Will you be heading to Disney World this February?
February Crowds
Well, if you’re planning a trip to Disney World on this particular weekend, you might want to brace yourself. February already has its fair share of busy days, but this specific weekend is going to be a perfect storm of high crowd levels and potential frustration. So, if you’re going to be at the Most Magical Place on Earth, let’s talk about why you’ll need extra patience, a solid plan, and maybe a backup plan for your backup plan.
As we were alluding to, there are a couple of major holidays, a massive runDisney event, and a cheerleading competition, that are about to make the parks a nightmare of long lines and crowded walkways. Let’s break it all down.
The Holiday Double Whammy
First up, we’ve got Valentine’s Day on February 14th, which falls on a Friday. Fridays are already busy in Disney World because locals love to pop in for a weekend visit. Now add in couples looking for a romantic Disney getaway and the parks will be filled with lovebirds taking Cinderella Castle selfies, booking up all the best dinner reservations, and trying to snag a spot at all the popular nighttime shows.
2023 Presidents Day Weekend
Then, just a few days later, Presidents’ Day hits on Monday, February 17th. Presidents’ Day is notorious for bringing some of the biggest crowds of the winter season because it’s a popular long-weekend vacation time. Now, factor in the Friday holiday just before it. If people were already planning to take a long weekend for Presidents’ Day, they might just go all in and extend their trip to include Valentine’s Day too. That means we’re looking at a potential four-day stretch of heavy crowds, high hotel occupancy, and very limited last-minute dining reservations.
The Princess Half Marathon Crowds
And then, just when you think things might settle down, here come the runners. The runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend kicks off on February 20th and lasts through the 24th. This race is one of Disney’s biggest running events of the year, and it attracts thousands of participants (and their families) who turn their race weekend into a full-fledged Disney vacation.
Princess Half Marathon Crowds picking up
Even though the races don’t start until the following Thursday, many runners like to arrive early to enjoy the parks before their events. Some might even overlap their race trip with the Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day crowds. That means even if you’re hoping for a slight crowd dip midweek, there’s a good chance it won’t happen. Between park days, expo events, and pre-race carb-loading at every Italian restaurant in Disney World, you’ll definitely feel their presence.
Oh, And the Cheerleaders
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got yet another major event happening just before this chaotic weekend begins. The National High School Cheerleading Championship takes place in Disney World from February 7th to February 10th. If you’ve ever visited Disney World during a cheer competition, you know the energy these groups bring.
Cheer squad
Expect big groups of cheerleaders traveling together in matching outfits, practicing routines in hotel courtyards, and filling up quick-service restaurants in between performances. Also, many of the teams and their families stick around to enjoy the parks after the competition ends, so it’s possible some will extend their trip into that already packed Valentine’s Day/Presidents’ Day weekend.
So, What Can You Do?
If you’re visiting Disney World during this absolute madness, here are a few tips to help you survive:
- Make your park reservations NOW. Seriously, don’t wait. Popular days will book up fast, especially at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
- Book your dining reservations ASAP. Even quick-service spots will be packed, so having a table service reservation could save you from spending an hour just searching for a meal.
- Get to the parks early. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have at getting on rides before the lines get unbearable.
- Pack your patience. It’s going to be crowded, and there’s not much you can do about that. Go in with realistic expectations, take plenty of breaks, and remember that sometimes the best plan is just to grab a snack and people-watch instead of stressing over ride wait times.
The Bottom Line
Again, if you’re heading to Disney World over this very specific weekend in February, prepare for chaos. Between the holiday travelers, the marathon runners, and the cheerleaders, you’re looking at one of the busiest stretches of the entire winter season. It’s doable, but only if you plan ahead, stay flexible, and maybe bring some noise-canceling headphones.
In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.
Avoid This Very Specific Spot in Disney World on March 16th
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Going to Disney next week. Confused— Your article said to make park reservations for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. because of the crowds. Didn’t know you still had to make them.
Can you clarify??\
Hi Jean! If you have a date-based ticket you no longer have to make reservations, but some ticketholders such as annual passholders do still have to make park reservations.