see that on March calendar
So, March 10. How do you arrive at your predictions? Hoping for a smaller crowd on a Sunday..
Spring break season. Insane crowds. Be prepared with good.plans from Character Locator and you can still do well
Would we be better off going to Epcot in terms of a smaller crowd?
Green park is best. Red is worst
Hi Kenny,
Our family will be at WDW from March 16th – 22nd (I know it will be busy with spring breaks, etc. but it is the only time that worked for us..).
We are planning on going to Hollywood Studios on Monday the 18th. Our thoughts were to try and grab a fastpass+ for the Slinky dog dash from 9-10am….then be there before rope drop (which is currently 9am) and head straight to Toy story land in hopes of getting on the Alien saucer ride without too long of a wait time – then use the fastpass for the dog dash.
The only issue is that there is also Early Morning Magic that morning at Toy Story Land from 7:30-9am.
Based on this event happening…will there already be too much of a crowd there? Is it a good idea to start there first thing or will it be too busy and I should just start some where else?
Thanks
You’ll have no issues
Perfect thanks!
Most of the people doing EMM will opt to only ride ASS once; they’ll be done there before you get there.
Hi Kenny I am looking at the dates March 26-28th of 2019 at Disney World and I noticed the 26 & 28 are green low crowds however at the very top it says Heavy Crowds High School & College Spring Break Training? I’m a little confused is it expected to be low or heavy? What is the training? Also is Wednesdays busier because of the extended hours? Thank You! Great information I appreciate it!
Lisa
Crowd level is at the TOP. Best, Median or Worst parks are in lower sections
Spring Training is Atlanta Braves
March 28th 2019 you have as a green day for Magic Kingdom. Does this hold firm with that also being a “Disney After Hours” party night?
Yes
When would you expect to have the crowd calendar out for Aril/May 2019.. thank you
Hi Kenny! Just printed out your March crowd calendar for our trip and noticed that the Festival of Fantasy parade is showing 3:00am from 3/1-3/10. Just wanted to let you know! Thanks for ALL that you do! Can’t wait to plan out our park days/dining with your calendar!
That’s the early parade lol
I know you post 6.5 months out, is there an anticipated day you expect to release the March, 2019 crowd calendar?
We are starting to plan our trip for March 26th through April 5th 2019. When does WDW come out with their calendar for Extra Magic Hours as well as when you will have your crowd calendar for next year? Your site was extremely helpful when we planned our first trip two years ago and all our planning worked out perfectly and would like to do the same thing again.
I post that 6.5 months out.
Hello I keep checking every day for the frozen dessert party April 1 2018. There are no available times at all. Did they discontinue it?
They usually only publish that a month at a time. I’ve not heard of a closing date.
since Easter is later in 2019 do you think crowds will still be heavy the second week of March 2019? trying to decide when to go in March the 2nd or 3rd week. thanks for your help
Any chance you have any insight to the frozen ever after dessert party at Epcot being available in March 2018? Is Epcot just too busy with the festivals to have this again until May/June 2018?
All those dessert things get added on later.
Hi! Due to school schedules, we need to choose between march 12-17 and Memorial Day week. Our top priority is better wait times, but I see so many conflicting “crowd tables” for March/May. What’s your call? And do we only get magic bands if we stay at a Disney resort? Thanks!
Crowd prediction is at the top of each day. “Heavy Crowds”
Yes, you only get free MagicBands with resort stay. You can purchase them though.
Hi Kenny we are booked for march 2-10. It shows MK closing at 8pm most nights. Do you foresee that time changing to a later time? Thanks!
Times will change by the time we reach March
Do you think MK will have hours until 1 am the week of March 11, 2018? Hoping for a late night at MK.
Can’t predict that
I’ll work on that soon. Thx
This is what I was trying to reply to – has this changed?
Has this changed or still happens?
Has what changed?
Booking one night but being able to do FP for entire length of ticket.
You’ll only be able to pick fp one day unless you’re an annual passholder
You do have a wealth of information here! Do you expect to see any early morning EMH for Magic Kingdom during the week of March 25 – March 31?
It’s typical that they move park opening back an hour during that time period, but could be a while before it is official
Thanks for your site. It’s full of great information. Do you think that there will be Disney After Hours during the first week of March 2018? My son and hubbie are looking forward to those. Thanks!
Ana
No, they cancelled that program
Thank you… Any chance that there will be a a Star Wars spectacular in March 2018?
I cannot predict that far in the future, but it’s likely
Wow!! Your site is so detailed, and you have awesome information! Thank you for sharing it!!!
Quick question: Based on previous years, would you recommend the first week of March or the first week of May for 2018?
May is usually lower crowds
Hi Kenny, I was looking at the calendar for week of march 12-18. On Tuesday the 14th, it says the park crowd for Epcot is a “median day”, but is highlighted in red. I was not sure if it was suppose to be a busy/worst day, or just the incorrect colour was used. I’m planning on attending on that day, and hoping it’s a “yellow day” thanks so much!
Sorry should have read Worst park. Corrected
This is a great service – thank you for doing it. We have resident weekday annual passes, which give us the liberty of not feeling like we need to spend all day at a park and tire ourselves out. So you help us steer away from the worst parks on the days we decide to go.
One little thing – are the weather details updated less often? It seems like the temps for next week (Mar 5-11) are lower than what my local long range forecast shows. Mind you, I will love it if the highs are in the 60s!
Thanks again.
It updates daily. Long range forecasts are always worthless here.
Hey Kenny the first week of March it states Once Upon a time at 9:45pm for MK but the next week it isn’t at all. Is this something new or is it ending March 4th? TIA
They typically schedule that a month or two in advance. Could be added later.
Hello,
We are staying offsite 3/11 – 3/18 but purchased one night – 3/14- in the cheapest hotel available to have access to earlier fast pass, extra magic hours and magic bands – plus saving $40 on parking for those two park days (check in and check out) made the hotel very inexpensive. We were pleasantly surprised that we were able to make fast pass for the entire week 60 days out despite only ‘staying’ one night in the park. Do you think this was a glitch or is this how they do things? We got great fast pass reservations and would do this again any time we stayed off site.
Pretty typical
Hey Kenny, I will be heading to DW at the end if March. Which park do you suggest on a Friday for lowest amount of crowds?
You’ll find that by checking the March Calendar link on the Crowd Calendar page
Hi Kenny :) Thanks for some great advice.
I was wondering, what is the likelihood that Fantasmic will be showing every night in the beginning of March 2017? I’m playing the game of (trying to plan) which-day-where (We’ll either be going to the HS on a Friday or Monday), and I know my SO really wants to see the show. I’ve read conflicting reports on the days, so I wanted to know if you had any insight as to their dates.
I would say it is highly likely to see Fantasmic nightly. It will be updated as we get closer
I’m bummed that the late nights at AK are going away & are reflected in your park hours for March 2017. I appreciate your work on updating all of this & look forward to using your advice next year. I’m also keeping my ears open for any word on Club Villain returning after Halloween. How likely would that be, in your opinion?
Preliminary. Park hours always change. Club Villain should be around for Halloween.
Hi Kenny. Just noticed “Special February Events at Walt Disney World” on this March page. Thanks for all of your work!!
Hmmm
Okay, I leave for Disney 1 week from today and still no mention of 7 am openings for Magic Kingdom. There has been talk that Disney has been calling people warning them that March 28th through March 30th at Magic Kingdom will be insanely crowded so they might want to change the park they are going to because there will be no fastpasses left. Even though I know how to tour the park I am freaking out about no 7am openings on the second busiest time of year! Do you think Magic Kingdom will hit capacity on March 29th and if it does, can we get back in around 5 if we leave at noon? We are on property for just one night so that we can get Magic Kingdom fastpass.Do you think the 7 30 BOG ressies they added are an indication of more EMHs to come? How much longer do I have to wait to finalize plans? The clock is ticking! I am room mom for teacher appreciation week at my sons’ school next week. This is a planning nightmare!
I should go visit and show that a good plan always beats crowds :)
Hey Kenny, am I interpreting your calendar correctly? The days marked insane crowds will be busy at all the parks, but whichever park is green on that day will be the least insane though still more crowded then on a day that overall isn’t predicted to be as crowded.
Yes, that would be an accurate description
Hello, we were originally going on March 4th, but plans changed, so now we are going on the 14th or 15th? Do you think Monday or Tuesday would be a better day at the park? Is it super crowded at that time? Thank you for your help! :)
Which park?
Disneyworld
Which park in Disney World?
Hi Kenny. Do you know what is going on with the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios for March? You can book the dessert party, but the fireworks time is unavailable. I’m looking at March 3rd. Thanks
Fireworks will continue until at least summer, but they haven’t released schedule yet
Do you expect the regular park opening times for MK and AK to switch to 8am from March 12-19th like they did last year?
I also tried to do a search, but do you know when they announced the extended park hours for March last year?
yes. Mid February is update time.
Hello,
I’m curious about March week 2 crowd calendar. I was planning on going to MK on the 9th. Your site says its not a good day but others say it is. I trust your calendar since I see you posting from the parks once a week. Is it because it is open till 11PM? I thought Mondays were a good day to go? Please give me your opinion. I’m in Florida week 2 and 3 but want to do one day MK and one day UN/IOA during week 2 before all my fellow Canadians come for March break. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Monday is always one of the worst days in terms of wait times.
I’m looking at the week of March 20, 2016 and your calendar is showing 8am-9am EMH at MK for all of those days, however, I’m not seeing that on the Disney website. Are you projecting that there will be 8am EMH every day that week or is it set in stone that there will be? We are there that week and I’m trying to plan accordingly. Thanks much
I’d fully expect that to take place. It’s been added and removed 2 times by Disney already.
Ok, thanks so much!!
Kenny, is there anyway to see character palooza times for March 2016 now so I can schedule dinner reservations and fastpass? I am a subscriber to Character Locator. Also is there a reason Fantasmic is not showing up on the crowd calendar?
Anything brewing for Monday February 29th? And any opening set for the Jungle Cruise restaurant?
Nothing announced yet and likely late nov
Magic Kingdom “green” on March 27, 2016 (Easter Sunday)? That’s surprising.
Sundays are always better than Mondays. Easter doesn’t attract a large crowd because very little happens. Just a single pre-parade float
Hi Kenny! We will be there the week after Easter. Magic Kingdom is listed as a red day on Wedsneday March 30th. Ususally Wed is a green day for Magic Kingdom. Do you think the EMH’s will change like last Spring Break last year and be in the morning every day? Also, do you think Disney will change opening hours to 8 am openings that week?
It seems possible that they could indeed at earlier opening and EMH every day. We should know in a couple of months.
I had to schedule our trip for the week before Easter due to my work schedule. I am very stressed about the insane crowds, but I have scheduled each day according to your crowd calendars…and we only are going to “green parks.” (With the exception of our arrival day, Sunday, March 29th…we are going to Typhoon Lagoon after checking in and then going to the Magic Kingdom to eat dinner, use a FP for Enchanted Tales with Belle (my youngest daughter’s Favorite character! So a must do for us.), then Fast Passes for Wishes and the Parade. I figure since we have Fast Passes for the only few things that we have planned that night, we are good. Do you think this is a good plan? Does it make the trip more manageable? I have scheduled all morning Fast Passes for the entire week so we can get the 4th FP fairly soon. Also, we are morning people, so my plan is to arrive at park opening, then return to the resort after lunch to rest, then go back to the park at night to hang out and use the 4th FP. I hope all of my planning keeps the crowd level manageable. I may never be able to take the family for another week long trip to Disney, so I have put a LOT of time and effort into planning, while trying to keep the trip a little flexible….I don’t want to go commando through the parks not taking time to enjoy it.
You’ll be fine with that 3 FP plan.
Hi Kenny its mike it’s been awhile but just wanted to know at character pooliza on March 2nd will there be any meet and greets and has there been any rare greets to look out for?It s actually my brother bringing my niece and they are into the characters also.Wish I was going.
Mike, there’s no way of knowing who will appear on a given day. I tried to track it to see if there was a regular schedule for the characters, but there isn’t. You just have to take what they offer unfortunately.
Hi Kenny – for characterpalooza in March it has 3 times on the calendar listed for certain days – does that mean there will actually be 3 meet and greats that day?
Yup, unless Fantasmic schedules change. If/when they add Fantasmics, the Palooza schedule changes too. I’m about to go through the recent changes to see if anything has changed during the Feb update.
Hi Kenny,
Just wanted to point out that back in mid-December they flipped EMH’s on March 1 & 2, so now HS has PM EMH on Sunday and AK’s EMH has moved to Monday.
Thanks for the message. I updated this information.
March 1 you show the mk 10pm closing the MDE shows 11pm. Thanks pat
I don’t see that. I see Magic Kingdom open until 11 and it’s a yellow park.
Thanks! We will be there the week before Easter. I know, crazy crowds but it’s the only time we can go. Do you know if the new night time show at AK will be up and running by then?
No, they haven’t even begun construction yet.