Disney World in January

[maedelken]

Hi everyone I am new here. We are visiting Disney World January 6-13 2007. Can anybody tell me what the crowds and the weather will be like during this time? We have three children under five is this a good time for small children? If anyone wants to share tips on navigating the parks with small children we are open for suggestions. We love everything Disney!!

 

[Bob P]

Welcome to the DIS!

There will still be some residual holiday crowds when you arrive but they should all be gone by the 7th or 8th. Crowds the rest of the time you are there should be pretty small.

The weather is completely unpredictable in January. You could have warm afternoons with cool mornings, or you could have mornings near freezing with afternoons in the 50s. Pack a little of everything, and be prepared for big swings in temperature.

If you look over these boards, especially the "Theme Park Attractions and Strategies" board, you'll find lots of tips.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[belle&beast]

January is our favorite time of the year to go because of the low crowd levels. We have been there later in the month, but I would guess it will be pretty similar. I do know that my school system does not go back until the second week of January, so you may run into some crowds.

A agree with the previous poster about the weather- it is totally unpredictable, but it has been very manageable. We leave very cold behind us, so 50-60* is comfortable for us. The first trip we wore shorts and sweatshirts and sometimes t-shirts. Last year I wore capris or jeans and layered on top. People were swimming, but we spent most of our time in the parks.

The parks close earlier than at other times of the year, but it worked out well for us, because our kids were ready to get to bed. We did not go back for naps, so they were ready for an 8:00 bedtime.

I think you are going to love it! Have a great trip!

 

[krissylynne]

January crowds are low.
BUT, you have the Disney Marathon. This year it is on January 6th and 7th. Crowds are very high for this. All the runners family and friends come to cheer them on. I was told that crowd level should drop around the 9th or 10th. In the city where I am, I booked our trip months and months ago. It was very hard to find a place in some resorts because of the marathon. Our TA, said she had booked 20 marathon trips during the week we booked ours.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I like January. The parks were bustling, but not at all crowded. It was wonderful to ride Dumbo and the rest of the Fantasyland rides with little wait. The earlier closing did not bother us b/c our kiddos were ready for bed by 7:30-8:00pm every night.

We had nice weather last January (but we have also had cold, rainy days during previous January trips ) - our trip started with highs in the low 70's and ended with highs in the mid 80's. The cooler days started off quite chilly, so we always dressed in layers (the girls and I wore capris, short sleeved shirts and sweatshirts - Daddy wore jeans, ss shirt and hooded sweatshirt). One morning, it was so cold we bought a lightweight fleece throw to toss over the kids in their stroller - this year, I am going to bring the fleece throw and some of those cheap little stretchy gloves.

We are going Jan 20-27th this year ... I will be sad when the kids start school and we start visiting during busy times!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi there and welcome!

You might find this thread interesting.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1247690

We will be there Jan 3rd to 11th, VWL.

As others have said pack for all kinds of weather. If we get a cold snap it can be rather chilly. I was happy for my winter coat and gloves last year, but missed my hat. Still we went swimming and wore shorts a few days too.

I have found that marathon crowds don't effect the parks as much as the traffic and resorts. It is fun to witness the run and get caught up in the excitement. I don't mind being there for it. There is always something going on at WDW.


I believe the Marathon is Jan 6th and 7th I believe.

 

[mister.toad]

We have gone down every January fo the past 3 years. Usually the end of the month and span into Feb but this year we went the week of the 7th. Weather was about the same but crowds were heavier the week of the 7th than what we experienced at the end of the month even though that week was suppose to be slimmer. The weather can go from very warm to very chilly. We have had to buy hats and gloves while there as it was so cold. Not so cold that you can't enjoy it but chilly for sure. Dress in layers so you can remove just the right amount as the day gets warmer and put on just the right amount as evening starts to hit.