Presidents day week

[seethelight]

Ugh. Got so excited planning my last min trip I didn't realiZe it was Presidents' Day week. Am I doomed with crazy crowds and long waits??

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

Ugh. Got so excited planning my last min trip I didn't realiZe it was Presidents' Day week. Am I doomed with crazy crowds and long waits??

It's a little crazy, but I thought totally manageable if you plan appropriately and get to the parks early.

 

[kenny]

Not to hijack but am considering pres week 2015. How does it compare to Easter break and thanksgiving weekend. Been both those times

 

[seethelight]

Is this time more crowded then September?

 

[jimandami]

Is this time more crowded then September?

Absolutely! Disney doesn't charge peak rates that week for no reason!

 

[Denise W]

President's week is a big vacation week for schools in New England.

Denise

 

[dreamadream]

We were there last year (2013) for President's Day and although the park was packed, it was manageable. Like people have stated, you need to really plan ahead and go with the flow.

 

[stormer]

Not to hijack but am considering pres week 2015. How does it compare to Easter break and thanksgiving weekend. Been both those times

Just a heads up I think in 2015 Presidents Week and Mardi Gras are the same time. We have found it is a little more crowded when that happens.

 

[DizFanSLD]

We have been during President's Week several times in the past, and are heading back this year as well. Crowds are heaviest on Sunday and Monday, but not anything like Christmas, Thanksgiving or Spring Break crowds. In fact, I am tracking the dates on TouringPlans and they just sent out an email yesterday, revising the numbers downward for each day of our trip. The highest they have is an 8 on Sunday resort-wide, and Epcot is a 9 on both Sunday and Monday. In our experience, that week is less crowded then Memorial Day Weekend, which is our other regular travel time.

 

[jimandami]

We have been during President's Week several times in the past, and are heading back this year as well. Crowds are heaviest on Sunday and Monday, but not anything like Christmas, Thanksgiving or Spring Break crowds. In fact, I am tracking the dates on TouringPlans and they just sent out an email yesterday, revising the numbers downward for each day of our trip. The highest they have is an 8 on Sunday resort-wide, and Epcot is a 9 on both Sunday and Monday. In our experience, that week is less crowded then Memorial Day Weekend, which is our other regular travel time.

But the OP was asking about September, which is what a 3,4, or 5? That's a huge difference!

 

[bbutler100]

But the OP was asking about September, which is what a 3,4, or 5? That's a huge difference!

I think OP was asking about February - it will be interesting to see how FP+ affects flow.

 

[jimandami]

I think OP was asking about February - it will be interesting to see how FP+ affects flow.

Yes, the OP originally asked about Feb but then asked how it compares to September, which is why I pointed out that while President's week may not be Easter/Spring Break/summer busy, it is WAY busier than September.

 

[summerrluvv]

We went a couple of years ago during President's week, and it wasn't crowded, and I don't remember the rates being as disgustingly high (peak) as they are now. Our schools have off for the week, but most don't. But I think the Marathons bring in a lot of people.

We are staying off site this time, since Disney priced us right out of on -site, so we are basically screwed in terms of fast pass from what I've read. Might be our last trip to WDW with all of the changes they've made. We'll see how it works out!

 

[cleophus12]

The races that weekend may increase crowds some. Check the races and their routes and avoid those parks in the am. No comparison to Christmas crowds.

 

[JessicaW1234]

The races that weekend may increase crowds some. Check the races and their routes and avoid those parks in the am. No comparison to Christmas crowds.

We will be there through Friday of Presidents' Day week. Will the race events occur in parks on Thursday or Friday?
Does someone have a link to that information?

 

[viola64]

Races start Friday morning. There's a 5k at Epcot bright and early (starts at 6:15).

The expo starts Thursday at noon at the wide world of sports.

Rundisney .com has info on the princess half weekend

 

[Hopefully]

Yes, the OP originally asked about Feb but then asked how it compares to September, which is why I pointed out that while President's week may not be Easter/Spring Break/summer busy, it is WAY busier than September.

I agree Completely!!! Presidents Day week is WAY more crowded than September. It is crowded and busy. I also agree not Christmas or Easter busy, but nothing is.
OP you need to be there at Rope Drop with a good plan.
Good Luck

 

[seethelight]

Moved my reservations for the last week of feb Touring plans predicts much lower crowds. I for some reason always thought presidents day was the last Monday. Whew. Glad I got that fixed! With three girls under five less people is perfect! We went in sept last time and loved the crowd levels. Thanks guys!

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

We're going President's Week! Not too worried about it. With FP+ I have every ride booked that is a priority except Test Track. We get in on 2/16, the day before President's Day and are headed to MK. It will be very crowded (I think TP.com predicts it to be an 8) and it is an EMH night. However, I have FP+ scheduled for Under the Sea, Peter Pan, and Enchanted Tales with Belle. Plus an ADR at LTT. I'm planning to do high capacity, low wait attractions the rest of the evening (e.g., Philharmagic, Monster's Inc., Carousel of Progress). With a plan, I think it will be fine and crowds are predicted to die down a lot by Wednesday.

 

[jennad4]

I went over Presidents Week 2 years ago. It was also Mardi Gras. MK was very busy in the afternoons for the long weekend, but if you do rope drop it wasn't horrible. We are going 2/13-2/20 this year, hopefully with rope drop and good FP+ planning it will be fine!