Need advice on WDW in February...

[B3LM]

DH's cousin is considering a trip in February of next year and I told her that I'd try to get some info on what WDW is like during that time. I've never been there during that month, but I know you can help!

They'd really like to arrive on the Sunday after President's day which would be 2/22/03 and stay through 3/1/03. This timeframe isn't set in stone, though. They'd like to be able to swim and get a nice discount on a resort room if possible.

After looking at the WDW web-site, I told her that peak season started 3 days before President's day this year, so she'd probably have to pay rack rates if they go that week. I'd also assume that crowds would be high. (President's day is on 2/17/03. )

Would they be better off going at the beginning of February? Did anyone get discounts for that time this year? What were the crowds like? Was it warm enough to swim?

They're considering one of the Alll Star resorts or POR.

Thanks for any info you can provide!
Beth

 

[Chess]

We've gone to WDW the first/second week in February the last two years. Weather has been decent and we have been able to swim both times. The weather fluctuates and we have had highs in the upper 50's to high's in the low 90's. We went to TL both years on whatever day seemed to be the warmest (this is the only waterpark open at that time). Crowds are small. Most rides are walk on with no more than a 10-15 minute wait on others. Hours are shorter with most of the parks closing at 6pm except Epcot which closed around 9 or 10pm. The down side is you have to pack for all types of weather as it does get cool at night. Daytime is usually shorts and t-shirt or sweatshirt and nights the same with the possibility of needing long pants the majority of the nights. We have also packed gloves because it can get pretty chilly while watching the nighttime parades. I hope this helps.

We have gotten pretty decent rates both times in February. The first year we did the Sunshine package including a breakfast every day which worked out well as we tried to do a character meal or buffet every morning which runs about $80 for 2 adults and 2 children. This past year we were booked for CBR with AP rate of $84 but were upgraded to the Polynesian for rate of $99 a night due to CBR being overbooked because of the cheerleaders.

I forgot to say that the cheerleading competition is sometime during that week. This makes for more crowds at MGM on the day of the competition but overall the ones we saw were well behaved although I have read other posts that have had bad experiences with them.

Cindy

 

[bassoon2]

Oh no! I just booked 2-7 to 2-14 at the CBR and was hoping to not run into the EVIL CHEERLEADERS!!! LOL!!!!

Maybe I will be lucky to be bumped up to the Poly!!!


b2

 

[vicb]

The big financial difference between early and late Feb. is of course the early being value season and the late being regular. In value you can get deals and you start with a lower rate. We stayed feb. 6-12 and had ok weather. Some nights were pretty cold 40's and the days 65-73. Feb. is a very changable month for weather.

 

[Eeyore2U]

We have gone the week after President's Day for many years. I can't speak about rooms but as far as weather you name it you can get it. Hot-2001, Cold-2002, Perfect-2000. Going at the time of year requires a lot of time in weather.com.

 

[ducklite]

Weather is a crap shoot that time of year. In my experience it's been cold more than hot.

The pools are all heated, but brrrrr when you get out.

Anne

 

[I <3 Eeyore]

The weather is completely unpredictable in February. I second Eeyore2U's advice to check Weather.com frequently before packing. The crowds have varied the past three years, too. This year there were no crowds during that week. We were able to ride anything we wanted with no more than a 20 minute wait. Next year could be completely different, however.

 

[SuzyQue]

Were looking into going the week after President's week in 2003, what were the park hours like? Did MK only have fireworks & spectromagic on weekends? Did you have any e-nights? This year we went during President's week so we had all the perks for the big crowds. ~~

 

[Rneighh]

We always go in Feb. Weather is all over the place. If you go early in the month crowds are no problem.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by SuzyQue
Were looking into going the week after President's week in 2003, what were the park hours like? Did MK only have fireworks & spectromagic on weekends? Did you have any e-nights? This year we went during President's week so we had all the perks for the big crowds. ~~

This past year:

No Enights
Fireworks just about every night.
Typical Offseason.
Spectro on Fridays and Saturdays and I think they added on the Monday too.