Jan/Feb questions

[megan&joeysmommy]

We're trying to decide on if/when to go in Jan/Feb 2005.

Weather:
Is there much difference in the weather between the beginning of Jan to the 1st week of Feb? What does everyone wear for day or evening?

Crowds/Conventions:
Is there anything we should avoid besides Pres. weekend and after?

Attractions:
What rides "usually" are down at this time?

Thanks for any info. you can give. I don't need the "official" Birnbaums listing as I often see for these type of questions since I have the book, but I am interested in real stories of wonderful times had during this time period! (or if it was awful then, please let me know that too)

 

[all4fun]

click here to go to allearsnet.com to see the historic attendance levels.

click here for rehabs and closure times.

click here for monthly temp averages.

Two books that have really good planning info are "The Passporter" by Watson, Marx, and Marx, and "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" by Bob Sehlinger.

Hope you have a magical trip!

HTH!

 

[renda460]

We have been in both Jan and Feb. Last year we went the last week in Feb before the value season ends (I think this is the week before the schools Feb vacation). The prices were great and we barely waited in any lines. I think the closing time of the parks is usually a little earlier this time of year. Last year I can remember one of the water parks was completely closed for renovations. Also, the Buzz Lightyear ride in MK closed halfway through our visit for renovations.

As for weather, I definitely remember our trip in mid Feb being much warmer than our trip in mid Jan. In Feb, we were able to swim a couple of days, and the other days it was a little too cold to swim. During the days, we mostly wore shorts with a sweatshirt that we could take off if it warmed up. In the evening we would wear longer pants and sometimes sweatshirts or jackets as well.

We thought it was a perfect time of year to visit. You will probably have very few lines in either Jan or Feb, so the weather may have a factor in your decision. If you want the chance to swim, I would go with Feb.

 

[TerriBelle]

We have also been in Jan & Feb. This year we were there the week following MLK day and in 2000 we went in the middle of Feb. For us the crowds were less in Jan. because we did not hit any Feb breaks. Some schools in the North have breaks in Feb. that can make the parks crowded. The weather was a little warmer in Feb. but I think it is hard to predict. We have always managed to get in the heated pools a few times every trip.

 

[jcemom]

Besides President's Day, I think Martin Luther King weekend gets more crowded also.

We were there Feb 3-12 this year and it was GREAT! Lines were practically non-existant and weather was nearly perfect. We had 2 cool days with highs in the low 60's, and two hot days with highs in the upper 80's, but the rest were mid 70's and sunny. There were rain sprinkles one morning but only for about half an hour and it was very light. The down side is that we had to pack almost every item of clothing we own, lol. My kids went in the pool almost every day. We did find that most mornings we needed a sweatshirt or light jacket, though, then in the afternoons it was definitely shorts and tee shirts weather. Around fireworks time (after the sun went down) it was chilly again, but not really uncomfortable (especially since it was below freezing when we left home with several inches of snow).

One of the water parks will be closed for rehab, but the other will still be open. As far as rides, we didn't miss much. Beauty and the Beast was closed for part of our stay, but we caught it at the end. TriceraTop Spin we caught at the beginning before it went down for rehab. The AstroOrbiter was supposed to be closed but it was open on the day we went to Tomorrowland. The Wonders of Life Pavillion in Epcot will most likely be closed, as will Carousel of Progress and Timekeeper at MK. Otherwise I think rehabs are hit and miss no matter what time of year you go. There are even some scheduled rehabs over the summer, so I wouldn't worry about that, you'll enjoy what is available, right?

I wouldn't hesitate to go again at that time of year! We left on the Thursday before President's Day and I could tell a slight difference in crowds at the end of our trip, so I would recommend leaving before then if possible.

Go and have a terrific time!