Walt Disney World experienced its second-busiest week of the past year during February 13-22, 2026, driven by the overlap of Presidents’ Day and Mardi Gras holidays. Wait times spiked to 9/10 crowd levels on several days, surpassing most weeks except New Year’s Eve. The period highlighted ongoing trends of busier winters at the resort.
The week of February 13-22, 2026, at Walt Disney World aligned with predictions of peak winter crowds, coinciding with Mid-Winter Break, Presidents’ Day, and Mardi Gras on February 17. This combination drew families from Northeast, Midwest, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama school districts, leading to higher attendance than typical off-season periods.
Data from thrill-data.com showed the worst dates as February 13-21, with February 14-17 averaging 9/10 crowd levels. February 15 marked the peak, while February 22 dropped to 4/10 as visitors departed. Average wait times reached 41 minutes during the height, exceeding 2025's February 14-22 average of 41 minutes at 8/10 crowds but falling short of 2023 and 2024 peaks at 9/10 or 10/10.
This period tied for the second-worst week over the last 365 days, behind only New Year’s Eve and matching Easter, ahead of Christmas and spring break. February 2026 emerged as the busiest month in the prior 12, with preceding weeks also busier than expected, shrinking low-crowd pockets.
Visitors reported mixed experiences amid the crowds. One guest described February 23 at EPCOT as a 'disaster' due to ride downtimes and waits exceeding 60 minutes, though extended evening hours offered relief. Another family spent $600 on Lightning Lane Multi Pass for February 15-16, noting long quick-service lines but successful rides. A couple on a Valentine’s getaway called it the 'most crowded' they had seen but still 'magical.'
Factors like remote work, Central Florida population growth, youth sports, conventions, and South American tours contributed to the trend. Weather played a role, with 'feels like' congestion worse in cooler months due to guests seeking indoor relief. Upcoming weeks promised moderate 4/10 to 6/10 levels, improving before spring break in March.
