Rates as far as crowds go

[Shelly888]

Hey experts, need advice/help. Our plan is to take 10 days or nights(haven't decided yet) in February. DS has a winter recess Feb 19-27. Of course that is Sat& Sun before Presidents day(Mon) and the week through Sunday return to school Monday Feb 28th.

The thought of being at Disney during that week makes both my husband and I cringe. We had a trip of a lifetime 3 years ago in Feb it was beyond perfect, great weather, little crowds etc.

Now our child is 6, so in order to go at non-peak times we have to pull him out of 1st grade. I have thought a lot about this and have decided to do this. I was spoke to Dis this am and found that peak pricing starts 2/17 which is the Thursday before Presidents day. Is it correct for me to assume that because the prices are up, they expect the crowds to be as well. I mean historically speaking would that Thursday and Friday be as busy as the weekend and President's day/week?

I was trying to think of a way to combine weeks, so that he could use a few days of his vacation time with non-vacation time.

We don't mind the higher prices as much as the more crowded atmosphere. Any hints, tips ideas?

 

[ccgirl]

It is busy as parents do exactly what you are thinking of doing. I know MA schools have that week off and it is CROWDED! If you are going to take your son out of school anyway does he has some days off for teachers professional days or something like that?

 

[Gina]

The first trip for DS and I was during President's Week, and it was CRAZY crowded. Magic-Kingdom-at-capacity-crowded. I was a complete newb, and had no idea that no one was minding the entire East coast during that week. I have pulled my son out for WDW trips ever since, for the past 10 years.

Now we go in either early Dec. or (preferably) in very early Feb., and it's ideal to me. Cool, practically have the parks to ourselves, LOVE it. And way cheaper too!!

 

[Shelly888]

The first trip for DS and I was during President's Week, and it was CRAZY crowded. Magic-Kingdom-at-capacity-crowded. I was a complete newb, and had no idea that no one was minding the entire East coast during that week. I have pulled my son out for WDW trips ever since, for the past 10 years.

Now we go in either early Dec. or (preferably) in very early Feb., and it's ideal to me. Cool, practically have the parks to ourselves, LOVE it. And way cheaper too!!

That is exactly what we are in fear of, lol. I think you have solidified our plan. Our only 'issue' is DH has to take a few days off in early Feb, but we will do our best to work around it, perhaps start the trip late January.

ccgirl, that was what I was thinking too, I don't think he has other days, but I will check, that is a good idea. I know he will have MLK off, I bet some parents do the same thing as well. Any idea about that week?

 

[lamb616]

according to the crowd-planners, the week AFTER that is forecast to be very slow (well -- as "slow" as WDW can ever be). I think it's because it's after all the fEb. school breaks and before spring break officially starts. So you could go the end of your school vacation into the next week. The beginning will be crowded but then should taper off.

 

[ccgirl]

That is exactly what we are in fear of, lol. I think you have solidified our plan. Our only 'issue' is DH has to take a few days off in early Feb, but we will do our best to work around it, perhaps start the trip late January.

ccgirl, that was what I was thinking too, I don't think he has other days, but I will check, that is a good idea. I know he will have MLK off, I bet some parents do the same thing as well. Any idea about that week?

MLK is not too too bad. Certainly not as bad as Feb or Spring vacations. You will get the local crowd as that is a long weekend. But it's not crazy. My favorite time is October during MNSSHP. Crowds are low yet it is still very warm. We are trying December this year.