February

[ICGenie]

So, having found that we can save £300-£500 by going in February we're now wondering if it's worth it. Has anyone gone in February? What are we likely to miss out on? I don't think the cold particularly bothers us and, let's face it, you've as much chance of rain in April as you do in February!

Opinions?

 

[DLPdaft]

It can be very very cold in February - it tends to be a couple of degrees colder at DLP than in the UK in the winter months, and a couple of degrees warmer at DLP in the summer months.

The park hours will be short in February, and obviously you don't get evening parades or fireworks in February, but apart from that (and seasonal summer shows) you should see everything else. There may be some rides closed for refurbs, but thats the case almost every month this year, as DLP gears up for the 20th anniversary from April 2012.

 

[Brummig]

We went in Feb this year for ds birthday. We were lucky with the weather - it was quite mild, and we had one afternoon of heavy rain, but 2 days mainly dry. The atmosphere wasn't as great as some times, but it was fine, and we like rides more than parades, and we walk so much when we are there we were happy to be back at the campervan by 6.30/ 7pm, and watch a DVD.

 

[ICGenie]

Hmm, shame about the lack of fireworks. I presume there are parades during the day? Also, I presume that the restaurants / cinemas are open in the evening? I suspect that once it gets dark we'd probably want to get indoors anyway!

 

[DLPdaft]

Hmm, shame about the lack of fireworks. I presume there are parades during the day? Also, I presume that the restaurants / cinemas are open in the evening? I suspect that once it gets dark we'd probably want to get indoors anyway!

to be fair, at DLP you only get fireworks every night in high summer season (ie early July to end of August) apart from a very few nights throughout the year, for special events.

yes, there are daily parades in both parks at DLP, and yes, in the Village and in the resort hotels, the restaurants are open after the parks close in the evening (you can visit any hotel, regardless of where you're staying, for dinner or a drink etc). There is a cinema in the Village but if you want to see a film in English you'd have to check the timings, as most of the films are shown in French.

A lot of people go to DLP in January - March each year, because its a quiet time to go. Our first trip was in Feb half term a few years ago, and I wouldn't have gone back if it had been busy and miserable .
Its a personal preference really, my favourite times to go (because its not cold) are May and June. I don't like very very cold. I don't remember my Feb half term trip being very cold - but went mid-March last year and caught a freak freezing fog for our first 2 days

If you're tied to school holidays, Feb half term is the quietest one to go usually, and then next year June half term is likely to be okay too, because only the UK are off school at that time. Easter will be busy.

 

[ICGenie]

Great replies so far! I think us three adults would feel the cold more than the kids to be honest, and if the kids are having fun I'm sure we'll survive! I think for the money we'll save it's worth it for us. Any opinions on if any hotel would is better in winter? Unfortunately the DLH is still out of budget but NPB is actually coming in slightly cheaper than SL for the dates we're looking at. Or should we go for one of the cheaper options and save our money for food and goodies?

 

[IsobelJackmummy]

Hi, we went for Feb half term last year (2010), and it hasn't put us off as we are going again next Feb!

I have only stayed at SL, so I can't comment on other hotels, but we really like it there, and it is great to be able to walk to the parks, as the buses can get quite crowded!

The park stayed open a little later that week when we were there(compared to the weeks either side of the half term holidays), and there was EMH every day. We found that with the early starts, and young children, we were ready to have our evening meal around 6, and then head back to the hotel.

One thing worth noting, the pool at the SL is closed during half term week (we aren't bothered as we found the water too cold last Feb anyway!)

The big price difference is a selling point for us, as we wouldn't be able to take advantage of late park hours anyway, and neither of our children like fireworks!

We took hats scarves etc, and we didn't use them, it was really quite mild, just a small bit of rain but nothing major. But you never know what weather you will get at any time of year, do you?!

 

[ICGenie]

Toria - it's currently saying that the SL pool will be closed the 9th - 20th January but not half term. Anyone know what time the pool is open until - it might be nice for a couple of us to have a relaxing swim once the kids have gone to bed but I'm guessing it probably shuts around 6pm anyway!

I don't think we mind the extra 10 minutes walk so the extra money saves by going to SF or Cheyenne looks tempting BUT SL looks like it's probably the loveliest in winter.

Arrrgh, really need to make a decision before the current offer finishes at the end of the month!

 

[tennisfan]

Toria - it's currently saying that the SL pool will be closed the 9th - 20th January but not half term. Anyone know what time the pool is open until - it might be nice for a couple of us to have a relaxing swim once the kids have gone to bed but I'm guessing it probably shuts around 6pm anyway!

I don't think we mind the extra 10 minutes walk so the extra money saves by going to SF or Cheyenne looks tempting BUT SL looks like it's probably the loveliest in winter.

Arrrgh, really need to make a decision before the current offer finishes at the end of the month!

I stayed there a couple of weeks ago & the times were 7am-10pm might be different is quieter periods though

 

[IsobelJackmummy]

Toria - it's currently saying that the SL pool will be closed the 9th - 20th January but not half term. Anyone know what time the pool is open until - it might be nice for a couple of us to have a relaxing swim once the kids have gone to bed but I'm guessing it probably shuts around 6pm anyway!

I don't think we mind the extra 10 minutes walk so the extra money saves by going to SF or Cheyenne looks tempting BUT SL looks like it's probably the loveliest in winter.

Arrrgh, really need to make a decision before the current offer finishes at the end of the month!

Oh, thanks for that, they must have changed the closure dates since we booked! I'm glad you told me that, or I may not have packed the swimming things! Always good to have as an option, especially if teh children notice it is open!

I think it was open 3pm until 9m when we were there last Feb, as we used it after the park had closed.

 

[disney_rocks_86]

Oh it is nice to see that other people on here are also going in feb, we're going from 21st - 24th. We've been in winter before but December and January and yes it was freezing, we're also staying at SL too and it's a brilliant hotel all year round. Glad someone has put info about the pool too we shall take bits just incase. I remember from going in winter last time that the kinda rides that are closed are the outside water based ones and Casey Jr due to mainy the frozen water at that time. Has anyone had any experiences with buggies and feb time as our DD will be 2 1/2 she's very excited to be going on holiday to Mickeys Castles (her little name for DLRP from the Castle she's seen on pics and tv)