How busy is WDW in mid February?

[FatCow]

I'm going to take my daughter to Walt Disney World in Florida in mid February '04.

Air tickets, Park Hopper for 7 days already been bought. Staying at All-Stars Music Resort (cheapest in-Disney hotel).

Main question:

How much of a madhouse it's going to be?

Other Questions:

1. Do they have drinking fountains in the parks? (MGM, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom)
2. Do they have coin laundry in the hotel?
3. Do they have hair dryer in the hotel

most importantly:

4. Any tips?

Thanks beforehand.

 

[jmcross]

I hope I can help here although I'm not speaking from experience. I expect that mid February will be packed due to school vacations and the start of Nascar season in Daytona. I am also going during mid February.

There are drinking fountains all over but I found the water to be warm and funny tasting. I have never stayed at the All-Stars but I'm pretty sure that they have laundry facilities.

Joanne

 

[Saa62]

If you are going during the first 2 weeks of Feb this is normally slow time. (Value season)

Advantage is low crowds. No madhouse. Most of the time the rides can be walk on.

Disadvantage the park hours are shorter for some parks and some of the special attractions may not be available every night.(i.e. Spectromagic)

You still get to see and do as much as you would during the regular season due to not having to fight the crowd.

The weather can be very unpreditable. I have been during that time for 5 years and have experienced everything from frost to 90 degree days. Coming from a cold climate you will probably have you winter coats and gloves. Pack a little of everything from sweatshirts to shorts. Most of our trips we have had pleasent 70 degree weather during the day and cool light jacket weather in the evenings. But be prepared for anything. You may wear your winter gear on Monday and need shorts for Wednesday then a rain coat for Friday.

If you are going during the last 2 weeks the crowds will pick up some(more schools start having spring break). Weather should be comparable to the start of Feb.

Check wdwig.com for particulars of the All Stars and lots of other helpful information. I am pretty sure there are laundry facilities but not hair dryers.

There are water fountains everywhere.

 

[MinnieGi]

What are your exact dates you are planning? I see you are from Canada and might not know that in mid-February many northeast schools have a winter break for a whole week and almost all schools in the U.S. have a holiday for President's Day (Feb. 16th) and quite a few schools also give an extra day or two for a long President's Day weekend. This generally makes for a very crowded WDW. However on the plus side, WDW has longer operating hours during this peak season time!

 

[FatCow]

Thanks for the replies. That was quick!

Any clue how long the lineups going to be? I remembered lining up for an hour for Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland and about 45 minutes for GTRR ride. (and about 30 minutes lineup for other rides). But they were about 15 years ago.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

There are laundry facilities at the All Stars. Also, just so you know, if you get regular water at a Disney restaurant, it is free.

Most importantly, there is a great new thing at Disney called Fast Pass. If you learn to use it, your wait will be very minimal! Probably there is a lot of information on it, but in a nutshell, you put your parkhopper ticket into a machine located next to the ride. It then gives you back your ticket plus another ticket that tells you when you can come back and walk onto the ride in a separate line. Not all rides have Fast Pass, but the bigger, more popular, rides all do. (I don't think I explained this very well so be sure to look up more information on it!) Have fun!

 

[FatCow]

Originally posted by MinnieGi
What are your exact dates you are planning? I see you are from Canada and might not know that in mid-February many northeast schools have a winter break for a whole week and almost all schools in the U.S. have a holiday for President's Day (Feb. 16th) and quite a few schools also give an extra day or two for a long President's Day weekend. This generally makes for a very crowded WDW. However on the plus side, WDW has longer operating hours during this peak season time!

Darn it! We are planning (and already fully paid) for the trip between February 15th thru the 21st. I guess I have to swallow the chill pill and hope for the best.

 

[Big V]

We have been there during this time and didn't think the crowds were bad at all! I think the weekend and Monday will be the worst days. I'm sure you'll have a great time! The All Stars do have laundry facilities. We'll be there from February 18th to March 3rd!