Tell me about the Fort in Jan and Feb

[UMADDBG]

I've never been to Disney in Jan or Feb. What's it like....can you swim? How are the crowds? Also how tight are the full hook-up sites? We have a 39 foot fifth wheel.

 

[fla4fun]

Well, as to the swimming part, the pools are heated to about 85 degrees or so - so it depends on the air temperature. We usually get a cold front that lasts a day or two, then it warms up again (low to mid 70's), then another cold front. So if the day is sunny and the wind is low, swimming can definitely be on the agenda.

Crowds can be very good, if you don't go around MLK weekend. I usually go late January/early February and the parks are very nice crowd-wise. Even last year when the Super Bowl was in Tampa, the crowds were not bad.

I can't comment on the rest of your question, as I stay in the cabins.

 

[Since1971]

It used to be empty during January, but people have realized this can be nice time to be in Florida and the snowbirds are down so depending on the week, it can be very crowded and hard to get in. We always camp around the end of February for DD's birthday and it can be extremely cold. We have pets so we stay in the full hook-up pet loops. The last two years it was in the 50's during the day and was only nice maybe three days out of 10. Of course we are Florida natives so what is cold to us might not be cold to someone else. We do have cold fronts, but they can come continuously so you should be prepared for a vacation of only one to two nice days if it does happen. Every year is different.

As for swimming, it isn't the temperature of the pool, but getting to the pool and getting out of it. We did go swimming this past February at the Beach Club at night when it was in the 40's, but I wouldn't recommend it and we won't do it again. We only did it to appease DH, lol.

Anything around MLK Day or President's Day is going to be very crowded as is anything on the weekends. Also, some of the northern schools have early spring breaks (in February) so you might have a little trouble then. We have found that if we call around this time for the last week of February/first week of March it is less crowded. Before that time and after and the crowds pick up.

 

[TheFlame]

I've never been to Disney in Jan or Feb. What's it like....can you swim? How are the crowds? Also how tight are the full hook-up sites? We have a 39 foot fifth wheel.

I agree about MLK-stay away from this and you will LOVE camping at FW and being at Disney in Jan. or Feb. The temps can be unpredictable but are generally very mild. The only time we about froze to death was on the outside of the big boat and on the little boat coming across Bay Lake. You will need to take gloves, scarves, and hats and a jacket but not necessarily a heavy coat...we have meat on our bones so a light jacket with long sleeves under is okay with us.

The crowds are usually low but will depend on when you go. Don't go the week of New Year's, MLK or Valentine's and expect low crowds. We have been swimming and the water is nice, but getting out is !!!

We love the full hook up loops! You should have no problems in a full, our fav. is 1700 but most any site in these loops would work for you. Make sure you note on your ressie the length of your camper and the site assigner will put you in a site that will accommodate you(usually...) Last trip we were assigned 1725 and when we got to the loop(almost empty) I walked the loop and found a site I liked better that was closer to the entrance and bus stop. If you aren't happy with your site when you get to it, just call the office and they will usually try to help you. I have never stayed in a site at FW that I wouldn't take again so you should be fine wherever they put you!

Have fun planning!

 

[FWHappyCamper]

I have a quick question. Is it the entire week of MLK that it is crowded? Or just the weekend and the Monday holiday? Just curious. We were planning on being there to visit family and I was planning on going to the parks later in the week to avoid the crowds. I have not been to the parks in January in a long time so I was not sure how crowded the parks will be and also the Fort. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

I'll let you know how the weather was in late January We check in on the 23rd

See 2nd ticker below

 

[TheFlame]

The week of MLK is really like any other holiday week after. Higher than normal crowds for that time. We have been to Disney the week of MLK in Jan. and Columbus Day in Oct. including the weekend before and after the holidays and we were shocked and disappointed in the crowd levels. We will never again go during a holiday week no matter what holiday it is. We are going the first of next month and will catch Columbus Day and a few days after on the end of our trip and we are already not planning on going into any parks those days. If we do go in, it will be just to do a few specific things with no expectations of doing anything quickly. Sorry to rain on your parade, but you asked and that is just my opinion.

With that said, if it is the only time you can go, just know that the crowds during MLK week do not even begin to compare to the other major holidays.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[PrincessNP]

Everyone os right about the possiblity of it getting quite chilly at night which for me when I am camping is just fine. However dont forget that this is Florida and it rains ALOT. So do not only be prepared to be cold, be prepared to be cold AND wet.

But hey......your still at Disney!

 

[mdinme]

Florida is not wet in January. It will be cold at night but average nighttime lows are in the upper 40's

 

[FWHappyCamper]

Thanks TheFlame, I appreciate your response. And yes the MLK week was our best choice. I assume the crowds are really heavy during Thanksgiving and Christmas. So January was our next choice. I remember when growing up in Florida and frequently visiting Disney that January and February were the least crowded of all the months. Plus we love camping in cooler weather. And January never seems to be to wet. Hopefully! Thanks again for your quick reply. I am learning so much from these boards. And I love to be prepared when visiting Disney or any where else for that matter. We are so looking forward to this trip. Until then I will keep an eye on "The Dis".

 

[Tri-circle-D]

With that said, if it is the only time you can go, just know that the crowds during MLK week do not even begin to compare to the other major holidays.

The TCD gang usually visits the Fort on MLK or President's Day weekends, and sometimes both. This is a great time of year to visit the Fort.

The parks are more crowded on these weekends, but I agree that these crowds do not compare to crowds on big holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

I posted a TR on my February, 2009 visit, which you can read by clicking on this link, if you would like: Another TCD Trip Report!! With Sanjaya, Tom Cruise, Valentine's Day, and More!

TCD

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Tell me about the Fort in Jan and Feb

Okay, but thats a long time to wait to tell you something.

 

[UMADDBG]

Thanks everyone! I just think camping at the Fort is fun any time of the year! I think we are going to try for maybe the last week in Jan.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I love the way your mind works!
Lisa

Thank you,,it has suited me well for the past 29 years, .

The first 23 years however, it didn't do so well.

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

Thanks everyone! I just think camping at the Fort is fun any time of the year! I think we are going to try for maybe the last week in Jan.

I'll see you there..

 

[LarryJ]

Our two favorite times at WDW/FW is OCT/NOV and DEC/JAN. The weather is perfect in Oct/Nov and while a little chilly in the Dec/Jan time frame still very doable.

We will be at FW from 16 Dec 2009 to 31 Jan 2010 and again from 15 Oct to 1 Dec of 2010.

Larry

 

[Shan-man]

My two favorite times are Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb and Mar/Apr/May/Jun/Jul/Aug.

 

[UMADDBG]

Grumpy and I have stayed at almost every resort in Disney. Just got into the camping thing last year and had our first trip to the fort in June. We fell in love! Can't wait to get back.