Heading down in late January

[IllinoisJones]

Not sure if this is the right location for this question. Going out to anyone who's been to WDW in late January. How are the crowds and how is the weather typically? I've never been there that time of year and I'm looking for some input. Thanks!

 

[rubato]

We have been the first week of Feb and had gorgeous shorts and tshirts weather. We will be going the last week or so of Jan this year. I have heard it can be cold or warm. Never hot, but possibility of 70s (which is what we had in Feb).
As far as crowds, they were wonderful. Hardly ever had to wait more than 15 minutes for anything except Soarin and a few others. I hope this trip will be the same.
Hope I've helped somewhat!

 

[IllinoisJones]

Great thanks!

 

[scjo68]

Crowds are usually small.

I agree weather varies greatly. Pack to be prepared for any weather- well, maybe not snow. TThe varied weather usually changes within the week. It can be swimming weather one day, very chilly the next day. I wouldn't put much faith in the weather forecast before you leave home. It always changes.

It can get down to the 40s at night, there have been a few nights we have needed gloves and hats. Daytime can be warm, the hottest we've had in 5 January trips is 80 degrees- warm but not sweltering. You don't have the quick every afternoon rain you get in the summer, but when it rains, it sometimes lingers a little while, and can make it even colder.

We really prefer January weather to the August WDW weather we experienced for the first time this year.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

This year is a strong 'El Nino' ....does anybody have any insight into how this will effect the weather??

 

[iluveeyore]

I went this past January from 22-29. I'm from Ontario, Canada, so thinking I'll be in Florida, I left my winter coat at the airport in my car. Not so smart! The first two days there I had to layer - I watched Wishes with pajama bottoms under jeans, two pairs of socks, a t-shirt, sweatshirt & hoodie, scarf and gloves (thank goodness I packed those!), and I took a blanket I had ordered for home and thankfully had delivered from Disney shopping. And I still had a red nose! At least the parks weren't busy - I watched Wishes sitting against the fence in the hub with no one in front of me! It was 35 degrees!
By the fourth day, I was in capris and t-shirts and sandals all day, and jeans and a sweatshirt at night.
So it's true - pack for all seasons unless you want to buy jackets at WDW - believe me, they sold a lot of them the week I was there. Good thing I packed a couple of sweatshirts of my own.
I still really enjoyed it, and the lines were pretty much non-existent. Have a great trip!

 

[Microcell]

DH is gonna fight me on taking coats for our Feb trip this year... but I am going to at least take jackets!

 

[WDWjen]

and we are going again this year at the end of January. I agree with earlier posts.. you have to bring for all seasons.. we learned the hard way by buying sweatshirts for all the kids at Epcot one night.. after that $$ lesson we always pack for anything!

But the benefit to January is the low crowds! We have walked on so many rides, sometimes going on Everest 4 xs in a row!! Last year we went during the Feb school break and we waited forever on every ride... never again!!

The parks do close a bit earlier, but we have young kids so we are ok with that. And sometimes its warm enough to swim (high 70's) so the kids get at least some pool time.

 

[floridascgirl]

DH is gonna fight me on taking coats for our Feb trip this year... but I am going to at least take jackets!

My suggestion is to TAKE THOSE JACKETS!!! Unless you want to possibly buy everyone in the family Disney sweatshirts at Disney prices$$$$. We had cold, windy, drizzly weather and we stayed bundled up. As weird as it seems, Florida weather in Jan./Feb. can be a real crapshoot.

 

[LadyBeBop]

So I guess I have to pack for both summer and winter weather.

What do y'all suggest to minimize our luggage?

We're not flying; we're driving. However, there is still limited trunk space.

 

[marshmellow86]

Crowds are awesome in Jan!!!!!! They are so small, that most of the FastPass machines are closed, b/c you don't need a FP!!!

Weather varies greatly. Pack layers. Some weeks it is shorts one day and jeans and jackets with golves and hats the next. Just depends. Check the weather forecast daily while you are there. One January it was 17 degrees at MK!!!!! It was a record low. We saw someone from Michigan in shorts and a tshirt at the bus stop that morning. My DH asked him about his clothing selection, and he stated that he was from Michigan, so he was use to cold. As my DH said, "17 degrees is cold no matter where you live!"

We tend to pack some tshirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts and jackets. That way, you can put on he tshirt or long sleeve shirt under the sweatshirt or jacket in the morning and take off the sweatshirt as the day heats up and add it back on when the sun goes down!

The parks do tend to close earlier, but we like it. Since there aren't lines, you still have plenty of time to do all of the rides and attractions. Plus the fireworks are earlier, which is great for younger kids - or for older ones, go to the fireworks then to the pool or out to a later dinner.

Enjoy!

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I think I might pack my down vest. It really keeps the core of my body warm, and it compresses into almost nothing when rolled up tight. Still don't think I will take a jacket though.