Help a summer girl with a Feb trip!

[jaz0308]

So we go every summer and I consider myself an expert! Booked a last minute getaway to celebrate DDs 6th bday for President's Weekend (2/9-2/13). I'm all set with park plans, ADRs and FPs but... now I feel like a newbie! What do I need to know about Disney in Feb?
For example:
I'm assuming layers are best for unpredictable weather. We are used to doing rope drop to avoid the heat but...is it freezing at rope drop in Feb? And then what do you do with your jacket/sweatshirt when you don't need it anymore? Locker?

Also, Do I need to bring sunscreen?

How are crowds compared to july/aug?

What else do I need to know about February??? Help Please!!!!

 

[siskaren]

I can't help with your questions about weather and crowds, but you should definitely wear sunscreen whenever you're going to be outside for an extended period of time, regardless of the temp.

 

[Sepo]

Good question and wondering the same for a trip later this month. Are the "heated" pools even a consideration?

I suppose the optimal safari ride window is better.

Interested to hear from others.

 

[Anonny]

I've been the twice in the first week of February.

The crowds increase for holiday weekend and school break week. I don't know how it compares to summer crowds. Parks will be not open as late as in summer.

Temperatures are variable. Could be in 80s or 60s. Not likely to be freezing. Could rain. Could be cool in the morning, maybe all day. If it is predicted to warm up, I just accept being cold for the first hour to keep from carrying extra clothing. My husband did not believe me and he had rent a locker for his extra layers as soon as we entered Epcot.

Pools are heated, I think 82°. When the air temperature is in high 60s, low 70s the water is comfortable. On the day the air was high 80s, the water felt cold!

I think you will enjoy this time of year. Touring plans may change since you don't "have" to go back to resort to rest and cool off.

 

[vicb]

I've been the twice in the first week of February.

The crowds increase for holiday weekend and school break week. I don't know how it compares to summer crowds. Parks will be not open as late as in summer.

Temperatures are variable. Could be in 80s or 60s. Not likely to be freezing. Could rain. Could be cool in the morning, maybe all day. If it is predicted to warm up, I just accept being cold for the first hour to keep from carrying extra clothing. My husband did not believe me and he had rent a locker for his extra layers as soon as we entered Epcot.

Pools are heated, I think 82°. When the air temperature is in high 60s, low 70s the water is comfortable. On the day the air was high 80s, the water felt cold!

I think you will enjoy this time of year. Touring plans may change since you don't "have" to go back to resort to rest and cool off.

I agree with all of this quote! I too have been many times in Feb. My additional advice is to pack fleece coats, hats and gloves along with your swimsuits! Sometimes we have used both on the same trip! The fleece can be helpful at night especially. The weather can fluctuate wildly. One trip it was evident our only pool day would be our first full day, so we scrambled to change plans and instead of going to a park we hit BB, the next day the temp dropped into the 60's!

My kids were younger then and had a couple pairs of those zip off pants which were popular so that worked great for them. We did rent lockers a few times at MK and Studios.

Enjoy!

 

[DisneyOma]

I'm an August traveller to WDW, but have been in December and March as well. Both times were colder than predicted, and a heavy sweatshirt was needed all day. Evenings can drop down into the 40's and below.

I'd check the weather forecast two days before you go, and plan acordingly.

Always bring sunscreen - while you are not at the equator, Florida is close to the tropic of cancer, and thus gets some strong sun year round.

Weekend crowds are going to be crazy, as President's week is vacation week for a lot of families! It can be even more crowded than in the summer.

 

[NJ Goofy]

Last time we were there in February crowds were low until the Friday before President's Weekend, then it was pretty busy. Park hours are shorter so a mid-day break (our normal plan) is not always a good option. As others have said weather is unpredictable, a few days before the trip look at the long range forecast and judge your packing that way. I was able to get away with a sweatshirt over a tee shirt, but I'm from up north so 50 degrees felt pretty good. Keep in mind when they say the low is going to be 40 degrees that's usually @ 4:00 am. I was there a few weeks ago during a cold snap and Disney pulled at racks of jackets at every store !

 

[jaz0308]

Thanks everyone I feel much better! Sweatshirts and fleece sound fine. I just didn't want to be walking around in my winter coat! Lol! Can't wait to experience my first non sweltering trip to Disney! Yay!

 

[North of Mouse]

So we go every summer and I consider myself an expert! Booked a last minute getaway to celebrate DDs 6th bday for President's Weekend (2/9-2/13). I'm all set with park plans, ADRs and FPs but... now I feel like a newbie! What do I need to know about Disney in Feb?
For example:
I'm assuming layers are best for unpredictable weather. We are used to doing rope drop to avoid the heat but...is it freezing at rope drop in Feb? And then what do you do with your jacket/sweatshirt when you don't need it anymore? Locker?

Also, Do I need to bring sunscreen?

We are here now and the last few days have been in low 80's and just perfect! Have even gotten some sun on my winter skin!! LOL
The sun 'can' be hot even now!

Weather is supposed to change tomorrow with some rain and gusty winds moving in, so be sure the weather is 'very' variable at this time. The temps the past few days have been a little unusual for this early.
No holidays now, so crowds have been 'relatively' light, but definitely 'not walk on'!!

We are not using sunscreen, but for babies or those with fair skin would probably be advisable.

How are crowds compared to july/aug?

What else do I need to know about February??? Help Please!!!!

 

[Anonny]

Oh, no! Leave the winter coat in the car. Also leave boots, shovel and snow brush in the car in case you come home and find your car in the parking lot covered with snow. It's happened to us.

For my December- February trips, I bring very lightweight gloves and a headband to warm my ears.

You will really enjoy the lack of suffocating heat. Just keep an eye on likely shorter park hours.

 

[eastendlights]

Red velvet pancakes with cream cheese topping at Kona Café for breakfast......