Febuary or October

[toandjo]

First 2 weeks of Febuary or First 2 weeks of October??? What is better for weather, crowds and cost??? Probably not doing the special for feb as we will stay offsite.From cold winter canada so weather is a big factor. Want to be able to swim and do the water parks as well.Also do you think 5 days is enough for the parks? We have been to Disneyland 3 times before. TIA

 

[sympatico]

We've been both times. The weather in October has warmer days (85-90F) and nights (70sF) but you're still in hurricane season. No problems doing water parks. There's Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party going on at MK and the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. Parks may be a little busier than the first of Feb.
In Feb you could get warm weather (mid - high 70s) or you could get chilly weather (50s and 60s). I won't say cold if you're from Canada although we did wake up to frost on the car one of the times we went in the winter. For waterparks in Feb. you have to watch the weather channel and pick the warmest day without wind. You'll want it 80F. I like going in the winter to get a break from our weather.
We went the last part of Sept and first of Oct and it was hot and humid. First part of Nov was great. If you want more consistent warm weather then go in Oct. There may be a thundershower in the late afternoon each day though.
Cost wise both would be about the same, not low season but low to med.
If you're only doing Disney 5 days is enough but you might want to take in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

 

[isla bonita]

We have been in Feb. for the last 4 years.

It has been from very cold to very hot.

There was frost when we woke up one morning. The colder weather lasted about 48 hours then it warm and even so hot I went swimming. We were like you there for 17 days soit did not ruin our vacation at all.

That also just happened once in the 4 years. We willbe heading down again this Feb. I love it this time of year. We do not live quite so north but NE is cold, icey and gloomy right now. When I get off the plane it is like a new world. I see green, bright and even if there should be a frost compared to home it is my paradise.

 

[sjanus]

Wow--they are both great times! We are great fans of February, as we live in Pennsylvania, and we love to get out of the cold weather. This is the third year we will be going. The parks weren't crowded and we were able to get right on the attractions in which we were interested. It does get cold in the mornings and evenings and you will need a sweatshirt and a jacket--basically, layer yourself, as you will find yourself in short sleeves in the afternoon or maybe even sleeveless. Beginning of February, first week, is cheaper, and then it gets more expensive starting the second week.

October is mid-range prices and also a great time, getting the warmer weather and longer days! It is definitely better if you want to do the water parks.

Five days is fine if you doing the 4 parks, but if you also want to do the water parks and all Disney has to offer, a week would probably give you more time to get it all in without rushing around, especially if you have real little children.

Have Fun!

Sandy

 

[cshawley]

We visit in Feb. In fact, we'll be there in 26 days. YEA!!! In the past, the weather has been nice and dry. Jeans and a light jacket for mornings and evenings and short sleeves during the day. The past part though is no crowds. You can walk up and get right on most rides. We did have a wait for a few rides, but the longest wait was for the Dumbo ride and it was only 45 minutes. (I say only 45 minutes because I've also been to WDW in the summer. Never again!)

Have Fun!
Carolyn

 

[jeff968]

We've been visiting Orlando in February for many years(October is not an option for us as the kids are in school). We are always happy with the weather, especially when compared to the week we leave behind in CT. We usually have at least a couple of 80 degree days. We had four last year. Days are usually sunny. We've had some cool days and back in 2002 it rained for a couple of days but overall, we've been very happy. We'll be there in a few weeks for 2009. Another benefit, no bugs in February.