Disney World in February 2027: Cool Weather, Princess Half Marathon & What to Expect

|
Visiting Walt Disney World in February | Magic in the Planning

By Alyssa Howard

Visiting Disney World in February used to feel like being in on a little secret. These days, more and more guests have caught on, but it’s still a really great time to visit.

February 2027 offers a genuinely pleasant Disney World experience. The weather is comfortably cool, crowds are moderate outside of busy weekends, the Festival of the Arts is wrapping up at Epcot, and the Disney Princess Half Marathon brings a festive energy to the resort at the end of the month. It’s not the hidden gem it once was, but with the right plan, February can absolutely be a fantastic month to visit.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to expect so you can decide if February is the right time for your Disney World vacation.


*This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Planning a Disney World vacation in 2027? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer!


 

Is February a Good Time to Visit Disney World?

Epcot International Festival of the Arts | Magic in the PlanningPros to visiting Disney World in February:

  • Comfortable, cooler weather – February is one of the most pleasant months of the year weather-wise. Average highs around 75°F with low humidity and minimal rain make for genuinely enjoyable park days. If avoiding the Florida summer heat is a priority, February is a great choice.
  • Lower crowds outside of busy weekends – While February isn’t quite the secret it used to be, most weekdays are still moderate compared to peak seasons. If you plan around Presidents’ Day weekend and the Princess Half Marathon weekend, you’ll find the parks noticeably more manageable.
  • Lower prices – Outside of holiday weekends, February is one of the more budget-friendly months to visit. Hotel rates, ticket prices, and airfare tend to be lower than in peak seasons, and Disney frequently offers room discounts and package deals this time of year.
  • Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts – The tail end of one of my favorite Epcot festivals! If your trip falls in early to mid-February, you’ll still get to experience the artistic culinary creations, Disney on Broadway Concert Series, animation classes, paint-by-number murals, and galleries. Don’t miss it if you can catch it!
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend – The Princess Half Marathon (February 25 – March 1, 2027) brings a wonderfully festive energy to the resort. Even if you’re not racing, the enthusiasm and Disney royalty spirit around the parks and resorts this weekend is genuinely fun to be part of.

Cons to visiting Disney World in February:

  • February is busier than it used to be – The winter months have become increasingly popular as guests discover how nice the cooler temperatures are. February crowd levels have crept up in recent years, especially around holiday weekends. It’s still not spring break or summer busy… but don’t expect the empty parks of years past.
  • Presidents’ Day weekend is notably busy – Presidents’ Day falls on February 16, 2027, and the surrounding long weekend consistently brings elevated crowds. If visiting around this time, plan accordingly.
  • Princess Half Marathon weekend brings a crowd spike – The final weekend of February (February 25 – March 1) is one of the busiest of the month due to the Princess Half Marathon. Resort availability is tighter, transportation demand is higher, and the overall park atmosphere is noticeably busier.
  • Valentine’s Day weekend could be busier than usual – Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday, February 14, 2027, right in the middle of Presidents’ Day weekend. This combination could make the weekend of February 13-16 one of the busiest of the month (something to keep in mind when planning).
  • Refurbishments are more common – February is still part of Disney’s heavier refurbishment season. Water-based attractions especially tend to close this time of year, and Disney uses the quieter weekdays for maintenance. Always check the refurbishment schedule before your trip.
  • Layering is required – February mornings and evenings can feel genuinely cool. A light jacket is a smart addition to your park bag, especially for rope drop and evening hours.

Bottom Line: February is a solid month to visit Disney World, especially on weekdays in early to mid-February. Just be prepared for the Presidents’ Day weekend crowd spike and the Princess Half Marathon weekend at the end of the month. Plan around those windows, and you’ll have a very enjoyable trip!

 

Weather at Disney World in February

February weather in Orlando is genuinely one of the most comfortable times of the year. The summer heat is still months away, humidity is low, and rain is minimal. It’s the kind of weather that makes a full day in the parks feel completely manageable from open to close.

What to expect:

  • Highs: around 75°F
  • Lows: around 54°F
  • Humidity: low, one of the driest months of the year
  • Rain: minimal

What it feels like in the parks:

February mornings can feel noticeably cool at rope drop, so a light jacket is definitely worth having in your bag. By midday, temperatures warm up to very comfortable levels, and afternoons are often genuinely lovely for walking around the parks. Evenings cool back down, so that jacket comes back into play after dinner.

The good news about February is that the unpredictability that makes January tricky is a little less pronounced. You’re less likely to experience extreme cold snaps than in January, and the warmer afternoons tend to be more consistent. That said, it’s still Florida in winter, so always check the forecast before you pack and plan on layering.

My family has done trips this time of year and loved the weather almost every time. There’s something really refreshing about being able to spend a full day in the parks without ever reaching for water just to survive the heat. It makes the whole trip feel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Bottom Line: February weather is some of the most comfortable of the entire year at Disney World. Dress in layers, bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings, and enjoy some of the most pleasant park conditions on the calendar.

 

Crowds at Disney World in February 2027

Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom | Magic in the PlanningFebruary crowds are moderate overall, with two noticeable spikes: Presidents’ Day weekend and the Princess Half Marathon weekend at the end of the month. Outside of those windows, the month is generally very manageable.

Early February – Early February is the calmest stretch of the month. Schools are in session, the post-holiday quiet continues from January, and the DI National School Spirit Championships bring some additional resort activity in the first week, but shouldn’t dramatically impact park crowds.

  • Moderate to low crowd levels
  • Wait times are manageable, especially on weekdays
  • Festival of the Arts will still be running at Epcot (visit on a weekday for the best experience)
  • DI National School Spirit Championships (February 4-7) may affect resort and value resort crowds

Early February weekdays are one of the more relaxed times to visit, with the Festival of the Arts adding a genuinely special reason to spend a day at Epcot.

Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 13-16) – This is the biggest crowd event of the month outside of the Princess Half Marathon weekend. Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday February 14 adds to the usual Presidents’ Day spike, potentially making this a particularly busy long weekend.

  • Elevated crowd levels across all four parks
  • Magic Kingdom and Epcot will be especially busy
  • Wait times will be higher than a typical February weekend
  • Resort availability will be tighter, so book early if this is your window

If Presidents’ Day weekend is your only option, treat it like a holiday weekend. Rope drop, early entry, and Lightning Lane planning are all important.

Mid February – After Presidents’ Day weekend passes, mid-February settles back into a more manageable pattern. This is a genuinely pleasant window with comfortable weather and moderate crowds.

  • Moderate crowd levels, lighter than the holiday weekends bookending it
  • Weekdays are noticeably better than weekends
  • Good time to visit if you have flexibility within the month
  • Festival of the Arts will be wrapping up at Epcot… catch it if you can!

Mid-February weekdays are arguably the sweet spot of the month, with comfortable weather, moderate crowds, and the tail end of the Festival of the Arts still running at Epcot.

Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 25 – March 1) – The final weekend of February is one of the busiest of the month. The Princess Half Marathon brings thousands of runners and their families to the resort, tightening resort availability and adding energy to the parks.

  • Elevated crowd levels, noticeably busier than a typical February weekend
  • Resort availability will be significantly tighter, so book well in advance
  • Early morning transportation will be busier than usual
  • Festive, fun atmosphere throughout the resort, even if you’re not racing

The Princess Half Marathon weekend is festive and genuinely fun, but if low crowds are your priority, plan around it. If you’re visiting during this window, embrace the energy and plan your days with rope drop and Lightning Lane in mind.

 

February Events

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place February 25 – March 1, 2027. Races include a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (10K and Half Marathon). The weekend also features Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga in front of Cinderella’s Castle before park opening, a truly unique experience. Even if you’re not racing, the Princess Half Marathon weekend has a wonderfully festive atmosphere throughout the resort.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs through mid-February before wrapping up for the year. If your trip falls in early to mid-February, you’ll still get to enjoy the artistic culinary creations, animation classes, the paint-by-number mural, workshops, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and galleries throughout the park. It’s one of my personal favorites, so don’t miss it if your timing lines up!

Pro Tip: Epcot festivals bring more local crowds on evenings and weekends. If crowds are a concern, plan your Epcot day on a weekday, and you’ll have a much more relaxed experience. And if your Epcot day does fall on a weekend… just mentally prepare for shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in World Showcase once the sun starts to set!

Walt Disney World (as well as ESPN Wide World of Sports) typically hosts several athletic events each month. These events don’t usually have a major impact on crowds in the parks, but they will likely affect resort availability and crowds at Disney’s value resorts.

The DI National School Spirit Championships will take place February 4-7, 2027, at Walt Disney World. Expect this to affect resort availability and value resort crowds during that window. You may also notice some bigger groups in the parks. When we’ve been at the parks during events such as this, we’ve definitely noticed the uptick in teens and big groups. We also noticed longer lines for attractions that appealed most to teens. (Tron was especially busy!) But overall, it was manageable.

Also, keep in mind that Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday, February 14 this year, right in the middle of Presidents’ Day weekend. While Valentine’s Day doesn’t typically drive major crowd increases on its own, the combination with Presidents’ Day could make this one of the busiest weekends of the month. Make any special dining reservations well in advance!

 

February Refurbishments & Closures

February is still part of Disney’s heavier refurbishment season. It’s worth checking the schedule carefully before your trip, as Disney continues to take advantage of the quieter weekdays for maintenance and updates, particularly on water-based attractions.

Here’s what to know for February 2027:

  • Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom continues to operate in shuttle mode due to ongoing construction.
  • Dinoland U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom remains permanently closed for the Tropical Americas expansion.

Always check closer to your travel dates for updated schedules. Here’s a full list of what’s currently scheduled for closure and refurbishment.

 

How to Plan a Trip to Disney World in February

Planning a February Disney World trip means identifying which version of February you’re visiting and planning around the two busy weekends that bookend the month.

If visiting early February:

Early February is the calmest stretch of the month, so take advantage of it.

  • Enjoy moderate to low crowds on weekdays
  • Visit Epcot on a weekday for the Festival of the Arts, a genuinely special festival worth planning around
  • Plan your Epcot day to include the Disney on Broadway Concert Series if possible
  • Dress in layers, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warm up nicely
  • Check the refurbishment schedule before your trip, as February closures are more common than in peak season months

If visiting Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13-16):

Treat this like a holiday weekend and plan accordingly.

  • Prioritize rope drop or early entry every morning
  • Use Lightning Lane strategically for headliners
  • Book dining reservations well in advance, as Valentine’s Day dinner spots fill up early
  • Build in flexibility, as holiday weekends can be unpredictable

If visiting mid to late February:

Mid-February, after Presidents’ Day, is a sweet spot, so take advantage of the lower pressure before the Princess Half Marathon weekend arrives.

  • Weekdays are noticeably better than weekends
  • Catch the final days of the Festival of the Arts at Epcot if timing allows
  • If visiting during the Princess Half Marathon weekend (February 25 – March 1), book your resort well in advance and embrace the festive atmosphere
  • Rope drop and Lightning Lane are especially useful during the Princess Half Marathon weekend

 

February Disney World Crowd Calendar

While crowd calendars can be a big help in knowing what to expect, keep in mind that they are predictions at best. When designing our calendars, we take a look at events, school calendars, ticket prices, park hours, holidays, and typical monthly patterns. But unfortunately, our crowd calendars cannot predict other things such as weather, travel advisories, pandemics, or last-minute openings or closings of shows and attractions.

 

February 2027 Disney World Crowd Calendar | Magic in the Planning

 

Final Verdict: Should You Visit Disney World in February?

February is a genuinely solid month to visit Disney World, not the hidden gem it once was, but still a very good time to go.

The comfortable weather, moderate crowds outside of busy weekends, and lower prices make February an appealing choice for families who can’t visit during the true off-season. Early to mid-February weekdays are particularly pleasant, with manageable crowds, great weather, and the Festival of the Arts at Epcot all at once.

The Presidents’ Day weekend and Princess Half Marathon weekend are the two crowd events to plan around (or plan for, if they happen to align with your travel dates). Both bring their own fun energy to the resort, and with the right strategy, they’re very manageable.

Best and Worst Times to Visit Disney World in February:

  • Best: Early to mid-February weekdays (comfortable weather, moderate crowds, Festival of the Arts)
  • Busiest: Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13-16) and Princess Half Marathon weekend (February 25 – March 1)
  • Worth noting: Valentine’s Day falling on Presidents’ Day weekend may make February 13-16 especially busy

If you have flexibility, aim for early to mid-February weekdays. It’s one of the more relaxed and pleasant times to visit Disney World. Pack your layers, check the refurbishment schedule, and enjoy some really comfortable park days!

Bottom Line: Disney World is amazing, no matter when you choose to visit. February may not be the secret it once was, but it’s still a wonderful month to go. Great weather, manageable crowds on weekdays, and the Festival of the Arts make it genuinely worth considering. Plan smart and have a fantastic time!

 

Ready to start planning your visit to Walt Disney World in February?

Here are some resources to help you get started!

Disney Coronado Springs Resort | Magic in the Planning

Walt Disney World Resort Guides:

Walt Disney World Dining Guides:

Walt Disney World Attraction Guides:

 

There’s nothing better than knowing what to expect on your Disney World vacation. Our monthly guides can help you visit with a plan!

January  |  February (you are here)

March  |  April

May  |  June

July  |  August

September  |  October

November  |  December

 

Planning your first Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!

 

Similar Posts