Feb vs. Oct...

[muenginerd]

With a very good airline sale going on we figured we could take a trip in February. We were originally planning in going in October next year. What are thoughts on the parks in February? Only other thing we are considering, traveling with our girls they are young so Feb vs. Oct may make the difference. In Feb our oldest would be just over 2 and our youngest will be 14 months. I think I might like to weight another 8 months for them to understand it alittle more.

Pros of Feb.
-airline fare is dirt cheap. We have miles so it would only cost us about $20+ in fees
-weather might be a bit better. We went in September last time and got hit by alot of heat. We're from the midwest so we do cooler temperatures better than warmer temperatures.
-In general are Feb. calendar is much more open than our Oct. Calendar
-low crowds?

 

[ErinsMommy]

When we went in February and for us it was too cool for pools but crowds were very low (just watch for Presidents Day Weekend) and parks are not decorated in anything. October you'll see Halloween decorations, MNSSHP and weather is warmer but also could be more rainy if closer to beginning of month.

 

[CAS239]

I like the parks more in February..crowd and temp wise.

Also take into account if you're going in October you can go to MNSSHP or be aware that MK closes early for guests that aren't attending. So you'll have to take that into consideration

 

[TXHauntedMansionFan]

Crowds and temps are better in Feb. Atmosphere/decorations/Food and Wine Festival in October would swing the decision for us to move to the fall. Heat won't be as terrible if you go later in Oct. Also, like was mentioned, you can hit a Halloween Party if you can afford the $$. It's a blast as well.

 

[Klayfish]

I would wait, simply for the last thing you mentioned...the ages of your kids. That's not to say they wouldn't have fun in February, but at that age, 8 months of time will make a significant difference. Or...do both Feb and Oct!

 

[goofyintoronto]

With a very good airline sale going on we figured we could take a trip in February. We were originally planning in going in October next year. What are thoughts on the parks in February? Only other thing we are considering, traveling with our girls they are young so Feb vs. Oct may make the difference. In Feb our oldest would be just over 2 and our youngest will be 14 months. I think I might like to weight another 8 months for them to understand it alittle more.

Pros of Feb.
-airline fare is dirt cheap. We have miles so it would only cost us about $20+ in fees
-weather might be a bit better. We went in September last time and got hit by alot of heat. We're from the midwest so we do cooler temperatures better than warmer temperatures.
-In general are Feb. calendar is much more open than our Oct. Calendar
-low crowds?

If your not interested in going to mnsshp or F&W, then i'd probably go in February. My sis has been in Feb and she said that it can get quite cool at night. It differs from year to year of course. I'd personally love those temps!!! I dont think i've ever experienced cool temps in FL. The end of Oct is a gorgeous time to go though...weather is perfect. I love F&W and mnsshp so I always pick October. But if youre not interested in those things then I would go in Feb. Keep in mind weekends at F&W are pretty rowdy, a lot of people drinking etc. Not ideal for small kids.

 

[muenginerd]

Thanks everyone! I forgot to mention our last trip was in Oct and we did the full MNSSHP and HHN. Although I would absolutely love doing all that again. I think we decided on October. Even though we would love the low crowds, giving our girls another 8 months to grow everyone would just enjoy it more. This trip will be little before our oldest turns 3, and honestly with two kids and travel expenses it may be awhile before we get them back there again.

 

[dburg30]

Lots lower chance of hurricanes in Feb

 

[Lothlórien]

Love the parks in February.
The weather is fantastic, the crowds are crazy low and the skies are more clear. Only downside is that the parks are not open for as many hours.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Hurricanes in Oct temps in mid to upper 90 for Oct. Mid Feb large crowds due to twirl mania competition held every year plus the New England states have a week of winter break they same week as twirl mania and they flock to WDW. Temp much better in Feb. Depending on where you live factor in a storm impacting you travels.

 

[DisneyFive]

Crowds will be similar. It's more about the difference in weather, and how MK is decorated.

Weather will be much warmer in October, upper 80's at the beginning of the month and low 80's by the end. Feb is much cooler, around 70, not swimming weather if that means anything you your family. October will have the Autumn/Halloween decor at MK. MNSSHP is happening in October. Potential hurricanes in October, but that being said, we've been to WDW five of the last seven years in late September, and once in early August with no issue. It is a gamble though, as hurricane Matthew is pointing out.

I think park hours are roughly the same between those two time periods also.

Your kids are really young regardless of which option.

Dan

 

[minijeanie]

I will never return in October.. Crowds were horrible and heat as bad as summer
Go February 2018

 

[Farro]

We love late October, weather is beautiful (usually), crowds but nothing horrible, Halloween party, decorations, food/wine - perfect. The only other time of year I'd like to try is early May.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I personally love February for both the weather and the crowds. Like someone said, beware the Presidents Day holiday, and pretty much the week of Valentines.

 

[yaksack]

We booked a trip in February 2017. We were there August 2015. It was in the upper 90's and crowds drove us crazy. We are from NJ, so if it is in the 70's in early February, our kids will swim. Personally i am looking foward to the parks closing early. I always feel obligated to keep the kids out to see as much as they can. Perhaps we can get to relax.