January or February

[garyhoov]

I usually go down in the Beginning of December, but I'm thinking of taking a long weekend around some days my son is off school.

He has off January 20 and Febraury 14, 17.

I like december because it is cool, and the crowds are light. Can anyone offer any insight as to conditions on those two weekends?

Do any special events fall on those weekends?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks for any help you can offer.:wave:

 

[RobFL]

January can be full of blustery cold winds and occasional chilly showers.

A lot of fountains get shut off in January.

-Rob

 

[Pan]

We went in late Jan 2000, and early Feb 2002. I think attendance starts to pick up the 2nd week of Feb plus watch out for President's day, that week is usually loaded. I don't think the weather is much different those months. In 2000, we had a couple mornings that were freezing....literally. It was 32 deg when we were on Dumbo during Early Entry. However, this past winter the temps were actually warmer in Jan than in Feb when we went. But the weather was still great, and is always warmer than where we live. Also check when "value season" ends(usually in mid Feb) if you're considering staying at a WDW resort.

On our next trip, in 2005 , I think we'll try late Jan again. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a great trip.

 

[ToTBellHop]

We have gone every February since 1989, and it is warmer than January (there are complaints every New Years...). It's usually in the low to mid 70s and sunny every day...this is a VERY sunny time of year...not hazy like the summer.

 

[garyhoov]

Thanks everybody!

That's very helpful. It looks like February might be a little better.

:wave:

 

[Jedi Osborn]

I don't know about feb, but we've been twice in Jan and loved it. There was never more than a 30 minute wait for the most popular rides, most things were walk-ons. (Even in IOA, we walked right on to all the coasters and spider-man. Literally walked on, 0 minute wait)
The weather was like a nice fall day at home, chilly (shorts and a sweatshirt), the days were beautiful in the mid 70's (some even in the 80's) and the nights were georgous and crisp (back to the sweatshirt). There was always a shimmering dew on the grounds when we'd walk for breakfast (at CB). If it wasn't for the Christmas decorations in early December, we'd go in January every year!!!
There were still plenty of fountains running if it was a warmer day and the pools are heated so they make for fun evening swimming.
I'd def. reccommend a trip in Jan.

 

[Tigggrl]

I would suggest January, only because the weekend in February is Valentines weekend...it WILL be packed! The resorts switch from off season rates to full season rates about the 12th or 13th...it will be busy

 

[Atlaslaw]

January is one of the best times to go, but it can get cold. In 98 and 2000 we went the second week of January. You can possibly catch the tail end of some of the xmas decorations and the lines are almost nonexistent. I rode RnR twice back to back with no wait and no FP. But, each of those years there was at least one day that it got really cold, for Florida (between low 40s to 50s). Being from Ohio I was used to it, but CMs told us that week was probably Florida's winter.

The other event to watch out for is the Marathon. I think it usually runs during the third week of January and attendance spikes for a few days.

 

[garyhoov]

Thanks again! Now it looks like the balance may be shifting to January. I do like cool weather as long as it doesn't get downright cold (There's probably a risk in either month that I could hit a particularly cold spot).

It sound like prices and crowds might be picking up in February.

Thanks everyone:wave: . It's great to be able to get this kind of expert advice so quickly!

 

[marypopmom]

I would probably pick Jan. We just went in Feb. also Ny mid-winter break. The hotel (Polynesian) was totally sold out and we saw lots of NY/NJ people there, we are originally from NJ. To top it off I think 2 of my kids got sick swimming in the pool as it was a long hike back to the room and we were suppose to meet another couple and the sam morning 1 of our kids were throwing up in the room (beware viruses abound). We did pull our kids out of school a few days early to cash in on the value rate. (They charge you when your reservation starts, even if the rate season changes in the middle of your trip) and the day we left our friend came down and told us they had rain for 3 straight days. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[ToTBellHop]

Crowds are not a problem at ALL at disney now, and I would doubt they will be bad this winter. Anyone who went during the characteristically busy summer season this year knows what I mean...lines were VERY short. It is a trade-off. If you go the 14th-17th, you are sure to have an e-ride night and the magic kingdom will be open until at least 10 pm every night...in January it will be open until 6 pm and you may not get to see fireworks...there is also a chance of Blizzard Beach being open in mid january (it has been every year before this past year, but I think that was due to the post 9/11 budget cuts). So, crowds are not going to be a massive problem regardless of when you go, and it can get frigid in January (again, ask people who have been at Epcot for New Years...in their winter coats). It is more likely to get below freezing in January and more likely to get into the 80s in February. That and being peak season, you will find more characters, more streetmosphere actors, more food carts, and higher capacities on the rides during President's Weekend. What Resort Hotel are you looking to stay at?

 

[animegirllover]

The Disney water parks close in January or February til' March but it's okay.

 

[garyhoov]

Wow! Thanks everyone! That's some fantastic input. I didn't expect to get nearly so much information.


Marypopmom, that's some key information about he rate change. I haven't yet decided if I would take off a couple days before or after the weekend, but that could really make a difference if my trip falls right when they change.


DogsRule!, you've got a good point about the ride capacity. I've noticed that I've waited in some pretty long lines even when crowds have been light because they don't have things set up for maximum capacity. I don't know which resort we will stay in. We've always staued in the All-Stars, but my son will be 10 this year and he may be ready to move up a bit. Do you have any suggestions for something that might be a little nicer but still fun for a 10 year old?


Animegirllover, we never really go to the water parks, but thanks for the information! I never thought of that.

Thanks again to everyone! You are really great!
:sohappy:

 

[roysta123]

don't go in feb. presidents week is one of the most crowded times of the year.