Why so busy in Feb?

[AtlantaSue]

I've been reading this thread and am getting nervous about my weekend trip on Feb. 19-20. We were going to do MK both days. Please share your opinions as to if we should go on this weekend or wait for a better opportunity. Thanks!

 

[jokan]

I posted this in another thread but feel it should be posted here also. Plan accordingly.

http://www.varsity.com/ndtc_05_tphighlight.pdf

After I saw this I called Disney customer relations to lodge a complaint that they didnt have this posted anywhere on there site because I wouldnt have planned my trip the same time as Teeny Bopper Mania week. They said it should have been posted blah, blah, blah.

This will give you an idea of the number of schools that will be in attendance

http://www.varsity.com/nationals/ndtc_04_schedule_sat_mgm.htm

This is last years schedule note the location of the 1st days competiton (MGM). The rest of the competion took place at WWOS. When I called I expressed utter dismay at the possibility that they would close a show I was particularly looking forward to seeing and not even inform anyone of that possibility. So anyone going that week may be in for a couple of suprizes.

 

[Patsfan7]

Oh my goodness, now I am scared!!!!
We will be in town 1/29-2/5 On the previous post it showed that the flights in and out were 2/2-2/9. I was just wondering if there are specific parks to avoid on specific days? It seems that there is something special at MK the Sunday night, but any other special events? Thanks. Just trying to plan the trip well as I have been in charge of planning for MIL SIL DH and DD. Thanks.

 

[jjsmom]

(Sigh)
This is a trend I began seeing a couple of years ago. There is no such thing as "light attendance" anymore; especially at MK or MGM. I guess we're all stuck on our own to find our plan and work around all the "special events". Not so long ago, January, September, and October were virtually dead. This is definately not the case anymore.
Remember, Disney has thousands of rooms to fill and hundreds of stores and restaurants to keep busy. I don't think they care that the wait for Space Mt. was 95 min (it was; I was there) on the Friday of Daytona weekend.

 

[arkansasdisneyfan]

What kind of convention are they having? That may play a role in just how busy the parks are.

 

[bassoongirl]

We are going to WDW the week of Feb 13-19. I figured it wouldn't be too crowded at that time since it is before President's Weekend. However, I called Disney Dining yesterday to see if I could the change the time of our PS at H&V for the Fanstasmic package on Feb. 17 (we currently have a 4:30 PS, which is a little early for us to eat dinner). The CM told me every time slot was completely booked! Wow! That surprised me! I guess the crowds won't be that light afterall. Oh well, we will do our best using FPs and our common sense!

Gayl

 

[cajunmommy]

Did some digging on the linkie jokan provided...looks like the NDTC will be staying at the All Stars & CB approx. Feb 4-8.

YIKES! Guess I'll have to warn hubby in advance of teeny boppers parading around the ASMo common areas in pj's & curlers!

 

[Aquagirl]

I'm going 2/10-2/14 and just read the hours on the official site. A couple of days ago MK was open to 7 or 8 now it is open to 10 or 11. That makes me nervous because it must mean that they are expecting large crowds.

 

[TWyn]

Which week is this convention? I'm hoping it's not the same week I'm there.

 

[liznboys]

I was just looking at the Orlando Convention Center schedule for February:
http://www.orlandoconvention.com/HomeEventCalendar.asp?m=2&y=2005

A couple big ones during my trip!

 

[TWyn]

I was just looking at the Orlando Convention Center schedule for February:
http://www.orlandoconvention.com/HomeEventCalendar.asp?m=2&y=2005

A couple big ones during my trip!

Looks like there will be a big one when I'm there, too. Oh, well what's a few more thousand people? LOL! Thank you for the link.

 

[TinkerBell209]

OMG!! I really wish I wouldn’t have read this! haha. Now I am regretting going during this time. All well! I am glad that everyone here is able to keep us all update on these issues!! I am so worried about the cheerleaders! But thanks to everyone because now I am able to plan my trip accordingly!

 

[osadancemom]

Hi all, regular lurker, that just had to comment on February busyness. We're going Feb. 3-10. My daughter is one of the dancers that you all mentioned. We've been many times to Disney World and are looking forward to this trip. I too hope the parks aren't too busy. As we're only involved with dance on Friday 2/4, and hope to spend the rest of the trip on a wonderful family vacation. The rest of our dance team is going home on Sunday, so hopefully the parks will be slow(er) early in the week.

 

[kikipug]

Heating/AC/Refriegerations Expo is about 45,000 people. Don't think you'll bump into too many of these folks at the parks.

Golf Industry Show is about 22,000 people. If they're not at the Expo, they'll be on the golf course.

Just remember, these guys turn conventions in Orlando into vacations and bring their wives and kids... who are looking for something to do all day while Dear 'Ol Dad is off 'conventioning'... this allows them to take their vacation AND a tax write-off!!

 

[liznboys]

Oh, no doubt, SOME will certainly be turning the convention into a vacation. But certainly not all.

I'm simply giving a reason as to why alot of the rooms are booked up. It's obvious, alot of people are worried that crowds will be absurd the first couple of weeks in February, and it's not gong to be like that.

Sure, might be a little busy on the weekend, but I would bet money, during the week, you won't see more than a 10-15 minute wait for the most popular attractions.

February (the entire month) is ALWAYS a big convention month in Florida. It gives these companies an excuse to get away from the cold weather. It's never affected the first 2 weeks in February to my knowledge.

ITA

 

[liznboys]

ITA?????

LOL I totally agree.

 

[jennymouse]

We're going Jan 30 - Feb 4 and don't expect large crowds at all. We went this time last year and it wasn't very crowded. We saw a little congestion at MK the day we went there but we didn't arrive until 10:30 or so and it was a Saturday.

 

[Inga]

Always stick with the basics, even if you think volumes will be low:

1) Get up early, be in line way before the park opens (either EE or before regular park opening)- do the big, popular rides in the early am. Don't linger and smell the roses at this point.
2) Play for a few hours, then go back to bed noonish-mid afternoon for a nap as things will start to get crowded...or shop
3) Go back to the parks mid afternoon and ride when parades are happening, scatter a few fastpasses throughout the day & enjoy the atmosphere when you determine the ride wait times are too long...you can now smell the roses if you wish

We have used that formula for all trips and have always been able to get everything done no matter how hectic the parks are.

Inga

 

[MommytoPayton&Max]

I also discovered the following conferences besides those arlready noted:

National Assn of Purchasing and Payable, Feb. 6-9, Contemporary
Louisiana State Bar Assn meeting at Dolpin, Feb. 7-9
VoiceCon seminar at Dolphin/Swan Feb. 7-10 (this looks big and when we tried to stay at the Swan, had a difficult time getting a cheaper ressie)

 

[CindyD]

Mardi Gras is Feb. 8th (Fat Tuesday). Many schools in South Louisiana are off for the entire week. Some also in MS and AL. Lots of families head out for a vacation at that time (skiing or Disney). Thats our excuse for being there!!!

Lots of kids school friends and families there also. Mardi Gras is earlier this year than normal. In 2004 we went (towards the end of Feb, but not close to President's Week) and crowds were not bad. Hoping for the same this year, but I share your concerns when you factor in Mardi Gras, Cheerleaders, Conventions and reg. crowds. Oh well, what's a Cajun Mom to do!!!!