Crowd levels January 3, 4, 5

[Ray LeBlanc]

We are considering visiting family in Florida over New Year's this December/January. I had the brilliant idea of adding 2-3 nights at WDW toward the end of our trip, largely because I noticed that WDW Resort rates take a huge nosedive starting on Wednesday, January 2 (2019). We could stay onsite and pay 'value' rates, i.e. the lowest of the year. I assumed this meant the parks would not be as full, but every crowd calendar I pull up says it's still extremely busy (crowd levels at 9 out of 10, for example).

We would likely do 2 parks on Thursday, 2 parks on Friday, and fly home on Saturday. We would rope drop the first park each day and have FP+ plans for the second park each day. We don't need to hit EVERYTHING and are not 'stay in one park all day' people... but, if the crowds are still that awful come January 3 and 4, then maybe a plan like this wouldn't work very well.

Am I wrong to assume that the lower hotel rates means fewer crowds? I understand those lower rates entice more people to come, but I also assumed there would be significantly more people Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 than Jan. 3, 4, 5, etc. Any advice?

 

[sponica]

I can't remember what day of the week Jan 1 is, but some of the southern tier schools do a two week break (as opposed to those of us in the north, who go back jan 2 come heck or high water).

The one year I went Dec 28 to January 5, it never got slow. Ever. Seas of people everywhere....

 

[GADisneyDad14]

There’s a lot of school/college break carry over that still lingers after New Years.

This year the WDW marathon was the very next weekend after New Years and it was like a constant higher crowd time.

The way the calendar falls in 2019, there’s a bigger gap between New Years and the Marathon weekend, which could help a bit.

But I’d still mentally prep for higher crowds. Busy time.

 

[KateP85]

I wouldn't count on it - schools will still be out and most people will still be visiting from New Year. I would honestly guess it will still be crazy busy.

 

[cvjw]

The crowd calendars are correct. We have been at the parks that week a few times, and it is very busy. One year, the magic kingdom closed to capacity while we were there. It was insane.

We still enjoy visiting that time of year as the parks are still decorated for Christmas and they still play Christmas music. Just know what you are getting into!

 

[Texans_loyal]

We always go in Jan and this past year was insanely busy.

 

[Ray LeBlanc]

Appreciate the insight, we may change our minds/plans then. I only wonder why Disney discounts their rates so much then... maybe people would go home on the 1st/2nd, but stay a few more days since rates are down?

 

[Donald Duck888]

Any thoughts on the week right after that (Jan 5-12)? Most of what i have seen shows it slowing down by then but figured i would see if anyone had any experiences with that time of year.

 

[randumb0]

January is a lot busier than it used to be. I say if you want to go then go. You will still have fun.

 

[Donna3271]

We always go in Jan and this past year was insanely busy.

Agreed! We go for the Marathon, and the crowds are iNSANE! We will be there Jan 9-14, and will have all our fast passes in place.

 

[Donald Duck888]

How would you compare it to say late July? I know it will he hot as all get out in July and cooler in Jan but not sure on the crowd level. We went once several years ago the first week of Jan (after the 1st) and all sources said it was a slow time and it ended up being crazy busy. Basically we are currently scheduled to go down in July but now i am thinking of changing to Jan, mostly so it will be cooler but lower crowds would also be a bonus. Going to be a tough decision as my wife wants to delay till Jan and my daughter wants to keep July as it is closer so it looks like i will have to cast the deciding vote lol.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We went one day on the 4th last January. Busy and cold.