Any die-hard January attenders?? Questions:

[tommygirl79]

I have a couple of questions for you all. Our family is going to WDW January 7-13. This will be the first time we have gone in January and I was wondering first about the weather. I know it can get chilly, but are there ANY warm weather days? Like warm enough for shorts or should I plan on just wearing jeans/layers the whole time?

Also, are crowds REALLY that low during this time? How do you all think will affect my ability to get ADR's for CRT, PSB, CP, Le Cellier, etc?

Any other advice or things I might not be thinking of that might be nice to know??? Thanks!!!

 

[Bob P]

There is no way of knowing about the weather in January until right before you go!

You could have days in the 80s with cool nights.

Or you could have mornings near freezing with days that barely reach 50 degrees.

Or you could have both of those scenarios in the same week!

You will be arriving on the day of the half marathon. Jan 8 is the full marathon. The parks may experience some minor disruptions first thing in the morning on the 8th due to the runners passing through. Also WDW buses may be slightly wacky that morning as some roads will be closed.

Parks are pretty empty that week, but I'd always suggest ADRs if you have your heart set on eating somewhere, no matter what time of year and how busy or empty the parks are.

Enjoy,

Bob

 

[44disney]

We went Jan. 22-29 this year AND IT WAS NOT WARM!!!! We wore layers and hats, and it did warm up as the day went on but we almost always had on at least a lightweight jacket. We heard that the temps in early Jan had been in the low 80s/upper 70s, but I think the warmest it was when we were there was mid 60s, with most days being in the 50s. It was in the low 40s overnight so the mornings were particularly cool.

On the plus side, I think that the cooler weather may have kept some of the locals away, because the parks were practically empty (even less people than we expected).

Regarding the ADRs, I would call at the 90 day mark, or as soon as possible. My mom joined us on our trip at the last minute and we had a hard time changing some of our reservations to include her. We did add her to the PSB without a problem though. We also added her to Le Cellier but I think that we got a less desirable time.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

I've been there about a half dozen times in January, mostly the first week of January. Like everyone else has said, the weather is totally unpredictable. Check the weather channels/websites a few days before you leave. I always pack both warm and cold clothes, as it can change literally in a few hours. Yes, you do have a good fighting chance of getting warm days (even up in the 80's), but on most trips I'm in shorts and a sweatshirt. Occasionally, I can't even break out the shorts.

 

[nowellsl]

We went the same weekend as the marathon last year and it was cold enough for a sweatshirt in the morning and after the sun went down. Then again we've had years when we had to wear jackets it's been so cold (around freezing). Plan for both - it could change from one day to the next.

 

[Joanna71985]

When I was in Disney in January, the weather was VERY unpredictable. One day I was in shorts and a T-shirt and, literally, the next day I was in sweatpants and a heavy jacket. Better bring warm AND cold weather clothes because you really won't know until you get there. As for crowds, it is pretty light but you still might want to make ADRs just in case.