When to go? (Crowds, Events, etc)

[tjkraz]

OK, DW threw me a curveball last night. A new airline is starting direct service from our local airport to WDW next year and they're offering $49 one-way trips through 3/31/06. Our original plan was to wait until May to go (which has become my favorite time), but this deal may be too much to resist.

The good news is that Easter isn't until April. So, we're still out of the way of the major crowds.

Here are some considerations:

* DW's Birthday is 2/11 - This really isn't a factor because 2/11/06 is a Saturday and we'll be doing a Sun - Fri stay.

* ESPN The Weekend is reportely scheduled for 2/25 & 2/26 - DW and I are both sports fans. Touringplans.com also has very moderate attendance predictions for that week.

* DS' 5th birthday is 3/17.

* Our family follows the Atlanta Braves, and we could attend a Spring Training game if we visit in March.

* The later we go, the better chance of riding Expedition Everest.

* Vacation time and Holidays are irrelevant (DS is only in preschool).

* As far as weather goes, the warmer the better. Forget the summer temps, but I'll take high-80s over 60s anyday.

So, when would you go? I'm leaning toward the week of 2/26 to 3/3/06. There shouldn't be any more REALLY cold days at that point, and I think it would be cool to catch the ESPN stuff going on. Even if the ESPN event doesn't pan-out, it sounds like crowds are pretty low that time of year.

Suggestions? Anyone visited during non-holiday periods during Feb / Mar that can share their experiences?

[PoohsPal]

I have to say my 2004 trip kind of soured me on the last week of February. I wore a jacket 90% of the time. It rained 2 out of 4 days I was there. Now, I believe this was more likely the exception than the rule, but not a time I'd favor.

Then again, for that flight price, I do not think I'd care as much about the weather! The ESPN days would be cool too.

[TW1]

We went once in March, the last week, in 2004, and probably won't go again in this week. (last week of March is our standard spring break week, regardless of religious holidays.)

Weather was warm, not hot. T-shirts and shorts, but a bit chilly at Typhoon Lagoon. Only a few crazy northerners there adn the CM's all had jackets on.

Crowds were too much for us. We've been in October, Feb., second week of June and most recently third week of August and the week in March was the worst of them all. we found the parks very crowded. Our one Feb trip was about 7 years ago and I recall the parks being very empty, the sun was out, but the temps were way too chilly for swimming. (I recall staying at Carib Beach and playing with DD, then about 3, in the sand, but not going in the water.)

That said, if the time fits and the price is right, I'm not sure I could pass up ANY trip. But if I had my choices, I personally will not go back that last week of March.

[cruise-o-matic]

We went the week prior to Prez Day in '03. Didn't have to use FP's until Thursday, when the crowds really increased. Rained our 1st day, but nice the rest of the week. By Saturday, it was 82 and DD was swimming in the FW pool before we left.

Got home that night and it was 32 in GSO....next morning it was sleeting and had probably 2" by Sunday night.

[withdisneyspirit]

* Vacation time and Holidays are irrelevant (DS is only in preschool).


Showoff ;) :p

I actually have never visited in any of these months. I feel sure, however, that as March wears on, the crowds would get heavier! We talked about a spring break visit and ours is always toward the end of March, sooo we planned HHI instead :)

Good luck deciding; I like the time you picked!

[DrTomorrow]

That week makes a lot of sense - there's something happening that you might like to see and crowds will be manageable.

Two suggestions:
1. Don't sweat Exp. Everest (is that officially EE, since EE is now EMH [please state the nature of your medical emergency {obscure star trek, sorry}]?) You're probably going back to WDW one of these years, and it'll be there. (I'm on a big 'managing expectations' kick right now....)

2. Don't try to out-guess the weather. You could have great weather and the next week is chilly - or vice versa. You'll know what to expect a few days before you leave and can pack accordingly.

[mamaprincess]

We're also considering that week. I hope we don't see the end of Feb crowds. Is this presidents week or where does it fall. I'm trying to avoid any unnecessary crowds.

[tjkraz]

We're also considering that week. I hope we don't see the end of Feb crowds. Is this presidents week or where does it fall. I'm trying to avoid any unnecessary crowds.

"End of Feb crowds..." Hmmmmm. I'm hoping that's an oxymoron. ;)

We ended up booking 2/26 to 3/3. As I said in another post, I got a Standard View room at BWV on less than 5 months notice. So I think that bodes well for crowd levels. President's Day (week) is the prior week. ESPN The Weekend is apparently scheduled for 3/3/ to 3/6.

[mamaprincess]

Thanks! :goodvibes I guess we'll see what ESPN will do for the crowd level. Whatever it is, it wont be as bad as presidents week or easter.