[Magoo]

I'm having a real hard time deciding when to go to WDW. We have always went in Sept or Oct but can't do it this year at that time and DD is starting high school Sept. 2005 and can't pull her out for 2 wks. Had originally planned to go 1st 2 wks of Feb 2005 but am now wondering if April would be better.
The room rates are higher in April(and we'll be on a tight budget - had originally planned to go in 2 yrs, but forgot to take into account DD starting highschool).

The weather will definitely be warmer than Ontario in Febuary but will it be warm enough to swim? I'd be really bummed if we were in Florida and not able to wear shorts, get a tan, swim, etc! With the long cold winters we have, it's kinda nice to bask in the warmth to break up the winter. (An example of our weather - it's April 27 today and snowing!!)

I know there are no "clear cut" answers to my dilemma, but just wondering what others would do. I've been pondering this for 5 months now and haven't gotten anywhere. My family is no help either. DH isn't much for swimming/sunbathing and would be happy with any temp above freezing. DD & DS say they will swim no matter how cold it is. I, on the other hand, cherish warmth and sun. Is it warmer a few hours south of Orlando? I was thinking that since we'll have a week not at WDW we could go further south for warmth after WDW? Any opinions would help. Thanks.

[lopo]

I have traveled to WDW in Feb and Apr due to school vacations. I know that I've been more times during Jan/Feb than April. As you suspected, the weather in Feb. may be quite cool, but I recall that each time I visited, it was actually relatively warm (70s in the daytime) The nights were darn cold though (30s and 40s) However, the kids were able to wear shorts and swim during the day. The first time we visited in Feb., we rented a house with a private pool. The landlady advised us to pay the extra $ to heat the pool because of the typically colder weather in Feb. Well, the kids were boiling because the weather was actually gorgeous six of the seven days we stayed there (And we couldn't control the heater.) Anyway, I think that I would select the early Feb date because I think that it is less crowded then and, as you already know, the price is less expensive. And, by Feb., I suspect that your family will be dying for a warmer climate than you have in Ontario.
Have you checked the weather channel online to get an idea of what temps (esp. the further south you travel during your second week) you may expect during your dates? THh may help you to decide.

[Dana]

I would pick February becasue the crowds are lighter. It's a bit cheaper too. Two pluses for me. My trip ended the first week of February this year. It wasn't extremely hot, but my DD was able to swim a day or two while we were there. I don't know about getting a great tan or anything, but it is warmer than Ontario like you said. Welcome to DC too. I am so glad you found us!

[Cinderellafifi]

Yes, February is the better choice. Better crowds, better prices! Yes, the weather could be chilly, but it won't last. Average temps in February are at mid-70's. We were in shorts and tank tops at the end of this past February in S. Florida. Whenever you decide to go, have a great time!

[disneyguy]

Almost everytime I have been to WDW it has been at the end of February. It is always a beautiful time, and the crowds are generally light. The weather is very nice too! This past time was the first time that we had any rain during our trip.

[delmarjohn]

I recommend apr...for several reasons sometimes in apr you can avoid the big crowds I did this time because I came in the week after easter,I have many many trips under my belt and apr is our first choice and oct nov is my second choice....the weather is better and in most cases drier ...my vote APR

[sydmacsmom]

My family and I have been twice in Feb. It it great. Both times, we have worn shorts during the day, just adding a sweatshirt in the early morning or in the evening. All the Disney pools are heated, so if you swim during the middle of the day when the sun is out, you should have no problem. I do recall getting a little bit of sun on my cheeks, but I wouldn't not count on that great tan at this time.

The only caution I have about Feb is President's Day Weekend. Avoid this like the plague if you are trying to stay away from the crowds. One year, we were there for the week prior and through President's Day. Oh my gosh, night and day the crowds. There were sooooo many people, we only did a few things in the parks whereas early on in our trip we were able to just walk right on to most rides. Otherwise, Feb is a great time, we are already saving up for our next trip in Feb 2005!

[Magoo]

Thanks for your opinions. I still haven't decided, but think I'm leaning more toward Feb after this looong winter. If it's like this again next year we'll need a break before April!! I guess I'll hold off on reserving a room until I get an idea of any discounts and then make my final decision. I wouldn't think it would be a problem waiting until much closer to the time of arrival since Feb is a pretty slow month?

[dznygrl]

My 2 cents...February. The lighter the crowds, the better. Higher crowds and higher heat just somehow don't add up to a better trip in my eyes! LOL

[disneylover24]

Hello all!!
Im new to the dc and i was reading what the post was about cause I have the same delema. Im happy to hear that someone else had the same ?? I did.
Well thanks for answering my half. See you all in disney!!

[BDavis932]

Another vote for FEB.....

Valentines day weekend (and Presidents day weekend, also) can be quite busy....but the rest of the week should be great!!

[crystalrp]

We went in April of this year and I didn't like the crowds one bit! I would vote February. (maybe I shouldn't though since I am thinking of perhaps going in February of next year, and I don't want to encourage EVERYONE to go then! That would be defeating the purpose! LOL)

[disneycloud9]

I would pick april because the weather is much nicer, just don't go school break week. Otherwise the crowds aren't too bad. I'm going in october, are the crowds good then?

[MOTOXTIGGER]

We are going Feb 2005. Arriving on the 28th. Our travel agent told us that this is peak time.......She is charging us $88 for Pop Century...anyone else out there know if I am getting taken or is this correct? I have heard from others that this is a quiet time of year and crowds are relatively light so I was a little confused by the increase in the amount of money. We were originally supposed to go in January and had booked under the last set of discounts that they had advertised, our room was only $68 with tax then. She said that we still are getting the discount but because it is peak time it is more expensive. I asked her is she sure that we are getting the discount and she assured me that we are but I am always curious if we are getting the best buy. I hear that the weather is wonderful though.

[sydmacsmom]

Unfortunately, your travel agent is right. You are hitting the park in a time that is coming off of President's week which tends to be extremely busy and then toward the end of Feb and the start of March, tons of schools have off due to spring vacation. If you go to the www.disneyworld.com, you can get the dates of the seasons. Just choose resorts, then pick a particular resort and then you can go to rates, choose, 2005 and it will list the rates and it will also give you the dates of the seasons. Peak season in 2005 is defined as 2/17 - 4/16. How long is your trip? Have you considered the Magic Your Way tickets? Maybe you can save some money that way? Good Luck!