What have we done? Oh no...

[Kate and Pete]

Without knowing, DH and I planned our first trip (and 5th Anniversary celebration) for Feb. 18-24. Then, come to find out (after non-refundable trip through Priceline!) that President's week is, apparently, insanely busy. And, a "car thing" is going on, too.

Someone tell me that it's still possible to have fun! I'm so upset/worried! Have we ruined our dream trip??????

 

[PrettyInTink]

I have been Memorial Day AND Christmas. Busy is kind of an understatement for Christmas, but BOTH trips were amazing despite the crowds. Fastpass! Just go and have a blast, and as for the "car thing", there is ALWAYS SOMETHING going on at WDW! Have fun!

 

[Mme. Leota]

Don't panic!!! We were there at that time last year, and it was maybe busier than when we have been in April and May, but it is still possible to have a good time. Just be sure to have a good attitude and do a little planning. . .using these boards is a good start. Use fast passes, try to get dining ADRs now if you haven't already, etc. . .

Honestly, the biggest frustration for us was the cheerleading competitions at AS-Sports, which we didn't know about until we got there. . . breakfast was insane with all those teenage girls in their pjs and rollers

I'm not sure what the "car" thing is you are referring to, but someone here will.

There was another thread about President's Week maybe last week. . .you could look for that.

Just don't stress, and don't let others get to you. It can still be a dream vacation. . .sometimes I get tired of the crowds while I am there, but if you don't let the few rude folks ruin your trip, you will find that your trip is good and your memories are happy, I always forget the crowds after a week or two and am ready to go back.

So go, enjoy each other and all the World has to offer. It is up to you to let the magic in and make this your dream vacation. And just put any attraction that you miss on your "to do next time" list.

 

[nutty4wdw]

you can always have fun at disney if you remember not to expect to do everything. if you will not be satisfied unless you cram everything in then you will most likely not have fun. relax and enjoy what you accomplish rather than worry about where you have to run to to see something else.

first pick out the things you really want to do and see, like splash mt., spectromagic, etc. have a realistic plan BEFORE you go into the park. then concetrate on those favorites and do not expect to get everything done. remember you can always come back. not that we disney lovers need a reason.

utilize EMH, get to parks early on non emh days, use fastpass. go to high capacity rides during busy times of day like hall of presidents at MK, universe of energy at epcot, great movie ride at mgm etc, etc. relax and enjoy the ambience.

as long as you're willing to accept the fact this is a humongous place and will be happy seeing what you see you will be fine.

other boarders will have more tips

 

[Psychodisney]

We accidentally went during president's week about 9 years ago. It was busy in the afternoons but not that big of a deal. The MK is generally open longer that week so that's a benefit. Do you have your dining reservations set? Take care of that ASAP if you don't. Just relax and have a great time!

 

[Kate and Pete]

Phew. Thanks everyone for calming me down a bit - I was on the verge of tears and about to tell DH that we shouldn't go...I guess I'm just so darn excited for the trip, and then I found a thread that talked about awful crowds...but you're all right - we're going to be with each other and enjoying the magic of the parks! Okay....relaxed....

 

[riopooh]

This is our 2nd trip during that time period. IN 2005, the long weekend was very busy but by Wednesday the crowds weren't that bad at all.

The car thing is the Daytona 500 (I think).

We'll see you there!!

 

[Boardwalker]

It really isn't that bad! We have gone that week for 3 of the last five years. Monday was busy, but things quieted down as the week progressed. I found there were a lot of people from New York (like us) and New England coming down to break up the winter. Start early and have an idea of what you want to do in each park before you get there, as it isn't the best week to just play it by ear.

 

[tinawv]

It won't be that bad. Just use the fast pass system as others have posted, and get an early start in the day. You will be fine.

Have fun.

 

[WDWCPAlumni]

I say use Tour Guide Mike......he will probably help you so much!!!

 

[npullen]

It's Disney, of course you can have a great time! I would join Tour Guide Mike, and follow his suggestions, and you shouldn't have any trouble! Have a great trip!

 

[Slapster]

I really hate to bring this up, but, ummmm, that's Mardi Gras week, too. Lots of people from the Gulf Coast are out of school and head to Disney. Usually it's a great, slow time to go, unless it falls around President's Day.

You'll still have a great time, but be prepared for crowds.

 

[bytheblood]

You are going to WDW. Everything is going to be just fine!!

Join TGM.

 

[MommaPooh]

That "car thing" is the Daytona 500.

 

[karibritt01]

I never thought of doing Disney through Priceline. How much did you save? Did you get resort stay, tickets, and DDP with it? Sorry if that sounds obtrusive.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Without knowing, DH and I planned our first trip (and 5th Anniversary celebration) for Feb. 18-24. Then, come to find out (after non-refundable trip through Priceline!) that President's week is, apparently, insanely busy. And, a "car thing" is going on, too.

Someone tell me that it's still possible to have fun! I'm so upset/worried! Have we ruined our dream trip??????

Hi,
My personal advice is to join up at TourGuideMike.com (using the above link for a discount!) and get some advice on how to zig when others zag! I think it could definitely make a difference in the quality of your trip, especially since you are first-timers!
Happy Anniversary! Dh and I celebrated our 5th in November.

 

[rie'smom]

Another vote for Tour Guide Mike. The crowds are going to be HUGE.!!!! President's Week and Mardi Gras!!!!! Half of Louisiana goes to WDW during Mardi Gras break. Tons of people from the rest of the country go during Pres. Week. If you join TGM just for the least crowded days,you're doing yourself a tremendous favor.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I've been there on Easter Sunday, spring break, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve/Day, all before Fastpass was invented. You can certainly have a lot of fun despite the crowds. (However, I personally would try to avoid those times now that I have young children. I can handle waits and crowds a lot better than they can!) Just do a lot of research (here on the Dis, and my favorite planning book is the Unofficial Guide), learn about Fastpass, and plan to have a great trip! Happy anniversary!

 

[Lorelai]

It's all about the planning. Go early, make your ADRs and know eactly what matters the most to you attraction wise.. Oh yeah, and have fun!!! It's Disney...

 

[auntpolly]

Don't listen to people who tell you that busy times of year are the worst to go. Personally, I would rather go on a moderately busy time than a dead time - who wants to be at WDW when the MK closes at 7:00 unless they have preschoolers or something?

Busier times of year have more entertainment, better hours, more things open, and even more shows, and cars on the rides in the theme parks.

I avoid Easter week and New Year's eve - other than that I think crowds = fun!!!