crowd calendar ... when to go??

[txdisneymama]

I am stumped and could use some feedback. I usually use a crowd calendar (not sure if I'm allowed to name the site) to plan our visits. I typically try to stick to the 2 (out of 10) to 5 range. Even with those "low" numbers, the parks seem quite crowded to me. We last went the first weekend of October and while the line waits weren't long, everything else seemed quite packed (monorail, walkways, etc.). So if this was a slow week, I can't imagine a busy week!

We are planning our next trip for February. If I go 2/23 - 2/28, the crowd calendar calls for low crowds. But I will have to go alone with my 3 kiddos (ages 9, 7 and 4). (Husband can't go bc of work, and frankly, he's not a huge Disney guy, so I kind of enjoy going without him.) I've done it twice before, but only with 2 of the 3 kids at a time. I honestly don't mind being on my own, for the most part. The downside to being on my own is that the bigger kids (and I!) won't be able to ride a lot of the rides we like because of the little one (she's kind of a scaredy cat). If I go the week before, 2/16 - 2/21, the crowd calendar calls for large crowds ... it's President's week and the Princess Half Marathon. But, my in laws could accompany me that week bc my MIL will be out for school break.

I can't decide what to do! Risk the high crowds and have help, or enjoy the lower crowds and manage the kids on my own? I'm just scared that if I go the busy week, I will be wanting to murder someone because it will be so busy.

Any thoughts from those who have seen both the busy times and the down times?

 

[Boopuff]

I've only got two kids and the first time I went they were 3 & 5 we were there in January (pre-tour group era) and I brought my parents. Two kids, 4 adults worked perfect! The next time we went the girls were 8 & 10 and that was over New Years (very busy) but I had my hubby along. I'd totally go with extra hands (bathroom, drifting off....) Good luck and have a blast!

 

[anniemae]

Definitely with the help!! It would be more fun to have the extra hands IMO, plus nice to have some adults to talk to and let you have breaks. Plus, you can ride more rides. Just have a good plan!

 

[kandb]

I would never go during Presidents week/marathon weekend, it will be packed. Can the inlaw's come a different weekend that isn't President's weekend? Even with extra hands, Presidents weekend will be mobbed.

 

[Canuck16]

Slow times are always our first choice to go if at all possible.

 

[Tondee]

Slow week but it depends on you. Do you want to handle the children by yourself? Do what will make you happy. It can be such a long day. How well do you know the parks? I guess it really comes down to your comfort level. I wish your in-laws were available another week. I dislike heavy crowds at Disney.

 

[Baklava]

Normally I'd be lobbying for slow times no matter what, but the fact is going alone with the kids will cost you- and them- the ability to ride certain things.

 

[txdisneymama]

Thanks for the replies! I think I needed to hear what kandb had to say about Presidents week. I have done the solo parent thing at Disney twice and I really don't mind it. The only issue was in October when my 4 year old was going through a scared phase and didn't want to ride any of the dark rides. I think when it comes down to it, my gut is telling me that the crowds would bother me more than being on my own with the kids.

Unfortunately my IL's can only do Presidents week because of my MILs teaching job. I just had an idea, though ... maybe I could leave the youngest with a sitter for a half day and we could knock out all the rides at MK that she won't do. Now I need to research child care!