DVC During January

[Capo]

How busy are DVC resorts during January, usually? Are there any large conventions or groups meeting during this time?

Is one part of the month better than any other?

Thanks for the help, we will likely be taking our vacation in January and just wanted to see if one time is better than another when it comes to most DVC resorts and the parks themselves.

 

[LindaBabe]

I'd avoid MLK weekend, and the Marathon.

 

[5forDiz]

Lowest points required during January so it is popular among members. See the link at upper right to look over points charts ( be sure to use 2010 charts because there is a reallocation of points that begins with 2010 calendar year - in most cases points for weekday nights are increased and points on Fri & Sat nights are decreased some ). Also in January there is Disney Marathon that is popular and MLK holiday weekend, college kids getting a trip before spring semester begins....

 

[Pakey]

We go every January, have only missed one in the past 11 years. The DVC resorts will be full; parks will be moderate except for MLK weekend and the days right before and after.

 

[Capo]

Thanks for the advice, all. When is the Disney Marathon, by the way?

 

[LindaBabe]

Thanks for the advice, all. When is the Disney Marathon, by the way?

That would be the 8th through the 10th

 

[Capo]

That would be the 8th through the 10th

Many thanks.

 

[princessbride6205]

Thanks for starting this thread. We will be taking our first January trip and our first trip as DVC members - last week of Jan 2010. I'm excited to escape the frigid MN winter no matter what, but it's nice to know the parks will not be overly busy.

 

[figmentfan0724]

we arrived last year on the day of the marathon and it wasn't too bad, you could definatly tell the days after when the runners started to head home the crowds decreased everyday. I can't wait to go back in Jan again soon!

 

[Mickeyfollowers]

We try to go every Jan for a parents only trip. Jan 2009 we went the third week and it happen to be the coldest week that FL had seen and there was a lot of tour groups from Brazil. Was MLK weekend and the week after. The crowds were modest. This year we are arriving Jan 10-17, using the AP for the third time before they expire. Hopefully the week before MLK will be better. Fingers crossed that it isn't as cold and miserable as this past Jan.

 

[drusba]

First 3 to 4 days of Jan are usually extremely crowded as the Christmas break crowd is still largely there. Rest of month is fine with some build up during the marathon (but still not very heavy) and MLK time (heavy not extreme). Rest of month is moderate and fairly easy to do. Can usually get BWV preferred (non-boardwalk), AKV savanna and standard view, and OKW and SSR at 7 months and even less out. Also, BLT lake view was readily available at 7 months when calling this year for next Jan. Weather can have extreme variances (you can sometimes get 40 for the high and 82 for the high three days apart) but often just in the high 60s/low 70s.

 

[dahall]

WE LOVE JANUARY! We have been on many trips during the last week and week before the last week in January. We LOVE IT!

The weather is not to hot, evenings need a jacket, but you can still use the pools. The crowds are low and it takes longer to talk thought the cue to get to the ride then waiting in a most lines. We are worried that we are spoiled and will not like our September trip this year. Although a bad day at Disney is still a better day most other places. We hear that September is also a slower time so we are hopeful.

One thing to look for is January is a big month for refurbishments. There is usually one water park closed and a maybe a ride or 2. You can always check the links to find out which ones for sure. It has never been a big deal for us.

Enjoy!! I know we always have.

 

[bwvBound]

January = hordes of Brazilian youth.

The good news is these kids don't seem to get an early start to the parks. Go early -- and be prepared to retreat to your villa later in the day when this boisterous, chanting, noisy group takes over an otherwise peaceful day.

 

[dvcmomdeh]

January is really cold. I am from the north and still it was freezing to me. We stayed at SSR 1/22-24 this year. The resort was almost dead.

 

[katmittens]

We have gone numerous times in Jan. and we have had weather in the 40's and in the high 80's and sometimes in the same trip. Be prepared for all kind of weather. The first Jan trip we took we arrived to a low of 30 at nite. We did not bring gloves or heavy coats. We were able to layer clothing, but it was still cold. We are always prepared for all weather now. The crowds are not bad. We usually arrive Jan 1 to about Jan 8, and sometimes we arrived for NYE. NYE is very very busy, but fun to do at least once. The first few days of Jan are busy, and then it is quiet. We usually leave the day of the marathon, so we miss that crowd.
We are also from the north, so to me it is still warmer in Fla, than in Pa. even when it is 32, which I don't like but it usually ends soon. We still have a great time.
Have a great trip.