BWV & WDW in January?

[Villain Dude]

Greetings to all,

We just booked a 1 bd sv @ BWV for the last week of January.

We've been blessed enough to go to WDW over a dozen times but never in January.

What are the parks like (crowd wise) and how crowed are the DVC resorts?

Dude

 

[dan and scott]

We choose to go every January/September every year as our 2 main time to go. January's trip is always the more "managable" because of the cool weather/light crowds.
Even with the usual reduced hours of the parks it is simply the best time to go.
Dan and I travel to WDW 5-6 times throughout the year and Jan. is the BEST!!!
Plus you can't beat the low point usage.

Scott

 

[LisaR]

We went this past January for the first time. It was our make up trip for our cancelled September 12th trip. We had been used to September where the crowds were very low. I knew January was also low season but I never expected it to be THAT low! Maybe crowds were even lighter then normal due to Sept. 11th, however, it doesn't make sense because OKW was VERY crowded. We walked onto every ride. Fastpass wasn't even turned on because there were not any wait times. There were spots on the curb for the parade DURING the parade! It was very strange.....but nice! The weather was perfect. I am not sure what the norm would be for January but needless to say, we are going back this January!

Lisa

 

[Villain Dude]

Any more comments about late Janurary?

Dude

 

[Lesley]

We were there this past January (20th to Feb. 2nd). There were no crowds....everything was a walk on, barely needed fastpass. The weather couldn't have been better. It was beautiful and warm...we swam a few times. Of course that isn't guaranteed...I've heard of very cold weather in January too. We actually were more unprepared for it to be so warm and nice!

Have fun! We may return again some January (but want to try Dec. Oct. and Sept too!)

 

[dianeschlicht]

We almost always go in January because of the low crowds. Yes, it can be cool some days, but if you are there for a week or longer, you will usually get some warm weather too. Besides it is all relative to us northerners! This past January was particularily quiet. We were there from the 17th thru the 30th, and there was NO ONE there. I think it was all about 9/11. We did, however have great weather! Even had a day or two above 90!

 

[DoeWDW]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but.....make sure you're prepared for warm and cold weather. We were at WDW in late January 2001 and FROZE! We were glad we had our heavy coats, gloves and hats from home (we live in Pennsylvania). Even so, we could not enjoy WDW since so much is outside and it was freezing. We were there during a record cold snap.

We did enjoy some unorthodox activities though. We were staying at Dixie Landings (now part of Port Orleans) with my BIL, SIL and their family. We went to the food court, snagged a large round table in the corner with large windows, used our refillable mugs for tons of hot cocoa, ate pizza and played cards for the evening while sending the kids to the arcade.

I really felt bad for all the cast members. They truly are not used to 6 days of weather that cold and, although they tried to be gracious, it was apparent that they were VERY uncomfortable.

We made the most of it but I'm glad we were prepared with cold weather gear!

 

[RWishbone]

We go to the BW and DW every January and we love it. The weather can be variable but it has never been a problem. The crowds are light although the weekends do get crowded. The pools are empty but heated. The restaurants have available seating. The lack of people makes the characters much more accessible. The only downside is that besides EPCOT (9 PM ) the parks close early. We tried a June vacation last year and we almost melted it was so hot. Just make sure to pack warm clothes with that bathing suit..

 

[DisneyWorld fanatic]

We usually visit every January/February just before the presidents week and have been blessed with beautiful Florida weather. It truly is the best time of the year to go. We leave the cold, dreary winter up north and spend a glorious week in WDW. This past Feb, we did both WDW and the cruise and we had a beautiful day in Castaway Cay. We have been in the fall a few times and the weather is still very hot and humid and then you run the risk of a hurricaine or those daily rain showers. Crowds are at a minimum which allows us to see all that we want to see without having to wait on line. We also like the fact that the parks close a little early which forces us to do some other things like miniature gold, Downtown, West Side, DisneyQuest etc.

Only 7 months to go. We will be back "home" from Jan 17 th thru the 25th. We have res. at our home resort, VWL, but hope to change them to the BCV in July when I can do that.

Go for it in January - I think you'll love it!!!!

Jim

 

[dizfanz]

January is a great time to go. As everyone has said, the parks are very slow, so you can hop on all your favorite rides. Weather is unpredictable. I was there when we were in the pools at night, but then had to wear a winter jacket 2 days later. Best description would be to say it is like a cold fall in the Northeast. DVC resorts are not as slow though. Some reasons are low point requirements and kids can still be out of school. I recommend the third or fourth week of January if possible. Don't worry too much about weather. It is better than the July/August humidity and heat IMHO. Enjoy.

 

[k9disney]

Dude,

We just booked a studio at BWV for the last week in January. It's an excellent time to go for all the reasons everyone has already mentioned plus I've found that even with the parks closing early, lots of people come to the Boardwalk so it is hopping with activity and really makes for a fun atmosphere.

Hope to see you there!

 

[Villain Dude]

K9 & all my neighbors,

We can't wait to visit our "Home" in late January..... however, we're lucky enough to be "Home" during "Halloween" week & enjoy the "Wine & Food Fest".

We are all blessed to be able to have a "Home" with pixie dust and magical memories included with almost every visit.

Thanks for sharing!

Dude

 

[Caskbill]

We've been going every January for the last several years. As mentioned you'll love the low crowds at the parks.

And as mentioned, weather can be almost anything. I also remember January 2001 and how cold it got. Disney CM's had to cover the flower beds to keep them from freezing at night.

So be prepared for anything. If I recall 2001, I think the 'highs' for the days were only getting into the high 30's or low 40's. On other trips, the highs have hit 80. So prepare for anything and everything in between, and most of all, have fun.

 

[Minybear]

We went this last January to WDW and in my opinion that is a great time to go due to less crowds. When we went it was in the 80's and it was beautiful. Do not expect that in January 2003. Expect COLD weather. A week prior to us getting to WDW it was in the 30's-40's. The only thing against January you have to overfil your suitcase with summer and winter clothes due to you don't know what to expect.

We are going this next January. I cannot wait. I want to go now.