Touring Plan Needed for Early February?

[macbitt]

I'm planning a WDW trip February 4-11, 2012. This is our first time there in 25+ years and as adults so we'll basically be first timers.

I've read a lot of the other postings here on February trips so I know about the variant weather and I'm expecting low crowds during our stay since none of the annual events kick off until the day we leave.

I have both detailed and general touring plans from the Unofficial guidebook I have. I know those are written for peak summer times so I was planning on ignoring the detailed touring plan (she'd hate a step by step planned visit anyway). Should I still use the general touring plan (hit the sections of a park in this order, notes on most popular attractions) or could we just wonder and not worry long lines on anything big and popular?

Additionally do I need to use crowd calendars to decide which park we'll do which day (which affect 3 ADRs I'm planning in MK, Epcot, and HS) or can I just pick based on our preferred order and not run into a problem?

Thanks.

 

[NOLAmom]

I'll be there Jan 30-Feb. 5th. I haven't been before during this early Feb. time so I'm interested to see what people have to say on your questions. Have a great trip and we will all be hoping for some decent weather for us all!

 

[Princesca]

I think it's up to you. I've been to WDW four times, and didn't even know of the existence of touring plans, and had a great time each time.

 

[beccasmom]

In our experience with early February, the crowds will be quite low. One thing you should be aware of are ride renovations and water park closures. Also, as you probably know, the parks close earlier. Personally, I would not worry about long lines or following a touring plan at this time. Unless there is a large school group at Epcot, you should be fine.

 

[Jedi]

only plans I'd make that time of year would be ADR'S and grabbing Soarin'/TSM fast passes early

 

[kkacar]

I'm planning a WDW trip February 4-11, 2012. This is our first time there in 25+ years and as adults so we'll basically be first timers.

I've read a lot of the other postings here on February trips so I know about the variant weather and I'm expecting low crowds during our stay since none of the annual events kick off until the day we leave.

I have both detailed and general touring plans from the Unofficial guidebook I have. I know those are written for peak summer times so I was planning on ignoring the detailed touring plan (she'd hate a step by step planned visit anyway). Should I still use the general touring plan (hit the sections of a park in this order, notes on most popular attractions) or could we just wonder and not worry long lines on anything big and popular?

Additionally do I need to use crowd calendars to decide which park we'll do which day (which affect 3 ADRs I'm planning in MK, Epcot, and HS) or can I just pick based on our preferred order and not run into a problem?

Thanks.

We are going that week as well. We have never been in February and we hope that it is a good time to go. My Brother and SIL and 18 month old nephew are going along with myself, hubby and DD9. This is my brothers 1st trip as an adult and the first trip at all for my SIL and nephew and the 1st trip all together staying on property.

We normally go the week of Spring Break and then again for the Halloween part in the fall. We are hoping the light crowds will make it easier to navigate. Also brother was not to keen on staying on property but I told him that he could stay where ever he wanted to that my family was staying on property. LOL, then my sister said "yep and I am part of 'HER' family." So he is staying on site as well.

Any opinions on this week would be great and have they ever offered 'free dining" during that time? If they do offer it, we may actually do the dining plan. Our AP's run out in October, so I may nor renew until we go in February, so free dining could make sense for us, for once.

kelli

 

[macbitt]

I think it's up to you. I've been to WDW four times, and didn't even know of the existence of touring plans, and had a great time each time.

Ignorance is indeed bliss

 

[tinkeramy]

That is a GREAT time to go. President's Day week is HORRIBLE; most of the northern schools have the whole week off and the place is packed. Early Feb. is awesome. Since you will have adults in your party, you can take adv. of the evening hours. When hubby and I went, it was chilly in the p.m. and we walked right on Splash Mtn. with no waiting! Even though it's not too crowded, I would still take adv. of fastpasses for some of your "must-sees" - we waited for almost 45 minutes to ride Peter Pan in the afternoon. Take sweatshirts - it's chilly in the am / pm but just perfect mid-day. Go with the touring plans loosely; they are a good guide as to what fills up the quickest but at this time of year the plans are not vital. And if parades are not your thing, take adv. of low wait times on rides near parade routes during the parades!