Welcome to planDisney, Etay,
Your countdown is so close to you being in the magic. I hope you’re as excited as I am just typing that!
I totally understand being concerned about higher crowd levels during your visit, especially if you’re visiting during a holiday weekend. That being said, with a little strategy, even the busiest days at the Walt Disney World Resort are more magical than any day elsewhere!
If you have some flexibility, and it makes you feel more confident to move your dates, I see no harm. However, if you already locked in all your
preferred dining reservations, booked your
Lightning Lanes, and have everything mapped out, it might be best to keep your dates as they stand and get a little strategy going before making a big shuffle change.
Something to keep in mind as well, the following week, February 22–March 1, often sees things level out once the holiday travelers head home. While there are never guarantees when it comes to crowd levels, historically, that post-holiday stretch can feel a bit more moderate overall. That said, as you move closer to March, some early spring breaks may begin depending on school calendars, so it isn’t necessarily “low season,” just potentially less intense than the holiday week.
So with all that info to weigh on, here’s a little positive perspective on both options:
If you choose to keep your current dates, you’ll enjoy beautiful winter weather and a lively atmosphere. You’ll also be able to enjoy a few extra days at the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which wraps up on February 23rd.
In my experience, crowds tend to linger before and after holidays, so since your alternate dates are so close to it, it might not make a huge difference to adjust them.
The wonderful news? With a smart strategy, either week can be fantastic. So no matter which dates you choose, here are some pro-tips that will make your visit extra magical: I always recommend arriving early and taking full advantage of rope drop. Those first morning hours can make a huge difference in how many popular attractions you experience with shorter waits. Be strategic with your Lightning Lane selections so your highest-priority rides are secured early in the day. If you’re staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, don’t skip Early Theme Park Entry! That extra time in the parks before the general public arrives is incredibly valuable. And finally, plan for a mid-day break, whether that’s heading back to your resort or simply slowing down with a table-service meal, so you can recharge and enjoy the evening feeling refreshed rather than rushed.
Etay, there truly isn’t a wrong choice here! If flexibility gives you peace of mind, shifting dates could help you avoid the holiday peak. But with thoughtful planning tools, even Presidents Day week can feel manageable and magical.
I hope this info helps you lock in your date so you can switch gears from worrying about crowds to dreaming about all the magical memories waiting for you once you set foot inside the magic.
See ya real soon,
Emille