Will the parks be crowded Feb 24-28th?

[srsmom1]

I saw someone's trip report recently (sorry, poster's name escapes me), but the parks looked totally empty. We are staying at HRH for FOTL, and after seeing that post, it kind of seems like a waste of money. Please convince me it was money well spent.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Well, IMHO, a few nights at the HRH is never a waste of money, even HRHs not attached to theme parks

We went last year at the end of February, and it was about medium as far as crowd levels. Something I found out after the fact is you'll want to check and see when Mardi Gras is (the real one in LA), as well as Bike Week.

Evidently, lots of local folks from LA come to Orlando to "evacuate" all the festivities going on there. And Bike Week is actually a three-week long event, which brings bikers from all over the country -- as well as their families -- into the central FL area. I'd always thought, "Well, they're in Daytona, over an hour away." Not so. I can't tell you how many leather-clad biker folks we saw last year at MK. Very, very fun crowd, BTW. Almost surreal to see so many "tough" guys doned in their black leather and studs wearing Mickey ears

So the end of February can absolutely bring in some crowds depending on the timing of those two events.

But you have nothing to worry about! You'll have FOTL, you won't have to battle any traffic on I-4, and you'll get priority seating at the restaurants with your room key. And you'll be staying at one of the coolest hotels ever!

Have a blast

 

[robvia]

February is light for crowds, but people do show up in the afternoon.

The perks of staying onsite besides the FOTL are the short walk to the parks, and the heated pools. I was just there taking pictures in the morning when it was 50, yet the pool water was warm and there was a kid in the hot tub.

You can visit IOA, go on all the water rides, get soaked, then come back to your room and change.

So you'll be able to do everything. Just remember, the parks will close at 6pm, but then you can visit the Citywalk restaurants.

 

[srsmom1]

Thanks! I think there is a Mardi Gras parade the night we get into town...not sure if they will want to stake out a spot for it an hour beforehand or not. This trip is all about the boys, and we will do whatever they want to. What would be the best beach to hit that week? When we lived in FL, we went to New Smyrna. Last time we visited, we went to Canaveral Shores, I think. I need a safe, well-populated area with restrooms I am not scared to send them in!

 

[Darcy03231]

That's February school vacation week for some of the northeastern states. I know it is for NH and I'm pretty sure VT is off that week too. A lot of people from our area tend to go to Florida this time of year as we're sick of the cold and snow (although we haven't had it too bad this winter).

 

[PlutoLuvr]

I think Universal does a Mardi Gras thing over a good period of time (months). I was referring to the actual Mardi Gras held in New Orleans as a time to expect some higher crowds at all the parks in Orlando.

My favorite beaches are on the west coast of FL. Sanibel has always been my favorite. I've always lived on the east coast, tho. Maybe the grass is just greener -- er, the ocean bluer?

 

[DBC]

It's worth it.

We'll be there Monday and Tuesday and are staying at RPR on Mon nite for FOTL. We did the same thing at the same time last year (beginning of NH school vaca weeK) and there were absolutely times when we needed it. It really wasn't needed first thing in the morning, but by 11 it really helped on the popular rides. If you like to sleep in it will be well worth it.

 

[bubba's mom]

Feb 24 & Feb 25 are weekend days and it will be more crowded! Also, bike week and vacationers.....you'll be happy you stayed onsite! (When we were there, it was Fri. Feb. 2 and Sat. Feb. 3. Friday was dead, Saturday was much more crowded....needed FOTL)