Winter time at USF

[tstidm1]

I have an idea for a possible Orlando trip, but USF/IOA focused in January/February 2013. How crowded is it that time of year (outside of Presidents Day/MLK Day Weekends.)? Are they comparable to WDW that time of year or much less? How are room rates on site that time of year? I've always done USF/IOA for day trips and not for a full vacation, but with the lower rates for nearby rooms and tickets sound possible.

 

[Marquibiri]

I haven't been during those dates but I believe park crowds should be quite low...

Again, someone will lend their wisdom regarding room rates for that time of year. I go every September and parks are awesome!

Stay onsite!

Cheers!

Marquibiri

 

[Metro West]

I have an idea for a possible Orlando trip, but USF/IOA focused in January/February 2013. How crowded is it that time of year (outside of Presidents Day/MLK Day Weekends.)? Are they comparable to WDW that time of year or much less? How are room rates on site that time of year? I've always done USF/IOA for day trips and not for a full vacation, but with the lower rates for nearby rooms and tickets sound possible.

I can't help you on the hotel rates but other than any holiday weekends, park crowds are low so you shouldn't have any problems doing everything you'd want to do.

 

[pixeegrl]

You can check this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2858807 to see what this past January rates were and they should be comparable

 

[Maytrix]

If you really want to maximize, stay onsite only as many nights as needed. Unless of course rates are pretty similar.

You can stay very close offsite for about $100-120/night. Onsite often $220 and up.

If you stay onsite one night, you get to use the express line both days of your stay - so stay Saturday night, use the pass Sat and Sun. Changing rooms is nuisance, but the savings can be well worth it.

I was there a month ago and stayed offsite on a Friday, hit the RPR hotel first thing Saturday, checked in and left our bags (room happened to be ready) and hit the park with hotel key in hand. Hit the park first thing Sunday for some rides and about 16 consecutive rides on Bluto's barges, went back to change and check out of the room around noon and then headed back for the rest of the day.

Checked into a different hotel Sunday night and visited the park Monday afternoon after a conference I was at was done.

Total for the 2 nights offsite was less than the one night onsite. We did more rides than most people probably do in a week!