The *Official* February 2011 Thread - Happy Dance Time...The Park Hours Are Out!

[Melly L]

We went to Disney a few years ago the first week of Feb and it wasn't crowded at all. Wait times were 5-10 min. It's generally a non-school vacation time so it won't be horrible. You will have a blast. Make use of the magic hours if you are staying on Dis property, especially the evening ones. We were able to take the kids back to the hotel for lunch, pool, and a nap then venture back out for night time. The weather that year was a little chilly but then warmed up slightly as the vacation progressed. However, it was better than back home in MA!

 

[Melly L]

If you have medication that needs to be refrigerated and stay at a resort that does not have a fridge in the room, Disney will waive the fee of $10 a day.

 

[Melly L]

I am still uncertain if we will rent one. I have an 8&5 yr ok'd. The 8 yr old should be fine, but if 5 yr old has a stroller I can hear her whining already about it? Hmmm?

We are not the type to go back to the hotel for a rest. Maybe this trip we will have too? I just worry about loosing park time for traveling to and from hotel? Does anyone else go back to the hotel for a rest in the afternoon?

We donated all of our baby items including stroller not thinking about weeks like this? I might try freecycle and see if anyone has a stroller to borrow? Just seems like DD 8 us way too old for it? Please no flaming me (I an well aware the an 8 yr d usually doesn't need a stroller but if 5 yr old has one she will want one :/)

Hi- We always go back to the hotel and eat, rest, pool, and relax. Not only does it recharge us, but the kids too. If you are able to get to the parks early, leave in the afternoon when it gets super crowded, and go back right around dinner time when people are eating. We stay as late as possible. Our first trip, my kids were 2 and 4. We rented a double stroller and it was a life saver!! Second trip, they were 4 and 6 and we brought an umbrella stroller for the 4 year old. Picked it up at Toys R Us for $10. Checked it on the plane. Another life saver!!! Even the 5 year old begged to get in it. We are going in Feb 11, kids are 6 and 8 and I am seriously considering bringing the stroller again!! If you can do it, bring it!

 

[lamb616]

re: the Feb. 5-6th weekend crowds:

http://uda.varsity.com/nationals.aspx

 

[scrappinmom]

I have a question that I hope one of you may be able to answer. We are arriving late (7 pm)...should we get out luggage and take it to DME with us or should we have it delivered? If it is delivered...what time do you think it will show up? Just trying to figure out my packing

Personally, if I arrived at 7 & wanted to make sure I was in bed before 11pm, I'd get it myself. There was one year, that we arrived around then, I made the kids go to bed, and sat outside the door waiting till midnight (with wine & book in hand) for our luggage. The only time I use the luggage service is when we get in and are going right to the parks & they have several hours to get the luggage to me

Does anyone know the crowd levels for the beginning of Feb? :

I've been to WDW at Spring Break, Easter, Christmas, and Halloween....really really busy still means you're at WDW. Plan well, use fast pass, and enjoy it. It does look like maybe your time will be kinda busy, but it's still manageable...don't worrry!!!!! have fun

 

[lamb616]

I've been to WDW at Spring Break, Easter, Christmas, and Halloween....really really busy still means you're at WDW. Plan well, use fast pass, and enjoy it. It does look like maybe your time will be kinda busy, but it's still manageable...don't worrry!!!!! have fun

I don't think it's going to be really busy the first week of Feb -- there's just a big spike in crowds on that weekend (but still only a 5 & a 6 so still not too bad). But the week before and the week after are shown to be pretty low. Also, she said there were no rooms available at POP for those dates and that's probably b/c there's a Dance (or cheer) Competition that weekend so all the Values are probably booked.

 

[ChocoKat]

Hey guys, a quick question for seasoned ME travelers.
Several of my family members are coming into MCO on international flights and they didn't reserve ME at the same time they reserved their rooms.
I sent them the official Disney info on how to do it and extra info I could find with phone numbers, etc. I have never done it myself so all I could do is tell them what I had read.

One group is JUST getting their plane tickets sorted out now (a mere week and some change before we all arrive ), so I know for a fact they won't get their tags on time. What happens then? They are calling ME and getting scheduled in, etc for pick up, but since I have never used it (we live in FL so we always, always, always drive), I have no idea what to expect or what to tell them to expect.

 

[Gina]

One group is JUST getting their plane tickets sorted out now (a mere week and some change before we all arrive ), so I know for a fact they won't get their tags on time. What happens then? They are calling ME and getting scheduled in, etc for pick up, but since I have never used it (we live in FL so we always, always, always drive), I have no idea what to expect or what to tell them to expect.

This is from the Magical Express FAQ at the Disney site:

What if I did not receive my Disney's Magical Express Service information packet, including vouchers and luggage tags, prior to leaving home?

Once you arrive at Orlando International Airport, proceed directly to Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center where transfer vouchers will be provided. For Guests with flights arriving between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Disney will obtain your information, collect your luggage and deliver it to your room at your Resort hotel. For airport arrivals after 10:00 p.m., Guests must collect their luggage at baggage claim and transport it with them on the motor coach.


Hope this helps!

 

[tailormade76]

Hi! New here. We're headed to Disney Feb. 18 - Feb. 23, which is winter break for DD's school. Me, DH, DD and DS who will be 1 on Feb. 27th.
Anyway, my question: Anyone have any idea how to steam a Belle costume? My dad bought DD the two Belle dresses, the yellow ball gown and the pink gown she wears in the winter scene, and they are both wrinkly, as if they just came out of the shipping box. I'm looking for information on the method of ironing/steaming. DD will be at BBB and then breakfast at CRT and I want her dress to look presentable.
Any pointers?
Please and thank you!

 

[holliedd]

I don't think it's going to be really busy the first week of Feb -- there's just a big spike in crowds on that weekend (but still only a 5 & a 6 so still not too bad). But the week before and the week after are shown to be pretty low. Also, she said there were no rooms available at POP for those dates and that's probably b/c there's a Dance (or cheer) Competition that weekend so all the Values are probably booked.

I thought those teams dont stay at Pop but All Stars and CBR?

 

[holliedd]

Does anyone know the crowd levels for the beginning of Feb? Last post scared me when they were asking about the 4th to the 6th weekend is it going to be that crazy there? I was plugging in numbers just to see on the Disney site for Pop and my dates you can't even get into there Then I shortened the dates and only preferred is available.
I hope it isn't crazy, maybe I'm just freaking out after planning on going at a slow time I don't want to feel pressured. Put this poor girl at ease please

I know I am getting worried as well...the WHOLE reason I got DH to finally go in the first place is because I convinced him its a really slow time..now I am getting very very worried... I don't understand why these rooms would be sold out..we are flying out on feb 5th so hopefully we will miss the crowd of whatever is coming

 

[Marlynmik]

I just got an email from my TA that our package Mickey mail got sent back "return to sender" They have the correct address so I don't know why, but now we're cutting it close if they have to re-send it, especially if it's through USPS (which can take 2-3 weeks to get to me in Canada)

 

[lamb616]

i've read those teams stay at All stars, POP and CBR.

The crowd levels for the first 2 weeks is still really LOW, with the exception of that weekend (Fri-Mon). But even then it's still not really that HIGH, just higher than the other days. So I wouldn't worry at all.

 

[prittfamily98]

We're going to the 6th through 12th. We're celebrating our daughters 2nd birthday & this will be our youngest first time. As of now staying at All Star Movies. May change that through to a different hotel for a change since we stayed there last time. Really wanted Carribean Beach but the military discounted rooms were already sold out . Its what we get for planning a trip at last minute.

We are going to be there the same time 6-11 Feb. All Star Movies is great for the kids. (we are staying at the treehouses.)
I am so excited for your girls. (I am celebrating my birthday that week too!)
Don't be discouraged. Just remember you are going to DISNEY. OOHH don't forget to get the babes their birthday buttons.


16 days to go!!!

 

[holliedd]

i've read those teams stay at All stars, POP and CBR.

The crowd levels for the first 2 weeks is still really LOW, with the exception of that weekend (Fri-Mon). But even then it's still not really that HIGH, just higher than the other days. So I wouldn't worry at all.

Great surrounded by cheerleaders..Oh well we are flying out that Sat so maybe it won't be to bad..I am worried more about DH than myself I would like to talk him into coming back and if it anywhere near crowded forget it

 

[npierce25]

im on hold now to change my room only reservation to a myw package....

 

[Gina]

Their only choices on the sign-up sheet for the dance competition were for All-Stars and CBR. The only way any of them will be anywhere else is if they individually decide to stay at a different resort (like Pop) which they are highly discouraged from doing so. UDA might not even allow them to do that.

Pop just tends to fill up no matter what time of year.

Do keep in mind that Friday the 4th is "UDA Night" at MK, so it will be overrun with dance team girls!!

 

[DiSnEyLvR76]

my friend is a cheer coach and they were given the option of all stars and CB...she said they couldn't stay anywhere else. I'm sure their are some parents who will make a "trip" out of it and elect to stay elsewhere. but she said they book for them and that's where they put them.

 

[npierce25]

after being on hold... for quite some time... the nice guy called guest services and had them approve keeing my room discount and added 1 day tickets (we will up grade when we get there) i am calling next week to add dining! i cant belevie its so soon!

 

[Shunasee]

Good Morning!!

Went to Lowes last night, no LGMH there. I will run to Home Depot at lunch today.

About ME, our last trip, we got in about 7pm (will again this trip), however we did let ME handle our luggage. MK had (and again does), EMH the night we get in. We will just run over to the park for a few hours. Last time, our luggage was in our room when we got back from the park. Hopefully it works just as well again.

Still no Mickey mail. We used a travel agent (again), and it goes to her first. I may ping her today and see if its come in.

We are only 23 days away!!