February 2014

[brobrosmom]

Whoa, $192 total? What kind of glitch was that??

It was even on the news today. Something went wrong on the Delta website and Priceline, Expedia, etc. They had crazy low fares. The news said some people were getting flights for $27....like from the east coast to California. The website was so busy once people started realizing it was going on that I was unable to get through.

 

[JediDad]

Get FP+ for Peter Pan's Flight for sure. That had the longest stand-by times in MK that we noticed the 3rd week of November. Splash Mountain will be closed in February so possibly Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain would also be good choices for FP+ if you do those roller coasters. Another surprising line that we encountered was for the Winnie the Pooh ride so you may want to FP+ that one too. If you want to see Mickey Mouse at Town Hall first thing in the morning then use a FP+ for him. Otherwise stop by to see him later in the day. We visited the 4 princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall between 11 am and noon 1 day. They have two lines: the side with Cinderella & Aurora had a 15-20 minute wait and the side with Rapunzel & Snow White had a 25-30 minute wait. We did not have Fast Pass for them but those who did were able to see the princesses almost immediately. We didn't go to see newer princesses. Hope that helps.

Thanks for taking the time to write the tips, Kathy! Definitely helps. Boy, is February coming up fast?!

So does anyone have a good crystal ball on the weather in February?

The NOAA prediction site seems to indicate the probabilities for "Above Normal" temperatures and "Below Normal" precipitation in Jan 2014. So hopefully these trends creep into February. I'm still fuzzy on what Normal means but it appears to be based on prediction models using historical data. (Google NOAA One Monthly Outlook)

The Farmer's Almanac website seems to indicate Jan to be normal precip and approx +2 deg temp. Although they indicate Feb to be -5 degrees temps and +1" precip. I'm hoping the almanac will be wrong for Feb.

 

[brobrosmom]

Thanks for taking the time to write the tips, Kathy! Definitely helps. Boy, is February coming up fast?!

So does anyone have a good crystal ball on the weather in February?

The NOAA prediction site seems to indicate the probabilities for "Above Normal" temperatures and "Below Normal" precipitation in Jan 2014. So hopefully these trends creep into February. I'm still fuzzy on what Normal means but it appears to be based on prediction models using historical data. (Google NOAA One Monthly Outlook)

The Farmer's Almanac website seems to indicate Jan to be normal precip and approx +2 deg temp. Although they indicate Feb to be -5 degrees temps and +1" precip. I'm hoping the almanac will be wrong for Feb.

We were at Disney this past February and were able to wear shorts and go swimming everyday! Hoping for some more of that for Feb 2014!

 

[mdsouth]

So was anyone with a February reservation able to score one of the Delta glitch fares? I tried but the websites were so bogged down that I couldn't get through to the confirmation page. It sure would have been nice to fly rather than drive! And cheaper! $192 round trip for the 4 of us!

Man Iwish I could have got the deal. I didn't hear about it until it was mentioned on the evening news.
T

 

[mdsouth]

While I don't think this will impact my family too much, I am glad I am not staying at a monorail resort. I had originally book BLT just to experience being that close to MK and being on the monorail loop. I later changed to VWL. Now I'm glad I didn't spend extra DVC points for BLT!

I agree. I would be upset if I was planning on staying at a monorail resort and didn't have access to it. This would be especially frustrating if you were traveling with little ones

 

[brobrosmom]

I agree. I would be upset if I was planning on staying at a monorail resort and didn't have access to it. This would be especially frustrating if you were traveling with little ones

Exactly! We are a rope drop family and like to head to the room right after lunch for a nap. The monorail would make that so convenient.

 

[KayW]

Exactly! We are a rope drop family and like to head to the room right after lunch for a nap. The monorail would make that so convenient.

That is my dilemma. We like to go back to swim. On MK days we will just take the boat back.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Just to clarify, the monorail is only down between 11/11:30 and 7 according to what I have read. For us, with little ones and staying at VGF, that means the morning is no problem but we'll have to take a boat for the afternoon nap. We should be ok on the way back too, although I am worried the lines may be spectacular just at 7.

 

[Quinn2013]

Hi everyone! Just found out about DisBoards!

My family will be going to WDW for the first time ever in Feb! Feb 1-6, staying at All Stars Movies Resort. 5 park days.
My daughter is 3, and still has NO IDEA we are going. She thinks Cinderella is on vacation and we can't go see her until she gets home. I'm so torn as to if I should tell her. She knew we were going to the beach last year 3 months before, and she asked EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

We are doing the QS meal plan, paying out of pocket for 1 lunch table meal, the Akershus to see the princesses.

My only questions are does anyone know when the bands, or dance competitions are? Like exact dates?

And we picked this time because it's off season, well we have never been so I don't know what that means for wait times for rides and character meets.

And the ride Soarin', I get horrible motion sickness, it's ridiculous how easy it is to make me sick. Would this, or do you think I'd be ok? I will be highly medicated on motion sickness meds while down there in hopes to avoid some of it

 

[Stefecatzz]

We are looking forward to the quick getaway! We tend to have a much more relaxed touring style when the kiddos are not along and we spend alot more time in the parks - we still take afternoon breaks but typically that means just grabbing a leisurely lunch / snack and people watching vs. traveling back to the hotel for swimming.

Generally early Feb. is a pretty relaxing time to be in the parks. I go for short trips when I can for a few days at a time & I don't have children & never have felt the need for a midday break. I'm usually starting out the day at the parks late morning & hop around til closing. I always take advantage of the hot tub back at the room or pool area so it works out pretty well.

Thanks for taking the time to write the tips, Kathy! Definitely helps. Boy, is February coming up fast?!

So does anyone have a good crystal ball on the weather in February?

The NOAA prediction site seems to indicate the probabilities for "Above Normal" temperatures and "Below Normal" precipitation in Jan 2014. So hopefully these trends creep into February. I'm still fuzzy on what Normal means but it appears to be based on prediction models using historical data. (Google NOAA One Monthly Outlook)

The Farmer's Almanac website seems to indicate Jan to be normal precip and approx +2 deg temp. Although they indicate Feb to be -5 degrees temps and +1" precip. I'm hoping the almanac will be wrong for Feb.

I find the weather to be comfortable, but on the cooler side. Then again, I have lived in S FL for the past few years (LA before I moved here) so to me, it feels cold when it drops to the 50s-60s. It's alright, you can laugh..I'm originally from PA so I'm used to it. Last year when we were there during the 1st week of February, I remember it being sunny & cooler at night. My friend who flew in from SD thought it was great & wore jeans or shorts & tshirts while I was more comfortable in jeans & a sweatshirt. If you're bringing a bag w/you to the parks, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt just in case. Pack to be prepared for anything though b/c the weather in FL like the rest of the country it seems can be very sparatic & unpredictable.

 

[KayW]

Hi everyone! Just found out about DisBoards!

My family will be going to WDW for the first time ever in Feb! Feb 1-6, staying at All Stars Movies Resort. 5 park days.
My daughter is 3, and still has NO IDEA we are going. She thinks Cinderella is on vacation and we can't go see her until she gets home. I'm so torn as to if I should tell her. She knew we were going to the beach last year 3 months before, and she asked EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

We are doing the QS meal plan, paying out of pocket for 1 lunch table meal, the Akershus to see the princesses.

My only questions are does anyone know when the bands, or dance competitions are? Like exact dates?

And we picked this time because it's off season, well we have never been so I don't know what that means for wait times for rides and character meets.

And the ride Soarin', I get horrible motion sickness, it's ridiculous how easy it is to make me sick. Would this, or do you think I'd be ok? I will be highly medicated on motion sickness meds while down there in hopes to avoid some of it

I don't have an answer about the cheer groups, but can help with Soarin. My DH gets awful motion sickness. He was miserable after Space Mountain although he thinks some of it was because he still had the patch on from the cruise. Last year he was very ill after Everest. He threw up while at the park and then again at the hotel. However, he does great with Soarin. Never has a problem. I think what he does if it gets bad is he shuts his eyes. It is possibly more the movie than the actual ride that can cause it.

 

[brobrosmom]

Hi everyone! Just found out about DisBoards!

My family will be going to WDW for the first time ever in Feb! Feb 1-6, staying at All Stars Movies Resort. 5 park days.
My daughter is 3, and still has NO IDEA we are going. She thinks Cinderella is on vacation and we can't go see her until she gets home. I'm so torn as to if I should tell her. She knew we were going to the beach last year 3 months before, and she asked EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

We are doing the QS meal plan, paying out of pocket for 1 lunch table meal, the Akershus to see the princesses.

My only questions are does anyone know when the bands, or dance competitions are? Like exact dates?

And we picked this time because it's off season, well we have never been so I don't know what that means for wait times for rides and character meets.

And the ride Soarin', I get horrible motion sickness, it's ridiculous how easy it is to make me sick. Would this, or do you think I'd be ok? I will be highly medicated on motion sickness meds while down there in hopes to avoid some of it

We never tell our kids about upcoming trips to WDW. I like seeing their faces when they realize where we are or where we are going.

I think you've made a great choice with the QS plan. We had it once for free dining and loved it. We are not a family who likes to be tied down to dinner reservations so we usually don't plan a sit down meal each day. The QS plan was a lot of food and probably more than we needed but it was so convenient.

I am not sure of the exact dates of the cheer and/or dance competitions but we've been to Disney during these times in the past & and stayed at the same hotel. I don't think you will see much difference in the parks unless you happen to hit a ride right after a big group. We never really felt their presence in the parks nor were they getting on the buses the same time as us. (early morning) We did however notice a hug difference at the hotel. We stayed at All Star Sports during a cheer competition and there was also a Brazilian tour group. Lots of people outside practicing their routines (lots of yelling and loud music) and avoid the food courts during peak breakfast and dinner times!

 

[cfriend416]

Hi everyone! Just found out about DisBoards!

My family will be going to WDW for the first time ever in Feb! Feb 1-6, staying at All Stars Movies Resort. 5 park days.
My daughter is 3, and still has NO IDEA we are going. She thinks Cinderella is on vacation and we can't go see her until she gets home. I'm so torn as to if I should tell her. She knew we were going to the beach last year 3 months before, and she asked EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

We are doing the QS meal plan, paying out of pocket for 1 lunch table meal, the Akershus to see the princesses.

My only questions are does anyone know when the bands, or dance competitions are? Like exact dates?

And we picked this time because it's off season, well we have never been so I don't know what that means for wait times for rides and character meets.

And the ride Soarin', I get horrible motion sickness, it's ridiculous how easy it is to make me sick. Would this, or do you think I'd be ok? I will be highly medicated on motion sickness meds while down there in hopes to avoid some of it

Here's a link with a list of the cheer and dance competitions:
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/cheer/

There's one that starts the day we leave. I'm hoping it doesn't impact our trip too much.

 

[ocalla]

Thanks for the link. I didn't realize there is a competition going on while we are there

 

[mdsouth]

Hi everyone! Just found out about DisBoards!

My family will be going to WDW for the first time ever in Feb! Feb 1-6, staying at All Stars Movies Resort. 5 park days.
My daughter is 3, and still has NO IDEA we are going. She thinks Cinderella is on vacation and we can't go see her until she gets home. I'm so torn as to if I should tell her. She knew we were going to the beach last year 3 months before, and she asked EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

We are doing the QS meal plan, paying out of pocket for 1 lunch table meal, the Akershus to see the princesses.

My only questions are does anyone know when the bands, or dance competitions are? Like exact dates?

And we picked this time because it's off season, well we have never been so I don't know what that means for wait times for rides and character meets.

And the ride Soarin', I get horrible motion sickness, it's ridiculous how easy it is to make me sick. Would this, or do you think I'd be ok? I will be highly medicated on motion sickness meds while down there in hopes to avoid some of it

Welcome Quinn2013! It is exciting that you will be taking your daughter to WDW for the first time. I understand that you don't want to be pestered everyday about the trip. If you do decide to tell her before you go, I would just do it about a week or three days before. That way she can get excited about it and get used to the idea without the long wait. Maybe you could give her a card of photo of Cinderellla that says that she is looking forward to your visit and meeting you.

First of all, I too, have lots of problems with motion sickness. I always have. But I did not have a problem with Soarin!! I don't know why but it was great how it did not affect me. I do usually take Dramine but I can't remember if I had taken it that day or not. I was fine on Thunder Mountain Railroad but I avoided the simulation rides like Mission to Mars and Star Tours. I loved Soarin though and had no problem!

Your plan to do one sit down meal with the princesses is a good one. That way you can see them without the long wait in lines.

When my daughter was little we brought a Cinderella dress from home and dressed her up in it at our resort. I just did her hair myself and I am a big clutz with hair but it looked great. I put it in a ponytail and made a bun that I secured with a butterfly clip thing that I had got from Claires or Walmark.

Then we headed to the park. She loved all the attention she got and it was so much fun going on the rides and walking around Magic Kingdom with her dressed like that. You should have her dress up for the dinner too.

Make sure you let her wear comfortable shoes and that the dress does not drag the ground. Outside the castle (on the side nearest Tomorrowland) there is a cute wishing well that is a great place to take pictures. Also, we got her photo on Cinderella's carousel.

Another day we went to the Barbershop in the Magic Kingdom. It is by the Fire Station. They trimmed her hair and put it in a ponytail with glitter confetti sprinkles. It was five dollars for the confetti sprinkles. She looked really cute.

 

[jweber23]

When you guys go to make BOG fp+ lunch reservations does it say no fast passes are available that day? Does that just mean they haven't opened them up to people yet?

 

[aaarcher86]

When you guys go to make BOG fp+ lunch reservations does it say no fast passes are available that day? Does that just mean they haven't opened them up to people yet?

Yes. February hasn't opened yet.

 

[mamabear0222]

Here's a link with a list of the cheer and dance competitions:
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/cheer/

There's one that starts the day we leave. I'm hoping it doesn't impact our trip too much.

It says the page has moved...

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

 

[Quinn2013]

Yes. February hasn't opened yet.

When do they open? I was so mad earlier when I tried to make one because nothing was open. Nice to know that the entire thing isn't open for Feb yet.

 

[cfriend416]

When do they open? I was so mad earlier when I tried to make one because nothing was open. Nice to know that the entire thing isn't open for Feb yet.

There's no set schedule for when it opens up. All of January opened up on 12/19. All of December opened up a littler earlier than that in November. There's not guarantee that there will be FP+ for BOG in February, because it's in "testing" right now. If there will be, it will probably open up sometime in mid to late January.