How Busy is Disney World in February?
February is a great time to visit the Happiest Place on Earth, with Mild temperatures, smaller crowds, and special events. But just how busy is Disney World in February? Let’s dive into the details to help you plan your trip.
Understanding Crowd Levels in Disney World
Before we dive into the specifics of February, it’s essential to understand the different crowd level categories used by Disney World to measure attendance:
- Low: 1-2 / 10 – Perfect for relaxation, with short wait times for attractions and shows.
- Moderate: 3-5 / 10 – A pleasant balance between relaxed and lively, with some wait times for popular attractions.
- High: 6-8 / 10 – Busy, with moderate to long wait times for popular attractions and shows.
- Peak: 9-10 / 10 – Extremely busy, with very long wait times for attractions and shows, and potential wait times exceeding 2 hours.
Disney World Crowd Calendars for February
According to TouringPlans.com, an excellent resource for crowd prediction, February is considered a Moderate month for Disney World attendance, with an average daily crowd level of 5.6/10. This means you can expect short to moderate wait times for attractions and shows, but still some crowds, especially during peak hours.
Special Events and Happenings in February
February is a great time to experience Disney World’s special events and festivities:
- Mardi Gras and International Festival of Food & Wine: Celebrate the flavors and culture of the world with special food, drinks, and live music at Epcot (February 1-25).
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Valentine’s Special Edition!): Fall in love with a spooky-romantic twist, with character meet-and-greets, trick-or-treating, and more (February 1-14).
- Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser: Embark on an immersive, 2-night adventure aboard the Halcyon, a Star Wars-inspired space cruise (February 1-28).
Busiest Days in February
Based on historical data, the busiest days in February tend to be:
- Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 15-17): School is in session, but Disney World often attracts more visitors during this 3-day weekend.
- Valentine’s Weekend (February 8-10): Couples and families often visit to celebrate the romantic holiday.
- School Winter Break (February 1-14): Disneys’ annual vacation program allows schools to visit the parks, leading to higher attendance.
Best Times to Visit in February
To minimize crowds and maximize your experience, consider visiting during the following times:
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours (if you’re staying at a Disney hotel) to experience popular attractions like Soarin’ around the World or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- After 5:00 PM: Enjoy the Happily Ever After fireworks and nighttime spectacular, followed by the evening parades and street shows.
- Park Hopping: Visit multiple parks in a single day, like Epcot and Hollywood Studios in the morning, then head to the Magic Kingdom for a relaxing afternoon.
- Not-So-Scary Nighttime Spectacular (Parties and Special Events): Enjoy the special events mentioned earlier, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Valentine’s Special Edition!), which might attract larger crowds.
Tips for Visiting in February
- Book your FastPass+ experiences wisely: Focus on less busy attractions like The Great Movie Ride, Gran Fiesta Tour, or the newly reopened Tron Lightcycle Run.
- Take breaks during the hottest part of the day: Recharge and avoid the peak sun hours (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) when visiting the theme parks.
- Use the My Disney Experience app: Stay up-to-date with wait times, show schedules, and special events to plan your day efficiently.
- Pack for cooler weather: Bring layers for milder February temperatures (average highs: 68°F / 20°C, average lows: 47°F / 8°C).
Conclusion
February is an excellent time to visit Disney World, with smaller crowds, special events, and mild weather. By understanding crowd levels, knowing the busiest days, and utilizing tips for visiting, you’ll be ready to make the most of your trip. So, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of Disney World in February!
Additional Resources
- TouringPlans.com for crowd calendars and predictions
- Disney.com for park hours, special events, and reservation confirmation
- My Disney Experience App for real-time updates and scheduling
- Walt Disney World’s Official Blog for news, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories
Happy planning, and see you at the Happiest Place on Earth! 🎉