1st trip to DW in Feb '07

[Iowaswete]

I am new to the group boards here. I am planning my first ever trip to DW during the first week of Feb for my 6 yr old daughter and I. Does anyone have any tips for a first timer?? Are the parks usually overly crowded during this time of year??

 

[mdhkitten]

Congratulations on your first trip! I'm going again in November and it will be my 30th time to go, and my dd's 3rd time (she's 2). Can you tell that once you go you may get hooked? I went the first week in February in 2003 and it was actually the best trip I've had in terms of weather and crowds. The crowds were non-existent for the most part, and the weather was in the 70's during the day (I work shorts and tank tops), and at night was cool (we had to bring clothes for both warm and cold weather). I know that the weather can be funny at that time of year there, so you'll just need to come prepared for whatever. Did you need help planning anything specifically? Have fun, and let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[Scraper]

You are lucky to have found the Dis before your first trip. There is alot if info here. My tip would be to try and get to the parks early that is when lines are low. Use your fast passes and take a break in the afternoon. Have a Magical trip.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, Iowaswete.

I too found the DIS before my first trip, back in '99 (well, a business convention in '98 was my first). Our '99 trip was our family trip and even though my first (hope to be back in Dec for my 16th, I think it is), it was as if I had been there 10 times before because of all I learned here on the DIS. All my subsequent trips have been solo, my family did not get bit by the Mouse, LOL.

Ask lots of questions, visit the various planning boards here on the DIS. After a few weeks, maybe take a look at TourGuide Mike (banner at top of board here), he has a very good service. It can be a bit daunting at first, but you have a good time to learn. It's fun.

 

[mecllap]

You will find lots of good info in the forums here, and on intercot.com. and on allearsnet.com -- search on hints and tips, and any topics that interest you.
#1 tip -- plan, but don't overplan -- WDW is huge and you will not be able to do everything (altho you are going at a "low crowd" time, which will help).
#2 -- use PhotoPass a lot (you can search on that to learn more about it) -- skip a TS (table service) meal if you need to in order to have the $99 to buy the CD -- that way you and DD (dear daughter) can be in lots of photos together.
It can help you get better tips if you say how long you're going, where you're staying, will you have a car, and any special info you need.
Have a great trip (am sure you will!).

 

[mecllap]

I just asked my DGS (who was 6 on last trip, will be 7 for next one) what his #1 tip would be for you and he said (for your DD) -- "Always stick with your parents"!!!
It can be useful to point out a cast member (CM) every day, and tell your daughter that's who to look for if you do get separated, and have your cell phone number on her somewhere (some people do actually write on the child, most use notes in pockets or on shoes).

 

[jess20k]

I love going the first week of Feb. The crowds are low, and it is not hot and humid! The weather can vary though. It is usually really chilly in the early morning and at night, but unless it is unseasonably colde, the days are usually in the 70's. Also, it doesn't rain much this time of the year. Just be sure to pack clothing for both warm and cooler weather. But, overall it is a great time to go either the first or second week of Feb. after that it starts to get crowded again.

 

[I Believe n Fairies]

We got back from our first trip last week. I must tell you, we're hooked as a family. We all cannot wait to go back again. This board was a wealth of information for me, and still is! Read all you can, but do not let it overwhelm you, Disney can do that to you. Pick a price point and go from there.

Check the disboards often. You could check them daily like I do I also bought the Unofficial Guide to Disney with Kids. It was also a great help in the planning process.

Also, realize that you are not going to be able to do everything in one trip. We barely scratched the surface of all WDW has to offer. That's why we know that we will be back. The place is so beautiful, you'll get goosebumps walking down Main Street in Magic Kindgom, at least we did.

HAVE fun planning. There is nothing to stress over. I CANNOT WAIT to be back at my happy place.

 

[Chester's Mum]

I was there Jan 30-Feb 9/06 with my dd and ds. Crowds were really low, the weather was good but cool. Its way more fun touring parks when it's not too hot out. We had one day of rain (buckets and buckets), but it didn't bother us much.

Take full advantage of the photopass photographers, I think you can get a cd of all of your pictures at the end of your vacation (costs about $100, but I really think its worth it). We regret not using them more last trip. The pictures they did take were excellent, and they add little things like characters in the background and stuff.

Remember to take your time, and enjoy all of the magic. Its a really special trip to take with your child (or children). I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Iowaswete]

Thanks for the tips everyone Im sooooo excited. My daughter doesnt know yet. Im trying to keep it a surprise until the day we leave. But she has seen the travel books I have bought so she knows something is up.

We will be there for a week...arriving on a Saturday and leaving on a Saturday. Staying at the All-Star Movie Resort....Im not sure about the transportation system.....Would renting a car be a good idea?? Thats what one of the travel books suggested if staying in the Value Resorts.

 

[debster812]

We will be there for a week...arriving on a Saturday and leaving on a Saturday. Staying at the All-Star Movie Resort....Im not sure about the transportation system.....Would renting a car be a good idea?? Thats what one of the travel books suggested if staying in the Value Resorts.

Personally, and this is just my opinion, for your first trip, I would NOT rent a car. You've never been before, so in essence, you don't know what you're missing.

We've been 2x in February, and we quite enjoy that time of year, with the exception of President's Day weekend, the crowds are very low.