Disney in January

[Parmcat]

Hello all,

I see the prices for 2013 have been posted. We are trying to get a head start on booking for a much needed family trip for the 4 of us...Me, wife, and boys 11 and 8.

Our dates are very flexible, and we won't book anything until the discounts are posted sometime in August.

My question is this. How busy is the Marathon weekend? It is something to be avoided? We can book that time, and finish our stay at the beginning of that weekend.

I also understand (since we are Canadian) that MLK is also something to consider avoiding, as the crowds will increase that weekend.

Also, are the pools still usually open in January on the resorts, or can we expect that will be closed for maintenance?

Thanks again. Planning a trip like this always is the fun part for me!

All the best!

Parm

 

[tennessee]

we arrived i think jan the 3 or 4 . It was nice, the castle still had the christmas lights on it. I was told by a local that they keep the lights on it for a few days during the marathon, I did not think the park was that busy. Have seen it alot worse. For the pool, we stayed at value and it was open , even went swimming we had nice warm temps.we are waiting for Aug to see if fd is offer again, we really liked going this time of the year

 

[reking96]

I have a trip booked from Jan 26 - Feb 1. Can anyone comment on how the weather is that time of year? Thanks. =)

 

[Missytara]

I have a trip booked from Jan 26 - Feb 1. Can anyone comment on how the weather is that time of year? Thanks. =)

Never can tell; weather in Florida will change constantly up to two or three days before you leave.

Best to check if about two days before you leave and then pack accordingly.

Florida is part of the Atlantic, not the Caribbean, so they don't have a general temperture that is consistent year to year.

I have been almost every year since 2000, the week after Thanksgiving and the weather has never been the same twice.

 

[GoofyFairie]

The weather will be all over the place that time of year. It could be in the 80's or it could be in the 30's. You will need to pack a little of everything and cooridnate those pieces to be worn in layers as the temp permits. We went early Feb a few years ago. Warm sunny in the 70's when we arrived and FREEZING when we left. I packed in layers, but wished I had hats and gloves for the little ones- it was down right cold till mid afternoon. It was, however, still very beautiful. Far better than the frozen blizzard we left at home. The pools are open and heated, but depending on where you are from and what you can tolerate decides if you swim or not. We didn't. As for crowds-look at the rate calendar. If the rates go up for a long weekend it is usually a good indicator for increase in crowds, more people=more money. Have a great time!

 

[olive]

We have been over marathon weekend (and also earlier in the month - don't remember if we were also there over MLK weekend); this year, we will be at Universal/Disney for the middle two weeks of January. We were almost scared off weather-wise. As many have said, you basically never know what you will get. We had freezing temps at night and early morning, and some days with highs in the 40s. In Florida. We bought gloves and hats while we were there, and it was never warm enough to swim. (Family who checked in a couple of days before had some days in the 70s, though.) We swore off January, only to plan another trip for this coming January because it works for our schedules. There is just no other time when we will be able to enjoy such a long trip.

Our favorite part of January was the low crowds. We did not mind parks closing earlier at all - though check the hours/EMH calendar to see if this would be a problem for your family - and even over marathon weekend, crowds were pretty light. We went to MK on marathon day - I took my son while my husband was running - and we were able to walk on to a lot of rides. Granted my son was 2 1/2 and the time, so we weren't headed for Space Mountain, but tea cups, barnstormer, winne the pooh, haunted mansion, peter pan, etc. were all pretty empty. I took photos, but don't know how to post them. A water park and some rides will likely be closed for refurbs. Splash Mountain was closed on our last January trip. We have already warned our son that it is a possibility for the upcoming trip, as that is one of his favorite rides. You can google for refurb calendars, although I don't think the January info is complete yet.

As long as you are prepared for the possibility of very cold weather and don't bank on the pools, and don't mind the shorter hours and possible ride closures, I think it can be a great trip. Maybe just not the time to stay at YC/C to enjoy the pool. (Pools are all heated and available, though, unless there is random construction as far as I know.)

Good luck!!