Going in January

[eelderm1]

Hi we are thinking about going to Disney World in early January? Is this a good time to go? How are the crowds?

 

[Gary M]

We have been in WDW during early Jan. a couple of times and the crowds were very light during the week. Weekends are more crowded. In 2004,I would think that WDW could be more crowded until Jan. 4. The NYE crowd may stay until then. I believe the marathon is Jan. 11 (Sunday) and MLK,Jr. birthday is Jan.19. I don't like the heat and humidity so this is a good month for me. I would rather wear a light jacket, than swelter in the H & H.

 

[Harambe]

We like going in Jan., as long as you plan around the crowds that show up for the marathon and MLK weekend, as Gary M mentioned.

Sometimes DH would prefer to go when it's warmer, but we've had great weather in Jan., although others have had really cold weather.

Crowd-wise, a ghost town! Hours are shorter at the parks but that's okay with us!

See you there, if you decide to go!

 

[Tiggerafferty]

We have been in Jan for the past 2 years. Last year we were there the week of the Marathon and the year before we were there the week of MLK Jr. No problems with crowds either time. We walked right on most things. Had a 20 min wait at Test Track in EPCOT and this was the longest that we waited for anything all week. We have decided that Jan is definitely our time to go. Have been in Apr, May, Sept, & Oct and nothing even comes close. Last year it was chilly - wore light sweater in am and for night parades but very comfortable during the day. The year before we wore shorts all the time - even for the night parades and it was great.

My DH ran the marathon last year and this year is running the half so we are going back.

Hope you have a good time.

 

[kaabost]

Good to know! I'm going to try to go in early January. It seems that the best time to go in early January is the Monday after NYE.....whatever day that falls on in 2004. Am I correct eith this assumption?

 

[Antonia]

January - worst trip we have ever had. We have been in July, September, early December, April, May and June. I will never do January again - too big of a chance with the weather. The first day we were wearing short sleeves in the afternoon while riding mouseboats on the lake. I thought this is great! The second day it became windy - very windy - so windy that mouseboats were no longer allowed even if you had paid for a week's family plan. And then the cold temperatures arrived. So cold that getting in the pool was out - just not worth the hassle of freezing your buns off to get back to the room. So cold that we were wearing thick gloves, big coats and hats in the parks in the afternoons!!! They shut down the big fountain in Epcot so that the spray would not get on people walking past. It was a huge hassle trying to do attractions wearing coats, gloves, etc. I thought of all the things we could not enjoy and I thought why have I paid my hard earned money to experience this when I could have come in a month with more predictable weather. I know people say they like January - but I personally like decent weather and a if I have to share the park with a few more people its worth it.

 

[eelderm1]

Thanks for all of your replies! We are going for the kids Bdays I think Jan 8th and 9th. see you there!

 

[marciaj]

We're going in Jan. too. The third week. But coming from Michigan, it would have to snow to disapoint us. Can't wait!!

 

[SharBear4]

My DH and I are talking a just the two of us trip in January. What would be the best week to go? Does anyone have actual dates?

 

[Selket]

I've been 3x in early January (shortly after new year's) and depending on when New Year's falls, the crowds can be heavy or light. Best to plan your trip after the holiday crowds have moved on.

The weather can be in the 70's and beautiful or cold and rainy! You really never know. We only hit the cold and rainy once but that kept crowds down and the rain wasn't bad - still had a great time. I remember drinking a lot of hot chocolate and coffee to keep warm! The other 2 trips we used the pools at our hotel every evening - or at least the hot tub. I think one of the times we hit a crowded spot is that we were too close to New Year's (although it was after) and there had been some big college football games somewhere close by.

I wonder if most schools start back right after new year's? I would guess so. That seems to be the key to low crowds.

Enjoy!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by marciaj
We're going in Jan. too. The third week. But coming from Michigan, it would have to snow to disapoint us. Can't wait!!

hee hee! I'm not sure even THAT will disappoint me!

 

[kc&dmom]

I was hoping to find information on January trips We are definitely dreaming of shorts in January. We are hoping the Marathon does not bring huge crowds and as long as it is 35 degrees it will be warmer than WI!! Does the marathon bring enough crowds to keep the parks open later?? All we need is a day of 40 degrees and you will find us in seventh heaven.

 

[Antonia]

We are South Carolinians - so you can see our disappointment with cold weather at WDW. We like it hot! I'd never make it up north.