Compare June and January

[la79al]

We have been to DW in June twice now. For our next trip we are considering either June or January. We will be pulling 2 kids out of school if we go in January but the school is fine with this. I am just wondering if someone could tell me ways that January will be different than June. TIA

 

[jakenjess]

We've done both June and January and prefer January hands down. The only advantage I can think of for June (except the school part) is if your family spends a lot of time swimming and/or at the water parks, the weather is usually much better for that sort of thing. January can be a bit cool, especially the evenings, but it's so much more comfortable for park touring. The crowds are a lot lighter in January. The last time we went in June it was mobbed! In January there were hardly any long lines and many attractions were a walk-on. If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try and answer them!

 

[LadyShea]

The two main differences are crowds and heat. As the PP said, if you enjoy the water parks and resort pools, it may be too cool in January.

 

[tzolkin]

One thing I've been considering are the park hours. I know that you can get more done with shorter hours if the parks are less crowded, but what about the afternoon break? On our trip, we went back to the room from about 11-5 or so. The kids did really well with just going to a park for 3-4 hours at a time, so we didn't have any meltdowns/behavior issues. With shorter park hours we would probably skip the break and just stay in the parks all day. I'm a little nervous how my little ones will do with this.

OP- You mention 2 kids missing school, so maybe this wouldn't affect you depending on their ages. Although, even my DD9 enjoyed relaxing in the afternoon at the resort.

 

[Skyw]

June- hot, can use pools, longer hours, crowded.
Jan- cooler, pools are heated, shorter hours, not crowded.

I have been both times and I wont go in the summer anymore. Our vacation is so much better when we go when it is cooler and less crowded. I know it is hard to believe but we are able to "relax" when we go. We hit more rides and can chill out at Fort Wilderness.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

Go in Jan. if you can. We always went in Jan/Feb before this year (June). With our kids getting older, we just can't pull them out of school for an entire week now. Jan. is so nice. The weather is unpredictable; we had one trip in the mid 80's all week, but high 60's/low 70's is more the norm. The lines are so small, if any. It actually makes for a relaxing vacation in the winter when the parks close earlier. You can have a more restful evening, and then be ready to go bright and early in the morning.

 

[jakenjess]

One thing I've been considering are the park hours. I know that you can get more done with shorter hours if the parks are less crowded, but what about the afternoon break? On our trip, we went back to the room from about 11-5 or so. The kids did really well with just going to a park for 3-4 hours at a time, so we didn't have any meltdowns/behavior issues. With shorter park hours we would probably skip the break and just stay in the parks all day. I'm a little nervous how my little ones will do with this.

We found when we go during the cooler seasons the kids have a lot more energy and that afternoon break isn't as necessary as it is when it's really hot. Plus you can get a lot more done in a lot less time, and then have a lot of relaxation time in the evenings.