Going to WDW in January!!!!!

[Ashes8380]

A last minute father-daughter mini trip has been scheudled for late January! Oh my goodness, so much planning, so little time

I'm a little afraid I'll forget something, but I know the Disers can help me out...

So we're going to book our flights and hotel ASAP. We're going to stay on property (thank goodness I saved the PIN email - hope rooms are still available at that rate!) and use ME so we don't have to rent a car.

We'll be in the parks for 3 days. I've never gone for a trip this short, any touring suggestions? I'm not sure yet if we're getting hoppers or not - that's up to dad. I figure that since it's the off season we should still be able to do a lot. I've been in Jan. right after NYE and it's always pretty dead. He hasn't been there in a looong time, so there's lots to see and do! I'm assuming we're not going to do any big ADRs or anything, although I doubt there's much available at this point anyways.

Can you guys think of anything else? I'm super excited right now. Bouncing off the walls actually I live in upstate NY, so it's not like a last minute trip like this is common place. I also haven't been on vacation with my dad in about ten years. Anyway, send me all your good ideas and suggestions!

 

[TinkerBelle920]

That's so exciting! What an awesome Dad! I am going to the last week in January as well. I would make sure you pack for colder weather just in case. The crowds will be fairly low that time of year. If you have any questions or need help planning feel free to PM me. Have a great trip!

 

[Needafix]

Congrats!!! I'm very excited for you. I was freaking out over my first 4 day trip, but was amazed how much I was able to do and that was during peak season. I'm certain you'll be able to see everything you want to in Jan. Sorry, I don't have many other tips other than ENJOY - that sounds like a very special trip for both of you.

 

[Meteora]

What fun!

Definitely bring layers--in January, even if it is fairly warm during the day, it can still dip into the forties or even thirties at night, and this year is supposed to be an especially cold winter everywhere. I'd bring at least one big, bulky sweater to wear on cold nights, along with a hat and gloves. Also bring sunscreen; even when it's cold, that Florida sun can get your face. Sunglasses are a good way to both deflect the sun and cold winds.

Last year the crowds were low, but since Fantasmic was only showing twice a week, HS was packed on those days. Check the schedule and plan appropriately. If you want to see Fantasmic and it is only on that 2 day a week schedule, plan to arrive about an hour and a half before the show to get good seats and about an hour and ten minutes early to get seats at all.

We often spend only three days out of our week in the parks--we usually do one park in the morning and one in the evening each day. So we might do something like Epcot/AK, then HS/MK, then MK/Epcot, since the last two parks are our favorites. You can get a lot more done due to the lower crowds, but don't make yourself crazy about doing EVERYTHING.

My only other advice is that since you'll spend less time waiting in line, take advantage of the extra time to do some things you might overlook during a more crowded trip and to spend some daddy/daughter time just wandering and looking around. And, of course, bring a camera and take lots of pictures of this special trip. Have a great time!

 

[swald91]

We are going the last week of January and honestly-packing for this time of year is the very last thing you can do. Check the 7/10 day weather outlook just before you leave -that way you can pack appropriately...I see your from NY-me too-central-pretty cold here-looking forward to hopefully warm weather soon!!!

 

[fan1080]

Dress warm!

 

[Ashes8380]

I'm hoping this cold snap subsides a bit before I get there, but we'll have to wait and see. From previous trips, I remember layering being key as it seemed like the temperature fluctuated a lot. Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm working on getting my hours covered at work right now, and it looks like everything is going to fall into place

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Doing the Happy Dance! board.

 

[brightspark]

What a wonderful treat! We are going to be there at the end of Jan too and are also hoping that things warm up...

With just 2 of you going it's often easier to get into restaurants without ADRs etc, esp if you eat your TS meal at lunchtime and early. Last time we were there DH and I walked into the coral reef and waited just 5 mins for a table (without an ADR) whilst other bigger parties with ADRs were still waiting much longer!

Should think the key is to pick your must do rides and shows and count anything else as a bonus!

Have a wonderful time. Which hotel are you hoping to stay at?

 

[GorshGoofy]

We'll be there 29th -- 5th! 21 days and counting!!