Disney in Jan/Feb?

[Anonymous]

We are planning our first (and probably only) trip to Disney World for early in 2016. Both parents are teachers, so we'll need the trip to be over a holiday weekend. We'd like to go in Jan/Feb or March so that the grandparents can come see the grandkids (grandparents are snowbirds).

Anyone have any thoughts re which would be better, President's day weekend or MLK weekend? Trying to make the best out of the one and only trip. We can't take more than 1 day off from work. thanks.

[Anonymous]

We had a great trip over MLK jr day. We went on Saturday and came back on Wedneday (Tuesday was a professional day in MCPS).

I've heard President's day is more crowded and more expensive.

[Anonymous]

My mom is a teacher and I recall an MLK week trip to Disney when I was a kid. It was great! And actually, we did it in an inauguration year where we had off MLK and Inauguration Day in the same week. Might it be worth postponing until 2017 so that it will be easier to swing the whole week? If not, I think you're safe with either MLK or Pres weekends. Neither are super popular for Disney.

[Anonymous]

Presidents Day will be warmer. We did MLK last year and it was a little chilly for outdoor pools, though my kids did them anyway because they are nuts. We found some mid day down time at the hotel to be very helpful and wouldn't have minded it if it was a bit warmer. Also, the water rides were still closed then (MLK) if that is your thing. Otherwise I'd say the weekends are pretty comprable in terms of price. Price of tickets and airfare shoots up in March (spring break) I'd try to go before then, less crowds too!

[Anonymous]

We went the weekend before Presidents' Day weekend. It was empty. I am not exaggerating when I say we walked right on to 80-90% of the rides.

I know you said you only get one day but maybe you leave Thursday night after work and come home Sunday night. You get more in by not waiting for hours in lines.

fwiw, Presidents' Day weekend kicks off another high season.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go in March because a lot of school systems in Florida have spring break then.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that President's Day is really crowded. I would go MLK weekend instead.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all - MLK day it is!!

[Anonymous]

Just be warned that splash mountain will almost certainly be closed for refurbishment.

[Anonymous]

We went this past January and had a ball. And yes, splash mountain was closed. We didn't miss it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't go in March because a lot of school systems in Florida have spring break then.

This. March is Spring Break in Florida. My kids are off March 16-20 but also have Friday the 13th off as a teacher workday. Not just Florida, but many places in the south have Spring Break in mid-March.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just be warned that splash mountain will almost certainly be closed for refurbishment.

Funny that you posted that. We were there over the FCPS teacher workshop days (Jan.29-Feb.2), and the Disney website said Splash Mountain was closed for refurbishment. However, it was open when we got there, and we were able to ride it a couple times.