Jann, you are right that a park that has EMH can be busier overall. We have found, even during slower times, that by around lunch time things are seeming more crowded. We tend to vacation mid-Jan, early-May, or early-Dec, so I don't think that any time we have been there has it been like one of those packed July days! If things start to feel crowded, we book it to another park, and that works for us. If your strategy is to stay at one park the whole day, then maybe you want to skip the EMH featured park?! You are going at a great time (we'll be there in Jan too!), so hopefully we'll both not have to fight with too many crowds, EMH or not. I hope you have a great vacation!
. Granted, my family is a bunch of early birds, vacation or no vacation. One thing to consider is that park hours in January will not be expanded because, other than NYE, January is a slower time at WDW. My family likes to do the EMH, and then hop to another park after lunch. We have never found park hopping a hassle, and the bus or monorail gives our tired legs a chance to rest. If I was traveling during a busier time of the year, with extended park hours, I probably would skip EMH and start my day at a park that does not have EMH. But during those slower times, we like to maximize our park time.
) is usually a good option, especially for our December trips, when the park hours are shortened. But I'd agree, that it IS vacation after all, so I would go with whatever is comfortable for you and your family.
