Anyone Going in Early January?

[Ladyhawke10]

I'm considering a trip in early to mid January, probably at AKL and renting points at one of the DVC properties like WL, Boardwalk or Beach club. Anyone else going at this time and staying onsite? Any tips for the first week in January? We've never visited at this time, but we've been during December so I'm thinking it's comparable. We're planning a trip to the keys first, then driving up to Disney World

 

[magicmouse2]

Hi we are going on New Years Eve-1st night CR i think then staying onsite SSR 2bed villa for 10 nights before moving to Portofino Universal for 3.

 

[TMM]

It is my first time (my husband went many years ago). We are running the marathon on January 8th.

We are staying 4 nights at the WL and 4 nights AKL.

As for crowd levels, I hear it is a busier than normal in early January due to marathon weekend. However, most say the crowds are still light compared to most times of the year.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We will be at BCV from Jan 1 - 8. We often go in Jan and the one thing I can say about the weather is .. unpredictable! We have almost frozed solid watching Illuminations and other years we have gone swimming. It is almost always chiily at night and in the early morning. Plan on bringing layers.

You may want to go ahead and start checking into renting points. BCV abd BWV both go fast.

 

[pearljim]

You bet! My DW and I are heading out to OKW early on Jan 1 for a week. We love this week - lower crowd levels and the Holiday decorations are still up!!

 

[winniedapooh]

We arrive December 25 and are leaving January 7 or 8. Love the week after Christmas but love the week after that even more!

 

[TXBelle]

DH and I will be there Jan. 6-9. We will be running the marathon. We got a great deal at the Swan, but we may switch to the Poly when AP rates come out.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

DH and I will be there Jan. 6-9. We will be running the marathon. We got a great deal at the Swan, but we may switch to the Poly when AP rates come out.

Are the AP rates still on the new system, where you have to already have a pass and you put down a non-refundable deposit? I used to use the annual pass discount because it was less expensive to buy APs because we go for long stays, but this year I was thinking that it might be better to buy the 7-10 days base passes and try to rent points or find a room code. I never was one to book more than one room with the AP passes but I like more flexibility than the non-refundable deposit--especially since we switch stays and would have to put down at least a couple of them.

 

[newcomer52]

We're going Jan 1-6 on rented points at BCV. Shorter trip this time since we will all be staying together in a two bedroom (me, DD20, 2 DS's and D'sIL) for the first time and don't want it long enough for anyone to get crabby. LOL After four trips this past year, I really wanted to have a trip with everyone together. Can't wait!

js

 

[Ladyhawke10]

You bet! My DW and I are heading out to OKW early on Jan 1 for a week. We love this week - lower crowd levels and the Holiday decorations are still up!!

Are the Christmas decorations still up for the first whole week of January?

That'd be great!

 

[WDWDennis]

We are staying at the Poly, Jan 4-10th! We too are running the marathon. That particular weekend will be pretty darn crowded and hotels will sell out. So be sure and get your room now. I'm not sure of the exact number of sign ups so far, but last year there were more than 25,000 entries!! Add that to the other guests not doing the marathon and add their family and friends who go down to cheer them on!!

Were hopeing to add one more from here. Your very own 'Vettechick99', who does all of those great trip reports is supposed to sign up as well.

 

[luvmy2sams]

We'll be there from January 7th-17th.

 

[Deborah_Mary]

Are the Christmas decorations still up for the first whole week of January?

That'd be great!

Ooh... I'm really curious about this too!

We are thinking about going first week in January as well, but nothing has been firmed up just yet. This would be our first time in cooler Florida weather (we usually go in the dead-heat of summer!)

Deb*

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

We arrive on 1/18, depart on 1/29. Can't wait! Either split stay at PC/WL, or entire stay at a moderate. Haven't decided yet!

 

[Suflay1]

We went the week after the marathon in January and it was quite cold on several days, eventually warming up in the afternoon, then getting cold again at night. We wore sweatshirts and hooded jackets and gloves! It was foggy in the morning and then clear and sunny and cold the rest of the day.

As much as I enjoy seeing the Christmas decorations in December, if you've seen them at least once, then I'd go for the mid-January trip because there are NO CROWDS to speak of! We videotaped in Epcot and, especially in the mornings, there were NO PEOPLE VISIBLE as we panned around with the camera. Well, maybe just a few.

I've heard the marathon weekend can be very crowded and traffic getting to the parks is a mess, so I'd go the following week. Winter is a refreshing time to visit.

Bev

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I hadn't considered that the marathon is that first week in January. Is this a crowded time? Is MK closed on the marathon day?

 

[TMM]

We are staying at the Poly, Jan 4-10th! We too are running the marathon. That particular weekend will be pretty darn crowded and hotels will sell out. So be sure and get your room now. I'm not sure of the exact number of sign ups so far, but last year there were more than 25,000 entries!! Add that to the other guests not doing the marathon and add their family and friends who go down to cheer them on!!

Were hopeing to add one more from here. Your very own 'Vettechick99', who does all of those great trip reports is supposed to sign up as well.

Hi WDWDennis! I am a friend of Ally's (Vettechick99). I am sure hoping she comes over, even just to watch. She told me a while back I should contact you. We confirmed our ressies and we are staying at the WL for 4 nights and then moving to AKL after the marathon for another 4 nights. Hope to see you there.

 

[EeyoreBrat]

We'll be there on January 2 through January 8. My DH2B and I are taking my DM for the first time. We are also doing our Fairytale Wedding Site Visit.

EeyoreBrat