Looking to book our second trip - only been back 48 hours!! What are the differences between the to half terms in terms if how busy the parks are? I'm a teacher just finishing maternity leave so can't book outside of holidays any more... Are queues ridonculous in the holidays? My 4 year old just about managed 20 mins waiting for Pirates on Fri when it started to get busy.
Think both half term dates match up with French holidays too. My only slight saving grace is that I work Mon tues only so could arrive on wed and beat uk children but French schools have 2 weeks which overlap ours - boo!
Firstly, you need to take your countdown off - it's showing you going in 11 months time :)
I would say it possibly doesn't make too much difference between the 2 if French holidays coincide with both, but if you need a bit of extra time to save up, go for February. However, your post trip blues will make October more attractive :)
I'd just go for the best deal you can find
Hi
I think oct maybe busier as its Halloween. I know people that have gone during February and haven't found it too busy.
Hope that helps
Halloween might be busier but the theming is great plus free half board is on until 12 nov.
Hi October half term will be busy due to it being Halloween. We have been the last two Feb half term and have loved it. The weather has be pleasant and although it is busy its nowhere near as busy as October. The only downside is that the park is not open as late in Feb.
Expect to queue up whenever you go for the popular rides. We have booked again for next Feb getting a great offer of days free. You will also notice there is a big difference in the price going in Oct. My children are 12 and 8 so we now have to pay for the eldest one.
We have been in October a few times and I do love the Halloween theme and the atmosphere. Hope that's helped :) :) :) :)
Hi
We went for the first time this feb 2014 half term and have booked again for next feb half term. We got a good deal on flights and accomadation and as we have been before we now know what to expect. We had good weather, wasnt too cold, or busy.
I couldnt imagine going in summer in the heat, or having to queue for too long. Longest we waited was 15 mins for big thunder mountain! We saw all parades, and dreams, met plenty of characters around the park (think we landed lucky) and had a fab time.
My friend went at easter amd she had an awful time, she found it so busy and said she wont return, although I think this is because she didnt plan!! Given the choice, id book feb n use the money you save for spends!
Michelle
Hi-I'm a teacher too so I know what you mean. October is highly decorated and atmospheric with villain characters not out at any other time but the half term week is the busiest I have ever seen it, including summer and Xmas hols.
I agree with whats been said. The park is better in october because the halloween decorations are brilliant as are the parades, live music ets However, october half term is MASSIVELY busier then february.
So if length of queues are the deciding factor I would pick february (but bear in mind you may then have to deal with snow, freezing cold and disrupted transport! although this feb we had lovely weather - even had my coat of a few hours most days!)
Lol, my turn to be following you now Mrsya ;)
Sounds like you had an amazing time! We really enjoyed and was so sad to be coming home, that I even started pricing up for the oct half term the day before we were coming home! Think it's safe to say that we have the bug lol.
I'm not sure on what to do now, I was set on going in October as I'd read that the Halloween theming is supposed to be amazing, but not sure if it's worth it for the crowds ::)
What time do the parks open and close in October and February? Is there much difference?
Thanks again for all the replies everyone. I only work mon, tues so we've decided to go on the Wed and get 3 days in the park before the British descend. Also read somewhere that the second week of the French half term (our half term) is busier. We aren't there for any party days and will have use of emh, fastpass and babyswitch... Can you tell I'm convincing myself!!???
There's a chance we may go back again at Feb anyway so can't resist a 145 sleep countdown!
What's the exact date of the half term in october? This would help to give you a more realistic overview of crowds.
Quote from: LotsoHugginBear on May 31, 2014, 09:51:09 PM
What's the exact date of the half term in october? This would help to give you a more realistic overview of crowds.
We break up on the 24th in Wales. If we went during this time, I would probably go sun 26th for 4 nights.
Ok, really end of october. I guess it would become more crowed the closer you get to the 31 of october. But during weekdays it will be ok - except the 31.10. of course.
And the decorations and shows during the Halloween Season are really awesome - I would prefer october instead of february.
Uk schools break up Friday 24th. French schools break up 17th for two weeks. We're arriving Wed 22nd so will hopefully have a quieter Thurs Fri before it gets busy at the weekend. We come home on 27th. Anyone any other tips on how to beat the crowds? I'm thinking early in park, early to rope drops, fast pass, baby switch, early lunches, early teas, one good parade and then ride at that time on other days etc.
My mantra is: I'd rather be in a busy disneyland than a quiet home!!
Quote from: LotsoHugginBear on June 01, 2014, 08:09:11 PM
Ok, really end of october. I guess it would become more crowed the closer you get to the 31 of october. But during weekdays it will be ok - except the 31.10. of course.
And the decorations and shows during the Halloween Season are really awesome - I would prefer october instead of february.
Sorry to say but this is not correct. French zone C hols start on 18th October and I know from personal expereince that the parks are MANIC from this date on :'(
Not to say you cant have a brilliant time still, but if you go expecting the crowds to be not too bad, then you are going to get a shock lol
We hoping to go Feb Half term, DD1 has inset day on Friday 13th Feb so we only have to take her out for 1 day (12th). The French schools are off the same time though :( so on that thought may take her out for two days and go Thursday to give us an extra day of calm.
Thanks again (said in an ever increasingly disappointed sighy voice...). Your candidness is preparing me. I'm expecting ridiculous queues for everything and everywhere.
Any tips or suggestions on how to deal with the manicness?