One question we get asked a lot is when is the best time to visit Orlando.  The great thing about running a vacation letting business in Central Florida is that Orlando really is a year-round vacation destination.  But each month has its own challenges and advantages.  Here’s our guide on to how to get the most out of your Orlando vacation during February.

The Theme Parks

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February can be one of the quieter months in Orlando’s theme parks, although it can get busier around the third weekend of the month when Americans enjoy a long weekend courtesy of the President’s Day federal holiday which honours George Washington, the first President of the United States.

The third weekend is also the weekend of the Princess-themed half-Marathon around Disney World, so do expect it to be a little busier – although nowhere near the huge crowds of Christmas/ Holidays or Easter/ Spring Break.

The good thing about the parks being a bit quieter is the lack of crowds and the shorter queues.  It also means you are more likely to be able to book special events such as dining with your favourite Disney characters.  However, we do still recommend you book these in advance to ensure you aren’t disappointed.  It is also worth bearing in mind that some of the attractions might not be open and the parks will close a little earlier than in peak season.

The Weather

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Florida is renown as a winter sun destination and, typically, you can expect temperatures in the low seventies during the day.  However, it can start off cool and will get cooler earlier in the evening, thanks to the shorter days, so I definitely advise packing a warm sweater to take you through the day.  It is probably also worth investing in a lightweight packable rain jacket too, as you may get occasional showers.

On the whole though, you can enjoy the winter sun and should be able to enjoy lunchtime picnics and al fresco dining without any discomfort!

Wider Central Florida

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The parks may not have major events in February – Mardi Gras at Universal and the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival are on the horizon for March – but don’t let that fool you into thinking there will be nothing to do!

Orlando and Tampa have vibrant Arts scenes and it is definitely worth exploring your options in both cities.  Getting a flavour of traditional Floridian life is well worth doing while you’re in the state – there are some fascinating traditions: from ‘gator wrestling to bluegrass festivals.  I also highly recommend you venturing out to visit a few local nature reserves.  Florida is blessed with numerous state parks and you can enjoy activities like kayaking and guided walks at many – or simply check out the local wildlife.

The ice hockey season and the basketball season run through February so you may be able to catch an Orlando Magic or Orlando Solar Bears home fixture if you are lucky (book tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas before you go!).

Your vacation home

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If you want to use the pool at your vacation home, you will definitely need pool heat and we strongly recommend you use the pool blanket if one is provided in your property.  Although average February temperatures are in the low seventies during the day, temperatures can fall rapidly over night – so you want to keep the heat in!

Please also be aware you may feel cool around the pool – especially getting in and out – on cooler days.  For Brits, for whom air temperatures of 70˚ feel like a balmy summer’s day, you should have no problems provided you pay the supplement for pool heat.  However, given that highs in the summer can be around 90˚, if you are from more local climes you might not greet 70˚ with such enthusiasm!

Typically, we get a lot of South American guests during February but, since the BRIC economies aren’t performing so well of late, at the moment February can also be a great month to bag yourself a bargain!

Finally, we get a lot of bookings around Valentine’s day too… and, if you plan on treating your loved one to a break in the winter sun, then perhaps you might like to consider one of our romantic hampers or other special packages, such as a personal chef for the night or spa for the day?  Perhaps you’d like a trail of rose petals and a bottle of champagne waiting for you on arrival?  Simply email us or call us on the usual number before you go and we can make the necessary arrangements for you.