Feb 2013 Help with dates?!?

[CJUERS]

Hi there everyone. I hope you are all having a great summer. Not too melty. It's really been bad here in Chicago! I've decided to stay inside and keep cool and start planning mode for our February 2013 trip. I am beside myself with excitment. We were origionally going in September but had to put the brakes on that trip when DH lost his job. Sooo now I am all ready to plan for February but I need some help with dates. I am ok with FEB/MARCH time frame. I obviously DO NOT want to be there for the Pres.Day and Mardi Gras crowds. We made that mistake before! So if there is someone out there who can help me nail down my dates I would be so thankful.

[vicki_c]

We have gone in the past end of January, beginning of February and thought it was great. So I would recommend that early February time frame.

[CJUERS]

We have gone in the past end of January, beginning of February and thought it was great. So I would recommend that early February time frame.

We went late Feb early March last time and the weather was perfect!!! Our last 3 days there were the start of Mardi Gras, and though not as bad as Pres Day in DLR, it was crazy! I'm glad I know better and am trying to avoid this at all costs this time. The weather was borderline for swimming last trip. What is temp like in end of Jan/ beg of Feb?

[vicki_c]

It would be the same - you can't really predict. It can be cold or warm, rarely ranging into the hot Florida temps. Usually dry at that time of year though (that is the dry season in Florida). We prefer that type of weather - our favorite times to go are from November - February.

[nolarookie]

We are going for Mardi Gras, which is on Feb 12. We will be there from the 9-16. President's Day is the week after. So that leaves you with the either the 1st or second week in Feb. I've heard Mardi Gras is really not as bad as President's Day week. At least I hope so. I do know a few families from South Louisiana who are going to WDW. Also the Louisiana Bar Association is having a conference from the 11-13 at WDW. I don't know if that will have an impact on the Mardi Gras crowd.

[CJUERS]

We are going for Mardi Gras, which is on Feb 12. We will be there from the 9-16. President's Day is the week after. So that leaves you with the either the 1st or second week in Feb. I've heard Mardi Gras is really not as bad as President's Day week. At least I hope so. I do know a few families from South Louisiana who are going to WDW. Also the Louisiana Bar Association is having a conference from the 11-13 at WDW. I don't know if that will have an impact on the Mardi Gras crowd.

My experience with the Mardi Gras crowd was this...our first two days were about a 3/4 for crowd levels and the next 3 when the MG crowd rolled in was more like a 6/7. Not horrible but nothing like a 3. Just have a good plan!

So vicki what is your opinion on Feb. 6-12? We will prob get a flight early afternoon on the 12th so we won't be in any parks....or....do you think the week before would be better Jan30-Feb 5?

[clanmcculloch]

We love that last week of February into the first week of March. We've done it a few times. Watching weather reports, it seems as though there is a big difference in weather by waiting those few weeks but then again I'm only going off reports for the beginning of February.

One year Mardi Gras fell over our week when President's Day had been a different week. We only knew they were there because the low crowds were mostly wearing purple green and gold so we asked what that meant (I'm so clueless).

2013, President's Day and Mardi Gras are before that last week.

[CJUERS]

Thanks Trudy! I am taking this all in!!! So you think that those few weeks may make a difference in the weather? I am planning on hitting the parks commando at rope drop so our afternoon breaks can be spent swimming since the kiddos are too old for naps. Is the last week in Feb still considered "value season"? That's not my biggest concern though.

[Micah008]

The last day of Value Season is Feb 13th. Starting on the 14th it is either Peak Season, Presidents Day Weekend, or Regular Season for the rest of the month. (It is a pain to do, but you can use the Room Types & Pricing page for any resort to help figure this out.)

We love Jan and Feb also, and we always made sure we are out of there before Value Season ends.

Hopefully there will be an update to the Feb operating hours today, and then Josh can create the February Crowd Calendar soon. That will help you the most once you see some of the crowd levels.

[CJUERS]

Yes Micah, I agree on getting more info from Josh! I'm patiently waiting. I did look up the catagory difference a while back and if I'm correct the difference shouldn't be more than a few hundred dollars...not like I have a money tree or anything but I'd spend a little more to be there at a better time. So you are another who suggests the earlier dates I was thinking about (Feb 6-12)??Right?? I am leaning that way just because my B-Day is Feb. 11th!! But I am considering all my options Thanks for your input.

[clanmcculloch]

Beginning of February is definitely cheaper than end. I go the end of February because that's when our schools have a break. NH's break is different from the majority of the country. I have done pretty well with rates because my TA has arranged amazing group rate for a group of people who go for the Princess marathon and has included me in that deal but so far she doesn't have enough people showing interest for 2013 so she hasn't arranged anything yet. I'm not sure what we're going to do for February 2013 yet. I need to decide soon if we'll be going again this year or not so I know if I should upgrade our tickets next month to APs. Decisions decisions.....

[Micah008]

Yes Micah, I agree on getting more info from Josh! I'm patiently waiting. I did look up the catagory difference a while back and if I'm correct the difference shouldn't be more than a few hundred dollars...not like I have a money tree or anything but I'd spend a little more to be there at a better time. So you are another who suggests the earlier dates I was thinking about (Feb 6-12)??Right?? I am leaning that way just because my B-Day is Feb. 11th!! But I am considering all my options Thanks for your input.

I am patiently waiting too.

For me the difference in cost isn't actually the main reason why the category matters to me. If Disney is charging more, that usually means they think it will be busier too... and I would rather be there when it is the least busy (of course I won't complain that it is cheaper too).

Yeah, I would vote to be there for your earlier dates. (We will be there through the 5th ourselves)

[Morety]

I'm heading February 1-10 specifically to avoid crowds. I am hoping it is warm enough to get a day in at Typhoon Lagoon.

Here's my guess on where the green parks will be based on last year's info:

Feb 1: MK, HS
Feb 2: EP, AK
Feb 3: EP HS (Superbowl Sunday, don't order pizza in on this day lol)
Feb 4: EP
Feb 5: MK, HS, AK
Feb 6: MK, EP
Feb 7: EP, HS, AK
Feb 8: MK, HS, AK
Feb 9: EP, AK
Feb 10: EP, HS, AK
Feb 11: EP
Feb 12: MK, AK
Feb 13: MK, EP
Feb 14: EP, HS, AK
Feb 15: MK, HS, AK
Feb 16: EP, AK
Feb 17: EP, HS, AK
Feb 18: EP (President's Day)
Feb 19: AK, MK, HS
Feb 20: MK, EP
Feb 21: EP, AK (Josh said HS would be good as well)
Feb 22: HS, MK (Josh said AK would be good as well)
Feb 23: AK
Feb 24: MK, AK, EP
Feb 25: HS, EP
Feb 26: EP, HS, AK
Feb 27: MK, EP, AK
Feb 28: HS, AK

[bnoble]

I've heard Mardi Gras is really not as bad as President's Day week.

I've gone during all permutations of February weeks: with just P-Week. with just MG. With both. With neither. In terms of actual wait times/restaurant crowding, MG really isn't much of a factor. The NOLA refuges are easy to spot: they are all wearing purple/green/gold and/or LSU gear. But, in absolute terms there aren't that many of them. A small bump, not worth avoiding IMO unless you truly have no other constraints.

[Southernswthrt]

Being "a NOLA refuge" myself, I have gone twice for Mardi Gras (when PD was not the same week) and I found the crowds only slightly higher than the first 2-3 weeks of December (which are the best times to go IMO). And yes, we do wear our purple/green/gold, LSU, and Saints gear proudly, so we're easy to spot and usually a friendly bunch! I will not go if MG and PD are the same week. We are going this year from Feb 9-16 and are considering moving the dates up a few days to avoid the PD crowd coming in over the weekend. In short, I wouldn't stay away b/c of MG, but going earlier will likely result on lower crowds and prices.

[clanmcculloch]

Being "a NOLA refuge" myself, I have gone twice for Mardi Gras (when PD was not the same week) and I found the crowds only slightly higher than the first 2-3 weeks of December (which are the best times to go IMO). And yes, we do wear our purple/green/gold, LSU, and Saints gear proudly, so we're easy to spot and usually a friendly bunch! I will not go if MG and PD are the same week. We are going this year from Feb 9-16 and are considering moving the dates up a few days to avoid the PD crowd coming in over the weekend. In short, I wouldn't stay away b/c of MG, but going earlier will likely result on lower crowds and prices.

That's been my experience for sure. We've enjoyed chatting with NOLA refugees (love that term LOL) at the pool and in line. I do agree that they really don't make much difference with the crowds.

[nolarookie]

Yes, we intend to get into a pattern of taking vacations over Mardi Gras (avoiding WDW when it coincides with President's Week). It's kid of a perfect storm of no school, relaxed work week, and, unless you're mardi gras person, you're not missing anything at home. I'm glad to hear the crowds at WDW will be good for that week. We also intend to be easy to spot as New Orleans people. We all have Saints wardrobes

[bnoble]

Er, "refugee". I blame my inability to spell on the fact that I am on the OBX this week.

[CJUERS]

Thank everyone for their input! Who'd have thought this would be such a hard decision. What do you all think about park hours. Will they vary from the week of 1/30-2/5 and 2/6-2/12? I guess the weather won't be much different so maybe it will make my decision easier if the parks will be open longer hours. Also I know this is a "DUH" thing but will the MG crowd be there the weekend before or after fat Tuesday?

[Southernswthrt]

Also I know this is a "DUH" thing but will the MG crowd be there the weekend before or after fat Tuesday?

Both! Probably more will be there the weekend before. It sounds like you are are avoiding us We don't bite...really! I believe the park hours are not officially released yet, but longer hours are expected the week of MG.

[DisMom11]

2 years ago we went down to Disney for our wedding (end of February/early March). The weather was SO cold!! During our Illuminations dessert party they had to bring blankets out to our guests (and we are from NY!!). By the time we left it was in the 70's and beautiful!! As far as crowds, really avoiding President's day weekend is the best advice...and bring a some jeans and sweatshirts just in case!

[nolarookie]

Thank everyone for their input! Who'd have thought this would be such a hard decision. What do you all think about park hours. Will they vary from the week of 1/30-2/5 and 2/6-2/12? I guess the weather won't be much different so maybe it will make my decision easier if the parks will be open longer hours. Also I know this is a "DUH" thing but will the MG crowd be there the weekend before or after fat Tuesday?

I agree with Southernswthrt, the schools in the New Orleans area will be out for the entire week, so I'm sure there are people like me who will head out to Orlando the Friday before Mardi Gras. But I'm also sure some people will stay in town for Mardi gras and go to WDW after. We're staying Sat.-Sat. if you're tryin to avoid me! I promise I'll only wear a Saints shirt or purple, green and gold every other day.

[jilly7896]

Feb is a funny month. We were there during President's week in 2009 and my kids swam every day. The weather was perfect, and 2 of the days it was so warm I had my 7 month old in just a onesie.

[halll]

We were the Feb 2010, 5-12. It was great. A little chilly a couple of days, but warm enough to wear shorts one day. The crowds were minimal. We had no tp, and only missed rides because we wandered lost most of the time! Also, we were there for the MVP parade with Drew Brees. Awesome since Dh is a huge nfl fan!