Hi Lauren!
I’m so happy to hear you’re thinking ahead for your Walt Disney World trip. Both of the dates you've mentioned have their pros and cons in terms of crowd levels, and I’m happy to share my thoughts!
Here’s what to consider for your February travel dates:
President’s Day is on February 17th, 2025, and it brings in higher crowds as families take advantage of the long weekend and schools often have a break. The week surrounding President's Day is typically quite busy.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is an extremely popular event scheduled for February 20-24, 2025. It attracts thousands of participants and spectators, which adds to the crowd levels, especially around
EPCOT and
Magic Kingdom Park. I’ve personally been a participant many times, and I can vouch for the crowd levels. That being said, it’s also a fun time to get out and cheer on the runners – the excitement is contagious!
February weather in Orlando tends to be cooler and more comfortable, with lower humidity. It’s a pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re not a fan of the heat.
Now, let’s talk about your dates in May:
Memorial Day is on May 26th, 2025, and the weekend leading up to it will see crowds grow as people flock to Disney World for the unofficial start of summer. However, if you’re visiting from the 16th, you’ll enjoy lower crowds for most of your trip, with only the final days around Memorial Day being busier.
Early to mid-May generally has moderate crowd levels. It’s not peak season yet, so you can expect shorter wait times and a more relaxed park experience before the holiday weekend.
May weather is warmer, with increasing humidity. It’s not as hot as the summer months, but it’s definitely warmer than February, which can be a consideration if you prefer cooler temperatures.
If you’re looking for lower crowd levels and don’t mind warmer weather, I’d recommend the May dates. You’ll have more days of lighter crowds, with only the end of your trip getting busier with the busy Memorial Day weekend.
I hope this information is helpful with your plans and preparations for your upcoming vacation!
Diane W.