February or April School Vacation? WWYD?

[Pigeon]

We are planning our first ever family WDW trip for early 2006. My dh is a teacher, so we are absolutely stuck going on one of the school vacations, either in February (usually Pres. Day week) or a week in the second half of April. We have two dds, one will be in 3rd grade and the other in K.

I can't decide which will be better. Our primary reason for going is to visit the parks, although we will have to spend two days or so visiting relatives in Naples. It would also be nice to be able to do some swimming in the afternoons as down time after the parks. I'm thinking that the crowds will be lower in February, which is a prime motivator, but will it be too cold to enjoy being in Florida? We live in upstate NY, so a break from the winter will be welcome.

Which time would you chose?

PS--I love this board. I'm currently getting chemo for breast cancer and it has been sooo wonderful to have something fun and positive and extravagant to plan!!!

 

[Bob P]

Hi Pigeon

Welcome, and good luck with your chemo treatments. We're all pulling for you!

Presidents Day week is very crowded on the holiday weekend through Tuesday but then crowds will thin out more and more each day. Downside is that it can be very chilly in Febraury, sometimes in the 30s in the morning and struggling to get out of the 40s in the afternoon.

Easter week will be more crowded all week long, but the weather will be nicer.

You'll have fun no matter what you choose!

Bob

 

[Amirah95]

Breast Cancer Survivor here! Good luck with the process. My DD told me that happiness keeps the Cancer away. Have fun planning and keep smiling!

And February has my vote! Less people and A OK weather. I think it will be better than an April trip.

 

[Carrie772]

Hey! We went in April this year and it was so crowded we almost couldn't stand it! Of course the parks were open until all hours of the night, but we had to stay there the whole time to be able to do all we wanted.

My vote is Feb.

 

[dgaston]

Easter is April 16 next year, and that's why we're thinking of going President's Week. It's always best to plan to be at park openings and get lots done early, and then even if there are lots of others there, it's not too bad.

 

[CinderellaIam]

I've been to WDW for both Easter Break and Presidents week, and we prefer President's week. The weather can be very pleasant, we never experienced 30 degree temps (although we did in December). Easter break was unbearably crowded and hot.

JMHO.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

Normally, I would say April vacation would be my choice, as the weather is beautiful and much warmer than February. However, that now being said, for 2006, I would go in February during President's week. Our April school vacation here in Massachusetts "borders" Easter, and I wouldn't be caught anywhere near WDW during Easter. The crowds are really, really, really huge. So even though President's day weekend may be very crowded, the rest of the week should be very manageable (daughter was there in 2004) and you'll probably enjoy the parks more.

 

[MOMOFMNM]

http://www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm
check your dates by this website...I would say April if you want take advantage of the pools and water parks!!