Help planning Jan 2008 DH/me only trip!

[KelsiesMommy]

HI everyone! I usually frequent the DLR board, but it looks like it may be possible for DH and me to go to WDW in January, and I need lots of help and advice! I've never been, and DH went when he was a teenager with his mom, so it's basically a first timers trip! I'm so excited at the possibilty!! I need to get as much info as I can to convince DH (and the grandparents who'll be watching the kids) this can be a reality! We will probably have about 6 nights give or take (depending on childcare for our little ones), and we'll probably need to do it over/around MLK weekend which is Jan 21- oh, and my bday is Jan 18

My questions:

Best resort to consider for my first time without kiddos? Not sure if we can swing a deluxe, but want to consider all my best options. What's the best and why in each category?

What's the weather typically like in January? Crowds (will MLK weekend be a big crowd draw?)? We've done DLR in major crowds, but DH is not a crowd lover

Any tips on how/when to book? AAA vs DU vs CRO?

Any other help and tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

 

[Blondie]

Me and DH are taking another kid-free trip in January! We love this time of year. It's not as crowded as say spring break, May or the holidays and the weather is usually very nice! I say usually because it can get downright cold especially after the sun goes down, but for the most part, it's gorgeous! January and February are my favorite times of year to go due to the cooler temps.

If you want a deluxe resort for the price of a moderate, try the Swan or Dolphin. I know Lotusphere (a huge IBM convention) is slated for January 20-24th, so they're probably booked up (and even overflowing into the other Epcot resorts) so if you're going those dates, good luck!

Usually MLK weekend can pack it in, but nothing like Christmas, New Years, Easter, July 4th, etc.

I think the Epcot resort area is great for anyone, but especially if it's a couple. Lots to do, close proximity to Epcot & MGM (within walking distance) some great restaurant choices and just an overall great atmosphere.

 

[Cinderella]

The weather can be variable in January (you may even need a coat and gloves), but it's my favourite time to go because the crowds are low.

My personal favourite is the Poly, but if you want to stay at a deluxe resort, you may be able to get a room at AKL or WL for a lower price.

You could also consider renting DVC points to stay at BWV or BC if you like Epcot, or Saratoga Springs if you enjoy spa treatment. My personal favourite out of those ones is Saratoga because of the Spa and peacefulness (I stayed there on my honeymoon - my only trip without the kids).

Out of the Deluxe Resorts POFQ is probably the most romantic.

For booking in January, I tend to keep an eye on the prices but don't look seriously until three months out. You could use dreams unlimited to save you a bit of legwork, or book through CRO if you don't mind calling a lot until you get what you want.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Almost all of my trips have been in Jan/Feb and it's a great time to go. Weather is variable, but I'd rather put on a long sleeve shirt in the evening than deal with a hurricane in September! MLK weekend wasn't bad at all when I was there - but we did avoid the MK on the holiday and made our important dining reservations in advance. It's busy, but, like others have said, it's not daunting.

If you can swing a deluxe, I'd chose based on where you think you'd like the theme and location the best. I think Wilderness Lodge might be a good choice if you don't want to completely blow the budget. It's a deluxe, but it (and AKL) is much less expensive than the others. There's a boat ride to MK, good restaurants, and a fabulous lobby with a huge fireplace/rocking chairs that would be very nice if it got chilly. In the moderate range, POFQ is pretty, has a boat ride to DTD, and is very small, so there's no long walks to buses, etc.

Have fun planning!

 

[Lovinlifesooomuch30]

Congrats to you on a trip for the two of you. If I had to choose for me and my hubby I am partial to Port Orleans Riverside (our honeymoon in 94'), or the Polynesian. The Port Orleans is a beautiful moderate. They have carriage rides and you can take a boat to Downtown Disney I believe. The Polynesian has the tiki lights at night and is across from the castle. It is really neat. I also like what the others are saying about Wilderness. I haven't stayed there but I think that would be VERY nice ! Please don't let a budget stop you. If you can't stay in a deluxe do not worry ! You will have a great time no matter what. As far as booking I always do everything ala carte because I am a Annual Passholder. If you want the dining then I would call CRO. And January is a nice time to go IMHO.

 

[hockeybabe]

The Cheerleader competitions will be there that weekend, so I would avoid the value resorts, as advised in another thread by a cheerleader leader. The resorts they stay in are generally more chaotic and loud, with so many teens (and so few chaperones) in all of the common areas including hallways, so it is adviseable to avoid the values. Also, she said to avoid the cheerleaders in the parks, avoid MGM on Sat and Sun night, and MK on Monday.

Here's the thread link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1493732&referrerid=&highlight=so+confused+

We'll be there over that weekend, and will take her advice!

 

[Keokagal]

O you will have so much fun. DH and I are off on our second adult only trip. The last one I titled WDW Romantic Trip. We visited all the deluxes and had martini's at the bars, dinners at the fine dining rest. Fireworks on the beaches. We had so much fun. We did a split stay, CSR and the Dolphin. It was a very romantic trip. Looking forward to 3 weeks from today!!!

Stay at a mod or deluxe. It doesn't even matter which. If it's just the two of you it will be GREAT!

 

[KelsiesMommy]

Thanks everyone! I saw the info on the Cheerleaders for that weekend Great incentive to not go to a Value resort and to convince DH to pay a little more since we won't be bringing the kids with us. We can do Value when we have to pay for 4 of us!