Disney at Mardi Gras

The rule of thumb is go if it does not coincide with Presidents Day and don’t go if it does. If you go during PD week the whole country drops in. Otherwise It’s a great time to go, the pools are heated, parks aren’t hot and crowded, what’s not to like?

In 2019 PD is not an issue.

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There really isn't a slow time at Disney anymore. When Disney expects less people in the parks, they cut back on staff and carts on rides which drives up wait times.

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This is 100% true. I did a TON of research last year for our trip and while we were there in Nov i asked a guy who had been working there 30 years about the crowds since the online crowd calender had our time as the least crowded time and it was still busy.

He told me that the days of "slow days" at Disney are gone. He said there are two types of days now- Busy and crazy busy.

He said dont stress over planning a trip to beat the crowds, because its always busy now. Just try to avoid summer if you can, because that is nut to butt and crazy hot. Go ahead and go for Mardi Gras. We cant wait to go back

It's still very crowded during Mardi Gras whenever that time falls on the calendar.
Jan/Feb time is when other countries have their time when kids are out of school - Brazilian vacation is end Jan into Feb
Last time we went over Mardi Gras it was also a huge cheerleader competition.

Presidents Day has a big effect on crowds.

Turkey legs taste better right before Lent!

Looks like we are taking our 3 and 1 year old. I told the wife three days at the park would be enough for them. Not sure where to stay yet. Seems like the meal plan would be unnecessary since the 3 year old wont eat much.

For kids that age, one or two character meals would be worth it. My 3 year old favorites were the characters.

if the 3 year old is a girl, definitely do the castle meal with all the princesses.

The flights on SW Mardi Gras day are under $200 round trip so it was too hard to pass up. Planning this thing is fricking daunting.

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Planning this thing is fricking daunting.

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It does not have to be. First, figure out where you want to stay. On site or off site. Then pick a resort. Next, figure out how long you want to be there. Then it is just fill in the blanks. Look at crowd calendars. Sign up at a good Disney discussion board like Disboards. Ask questions. As an old hat at planning Disney trips, it takes me about a day,at most, to get my spreadsheet together. I transfer that over to my Itinerary on MY Disney Experience app. Done. With online reservations from your desktop or Mobile device, its easy peasy to make ressies or change them. Days to remember: 180 days out. This is the earliest that you can book your dining reservations. 60 days out: this is when you can book your fast passes(if you are staying onsite or at a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel in the area.)30 days out: This is when the balance of your trip is due, if you did not pay 100% in advance. There is a $200 deposit to book a reservation for a Magic Your Way vacation package. 24 hours: You can change your dining reservations up to 24 hours before your time to be there without being charged a $10 cancellation fee. There are several very good travel agencies that can plan your trip for you for free. They get compensation by Disney for helping you. Any questions you may have, please feel free to ask.

Just got back with a one year old and 3 year old (although we told her she was 2 for Disney...)

Stayed at Pop and the room was nice. The pull down second bed was great to give some room in there. Rent a double stroller if you don’t have one, we used magic stroller rental and got a double city mini.

3 days was perfect. Probably spent the least amount of time in Magic Kingdom. Did a half day there and an Epcot (after some drinks at the Polynesian when the kids were napping) . Spend a full day at Animal Kingdom, the night time is awesome when the tree comes to life and Pandora.

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Did you get a meal plan?

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With a 1 & 3 y/o, I'd not do a meal plan.

Also, my suggestion is hit MK early and late.....do other things mid-day with kids that young.

Also, neither will remember the trip anyway.