jan/feb trip

[ohMom]

we are considering a jan/feb 2003 trip, during value season. I had orginally thought we go jan 13-20 to incorporate my DH b-day and take advantage of MKL day off school. Now I'm wondering how the crowds will be due to the marathon?

we've only been to WDW once, the first week of Dec 1999, and we were spoiled by the low attendance of that slow time

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We were there during the marathon last year. It really didn't seen to be that crowded... but I did see a lot of marathon people around. We were staying at ASMu and there seemed to be a LOT of runners there. We actually went to Epcot and watched them run around the World Showcase... it was kinda neat. I don't think it's a bad time to go, but early Feb. would probably be slower. We were there this past Feb. and the crowds were very small.

Have a great trip!

 

[adams66]

We were there last January and with the exception of MLK day itself, there were virtually no crowds at all. We plan to go again this January but I plan a hotel day for MLK day. We always get there just after the marathon so I can't help with those days.

 

[Blondie]

The end of January/beginning of February is a great time to go!

We've gone during that time frame in 2000 and 2002, and are returning the last week of January for 2003!

The weather has been very cooperative for us, beautiful during the daytime, light sweatshirt during the evening after the sun goes down (maybe--sometimes you won't need one at all!)

There will be people at the parks, but not nearly as many during peak season or over the holidays. If you do have any waiting for rides it will be under 15 minutes, and that's for the most popular ones. Otherwise, everthing is walk-on!

The only downfall to going at this time of year is that the parks close earlier and some of the counter service restaurants close up before the parks do (found that out this year at the Magic Kingdom!) So you need to plan accordingly.

Otherwise, I say go and have a great time! We certainly will!

 

[ducklite]

Most marathoners leave the day after the marathon, so you shouldn't be impacted. In all honesty you'll probably be more impacted by MLK day.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by Blondie
The end of January/beginning of February is a great time to go!

We've gone during that time frame in 2000 and 2002, and are returning the last week of January for 2003!

The weather has been very cooperative for us, beautiful during the daytime, light sweatshirt during the evening after the sun goes down (maybe--sometimes you won't need one at all!)

You've been very lucky. In 2002 the first week of January was too cold for shorts all but part of one day. It was downright FREEZING two days after the marathon. (Frost on the roofs at the GF that morning!!)

We've got vacation photo's from the first week of February 1996 where we are walking around in winter coats with hats, mittens and scarfs.

The last week of January 1998 was moderate, we could wear shorts on some, but not all, days.

Heck on 3/18/01 we were in Epcot wearing jeans and light jackets, it was quite cool.

Anne

 

[Blondie]

Oh I agree!

The weather that time of year in Florida can be very fickle!

I though it was cooler in April 2001 than during our January and February trips! Go figure!