Better Choice? February or May????

[rarrington]

We were planning a trip for the 1st week of May 2005, and now considering 1st week of February instead as it will be slightly cheaper. Any advice or suggestions as to which time of year may be the best? I've heard that February can be chilly in the evenings, but will we be sweating in May? We'll be traveling with DD5 and DD2. Thanks for your help! This is my first trip since I was a teenager and went in 1986 for a day.

Rosemary

 

[moinab]

The first week of February is unpredictable, weather-wise. We went the first weekend in February this year, and it was a bit cool. The second morning was almost frosty, but warmed up a bit by lunchtime. That was the only day we wore long pants. Otherwise, we wore shorts and fleece pullovers.

The first week of May will certainly be warm, if not hot. May will probably be more crowded, but not by much. I believe the first week of February may be when the cheerleaders are there.

I think it really comes down to if you prefer the temps to be cooler or hotter.

HTH

 

[Wishing on a star]

Bumping this up, as we are also planning on being there the first week of May!!!

I have been in Orlando in late April, and the weather was really great!!! We did Typhoon Lagoon.... I am looking for swimming weather, like 80' to 84'... But not too hot. We are planning Discovery Cove for this trip.

Any others have feedback on this week? Are there any other events, such as the 'cheerleader' thing mentioned?

I have searched for attendance charts... and Feb. is indeed slow... while May shows moderate attendance. I know that when we went to Epcot that last week of April a few years ago, there were no bad waits for anything...

 

[travelin' tigger]

and definitely thought the beginning of May had some of the best weather!!! It was in the 80s and not humid when I was there. Also the Flower & Garden festival is going on with some great concerts. Epcot is totally decked out with a variety of flowers and topiatries.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[chyam]

I would defineately choose early May over Feb. as said the weather in Feb sometimes can be iffy, you may think we are kidding but it can get downright cold, especially with the dampness. I would much perfer to be a little warm than to be chilled. Not only that but the Flower and Garden Festival is really good at EPCOT. And really the humidity doesn't start to really settle in until later in May. May would be a better choice especially if you are interested in the water parks or the resort pool.

 

[rarrington]

Oh Thanks to all who reply! I love hearing personal experiences and appreciate input to help with our planning! Getting so excited about this and yet it's so many months away!!!
Rosemary

 

[KimR]

Another vote for May - IMO, that is the absolute best time to go to WDW. Spring Break crowds are gone but the summer rush has not begun, the weather is warm with low humidity and it seldom rains. Speaking for myself, (I like it warm!), I think February would be too cold. We went in the beginning of April this year and I was surprised by how chilly it was. If it weren't for the kids' school schedule, we'd go in May every year.

 

[bytheblood]

May. Spring Break Crowds are gone and it is not during Peak Season.

 

[Connor&Cody'sMom]

I vote for May. We stayed there in May and it was great. I don't think I would ever go in February because one of the water parks would be closed (one is closed in Nov/Dec and the other in Jan/Feb). My DS's would not stand for that, but your children are younger so this might not matter so much to you. I just think in May you could depend on the weather being warm, where in February you might hit a cold spell. Your girls would be cold all day-no fun! Hope this helps.

 

[Gabrielle]

Another vote for May -- the best month to go, in my humble opinion. The EPCOT flower show is spectacular!

 

[Mamu]

I have been twice in May and twice in February. May has it's advantages warmer weather (one year it was high 90's) Give me the February 70's and the low crowds.

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone early February twice and early May 6 times. I'd pick early May. My one February trip had nice weather (2001) but the second one was cold and rainy (2003). Early May can be hot, it was nice this year but other years it was well into the 90's but not real sticky. The Flower and Garden Festival is great. Also you get later park hours since it gets dark later.

 

[swilphil]

There is another thread saying that May 5, 2005 (and maybe May 4th also) is the 50th Anniversary celebration. There was talk about big crowds and lots of press. You may want to read the thread or check into it.

I personally would like to go in February, just to be able to escape the bleak Midwestern weather.