DL in January

[disneygal58]

Hello,
I have been to WDW more times than I can count - DL only once for the 35th Anniversary. I was surprized to find that I am unable to obtain a quote for an onsite hotel until the end of this summer! Maybe WDW-ers are more obsessive planners! My 23 year old daughter and I are taking an 8 night Mexican cruise, then plan to spend (January 11th and 12th) the weekend at Disney. I have always stayed onsite at the World, but have heard that the CA onsite properties are quite pricey - we ordinarily stay at a moderate or suite with a large group. Any suggestions for something comparable off site if sticker shock prevents us from booking within the parks? Also any hotel recommendations close to the San Pedro pier for the night prior to the cruise?
I am excited to return to/explore the original land of Disney! What might I expect weather to be like?

Thank you, thank you,
Dawn

 

[Judy from Boise]

I would try and look again, maybe thtough Expedia after June 13th. The cheapest on site would be Paradise Pier.

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

The weather may be a bit chilly then. My daughter was there for New Year's and found that the water rides weren't as much fun as later in the year. I would certainly pack jeans or comfy long pants along with everything else and a sweatshirt. Even in June, a sweatshirt is nice in the late evening.

 

[dancindisneyLuver]

We went in January this year. One day it rained but it was in the evening. It cleared out the park and most rides were still running. We got on splash mountain very quickly. It said there was a five minute wait and we didn't wait at all. Overall it was sunny, but still a little chilly.

 

[DangerMouse]

We went January 9-12 this year. We encountered record-breaking temps (87 degrees). It was very hot during the day (for January), but cooled off to coat weather at night.

The crowds weren't as small as I had hoped, but completely manageable.

 

[disneygal58]

Thanks for the replies. Now I am hoping that we do not repeat the blizzard upon blizzard weather we experienced this past January in Colorado.

 

[RMH]

Thanks for the replies. Now I am hoping that we do not repeat the blizzard upon blizzard weather we experienced this past January in Colorado.

This last year was an "El Nino" year where currents from South American come up the Pacific coast and cause abnormal weather all over the place - at least that is what the weather man said. Next year should be more normal, although Jan and Feb are the months that receive the most rain in S. California so be prepared for that.

As for planning, things at DLR are usually a few months behind WDW since the majority of the visitors are local and don't plan their trips out as far as WDW guests. Also be aware that Jan is off-season and there will not be all of the shows and fireworks every day; typically they will only show on the weekends. As for offsite hotels to avoid sticker shock there are a number of good ones. Some of the most popular on this board seem to be Hojos, BWPPI, Candy Cane Inn, Carousel Inn, and the Fairfield. All are within walking distance or a short shuttle to the maingate.

 

[DisneyJenn18]

Hello, Funny, I feel the same way about DL that you do about WDW!!! I enjoy staying onsite because it's a little easier to get in and out of the parks, and the accomodations are sooooo much nicer...in my opinion! Paradise Pier is a great onsite hotel, and the best $$ out of all of them..I usually book thru Get away today vacation planning, and they seem to have better deals than going thru the website, at least that was the case for me on my march 07 trip.
As for the weather..it's a toss up, I have been iin Jan, and it's been cold, or more on the warmer side. Looking on the bright side, if it's raining, you don't have to worry about getting soaked on the water rides.. although you will probably have to go change at the hotel!! Good Luck!

 

[HydroGuy]

In case you haven't seen these yet, here are some links they may help:

What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

HydroGuy's Hotel Rule
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862