Feedback on January travel?

[jayhjay]

I am looking for feedback on traveling with kids during the Jan-Feb 15 value season. We normally go in November, which we love due to the low crowds, nice weather, and good prices. But it looks like we will have another trip planned for November so we are rethinking our Disney dates.

Can anyone give feedback on traveling this time of year? Is it too cold for shorts? Can you swim in the pools? How about crowds?

Any other times of year you would recommend? Mine are little so school isn't really an issue. And if you have gone during this time, which is the best time during this period?

THanks!

 

[TerriBelle]

We have gone Jan. & Feb. The weather is great for doing the parks but some days are cool for the pools. My kids swam about half the days since the Disney pools were heated. During the years we went, I think that Feb. had more "pool" days. Jan. had less crowds. During Feb it can get crowed because some school systems have a break in Feb. We would definitely go in Jan or Feb again. Another option is early May. This time is nice because the weather is good and kids are not out of school yet.

 

[jayhjay]

I would definitely consider early May. My only hesitation is that it is not value season so Jan/Feb are cheaper. I wonder if any schools have breaks as early as February 15 or so (when value season ends) as we would probably go toward the end of value season. I defnitely want to avoid spring break time.

 

[clori]

we have been the first week of Feb 2002 and 2003. Both years we were able to swim as much as we wanted to but it was never overly hot/humid. We usually went to parks from early opening to closing and never once wore coats or anything. Of course leaving below freezing temps at home definately helps.

 

[meandtheguys2]

We have been the last 3 years. (last week Jan./first week Feb.) Each time we have been able to swim at least 5 or 6 days, the parks have been empty and all is well with the world. There have been some days that start out with warm jackets and hats, but by mid-morning they have been stored. We are from Ohio, which is grey and nasty from Jan - March so this rip is my sourse of energy for the winter!

 

[lovesdumbo]

We went the first week in Jan of 04 and while we did swim 1 or 2 times many days were in the 50's and one night was in the 30's . When you go in Jan you have to pack for any kind of weather. Long sleeves and pants and shorts/T's. We have to worry about flight delays for snow and coming home to a driveway full of snow. If it was the only time I could go I would go but we prefer Oct now.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

We LOVE January.We have never had really cold weather, though we did hit some pretty cold one December. Crowds are not there, and the cool temps make the parks so nice. Pools are heated and sunny afternoon are often ok if the kids stay in the water. Getting out is COLD. The one issue is that parks close early and we hate using afternoon for pool time and the evenings can be very cool. Trade off however is SO worth it.

Jordans' mom

 

[kristielee]

We were there this past Jan...the 8th to the 15th. Swam EVERY day, the weather was the best we've ever had. Absolutely no crowds. I'd go back in Jan in a heartbeat!

 

[all4fun]

Well we were there January 4th thru 11th and absolutely froze No kidding we even bought a coat for ds (that cost us $48) in the parks we were all so cold. It wasn't just cold, it was very windy which made it feel even worse. Of course we didn't come at all prepared, only very light jackets. If you go just be prepared for anything and you'll have a great trip.

 

[gabbysmom04]

we were there last jan and it was freezing. I had to buy a coat for my dd who was 6m at the time. we have pictures of her in mk with a coat, snow cap and gloves on.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

January temps are best guesses...it was SWELTERING marathon weekend.....we trained in Florida...to run in weather that was to be the high and ended up being the LOW on race day.

My only caution to January is marathon weekend. It disrupts the traffic if you are at a non-monorail hotel and/or wish to access a location only accessible by road.