Week Before President's Week?

[HLAuburn]

I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted to get some more opinions. Most sites have the "best time to go" through Mid-Feb, and the "worst time to go" starting Mid-Feb! So what's the cut off? I know value season ends Wed Feb 15 (before Pres Day Monday), but when do you really see a significant increase in crowds?

We're really trying to avoid huge crowds, but I don't want it to be freezing either! We're thinking about Feb 10-17, but should I reschedule for late Jan?

Help!

 

[Bob P]

Next year the crowds should start getting big on Friday Feb 17 and should stay big through Tuesday the 21st.

 

[HLAuburn]

Thanks Bob. So when you saythe crowds "start getting big on Friday", do you think the crowds will be manageable up until Thursday the 16th? That would be our last park day.

Thanks

 

[Bob P]

Yes, manageable through Thursday, then a little less so! The closer you get to the holiday weekend, the more people will start arriving.

Bob

 

[ReneeDisney]

We were in WDW the week prior to President's Week this past Feb.05.
It was wonderful! We arrived on Friday 2/11 and it was a bit chilly in the evening, and the rest of the week (departed Feb. 20th) - the weather was perfect! In the high 70's to low 80's. We went to the pool almost every day.
At night you just needed a light jacket/sweater. Towards the end of the week - Friday before long weekend- we started to see the BWI Conciege lounge and parks pick up a nice hustle and bustle, but the crowds were very manageable.

It was wonderful to leave home in the cold and arrive in the brilliant sunshine of Florida! No matter when you go- you'll have a magical time!

 

[Bob P]

We were in WDW the week prior to President's Week this past Feb.05.
It was wonderful! We arrived on Friday 2/11 and it was a bit chilly in the evening, and the rest of the week (departed Feb. 20th) - the weather was perfect! In the high 70's to low 80's. We went to the pool almost every day.
At night you just needed a light jacket/sweater.

Hi Renee,

I'm glad you had such great weather! I just wanted to emphasize to anyone who has not been there in the winter that the weather is not predictable. Near-freezing temperatures are not uncommon. When we went in Feb 2004 the first half of the week we woke up to temperatures below 40 every day, and some afternoons it barely got above 50. Then by the end of the week we were in the upper 70s during the day. So things can change quickly during a winter week at WDW!

Bob

 

[ccgegg]

We were there Mon-Fri prior to Pres Day week this year. Crowds at MK on Thu were noticeably bigger than they were on Tue. I think someone else on this board echoed that too (maybe liznboys?). But it was still manageable. We went to Epcot on Fri and it was also noticeably more crowded than earlier in the week. So if your last park day is Thursday, I think you're in good shape.

 

[ccgegg]

While Bob's warning about the weather is true, don't be too alarmed. A day below 60 is pretty rare. You can check historical weather for your dates by going to
http://www.weatherunderground.com
Click on "Trip Planner" at the top and then enter MCO and your dates. A great thing about Feb is that it's one of the lowest precipitation months in Orlando.

 

[Bob P]

While Bob's warning about the weather is true, don't be too alarmed. A day below 60 is pretty rare.

Depends on your definition of rare!!

Checking the records, over the last three years there have been six days (2 each year) in February that did not get above 60 degrees. I'm just trying to make sure people who have never been there in the winter are prepared for what could be. If you come to WDW in February with just in short sleeves and a light jacket, you'll likely be spending a lot of your money on sweatshirts while you are there.

And while you are correct that staying below 60 doesn't happen that often, my other point was that the mornings can be VERY chilly. If someone comes to WDW in Febraury expecting sunbathing weather they may get some---but they may also be in for a big surprise!

Bob

 

[ahappydisneymommy]

I was wondering what you all thought of February 27 thru March 4th. Do you think it will be super crowded like President's week or slower? Thanks!

 

[ccgegg]

I'd say 2 out of 28 (maybe 29) days is "rare". And that "below 60" is likely in the upper 50s.

My guess is that most people will check the extended forecast before they leave and pack accordingly. And if they think a high of 65 means it will be 62 when they wake up , then I don't feel sorry for them.

 

[Bob P]

I was wondering what you all thought of February 27 thru March 4th. Do you think it will be super crowded like President's week or slower? Thanks!

Hi and welcome to the DIS!

That's a good week if you don't like crowds! President's Day week is over, and Spring Break craziness hasn't started yet.

Bob

 

[Tinkim]

I was wondering what you all thought of February 27 thru March 4th. Do you think it will be super crowded like President's week or slower? Thanks!

We'll be there 2/25 to 3/4 too! We have had pretty good luck going the week after President's week with light crowds and no super long wait times. In fact, I think we are a little spoiled. If we went during a busy time we would probably be shocked at the lines and crowds. This time of year is quite manageable using FP. Have a great trip.

 

[ahappydisneymommy]

Thanks Tinkim! When we went last year we went during one of the hurricanes so it was pretty vacant. We waited maybe 5 mins maximum for rides so we are spoiled too, lol. Hope you have a great trip too!

Thanks for the welcome and the info Bob!

 

[HLAuburn]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm more concerned about the crowds than the weather. I figure we can always layer up, and I'd much rather deal with cold weather than HOT weather. With an 18 month old, though, I'd really like to avoid crowds and long lines as much as possible.


Thanks again!