Huh Oh - President's Week

[PamNC]

Oh No - I just realized I booked my trip 2/18 - 2/22 which is President's Week. I did this once - years ago and it was crazy crowded. I can't change it. Anyone want to calm me down or give me tips? I'm staying offsite unfortunately but only in Celebration. I haven't been since 2010 so I need some touring tips please.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

We were there last year during President's week and it wasn't that bad for us. We stayed onsite so were able to schedule our fastpasses but my sister's family was offsite and had to do hers same day (the process at the time) and for the most part we were able to overlap everything so we rode most rides together. Hopefully you've made all those plans since you're in your 30 day window.

I'm guessing it might be busier for your that week since you're overlapping Mardi Gras and we didn't. My touring strategy would be the same regardless though - avoid early EMH and get there at rope drop. Ride the headliners you weren't able to get fastpasses for and do what you can before the crowds start. We did this last year during President's week and ended up riding BTMT as a group of 6 at least 3 or 4 times in a row with only a couple minutes wait in between. Then after the crowds start rolling in hopefully you've got you're other fastpasses to play with.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

That weekend is also the Princess Half Marathon weekend. I'm not sure if that will make the parks busier, but if you are driving in to the parks in the mornings you should check the timing. Especially on Saturday since that is the 1/2 marathon day.

 

[MsMagical]

We were there for the weekend before Mardi Gras and it was certainly busy but getting to the parks early was a great strategy. If you can't use extra magic hours, then definitely avoid the park that has them on that day. Get there early and schedule your fastpasses for early afternoon when it is busy, then head to a resort for a delicious table service dinner and head home or back into the park and close it down. Or, use your fastpasses and go later in the afternoon stay until close. It's busy but nothing you can't handle with a little planning. You'll still have fun!

 

[sgfundis]

We were there 2 years ago for that weekend (Princess Race, Mardi Gras and Presidents Day) and are doing it again this year. It was busy, but we did everything we wanted and only once felt truly overwhelmed once in the 5 days we were there and went back to the hotel for the afternoon.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you can't change it, then you're going to have to roll with it.

Since it will be busy, odds are the parks will have long hours. Make the most of it by being at the front of rope drop every day and leave when it gets uncomfortably busy.

 

[anniemae]

Just be aware that it will be busy and you will be fine, as long as you know it going in. I think Mardi Gras is 2/17, I have heard that impacts crowds a bit too. Also, it is Feb break for some Northern folks. I agree with getting there early and getting a lot done in the morning and avoiding emh parks. Have fun and keep a good attitude, it will be fine.

 

[davkata]

We were there last year those same dates. Plan ahead is my best advice. RD a park that does not have EMH since you can't utilize them. If you have park hoppers, hop to another park late day and use your FP+ there. We did this last year although we were on site, so did RD with EMH. We incorporated a mid-day pool/nap break every day as well. We rode all the headliners multiple times during our 5 days and saw many shows using this strategy. Also at DHS ride during Fantasmic, lines are less. Use single rider for RnRC, Everest and TT if you can. I can't stand being caught in crowds and the only ones we encountered that actually bothered me were when we stupidly entered MK right before the fireworks so Main St. and most access points around it were completely clogged. DD and I got our toes run over by more than one wheelchair, stroller, etc. but again our own stupidity. We made our way through and were rewarded with little to no lines on Space Mountain and other rides. MK was open until 12 or 1 am and those were the hours, not EMH so you can utilize those too. Have fun, we did and are going again this year same week!

 

[stormer]

We love going that week (we don't have a choice because of school schedules, though!). It will be busier this year because it overlaps with Mardi Gras, but you will still be fine as long as you have a plan. We arrive early and hit the big rides first. When the parks get crowded we enjoy relaxing, grabbing a bite to eat, going on smaller rides, or going back to the resort for a swim. The days of the marathon, traffic can be tricky if you plan on driving to the parks. Even if it is crowded, it is better than being home!

 

[Alohagirl73]

Looking into this week for 2016. Only been at summer. Thank you for reassurance that crowds aren't too bad. Can't be worse than summer and the humidity and heat!!!

 

[anniemae]

I agree with this, the weather in Feb is so much better IMO. I hate the oppressive heat and energy-zapping humidity. I'll take the chillier temp and throw on a sweat shirt. It is so much better for touring.