Going In January to WDW. How is it then?

[Imagoof]

We have been to Disney World several times but not during the month of January. Can any body tell me how it is? We are going 1/13-20/07 with 5 adults and 1 child. Does anybody know when AP rates might come out?

 

[antmaril]

We love January. We go the second week and the crowds are very low and we've been lucky with the weather. We've had temps in the 70's and sunny - LOVE it!

You will be there over Martin Luther King weekend, so it will probably be busy those first three days. After that, crowds should be low.

Sorry, don't know about the AP's.

 

[AllthingsPiglet]

This might not be too much help but the last time I went was january of 99.
We went to magic kingdom on a Tuesday and for the first few hours walked on to everything. I always had a sweatshirt on in the mornigs but by lunch was just in shorts and a t-shirt (However keep in mind I am Canadian so I have unusual cold tolerance lol).
I have planned our trip for the same time this year (jan 26-feb 3rd). To me you can't beat small crowds and wait times.

 

[Imagoof]

We love January. We go the second week and the crowds are very low and we've been lucky with the weather. We've had temps in the 70's and sunny - LOVE it!

You will be there over Martin Luther King weekend, so it will probably be busy those first three days. After that, crowds should be low.

Sorry, don't know about the AP's.

Thanks for the info. Going durning that time, do you ever have increased crowd due to the Marathon?

 

[momtosam]

We were there in '98 a week later than you. It was great. Very few lines, cool weather. We were underpacked for the weather, expected it to be warmer. Ended up having to buy a couple of Disney sweatshirts (darn). Other than that it was a wonderful time of year to visit. I would like to go back at the same time in '08.

 

[harleyquinn]

We went this January 25-feb 1 and it was crazy busy (like June busy) the whole time. I'm pretty sure it was because of the AP and DVC opening of EE, but I was really disappointed.

Don't expect it to be empty and I'm sure you'll be plesently surprised!

Make sure you bring all kinds of clothing. I only had one thin hoodie and I froze every evening. A nice thick hoodie would've been perfect. There's nothing like wearing jeans and a sweatshirt at WDW!

 

[antmaril]

Thanks for the info. Going durning that time, do you ever have increased crowd due to the Marathon?

We arrive the Monday after the Marathon. We think it's perfect.

 

[n2mm]

MLK weekend is probably the busiest time of January (not counting NYD). It still should be manageable. It will be busy during the marathon also (can't remember the exact date). The crowd levels should peak and drop because of the activities. It will be cool during the day and COLD at night. If it rains it will be ugly--so hope for no rain. We go the end of January to the beginning of February. Last year we had a great AP discount at Pop for $49 a night before moving to the WLV for a week, but was using the best rate program (now gone)--but it worked great for us. This year we are at the WLV as we are DVC members now. A hot tub is a good thing during this time of year, as you tend to get chilled and a hot tub will come in handy. Can't tell you when the AP rates will be out since Disney was using the BRP last year and you could book your room 4 months in advance using this system, which we did. So there is nothing to gauge the release on. Let hope for a release by October, maybe. We again would like to arrive a couple of days earlier than our checkin date for the WLV and an AP rate would convince us to do that.

 

[antmaril]

That's why we arrive the day after the marathon and go home the Saturday of MLK weekend. Our trip is five nights and during that time the crowds are minimal. As I said, we've been lucky with the weather. It is cooler in the morning and at night, but on our last two trips I never wore a jacket. Of course, January can be unpredictable, but I prefer January to July any day.

 

[Caltha]

When exactly is the MKL weekend and the Marathon. We go January 07 - 17. I bet we have coped both have we?? Is the MKL weekend a holiday??

 

[antmaril]

When exactly is the MKL weekend and the Marathon. We go January 07 - 17. I bet we have coped both have we?? Is the MKL weekend a holiday??

Well, you will have some busy days, but most days will have very low crowds. The Marathon is January 6th and 7th, so that's not a big deal for you since you arrive on the 7th. Martin Luther King Day is Monday, January 15th. Many schools and businesses are off that day, making a long weekend. MLK weekend will be busy. Since you will be there from the 7th to the 17th, the 8th until the 13th should be fantastic, as well as the 16th and 17th.

You have chosen a nice time to go. We love that time of the year. You can get so much done because the weather is cool and the crowds are low. It's very enjoyable, in my opinion.

Have fun!

 

[klh999]

January is my favorite TIME!! Hopefully if discounts are right for JAN then I will be planning another trip! I am keeping my fingers CROSSED!