Presidents Week

[LDR446]

Since having kids I have always been lucky enough to go to WDW at not the most peak times. However, I can no longer pull my oldest (5th grade) out of school as she'd miss too much. So this year we are going during Presidents week. I am very nervous of the crowds. Is this a big mistake? How much worse are the crowds during February break compared to say Rosh Hashanah week or Labor Day week?

 

[ChristineOH]

You might get a better answer if you ask in the theme park strategies forum instead of the restaurants forum.

Even though I've been never been either time, I'd say, yes. It'll be a lot more crowded. Just have a plan.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Moving to theme parks

 

[g-dad66]

Yes, a lot more crowded, but no it would not be a mistake. We go nearly every year during Spring Break week, knowing that it will be very crowded (but great weather), and by taking advantage of Rope Drop and careful FP planning, we are always able to do everything we want to do (except for the occasional ride breakdown).

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We're going that week, I'm expecting it to be crowded but we'll be there at opening in the morning, utilize FP+ and make the most of it. I know no matter we'll have a great time.

 

[LDR446]

How insanely crowded is Disney going to be during Presidents week? This is the first time in decades that I've gone to Disney during a peak week. I'm starting to get nervous.

 

[LDR446]

Yes, a lot more crowded, but no it would not be a mistake. We go nearly every year during Spring Break week, knowing that it will be very crowded (but great weather), and by taking advantage of Rope Drop and careful FP planning, we are always able to do everything we want to do (except for the occasional ride breakdown).

What is rope drop?

 

[g-dad66]

What is rope drop?

Park opening.

This can often occur earlier than the official park opening time, especially during high-crowd times like Presidents Week.

 

[LDR446]

Thanks. How much earlier and is this something you can find out in advance or do you just go early and hope?

 

[pearljamin04]

Starters, I'm actually not a "newbie"... I forgot my password, entered it wrong too many times and don't use my really old email anymore to retrieve it so shout out if anyone can fix that...

Here it goes, I've been going to WDW every February for about the last 20 or so years. Presidents weekend and Mardi Gras can be a zoo. The week leading up to Presidents day starts getting busy on Thursday with larger and larger crowds for the next few days then starts thinning back out again after Tuesday. Depending on how long you're there or how long before can definitely be a help. Don't be scared, it's manageable and always fun no matter what. Personally, I've learned to stay away those two weeks but life dictates our schedules sometimes so deep breath and enjoy it. Get your fastpasses and have fun!

 

[dreamscometrue47]

We were there last February during President's week and were mildly surprised at what we thought were very manageable crowds. We stayed away from those parks with early morning hours and were able to get done everything we wanted to. We have been every month except for the summer months of June, July and August and this was one of our best weeks. Plan out our day and your fast passes and you will be fine.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

The park hours are posted on the Disney website. If you are there at opening time you'll be good (or even a little earlier, as much as 60 minutes early for Animal Kingdom if you plan to go on FoP).