early January 2013--a good time to visit?

[lemurs]

Hi! We are in the beginning stages of planning a trip with my now junior-high-aged kid who, my husband insists, should not miss much, if any, school. I see value season begins on January 2. So, I'm thinking about scheduling a trip beginning then, but ending so she can be back to school Jan. 7 with her classmates. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has traveled to WDW during this time to tell me how busy it is. It seems it should be busy because New Years' Day was just the day before, but, since it's value season and Disney should know what it's doing, maybe not.

Really wanting to avoid crowds. (All our previous trips have been in the latter value season of Sept., Nov., and early Dec.)

Also would love to hear any other suggestions for when to take a trip -- like the least busy busier times. Early June? Hubby suggested week of Christmas -- I quickly told him he's insane.

Thanks for any help!

 

[excited4disney2012]

I'm by no means an expert, but I think you will still be crowded. We went last year but during the second week in January(8th thru the 15th). We arrived on the last day of the marathon, which was fine because most people leave then. Most of families that were there consisted of children under the school age (5?). We plan on going next year at the same time.

 

[sachiiiii]

I was there early last January, right after New Years. There was still a crowd, but nowhere as bad as June/July. Most of the ride lines were reasonable, except for the super popular or new rides like Soarin' or Toy Story Mania.
The day we left was the first day of Marathon weekend, so I can't tell you what the parks were like that day, but the Pop Century food court was pretty insane.
So, I would say that January is a great time to go. My only complaint was how cold it was! Of course, I'd rather be cold than too hot. We're planning on going back this January (hopefully).

 

[lemurs]

Thank you both for your comments! We are going to go for it--hit the parks on Jan. 2 and be gone before the marathoners arrive. Thanks again!