Non-park Disneyish trip in Feb?

[GusGus77]

We will be staying at Bonnet Creek in February but can only afford to go to the parks for one day (we will be at Disneyland in September and this February trip is kind of a last minute addition to use up timeshare points.) We were thinking the last full week in February (the 21st.) Is there anything I am missing that it would be a bad week to go? The crowd calendar I looked at said it was pretty low for crowds but I have learned to take those numbers with a grain of salt.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

It's a great time to go-- that's our week for 2015 and 2016, after much research.

The half marathon in EPCOT is that weekend, but the event occurs early in the morning.

Crowds are low, weather is nice.

Don't tell everyone, keep the crowds low.

 

[ZoZo]

That's the exact week that we went in 2014. It was a great time to go! You miss the busy President's week, so crowd levels are great. It was warm enough to swim a few of the days we were there (in fact, we made a last minute change to our plans and went to Typhoon Lagoon our first day!).

And I love the weather in February! We usually go in October, so it was a nice break from the heat and humidity we were used to.

 

[GovieMom]

We went during the last week of February last year. Not gonna lie...the crowds weren't low by any means, more on the moderate side. The weather was pretty decent though, for that time of year.

 

[andyman8]

You might run into the end of the Presidents' Week/Princess Half-Marathon rush, but the crowds are certainly manageable! And hey, a little Disney time is better than no Disney time! And from what I understand, you'll be spending that full week down there but just a day in the parks, so just use THIS link to pick the least crowded, most recommended day for the park you're visiting.

Plus, there's plenty to do at WDW that's not a park. I know it's extra money but you can spend a day at Blizzard Beach (that's the only water park that'll be open during that time of year) plus playing a round of mini-golf at the Winter Summerland Course there or at Fantasia Gardens. If you're playing at FG, you might consider taking a stroll over to Disney's BoardWalk and booking a meal there (or just grabbing some hot dogs, fries, pizza, or funnel cake at one of the little kiosks there). At night, they have three great entertainers doing performances throughout the night on the BW too; lots of fun! Speaking of food, you could use this opportunity to eat a few meals at some of the Disney Resort Hotels on non-park days; maybe a character breakfast or a nice dinner at one or a few of the Deluxes. Not sure if your party is interested in golf but WDW Golf is great as well, plus you don't ave to be staying at a Deluxe Hotel to take out a SeaRaycer or pontoon at one of their marinas. That's one of my favorite things to do at WDW. There's also inexpensive cane pole fishing at POR and FW. While you're at FW, consider seeing the HDDR (just recently saw this for the first time and it was fantastic!) or just taking a little nature walk. If you decide to peer over to POR, take the water taxi over to DTD/Disney Springs. This area is really buzzing and has lots to do, including some great restaurants and shops. It's very different now, so definitely worth checking out!

 

[epcotty]

We also went during the last week of February last year, we thought it seemed somewhat crowded at MK, definitely more than we were expecting (but this was on the weekend). But it was still manageable

 

[GusGus77]

According to the crowd calendar, the crowds should be very low. President's day/week is usually the third Monday as that falls the week before. So it looks like we chose a good week!

We won't be doing any big restraunts or character meals due to $. Gotta keep cheap. I am lucky if DH lets me keep the one day at MK as it will almost be $450 for our family of 4. I would think it would be a little cold in February for the waterpark? I don't DH would go for it (although he has wanted to go), but it seems like it might be too cold in February for the pool!

Right now we are planning on going to the campfire with Chip and Dale as well as checking things out at Animal Kingdom as we have never done any of those things. The cane fishing sounds good, too, as we didn't get to do that last time we stayed at POR. Boardwalk is a possibility too, although DH was not impressed the last time we went. Any other free or almost free suggestions?

 

[RafikiTiki21]

Resort hopping and shopping is always fun (I know you said keep it cheap, but shopping scope is up to you!).

Many of the resorts, especially Animal Kingdom lodge, have lots of activities scheduled throughout the day that are free. Kenny the Pirate's website posts them. AKL has the most all day for kids, so that could be fun-- includes little talks, crafts, etc.

In resort hopping or exploring you can be creative in your transportation to make it more fun than just getting from A to B-- take boats for some fun instead of a bus, etc.

Exploring Disney Springs is another thing that gives lots to see, and up to you if you spend any money or not. There are free shows/little concerts throughout the day too. (Universal's City Walk too).

Last year we swam only one day that week, mostly due to schedules. Weather was fine for it, but one or two days was chillier-- the pools are heated (not sure about Bonnet Creeks) but you may have to see what its like when you arrive rather than being hard set on a certain pool day.

 

[svecchitto]

Last year we did a trip (it was aug though) and only went to mk one day. That was all I could get my husband to agree to he was so worried because it was our daughters first vacation and didn't know how she would be (she was only 9 almost 10 months) We did a character breakfast another morning, a lunch at a resort another day, and with downtown Disney I still feel like our trip was very Disney. It was enough to hold me over until this trip in a few weeks. Plan it right and you won't feel like you are missing a thing.