
Right about now, you might be feeling like winter has lasted for years.
The warmth of the holidays is long gone, but spring seems forever away. What better way to break up an interminable winter than with a re-energizing vacation to Walt Disney World?
Guests embarking on a trip to WDW in February are in for a treat, and we’ll tell you why! Here’s what you need to know about crowd levels, dates to avoid, festivals, ride closures, and more if you’re planning a Disney trip this time of year.
Ride Closures
Have you ever arrived at Walt Disney World, excited to hop on your favorite ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, only to find that the attraction is down for refurbishment?
While this is never fun, it’s normal for Disney to periodically close its attractions to perform needed maintenance and improvements to keep the rides running in tip-top shape. Luckily, there are so many attractions throughout Disney’s theme parks that you’re bound to find lots of fun alternatives while your favorite ride is receiving a makeover!
In 2022, Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain will remain closed until February 10 (but not, from what we’re told, for the transition to its new Princess and the Frog theming).
A few days after Splash Mountain reopens, another attraction in Frontierland closes, but just for a few days – Big Thunder Railroad will be down for maintenance from February 14 to 18.
Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Expedition Everest will remain closed. It went down for refurbishment on January 4, and won’t be back up until mid-April.
Water Parks
Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment, but Typhoon Lagoon reopened at the beginning of January. The water parks normally alternate their closures each winter, so there’s always one water park available for Guests who just can’t get enough pool time.

Credit: Disney
Crowds
It might not be on your list of things to consider when planning a trip to Walt Disney World, but it should be – crowds, or lack thereof, have the power to make a WDW trip relaxing or miserable for many people. Luckily, in terms of crowds, February is very similar to January in the Parks – it’s a great time to visit!
February is typically a pretty slow month for crowds at Walt Disney World. Like other months, weekends and holidays will likely be busier times to visit, but in general, you’ll find fewer people and off-season pricing at Disney Resort Hotels.
The week of President’s Day tends to be busy in Walt Disney World, as a lot of Guests take not only the long weekend off, but the rest of the week, too. February 24-27 is the Princess Half Marathon, so these days and the several days leading up to them will also have increased crowd levels.
Finally, because Mardi Gras falls on March 1 this year, Walt Disney World should see higher crowds the last weekend of February. If you can visit during the first few weeks of the month, that’s your best bet for avoiding crowds.
Weather
Any Guest escaping snow or frigid temperatures in their home state or country is in for a treat when vacationing in WDW in February! While Orlando’s weather can be fickle, and certainly isn’t always hot and sunny, it’s quite pleasant this time of year.
February in Orlando is slightly warmer than January. Guests can expect highs averaging around 71-75 degrees and lows around 52-56 degrees.
If you’re coming from a region that experiences true winter, this will doubtless seem downright balmy, especially since days are getting sunnier this time of year.
But along with your sunscreen, it’s a good idea to be prepared for occasional showers. And while the temperature is rising, you can still get some cool days, and mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly. Layers (and a poncho) are always a great way to be prepared for any weather Orlando can throw at you!
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
There aren’t many special events happening in Walt Disney World in February.
Some Guests view that as a good thing – not only does it reduce crowds, but it also means there will be fewer decorations up around the Parks, so you’ll be able to enjoy the original designs of those remarkable Imagineers free of distraction.
One festival that does take place in February is EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which began in January and continues until February 21. This festival celebrates visual, culinary, and performing arts in Disney’s EPCOT theme park, and Guests will find interactive art exhibits, live entertainment, and Food Studios featuring treats from around the globe.
Extended Hours
What Guest couldn’t use more time in Walt Disney World’s four theme parks? Disney is celebrating the 50thanniversary of WDW in February by continuing its extended evening hours, giving Guests more time in the Parks.
Extended evening hours are held on specific days for a specific Walt Disney World Park. On February 7, for example, Disney’s EPCOT theme park will stay open for an extra two hours, from 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm.
To enjoy this extra time in the Parks, you’ll need to be staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, a Disney Deluxe Villa, or another select hotel (if you’re staying off property, check online to see if your hotel is eligible).
Bottom Line
You could argue that there’s no bad month in which to visit the most magical place on Earth. Still, as a Guest, your experience at Walt Disney World will be different depending on when you visit.
Is your favorite ride down for refurbishment? What are crowds like, and how does that affect your wait times and the cost of your Disney Resort Hotel? Are there any festivals you can enjoy during your stay? What about the weather?
Luckily, February is a fabulous time to visit Walt Disney World, especially if you can avoid the last week of the month. Let the magic begin!