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What to Expect at Disney World in February

Is your family considering a trip to Disney World in February? Cooler “winter” weather in Florida makes for a temperate oasis while other destinations are still being hammered by winter storms. Crowds tend to flip flop between busy and slow times amid a slew of different events throughout the month. Here are some of the things to consider before pinning down those dates! You might also consider booking in January!

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Events that Affect Crowds

Valentine’s Day

Couples plan trips to Disney World to experience the parks, fine dining, and nightlife at the resort. The picturesque backdrop of Cinderella’s castle is perfect for a surprise proposal, while Disney’s team of MemoryMakers stand by with their camera in-hand! While the difference in park traffic is negligible, you’ll definitely see a spike in attendance at Disney Springs, where couples can find some amazing dining hotspots!

Epcot’s Festival of Fine Arts

By February, the Festival of Fine Arts is in full swing, with food booths cranking out small plates (or trays) to park-goers. Be sure to check out the schedule of events and appearances, as you’re likely to find an opportunity to meet your favorite Disney artists! We’ve seen artists like Paige O’Hara, also known as the voice of the original Belle from Beauty and the Beast, who is now known for her Beauty and the Beast themed paintings. 

Athletic Competitions

Athletes from around the country (public health permitting) descend upon the Disney bubble in the springtime. All sports from cheerleading to baseball schedule trips to compete at a national level. Most schools will book rooms at the value hotels and nearby offsite hotels, so if you are hoping to miss the school crowds, you may want to upgrade your accommodations to a moderate or deluxe resort. Resort transportation can also be congested with school groups as well. Luckily for families, school groups are rarely hitting the parks at rope drop or during later park hours. 

Disney Princess Half Marathon

The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend has traditionally been very popular in late February. Attendance is expected to be even higher in 2022 than previous years due to its cancellation during the pandemic. (Note: 2022 dates have not yet been announced.) You can typically expect a lull in the morning on race days after runners cross the finish line and return to their hotels to freshen up. After resting and grabbing a celebratory meal, runners head back to the parks in the afternoon, often sporting their medals!

The Super Bowl

Sports fans perch in places like the Boardwalk’s ESPN Club during the big game. The increase in traffic is seen in the days following the Super Bowl, when players make an appearance in a parade at the Magic Kingdom. Crowds pack Main Street in hopes of catching a live glimpse of that year’s winners alongside Mickey Mouse. 

Mardi Gras

As a family destination, Disney doesn’t typically advertise Mardi Gras events. It is, however, adjacent to the Universal Studios theme park, who advertises their Mardi Gras events as “Florida’s Biggest Party.” You’ll also see Disney-bound traffic increased from schools that provide days off surrounding the big day. 

The Week of President’s Day

Some families boost attendance the week of President’s Day to minimize time away from school. Increased crowds are known to rival those of busy Spring Break weeks. Be sure to pack extra patience over the long weekend and the following week!

So, should you take a trip to Disney World in February?

As with any month, February can be a fantastic time to visit when you are strategic with your planning. Temperatures hit that sweet spot in the 70s during the day, and nighttime calls for a few more layers when temps drop to the 40s and 50s. 

Crowds can be entirely manageable during the week early on, with weekends making better bookends for travel to and from Orlando. Many families are staying home until Spring Break or summer hits, while others patiently wait for tax refunds to hit their bank accounts. 

The lull before increased crowds invites attraction refurbishments, leaving fewer rides to enjoy (especially water rides), drained rivers, and unsightly construction projects. As a result, you’re often likely to score a richer promotional deal on your vacation, adding perks like additional park days or less expensive hotel rooms. 

Disney World has largely shed her holiday wardrobe by February, and more colorful, spring-like desserts fill pastry cases. Unique dining, performance, and art exhibitions add an extra layer of excitement during the Festival of the Arts at Epcot. 

In short, we think February is a great time to visit if you do your research surrounding these events and manage expectations. Even if your trip falls during a crowded stint, just know that Disney is famous for their ability to handle immense crowds and still deliver on expectations of millions of families each year! 

The magic will prevail! 

Have you visited in February before? What tips do you have for this unique time to visit? Let us know in the comments!

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*The WDW Lists is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with The Walt Disney Company.

Is your family considering a trip to Disney World in February? Cooler “winter” weather in Florida makes for a temperate oasis while other destinations are still being hammered by winter storms. Crowds tend to flip flop between busy and slow times amid a slew of different events throughout the month. Here are some of the…