Walt Disney World February 2011
Whatever the month, holidays and special events affect crowds and touring at Walt Disney World. As part of TouringPlans.com commitment to provide the best possible touring information, here’s what’s coming up in February:
February 6, 2011: Super Bowl Sunday
On February 6, 2011, at 6:30pm ET, the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers in the epic battle that will be Super Bowl XLV. Crowds in the parks will not be greatly affected, but, for those who want to watch the game, check out Ryan Kilpatrick’s post on where to watch within WDW. Since the few places on property get very crowded, very quickly, it might be better to look off site. A top choice for many sports fans is Orlando Ale House on Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Alternatively, there is Frogger’s Grill & Bar or Friday’s Front Row, both in Orlando. Remember, this is one of the biggest sports days of the year and it is important to show up early wherever you choose to enjoy the game.
Usually, after the game, players on the winning team are asked what they are going to do next. Of course the correct response is “I’m going to Disney World!” In the past, key members were featured in a parade down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom the week following their big win. In 2010, the victory parade was on the Monday after the Super Bowl, and will in all likelihood be on the same day this year.
February 14: Valentine’s Day
As with Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day will not have a huge impact on crowd levels, but those wishing to celebrate will need to plan ahead. For a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World suggests several wonderful restaurants that set the perfect mood. In the parks, some suggestions are Bistro de Paris, Tutto Italia Ristorante, both in Epcot, or The Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios. Outside of the parks, there are even more options. Downtown Disney has Fulton’s Crab House, Paradiso 37, and Portabello; Disney’s Boardwalk has Flying Fish and Kouzzina. In the resorts there are Citricos, Narcoossee’s, and Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridan, Jiko-The Cooking Place at Animal Kindom Lodge’s Jambo House, Shula’s Steak House at the Dolphin, and Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge. At the time of this writing, all of the restaurants listed, with the exception of Victoria and Albert’s, still have Advanced Dining Reservations available for a dinner for two.
February 19-21: President’s Day Weekend
President’s Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year at Disney World. The entire weekend, as well as the following week, the Crowd Calendar is predicting 9’s and 10’s. With crowds like that it is best to be prepared. Use the Crowd Calendar to help pick your parks, plan to be at the turnstiles at least 45 minutes before Rope Drop, and take advantage of the Holiday Touring Plans.
In celebration of the holiday, TouringPlans.com will hold a meet at 4pm the following Friday, February 25th, hosted by blogger Kristen Helmstetter. Kristen has a special love for the Hall of Presidents (she even wrote her senior thesis on it) and is excited to share one of her favorite attractions. Come and enjoy it with her!
February 25-27: Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The last weekend in February brings the Princess Half Marathon. There are several races during the weekend in addition to the half marathon, including kids races and a family 5K. The courses will be set up through and around the parks, including in the streets, which will, in addition to crowds, affect traffic. There will be more information on this event in an upcoming blog post.
Are you visiting Walt Disney World in February? What are you looking forward to?
Image credits: Darren Wittko, Heartlover1717, Len Testa, and mguertin.
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I can’t wait to go to the World this February! Unfortunately, I will be part of the reason those crowd levels during President’s Day week will be a 9 or 10. Though being a teacher is filled with many blessings, one of the downfalls is that I am on vacation at the same time as tons of kids who all love the Mouse like I do! Will it be any better at the end of the week?
Unfortunately, crowds levels are not expected to drop until Sunday, February 27. However, if you plan ahead, you’ll still be able to have a fantastic trip!
Wow! Great info, Scarlett. There is so much going on! It makes me wish I could be there this month 🙂
Don’t worry! There is always fun stuff going on. I’m sure there will be tons of exciting stuff during your next trip.
My family and I are headed to DW Feb 12-19. We haven’t been in 10 years! I think we’re looking forward to it all!!
Wow! 10 years! There will be so many new things to experience. Have a fantastic time!
Hi Scarlett- As you and Ryan point out, the Sports-type bars on site are limited. As I walked past the ESPN Club during the playoffs, there was a line of about 200 folks outside on the boardwalk. (And this was well over an hour before the game!) Since the Club doesn’t allow reservations, I say true football fans should go when they open at 11:30 and have brunch, lunch and dinner!! :))
That is an excellent tip! Watching the Super Bowl at ESPN Club is a full day in itself.
This is a fantastic article, Scarlett!
Thank you, JL!
Friday’s Front Row actually closed about a year ago.
Oh no! I called to check that they were open and someone answered the phone number listed. How odd.
As a local, do you have anywhere you would recommend to watch the Super Bowl?
Good entry Scar. Will be down week before PD. One question….did you mean Feb 7 or 14 for the victory parade….it was unclear. Thanks.
Thank you Cam! I meant February 7. Last year the victory parade was the day after the Super Bowl, so that’s what we’re predicting for this year. I’ll update the post as soon as more information is available. Hope you have a great trip!
This is exactly what I needed! Taking the little lady to DW for V-Day and I needed some suggestions on where to eat. This DOES set the perfect mood.
This is why I love TouringPlans. They make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside while also giving me crowd levels on the outside.
I need more articles like this in my life!
Thank you so much. I’m sure you will have a fantastic time for Valentine’s Day. Have you decided yet where you want to eat?
Thanks for the insight on February. As a local, it’s important for me to know when I can/should go to the parks and when I should avoid it altogether. Well done!
Thank you! If you are local, and can go any time, President’s Day week is definitely one to avoid. Although, if you can make it, you should come out to Kristen’s meet of February 25th.
A really informative post. I am arriving smack in the middle of the week after President’s Day and am happy to have the advanced warning.
Thank you.
I’m glad we were able to give you a head’s up! Luckily, after that the crowds should drop, at least for a week or so. Have a fantastic trip!