President’s Weekend or the Week before?

[Braque]

We are traditionally a ‘summer vacation’ family but are planning a big reunion in mid-February 2005. Historically, will the hotel rates on-site and airfares to Florida be much higher during a holiday weekend in the middle of winter, as opposed to the prior weekend? Have there been President’s weekend special rates?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Scoootch]

Holiday periods are usually higher rates but even more than that, the crowds are ALOT busier. Feb. is a wonderful time crowd wise to be at WDW, I went Feb.1-4 2003 and there were hardly any lines at the parks and we got a great rate at the GF garden view of $221 per night with a discount code to give you an idea of what early Feb. rates were just a year and a half ago - don't know how much higher they were for Presidents week.

If you can avoid Presidents week itself, you'll probably not only save yourself some $$ but also have a more enjoyable time at the parks with lower crowds.

BTW, I doubt they'd have any "specials" for Presidents week as it's one of the busiest weeks of the year - therefore, booking the resorts isn't a problem for Disney. They do often have discount codes for Annual passholders and such throughout the year though and you may be able to use one for the time you are looking to book.

HTH's

 

[F1Julie]

I've never gone during President's week, but I've heard it's really crowded. I'd go before that week. Also, sometime in mid Feb, maybe around the 12th, value season ends and peak season begins. If you check in during value season, you maintain that rate even if the next day is peak season. I would do that if at all possible. It will save you a significant amount of money.

 

[ReneeDisney]

We are planning on going February 12-20th this year. We are anticiapting a quiet start to the week and a busy end to the week. I'm hoping to that I can get a great code and upgrade to concierge for our stay - as we enjoy that so much!
Otherwise, we are just looking for some sunshine and warmth while Northeast is cold.
GOOD LUCK to our February travelers! Let's get some codes...

 

[girlsx2]

For the last two years we have gone the last week of value season (the week before President's Day) and have LOVED it!! The crowds are low during the first part of the week and did get a little heavier the latter part of the week but nothing compared to the summer months. I can't imagine going any other time. Not to mention getting a great rate at an on site hotel for starting your vacation during value season. I would really consider this, you won't be sorry!!

 

[DisneyWisher]

One reason Pres day weekend is busier is because of Daytona 500. A lot of people drive in and with Disney being about an hour away they make the most of their trip.

One great thing about going in Feb is that it is cool out. Though sometimes chilly but nothing compared to up North. We stay at PC on President's day and the Tuesday after (spur of the moment trip) and we had to wait 4 busses to get to MK. But it was only about a 15 min wait. The busses were basically back to back. Give me crowds and 70 degree weather over crowds and 95 degree and humidity.

Shirley

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by Braque
Historically, will the hotel rates on-site and airfares to Florida be much higher during a holiday weekend in the middle of winter, as opposed to the prior weekend?

Airfares will probably be higher around President's Day Weekend and Daytona. It sounds like you're better off going the week before.

 

[DutchsMommy]

We are going to be in the World Feb 7th - 13th next year. We are in Value season and are also hoping for a discount code. I think next year President's day is around the 20th/21st - a bit later in Feb than this year - so by timing our stay the way we did, I think we will be OK. From teh 13th to the 17th we will be cuisin' on the Wonder (!) so the only busy time we will likely see is at MCO catching our flight back home