WDW in February or April?

[Pirate&Princess]

We are planning a trip to Disney World, but can't decide whether to go in February (mild temp, low crowd, but early park closings & possibly no water parks) or April (hotter temps, more crowded, but late park closing and water park weather). Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[dougsmom98]

We haven't been in April yet, but we did go in February last year and loved it. We are from Maine though so the weather was wonderful compared to what we came from. If you can avoid President's week, it will not be as crowded in February. We went during President's week last year and will go again during that time this year, it was a little crowded, but manageable. If we weren't teachers we would try to avoid it. We went swimming every day last year and wore shorts and t-shirts. I have heard that there can be cold snaps that time of year so you may not be able to do a water park. We are always so busy with the other parks that we have never had time for a day at a water park anyways. I am not sure how the heat compares in April, but with kids we find the February weather to be perfect. We have also found that vacation rentals are less expensive during February compared to April. That is a plus for us since we stay offsite.

 

[Pirate&Princess]

Hi Amy.
thanks so much for the reply. I am leaning toward February but DH is leaning toward April because we've already done Feb. twice. I say, if it works, stick with it! One little tidbit though. In planning possible February, I looked up a lot of info. We live in North Carolina and just moved here 2 months ago due to Louisiana heading down after hurricane season. Anyway, I don't know if you have flexibility on your week, but in addition to Presiden't week, it is also Mardi Gras, where all of Louisiana and parts of Mississippi and Alabama close schools so a lot of people are there from that area. It is also the Daytona 500 that week, so according to Disney that brings in alot of people as well. We are going to avoid that week, just didn't know if you had options!

 

[SkcMom]

Hi. Excuse me if I am silly. Are you saying that Presidents Week, Mardi Gras and Daytona 500 are in the same week? I wasn't sure if that's what you were saying or if you were saying that MG and D500 were the week following Presidents Week. I am new to this so bare with me. Please post when you have time. My family is thinking (hoping!!) of a Feb trip also. Thanks!!

 

[Pirate&Princess]

Yes. We have gone twice in February during Mardi Gras and there were quite a few people there and those were years when it did not correspond with President's day or Daytona 500. Daytona 500 weekend is from Friday February 16th - Monday Feb. 19th. President's Day is Feb. 19th and Mardi Gras is February 20th.

 

[SkcMom]

Thanks so much for the information!! I am not familiar at all with Mardi Gras. Is it like a one day thing or does it last for days? I am asking because if it only lasts a day or two what kind of crowd level do you think there would be around the end of February after all three of those things are over? Thanks you have been most helpful!!

 

[Pirate&Princess]

We just moved to North Carolina two months ago, but was born and raised in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is actually a 3 week event. All school kids and most businesses are closed Monday and Tuesday with about 50% being given the whole week off. This leads to many people from that area using it as vacation time - seeing as the rest of the country does not have off. End of Feb would seem OK, just get info on Spring Break. According to Disney, they start in March and end of Feb is listed as peak season at Disney.

 

[eeyoregon]

We have been during the last week of April twice now and LOVED, LOVED it!! Weather was fantastic (I'm a huge heat weanie and was never uncomfortable). Water was great for swimming. Crowds were light. Perfect time in my eyes.

We also went the last week of February and really enjoyed it although IMHO it seemed more crowded than during our late April visits??