February or September?

[jiminykrikkit]

Hi friends. Please forgive me if this is on the wrong board and needs to be moved, I wasn't sure where to put it.

I am trying to come up with some pros & cons for a trip in February. We normally love to go in early September, so we're old pros at that. Our issue is that early February might be financially more appealing.

Can you tell me some of your pro/con experiences for early February? We'd be going that first week while it is still Value Season 1/low crowds and most likely be gone before the Presidents Day crowd starts to arrive.

My main question is: Will Early February be cheaper than Early September? All experiences being as equal as possible - we like deluxe resorts & dining plan.

Is it pants weather in February? IF we decide we want to go to the resort pool, will it be warm enough? I will look this up on Josh's site and measure that against my family's tendencies, but would like to know real experiences from y'all as well (are the pools even open?).

We already have our pro/con list for September since that's our preferred time. I don't think there are any cons on that list, haha! Except for having a few extra months to save if we choose February.

Sorry this is so long, and thanks for sticking with me if you've made it to the end.

 

[ErinsMommy]

We went in February for DHs 50th and we felt it was too cool for pool but crowds were low up until we got to Presidents' Day weekend - great time IMO overall

 

[beccasmom]

Early February is really nice because the crowds tend to be low. Of course, weather is always variable, but we experienced low 70's, mid to high 60's, chilly at night (needed a light jacket). I thought it was a bit too chilly for the pool, but other folks were using it - but we used the hot tub! . Park hours are shorter and 1 water park will be closed for renovations. All in all, I enjoyed it over the warmer summer temps.

 

[amylevan]

We almost always go that first week in February. Sometimes it's jeans/sweatshirts weather, sometimes we're in the pool, sometimes both in the same week. The pools are heated, so technically you can swim no matter what the temperature is. (I've been swimming in an outdoor pool in Colorado during ski season...)

There are often rides closed for refurbishment. Splash Mtn was closed several of our trips.

It's value season price-wise, so you're looking at the cheapest rack rates for hotels. We've never been in September (too darn hot/humid for us) so I can't compare discounts for you, but there are often discounts available in Feb.

 

[jiminykrikkit]

Thank you for the feedback! I had no idea the pools were heated. That sounds nice. We don't always go to the pool every trip, but like to know it's there just in case.

 

[Superchikk]

I think it depends on what temperature you're used to at home. For us, upper 60's/low 70's in February would be an absolute dream! I'm not sure I'd let my kids swim, but only because I wouldn't want to take time away from the parks due to the already more limited hours. We've been in September as well, and February was going to be our choice for our next trip...and then we switched to November to see the Christmas decor. I imagine we'll be there in February in the future!

 

[jiminykrikkit]

I think it depends on what temperature you're used to at home. For us, upper 60's/low 70's in February would be an absolute dream! I'm not sure I'd let my kids swim, but only because I wouldn't want to take time away from the parks due to the already more limited hours. We've been in September as well, and February was going to be our choice for our next trip...and then we switched to November to see the Christmas decor. I imagine we'll be there in February in the future!

We're in Houston and are used to being HOT and HUMID most of the year. September weather at Disney doesn't faze us. February weather is either really cold (below 60s is really cold for us haha) or starting to warm up a little. I mean, I'd rather be "really cold" at Disney than here at home. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for a trip, especially because swimming isn't all that important. I didn't think about park hours either...I guess I better look that up too. Thank you! Finding these things that I didn't think about are exactly why I started this thread.

Does anyone know where I can figure out how a Magic Your Way package would reduce prices? For example, I have approximate rack rates, ticket prices, and dining plan cost for the February trip, but don't know what that would be bundled into a MYW pkg.

 

[itchin2go]

I vote February. I could never take the heat in September. Our January trips were our favorite, weather-wise. We mostly wore pants, t-shirts and jackets, and the jackets would come off midday. There were one-off days that were colder (sweatshirts and jeans) or warmer (shorts with t-shirts and jackets). We did have days when we could swim - not all days, but several during a week trip.

 

[chelseabun76]

I've gone in September, and I've gone the last week of January. I much preferred the weather in January, mostly because I don't care for sweat dripping down every crack in my body while waiting for a bus or a ride. LOL!!! The down side was that we had to overpack because the weather DID vary. We wore jeans one day, capris the next. We swam one day in the resort pool on the hottest day, but then by a day or two later we were back in our jeans. I am most comfortable in jeans and a tshirt, so January won for me weather-wise.

 

[JessiMommy]

We almost always go the last week of January into early February and then again in September. We are from South FL so we know what the heat is like in September! We do mid afternoon breaks and pool time every day in September (We love the pool). We never swim in late January. The pools may be heated but they aren't warm enough for our tastes. The air temperature is usually too cold for us even if the water is ok. We do see people swimming in late January though. I think it just depends on what you are used to. Weather in February will be hit or miss. At the very least expect early mornings and evenings to be chilly even if its warmer during the day. It can also get pretty cold during the day at that time of the year. Just depends on whether or not we get a cold front. We find crowd levels to be a little lower in September but Jan/Feb. with the exception of holidays is very nice too.

Basically you can't go wrong at either time IMO. We are AP holders and FL residents...Late January/Early February and September are the only two times of the year we go anymore... if that tells you anything. I prefer the weather in Jan/Feb. but the crowds and ability to use the pool in September. If you want to be able to save longer then try February. I don't think you'll be disappointed unless you have your heart set on swimming a lot.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

If you go in February the waterparks might not be too fun if open. We go in September and add waterpark and more to utilize the waterparks.

 

[Crispity]

We were there the first week in February this year, and the highs were in the high 60's to mid-70's. Temperatures during the day were very pleasant, though it was chilly (mid-50's) in the morning and evening. One night it was downright cold (mid-40's and damp) while we were watching the electrical parade. We mostly wore jeans and T-shirts, with a sweatshirt that we would take off when it got warmer. A couple days were warm enough for shorts in the afternoon. We thought it was too cold to swim, though there were definitely people enjoying the pool every day we were there.

I would go again in February, but prefer warmer weather, because I would like to have some pool time. Also, it's easier to pack when you know that it is going to be hot morning, noon, and night!

 

[Lucius Best]

We've been both early Feb and early Sept numerous times. I think that Jan/Feb value season is the cheapest time of year. Weather could be 80s or could be 50s, there will be some days good for the pool, some days not. Crowds definitely low in early Feb, but what comes with that are shorter park hours.

 

[Superchikk]

We're in Houston and are used to being HOT and HUMID most of the year. September weather at Disney doesn't faze us. February weather is either really cold (below 60s is really cold for us haha) or starting to warm up a little. I mean, I'd rather be "really cold" at Disney than here at home. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for a trip, especially because swimming isn't all that important. I didn't think about park hours either...I guess I better look that up too. Thank you! Finding these things that I didn't think about are exactly why I started this thread.

Does anyone know where I can figure out how a Magic Your Way package would reduce prices? For example, I have approximate rack rates, ticket prices, and dining plan cost for the February trip, but don't know what that would be bundled into a MYW pkg.

I think FL in February will be a bit warmer than Houston - at least, for the most part. You'll have to pack more, and "winter" clothes just take up more space than summer clothes do, but I would totally do February. We lived in Austin for a while, and Texas weather is as unpredictable as Florida weather is - you'll be fine if that's what you choose to do!

 

[Lynzer4]

Trying early September this year so can't say how much I enjoy it yet. Lol but last time I went in early February and loved it. Mornings we needed jackets (wore capris) and by mid afternoon took off our jackets. It was "cold" one day (in the mid 40s) but it was sunny so it was great. Very little rain falls during that time too. The prices is almost the same so that wouldn't be a big factor but I do believe it the cheapest time.

This time we are going in sept because we want to hit the waterparks. While they are open in February it's kinda cold and I wouldn't want to spend a day there. Lol. We did swim a few days since the pools are heated but it also got about 80 that day so it was warmer.

Just make sure you bring jackets and pants. We saw parents who had their kids dressed in tanks ans shorts and it was only 50 bc they thought Florida is HOT all year.

 

[anniemae]

We used to go all the time the first week of Feb and loved it. Now, if we want to go it has to be the summer because of school schedules. I love Feb, I would rather go to the parks in 60-70 degree weather than the hot, humid, sticky, rainy weather of Aug and Sept. In Feb we felt more energized and the crowds were low.