Codes for Jan. 2005 and What's Jan @ WDW like?

[Bill From PA]

Ignore my counter. Due to the scheduled arrival of our second grandchild in March, we're rescheduling our next trip for 1/1 - 1/10 2005. Never been there after Nov. or before the last week in Feb. Any ideas as to when WDW resort discount codes will be announced? I'm hoping to make this a cheap trip given the time of year. Also, anything special going on, and please tell me it won't snow!

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Bill,

DH and I went this past January and I thought it was a great time of year. Based on your dates, you'll probably run into crowds on the 1st and 2nd, but attendance will drop significantly after that. The parks were still decorated for the holidays and still playing their holiday soundtracks. By the 6th or 7th, you'll see that start to magically disappear. The weather was a little odd, even for us New Englanders, so pack for anything. For the first 4 days of our vacation, the temperatures were in the high 70's and a bit cooler at night. On our last day, a cold front had moved through and it was only in the 40's. I found it to be a very relaxing time to go.

Tammi

 

[my3kids]

Just one idea....The Jan. 1 date is probably in oliday season, with lower rates kicking in on the 2nd. You are charged the rate in effect on check in day for the entire stay. You might want to make seperate reservations to keep the bulk of your time in value season.

We've been the second week of December and it was great. We swam, did water park, and wore shorts the whole time.

 

[lulugirl]

I really enjoy WDW in January. As the previous poster mentioned, the first few days you may have New Years crowds. The weather can get quite chilly, but we just bundled up.
Regarding rates, we paid $94 a night (this includes tax) for POFQ using a code from Mousesavers.com.
Enjoy your trip!
-Elisabeth

 

[lovesdumbo]

I was there Jan 6 to 11, 2004 and it was COLD. Not in the single digits it was at home but I think it was in the 30's one night. Still we did go in the pool one day-one day hit 70, another 60 but most 50's. I thought the crowds at MK on 1/10 were HUGE! Bigger then Oct 2002. The Marathon was 1/11 and I'm sure a lot of runners have small children and they were all at MK the day before. A friend of mine ran in the marathon and then stayed the following week and said the crowds really dropped after the marathon.

I've also been 3 times in December-once cold and the other 2 HOT. So you really can get any type of weather.

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, everybody. I checked on MouseSavers and discovered that Value Season starts Jan. 1, but I'll be sure to check the rates before I book. I'm looking at a Moderate for about $80 per night although I might give Swan/Dolphin a try either on Priceline or via the Teacher's rate.
Also, I printed out the last 8 years of Jan. weather and checked the first 10 days. Out of 80 days, 48 reached 70 or above with 22 of those topping 80. 2001 and 2002 were by far the coldest, each having only 2 70 + days with no 80s. The four years before that had numerous 70s & 80s, the 2 years after 2002 were increasingly better, 2003 with 4 70+ days and this year with 8 70s and 4 80s. I'm trying to convince myself that there's a cycle here which hit a low in 2001/2002 and is now trending up so that 2005 will be all 70s and 80s. Hope I'm not just fooling myself. Coming from the North East corner of PA, I really look forward to that blast of hot, humid, sticky air that hits us as we de-plane at MCO each winter. Don't tell me that I'm going to have to pack (gasp!) LONG PANTS!?

Bill From PA

 

[noel]

Hi Bill!
Dh and I have been to WDW 2x in Jan and also have a trip in the works for Jan 2005.

Our first trip in Jan 1995 was COLD. Not as cold as it gets up here in Milwaukee, but in the 40's at night. I had not expected that and didn't have anything but shorts w/me so had to buy a lot of clothing.

Our next Jan trip was in 1996 and it was COLDER still, but we were prepared.

However, after walking around the parks in some of the must muggy and miserable weather I've ever experienced on my last two trips, DH and I agree we'd take cold-ish weather in Jan VS hot and muggy.

The parks are pretty empty, so that's a great trade off for cooler weather IMHO.

Have fun!

 

[MdmMim]

I've been to WDW in January several times, and like others have said, it CAN get cold! The year before last, the wind chill was 18 one night, so be prepared for anything! (It's the wind that gets you and the dampness. It's not like the cold up north.)

On the other hand, it can be quite warm, so pack for warm and cold weather.

It is the best time of year, though!

 

[jultomzach]

I love Disney in January and have been there the last five years in Jan or early Feb. From PA too and appreciate the warmer air. Pack pants, sweaters and hand gloves too. Have actually got off the plane one year and it was the same temp. in FL as PA. (45 degrees). I always go for 10 days and have never had cold weather the entire trip and always been able to get at least two pool days in. I don't go into the water unless the air temp. is mid 70s. My only warning is BE CAREFUL, you could get hooked on the no lines, no humidity, remote chance of rain, friendly and relaxed Cast Members, and extra magic. And if you think you will be cold, you will enjoy watching the Floridians in mid 40 degree temperature. You will think it is chilly and they will think it is an artic blast!