February Crowds-thinking about cancelling WDW and going to Universal instead

[chabs]

I booked a last minute trip to WDW for President's week in February (staying at WL club level for 4 nights). Now I am having second thoughts because I check the crowd level (8's all week) and I'm worried that my kids will be miserable because of the crowds and having to stand in long lines. We are used to going in August during free dining when the crowds aren't so bad.

Anyway-I'm debating about going to Universal and staying on property so that we can get the FOTL passes with our room key. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Are the crowds at Universal considerably less than WDW? I don't usually travel in February so I don't know what to expect.

 

[Metro West]

Anyway-I'm debating about going to Universal and staying on property so that we can get the FOTL passes with our room key. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Are the crowds at Universal considerably less than WDW? I don't usually travel in February so I don't know what to expect.

The crowds in February are usually light to moderate so I don't think you'll find the wait times too bad. On the weekends (Friday - Sunday) the Studios will get busier for Mardi Gras but other than that, you shouldn't have any problems with crowds. Staying onsite wouldn't be necessary because of the lower crowds but if you can stay onsite...go for it!

 

[damo]

We have been going to Universal for the past few years on the week following President's day. The crowds are quite low and it is very nice!

 

[Coach81]

Come see us.. we'll be staying at RPH!!!

 

[chabs]

Actually, that's where I was thinking of staying. I wasn't sure how the crowds compared to Disney. We've been to DW at least once a year, so I was afraid that my kids would be cranky and bored if the lines were too long.

 

[BellyBaby]

We're heading to Universal/IoA in 2 weeks ...so I gather the horrific first-time experience we had last spring (2 hr waits for Hulk, 2 1/2 for Simpsons) won't be the case for Feb 2 - 16????

btw, I just purchased the 2 park deal on the banner here from Dreams...can't imagine paying more for these parks.

Does anyone know a good place to eat in the park? Last trip the food was nothing more than "fuel" Can we bring snacks in a small cooler like at Disney?

Thanks!

 

[christophfam]

How old are your kids? We always do Disney for free dining also so for our upcoming trip during President's week I too was a bit concerned. Free dining usually brings in 4s or 5s so 8s sound crazy to me! Luckily my daughter picked Universal over Disney for this her birthday trip. I have no concerns staying on site (RPR) and having to deal with lines. They should be very minimal and it will be a much more relaxing trip than Disney. I go commando at Disney. At Universal, there are no plans or having to rush to be somewhere. If your kids like thrill rides, and are tall enough to ride them, skip Disney this trip.

 

[Metro West]

Does anyone know a good place to eat in the park? Last trip the food was nothing more than "fuel" Can we bring snacks in a small cooler like at Disney?

Yes...you can bring small coolers and snacks into the parks...backpacks would be best.

At IOA...I would recommend Mythos for table service and either Thunder Falls Terrace or The Comic Strip Cafe for counter service.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We had a wonderful February trip to US and IOA a couple years ago. Not crowded at all and even though my kids were little there was lots for them to do and DH and I took turns riding rides using the kid swap system. It's a much more relaxed trip than Disney.

 

[pixeegrl]

Yes...you can bring small coolers and snacks into the parks...backpacks would be best.

I didn't know that, learn something new every day!

 

[Planogirl]

We enjoyed a lot of the food at Universal. Lots of good places in Citywalk too.

 

[chabs]

How old are your kids? We always do Disney for free dining also so for our upcoming trip during President's week I too was a bit concerned. Free dining usually brings in 4s or 5s so 8s sound crazy to me! Luckily my daughter picked Universal over Disney for this her birthday trip. I have no concerns staying on site (RPR) and having to deal with lines. They should be very minimal and it will be a much more relaxing trip than Disney. I go commando at Disney. At Universal, there are no plans or having to rush to be somewhere. If your kids like thrill rides, and are tall enough to ride them, skip Disney this trip.

11 & 13-we decided to ditch Disney for RPH, US and Discovery Cove/Sea World. I was really afraid of the DW crowds-I know I couldn't stand it if we had to wait in line for hours for a ride that we've been on a million times before. We haven't been to any of these other places in at least 3 years, so it will be something different to do too.