How bad are crowds Pres. Day week?

[disneyterri]

I was just wondering how bad the crowds will be for President's Week. We were there the second week of December last year and now are forced to go during school holidays. We can't justify taking my DS (first grade) out of school because he's already struggling

So, is it going to be a total nightmare or will we be OK. I'm figuring that February will be better than Xmas week or Easter week, and the summer is out of the question as I can't tolerate heat AT ALL. Just wanted to get some feedback from someone who's been there that week.

 

[Rpsemont]

We went last Feb for the first time after many trips during off off season and were pleasantly surprised. We did not arrive until Tuesday because I heard President's weekend can be tough. The MK was by far the busiest park, although there was a e-ride on the Friday night and all rides open for that were almost walk ons. I think you just have to adjust your attitude a bit and you'll be fine. Pick the 2-3 things you really want to do in each park and either pull fast passes for those or get to the parks early. Then take everything else as it comes. Sometimes there were 10 minute or less waits and other times everything seemed to have 20 min plus (which is about 15 minutes too long for us!) We went in March of 2003 and overall found the parks more crowded than this past Feb. However we did go this time with a laissez faire attitude so when there did seem to be some lines, we just went back to hotel or did something else. Maybe plan to do some non park stuff. We rented water mice and had a blast!

 

[Golter]

Since there are only 6 living Presidents (and I doubt Reagan and Ford can make it) it shouldn't be that crowded.

Seriously, we went presidents week a few years back and the only day I noticed it was really crowded was Saturday at MK, I have since realized that Sat at MK is always crowded. So, you will be fine.

 

[Momto2Minnies]

We went Pres week this year. The parks were more crowded than off season, but still fine. Our school (Long Island) vacation is longer than many others. I would plan on doing your major park touring starting Tuesday when the Floridians and many others are back to school. Have fun!

 

[jessiesue]

We were there last year in the 2nd week of Dec. and we were there this year for Presidents week. I would defintely choose 2nd week in Dec. No where near as crowded. From the choice of weeks you have now, I think Pres Week would be the least crowded of them. From what I saw , it seems most people start arriving at the parks 1 hour after they open. Get there early, ride the rides you definetly don't want to miss and then use fastpasses or go to another park. You can go back to MK or to MGM to catch the parade( A lot of people leave after the parade) and finish doing the park. Hope this helps.

 

[disneyterri]

Thank you everyone. I'm feeling a lot better about going at that time of year now.

 

[SuzyQue]

Since there are only 6 living Presidents (and I doubt Reagan and Ford can make it) it shouldn't be that crowded.

 

[Pa@okw95]

We used to go every year President's week, it is very crowded normally, but since 9/11 the attendance at WDW is off , so it should not be as bad, it is normally the 3rd or 4th busiest week down there.

 

[KickTheSky]

While I didnt go to Disney last year, I did hit Orlando/Tampa during Presidents Day week last year. The parks were busier than any other time in the February/March area (I go to Florida every year in February/early March) and the Saturday was an absolute nightmare as far as crowds. One thing to find out is when the Daytona 500 is for next year and if it coincides with your trip. That Saturday that it was busy was the day before the race and I can tell you with absolute certainty that a good portion of the crowds (I was at IOA that day) were there for the race as there was a lot more NASCAR paraphenalia than normal for the parks. As a side note, if it does fall on the same weekend as Daytona, Sunday the parks will be dead. I wouldnt recommend driving on I-4 that day though as it will be bumper to bumper traffic that doesnt move before and after the race.