First trip in early January.....any tips?

[cjeong]

This will be my family's first trip to WDW - DH, DD17, DS16. We are staying 3 nights at WL & 2 nights HRH and will be using Disney transport. With such a short stay we would love to see the best of WDW & Universal.

Are there any tips for January that I should be mindful of?
eg early closing, fireworks viewing, weather tips, eating places, suggested itineraries etc...

All suggestions will be greatfully received.

 

[DawnAK]

This January will be our 4th January trip. I would say my number one tip would be to bring different clothes for different weather. We have worn shorts and tank tops and then gone to polar fleece jackets and gloves in the same trip. We live in Alaska and are used to the cold, but something about that Florida cold is so harsh! Must be the humidity and wind (we don't have either).
As for meals...we usually don't want to waste park time for dinner, so we stay in the park until they close and then eat at a resort afterwards. The parks will close earlier, except EPCOT they are always open until 9 (so we eat dinner there before Illuminations). The best way to make all your plans is to wait until the park hours/parade schedules come out and determine what is important to your family and go from there.
Have a great time. You will enjoy how non-crowded the parks are!
Dawn

 

[drusba]

Hours in early January (after Jan 1) are usually about 9 to 7 at MK and MGM, 9 to 5 at AK, and 9 to 9 at Epcot. A park has early entry each day (at 8 and different park daily) but during that time of year it is not a necessity as crowds are generally light; in fact going to a park other than the ee park is actually a good idea because the ee park will have a little heavier crowds than others. For most things, you will have little wait to usually no more than 15 minutes; some, like any new ride, Dumbo (which your group can and should skip) and the mountains at MK can get longer at different times of day (if you see a long line, just come back later in the day). You can actually do most everything in one park in a full day at that time of year but it will still be very tough to do all four in the short time you will be at WDW (most would probably skip AK if they had to skip; me it is hard to say because I like the Festival of the Lion King show at AK, which I consider a don't miss). Illuminations at Epcot runs nightly at 9 but fireworks at MK usually go to once a week if at all then so you will need to wait for the schedule to come out.

You have chosen an excellent hotel (WL) and its lobby is the most impressive on site. Very nice pool although iffy for use that time of year. You will need warm and cool dress as it can be either and usually sweatshirt/jacket weather in the evening and sometimes during the day. You take a boat to MK and bus elsewhere.

Restaurants depend on what you would like and cost. At WDW, they tend to run from expensive to even more expensive. The WL has decent restaurants, one (Whispering Canyon) informal, barbecue style and servers who insult you (you are paying for it as part of the dinner and done with good humor), the other (Artist Point) more upscale (and expensive). There is also a snack bar/cafeteria type place where you can get coffee in the morning -- buy one of the resort coffee mugs and free refill throughout your stay. They also usually have a special coffee kiosk in the morning in the lobby (but it ain't Starbucks).

Though you may believe that your kids are too old for a Character Meal, you should not rule it out -- particularly a dinner at Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern in MK. The first is buffet style and both are just on the expensive not "more" expensive side of the restaurants, and actually reasonable for a high end resort area. The thing is those are two impressive, well-themed restaurants even if you are not into the characters. At Epcot you may consider one the World Showcase restaurants for dinner. A good time for a reservation is 7 or little before to assure you are done well in time to find a spot to see Illuminations. Best spot for Illuminations is likely the outdoor portion of the restaurant at the England pavilion, Rose & Crown, but unfortunately the food is not very good -- unless you are English (in Heaven, the English serve as the police force; in hell they are the cooks). However, it is easy that time of year to find many good spots to view Illuminations. Restaurants we like are Teppanyaki at Japan, Biergarten (buffet and nightly entertainement) at Germany, San Angel at Mexico, and Le Cellier in Canada. We avoid China, Morrocco, Norway, and England restaurants and are so-so on France and Italy.

At MGM. Hollywood & Vine is a decent buffet restaurant and Mama Melrose Italian. Teens may like Sci-Fi or Prime Time for theme but food is mostly burgers and such. I would avoid Brown Derby unless you really want to spend a lot (decent food just real expensive and more upscale in comparison to others).

AK doesn't really have any sit-down restaurants to speak of (just mainly counter service ones). It is connected to a Rainforest Cafe which is not owned by Disney -- if you have been to one before elsewhere then decide if you want it again; if not, my view: it is a restaurant that prides itself in providing the worst service of any restaurant in the nation.

For late night entertainment you should consider Cirque Du Soliel in Downtown Disney West Side (absolutely the best show in Florida) for which tickets should be purchased in advance, and/or Hoop Dee Doo Review at Pioneer Hall in Fort Wilderness (a short bus ride or somewhat long walk from WL), a dinner show themed as an old western stage show -- that show has been running forever and most are repeat patrons. Advance ressies are highly recommend and usually necessary (you can do them now; 407-WDW-Dine). Advance ressies (they are called Preferred Seatings) can be made at WDW restaurants well in advance although in January you will usually find that calling a day or two before, or even morning of, will still get you something close to time you want at dinner and many can be walk-ins with short wait in the evening although I recommend making ressies in advance. There is usually no need at all that time of year for lunch or breakfast ressies (except breakfast character meals) and, unless, you are a big eater that requires service, counter service places are usually fine for lunch.

There are likely to be some things closed for refurbishment that time of year in the parks and I am not up on the expected list for then. The better list for you is what you might skip with your group rather than what you should not miss. Skip: at MK -- Dumbo, Snow White, Swiss Family Treehouse (the absolutely most boring thing at MK), Alladin and Speedway; at AK: the kiddie like rides in Dinoland (but do Dinosaur), and the Pochantas and bird shows; Kali River Rapids is a good ride there but be aware that you can get soaked on that ride which is something to avoid on a cold day. At Epcot and MGM most everything has some interesting points. Also, definitely do Fantasmic, the closing show at MGM (they sell dinner packages for that but not really needed that time of year -- basically for a set price you eat an early dinner at one of the park restaurants and then get a ticket to enter reserved area of seating, which is no better than any other seating).

 

[Simba's Mom]

I second the post about the clothing and weather. I've been the first week of January for the past 3 years, and worn hat and gloves twice. Both times, I saw them sold at WDW for incredibly high prices, and yet they sold out because so few people were prepared. So don't forget your hat and gloves-just in case!

 

[pomcoach]

We have went twice during mid-January. We loved the fleece jackets because they were cozy, yet lightweight. Take the little stretch gloves. You can find them everywhere for 99 cents. I also took earmuffs, because I like to be warm. My teen girls took those fleece ski bands that look like headbands. They looked cooler than my earmuffs, but bet I was warmer. The first day we wore shorts and T-shirts, but then the next 6 days it was freezing and windy! Burrrrr! But loved every minute of it!
Pomcoach

 

[cjeong]

Thanks everyone, your advice will really prepare me for my first trip.

Keep your tips coming!

 

[cjeong]

bump

 

[Sandyincanada]

We've been twice in early-mid Jan and its a great time to go. The parks are quieter but I would still go for park opening time (not necessarily ee time) to go on the biggest rides and the restaurants still can be crowded at lunch and supper times.

Your going to get alot of different opinions on the weather as its really relative to what you are used to. It can change fast. I liked windsuits there, I'd wear shorts underneath and strip as the day went on. Backpacks are great for this. We are used to -30C weather so no matter how cold, it still felt like spring to us so no hats (never wear one at -30 either, lol) or mitts here. One day you can be tanning at Typhoon Lagoon and the next in jeans and a jacket so pack for everything. Evenings cool down alot.

Have a great trip

 

[karebear1]

What days are you going? You may be there during the marathon- if you are, I mighth have some tips for you.

 

[cjeong]

Will be there 6-9 January

 

[Muffy]

We go every year during marathon week and I agree bring your fleece jacket! You will need it in the morning and the evening. It is usually perfect weather during the afternoon. Believe me, you don't want to buy hats & gloves in the parks ($$)! Bring them from home!

Muffy

 

[karebear1]

You will be there marathon weekend. But the only real day you need to worry about is probably the 9th- which is Sunday. That is the day of the marathon. The marathon really can mess up traffic in the morning. While it doesn't begin until 6:30am, the busses start moving way earlier then that and continue probably until noon or so. And the runners, of course, will slow down the traffic. Make sure you check at the front desk of where your staying as to the best way to get out and the best time, especially If you have to get to the airport in the morning. The parks won't be that bad- you shopuld be able to do all you want without any problems.

I just noticed that your in Sydney! We lived in Broken Hill, Australia about 12 years ago. Absolutely LOVED Sydney! It's a long flight over!

 

[cjeong]

Hi karebear1, wow at Broken Hill - you would have experienced the real Australian outback. Do you miss it? I'm not looking forward to the long flight over.

Thank you everyone for your great tips. Will be shopping for the fleecy jackets asap!

What are the restaurant hours in the park. Do they close early too?

What is the transport like going back to WL after dinner at the park? Anyone experience the boat ride back to WL at night in January? Will it be cold??

 

[karebear1]

I don't nevessarily miss Broken Hill! BUT I really do miss the friends we made there! Actually our best friends from taht city are coming to the US in Oct and November- can hardly wait to see them. We had some really great experiences in Broken Hill- but the shopping was..... lacking... if you know what I mean!

Restaurant hours in the parks are the same as the park hours. I don't think you'll have a problem with the restaurants. Crowds will pretty much be gone. You'll probably be able to book where you want to eat when you get there with no problem, but the weekend you should probably make PS's for ASAP.

You will adore WL! It will still have it's Christams deco up- and it's breath taking! When we were there last year in January it was cold at night- the boat ride will be cold at night- make sure you wear or take your jackets. Days should be very pleasant though.

Fireworks viewing- are you going to the MK to watch Wishes? If so stand in the middle of MainStreet about half way down, for the best viewing of Wishes. Also- be sure to check the calander and go on a day when the are showing the Electric Parade. Find a seat on the curb and STAY there! Usually an hour before will b e good.

Do not miss Fantasmic! Try a middle area seat and don't get too close to the front because you'll get sprayed from the water used in the show- you don't want that when your cold anyway! They do sell hot chocolate at this show- well worth the cost! You can even get a souvenier cup to take home with you.

For Illuminations- find somewhere to watch it around the WS side of the water- make sure you have a clear view no trees obscuring your view. Standing on the bridge next to England is a great place. You could try to get PS's for Rose and Crown for around 7:30 for dinner , request a table on the patio (NEVER guaranteed). If you get a table out there- just really eat slow- talk and enjoy your dinner until 9:00 then sit and watch Illuminations from the patio- very nice.

Take advantage of EE hours and when (if) the park begins to get crowded- leave and go to another park. You should be able to do MGM and AK in one day. Go to AK in the morning (There are not usually EE hours for this park). The first ride you should get on i=s the safari ride- so head straight to the back of the park for that. Animals are out early- that's why you want to be out early.

Do you have a book about WDW?? If not- get one and read it- and keep your heads up on this board and the theme park board etc. You will get unbelieveable tips and advise. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS! The better you plan, the more you'll be able to do. If there are no books there, I'll be happy to go and get the book for you nad send it. No trouble!

Also- if you ask your questions seperately - a thread for each one- you'll get better info. Ask one about things that 16 &17 year old kids should not miss while at WDW. tell your little story about coming from Austrailia (probably the ONLY trip you'll make here) you'll be so pleased at the info you get!

Hope that helps- please feel free to PM me with any other info you might need.

Karen

 

[pjlla]

My one piece of advise..... if you plan on being at the parks later in the day (especially for SpectroMagic, Illuminations, or Fantasmic), pack a bag with warmer clothes and leave it in a locker during the day. It could save your evening. We missed Illuminations this past January because by 5pm we were just too cold to stay at Epcot much longer. We did manage to stick it out until about 6:30pm, but we were very cold. We all had on shorts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. We were fine like this during the day, but once the sun went down we were cold. The next day we packed a bag with long pants, sweatshirts, and beach towels and left it in a locker. About one hour before Fantasmic we got the bag, changed in the bathroom, and went into the Fantasmic theater and used the beach towels to sit on (benchs are cold). We had a great time!! It was definitely colder this past January than it was our previous January trip, so we were a bit surprised by it..... but it only stopped us that one time.... we were better prepared after that! HTH....................P

 

[cjeong]

Great tips thank you. Looking forward to the yummy hot chocolate...Mmm!

We don't want to miss the fireworks @ nights, so the locker tip is great. I didn't think of that. Thanks pjlla.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

If you haven't already make sure you post over on the Universal board. You'll get a lot of good advice. Basically Universal will be easy since you'll be staying onsite and will have your room key that you can use for the front of the line privledges.

Boma is a wonderful buffet (dinner, but they also serve breakfast, but it's more normal breakfast food) that serves African food at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Very good and the food is unusual to most people. One of our favorites.

We love 50's Prime Time Cafe in MGM. A fun place, especially if you get into the joking, fun atmosphere. Maybe not good if you are all very quiet and shy.

I would plan on early entry into the parks since your time will be so limited, that is unless you wouldn't be able to make it there at the time they opened. In that case plan on going to a park that doesn't have EE. All the parks have EE and there is a set, rotating schedule. If you are doing late, evening activities you might choose NOT to do EE since it's hard to be up late and then wake up early. If that's the case, still get to whatever park you are going to go to that day at opening time.

Have a great trip and happy planning!

T&B

 

[fizz13]

Wow, all this talk of cold weather is making me shiver. I went january 2002 (the first 2 weeks) and I kept thinking it had been warm the whole time; we did do a day at Wet n Wild. When I looked at the photos properly though, i saw us in big jackets, sweaters, sometimes hats. So I think all I can predict about the weather is that it will be unpredictable. I can see our cases may be overweight with this all weather packing.
Oh yeah, do make PS arrangements for the restaurants. I have been making all mine exactly 90 days out (in the middle of it as we speak) and I haven't been able to get the times I want for some restaurants (Boma, Ohana, Chef Mickeys). Could be because of our party size (7 of us) but its annoying as I am ringing up exactly when I should, only up to 2 hours after the lines open. Just something to think about.
Hope to see you in January,
Claire

 

[Disnutty]

Since its your first trip to the World, make sure you Know how to use the Fast Pass option when ever there is a line of 15 minutes or more. Fast pass is only available on certain attractions but it will save you allot of time if a park is crowded. Hopefully you will not need to use fast pass but it is a nice time saver. Your park entrance pass is used to access the fast pass machines located by the entrance of the attraction. I would also recommend the length of stay park ticket since you only have three days at the World and you will probably want to park hop to see all four of the major parks.