Anyone going in early January?

[Simba's Mom]

I'm going the very first week in January with DS. However, I'm getting a little sad here that I'm missing the December activities-and especially the CP-OK, a LOT sad! We really can't afford it, but I want to go both times(sniff, sniff-why can't I have everything I want?) So make me feel better by telling me I have some other DISers to look for in early January.

 

[JeffPort]

We're also going for a short stay at the very beginning of January. I'm anticipating that most of the Christmas decorations/activities will still be around for the first few days of January.

Can anyone help guide my expectations for January 1 - January 3 (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)?

 

[CathyC]

We are going 1/9-1/14. We also wanted to see the decorations and go to MVVCP, but we also wanted to spend a week at the cape and visit family in TN, so we compromised. My dh only has so much vacation time. We will do Christmas next time. At least I will have my Birthday there this time!!

 

[DWatWDW]

I am also hoping to go the first week of January (1st - 7th) and would like to know what to expect, especially regarding Christmas decorations and also crowd size. That is supposed to be one of the least busy times to go.

 

[Kewz1]

We'll be there from the 7-14 and then over to US/IOA for a few days.

In January you'll have shorter park hours but also shorter lines. The crowds are way down compared to the summer months. Epcot will still be open til 9 though. Plus, the weather is so much cooler. Actually sometimes it can be down right cold but I'd rather deal with that over heat exhaustion any day.

The biggest "plus" is that the Christmas decorations will still be up. They start taking them down about a week into the month (I think in the parks first) but we've seen them up at some of the resorts as late as the 12th/13th.

The pools are heated so swimming is still an option. Overall, we find it more relaxing to go in January. Except for running the marathon. Relaxing isn't the right word to describe that!

Kristen

 

[karebear1]

We'll be there from the 7th-15th. Where are you staying??

 

[MDonley]

DW & I will be at VWL starting 01/05/05 for a week ... still trying to decide on the rest of our time in Fla ... may go for VB too

 

[Par8hed]

We'll be visiting the Beach Club from the 16th to the 22nd. I'm hoping it's at least in the 60's. Certainly it will be warmer than New York!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We were hoping to get there for the last day of MVMCP in December, but can't swing it with school. So instead we've decided to go January 2 - 7th and stay at SSR. I tried for BWV, but couldn't get in. I'm excited for our second trip to SSR!

 

[Kewz1]

Karebear,

We'll be at the BWV. And you?

Kristen

 

[karebear1]

Kristen- we'll be staying at BCV's- we'll be neighbors!!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

We are going later January, but wanted you to know that January is a great time to go. We, too, thought we'd be disappointed last January because we usually go in December, but our work and schedules wouldn't allow it this past year. We still had a marvelous time. 75 degrees, mostly sunny, and low crowds.... which is great when you have a 2 1/2 yr old who doesn't do well waiting in lines. So for this year we booked it again in January. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We went January 2003 and it was quite chilly most days...especially at night. We'd start out with gloves and hats on in the morning, then around 11am we were able to take them off. I hope we have unseasonably sunny weather....I'll take freezing cold over rain any day.

 

[Pig Pen]

We will probably be there during the middle of January. I have an AP that expires at the end of January and I need to squeeze one more trip out of it!

Won't be at DVC though (no points left until April). Probably will stay at CSR.

We stayed at AKL Feb 1-4 last year and loved it. It was somewhat cool in the mornings, but we were able to use the pool and jacuzzi in the late afternoons. The parks were not crowded at all.

 

[thechangingtable]

we will be at BCV jan 2-jan 7. we will also be at SSR at thanksgiving. hopefully will see some decorations both times!

christine

 

[sunan]

Originally posted by Kewz1
We'll be there from the 7-14 and then over to US/IOA for a few days.

Overall, we find it more relaxing to go in January. Except for running the marathon. Relaxing isn't the right word to describe that!

Kristen

So true! We'll be at BWV January 6-14, 2BR BoardWalk view. Four of us are doing the half instead of the full 26.2 this time around... so for us it will be relaxing!

Perhaps we'll see you there.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Pig Pen
The parks were not crowded at all.

I believe that this is one of the best reasons to go at this time of year! Our January trip compared to our last May trip -- the crowd levels were SO much different! And like I said in another thread, I really won't mind not sticking to the person next to me while standing in line!

 

[Kewz1]

Originally posted by sunan
So true! We'll be at BWV January 6-14, 2BR BoardWalk view. Four of us are doing the half instead of the full 26.2 this time around... so for us it will be relaxing!

Perhaps we'll see you there.

Actually only one of us will be doing the full marathon -- the other 3 of us are doing the half. I may be 13.1 miles crazy but I am NOT 26.2 miles crazy! Have fun!!

Kristen

 

[JRtheBeast]

My DW and I go in January almost every year (3 of the last 4, and the next 2). This year 5 days at OKW and 5 at BWV . The weather is GREAT (compared to the Northeast anyway) and you virtually have the park to yourself!!!! See you there!

 

[ktbugsmom]

We will be at BWV January 1-8 - me, DH, DD (9) and DD (4). I am very excited to catch the last of the Christmas decorations and spend the first week of the new year at WDW! Also, I think that the Osborne lights will still be up until January 2, so we will have to head over there to catch those on the evening of the 2nd. My 4 year old still has her glasses from the first time she saw them 2 years ago!

We also booked another boardwalk view studio for some dear friends and they will be meeting us January 2-7. I am so excited to show them Disney World! They have a 3.5 year old son and they have not been there yet. Can't wait to get them hooked!

We loved going in December, but work schedules did not allow it this year. So, we are hoping that January will be just as nice. I am sure a bit cold, but warmer than Wisconsin in January!