How are crowds in January?

[DisneyFans4]

We usually always visit in August but wanted to try a different time of year as August is just always so hot and humid.

How are crowds and weather during January, the week after the holidays? What are the park's hours during that time.

Would appreciate any suggestions or thoughts of a good time to go where weather is nice and crowds are normal as I'm aware spring break is a bad time to go.

Thanks

 

[tmills]

I'm so glad you posted this question!!! I also wanted to know about the crowds. This will be our 2nd trip to Disney World, so I'm not very familiar with the weather, crowds, etc. We're planning on going Jan. 15-18, any information would be greatly appreciated!!! Will be traveling with 2 children (dd 6yrs & ds 2yrs old), really need to know what to pack.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I need alot of info for this time of year as well. I'm such a veteran when it comes to everything during August but not January. DH and DS are leaving this Friday as DH is on attending a convention. It's just so darn hot and humid in August that I wanted to try a different time of year for our next trip.

We were also thinking about May so anyone whose been there in May I would love to hear your thoughts as far as when during May is a good time to go.

Thanks

 

[sharadoc]

January is our favorite time of year to go. Over on the countdowns board, there is a January Snowbirds thread - actually two (we already went through 250 pages).

The crowds are their lowest levels and you can usually walk right on everything. Weather is hit or miss. It can be in the 50's or low 80's. Usually you start out chilly in the morning, then it warms up during the day. We usually have worn sweatshirts and long pants, although short sleeve shirts have come out occasionally!

The important thing is to dress in layers so you can take something off if it does warm up, plus the layers hold in the heat when it's chilly. I've been there watching Illuminations and the weather was in the 40's. I've also been to the water parks when the weather was in the 80's in February.

Typhoon Lagoon is closed this year in January, so you'll only have Blizzard Beach. All of the water parks and pools are heated, so you can swim.

Come join us on the Snowbirds. We talk about all aspects of January trips - there are veterans and January newbies. We are a chatty bunch. I'm beating our fearless leader to the punch on this one - she's busy today, so I'll give you the January Snowbirds thread link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1963686

We're a fun bunch and we'd love to see all of you who are thinking of or planning a January trip.

 

[MIC-KEY]

We were there last year from Jan. 11-16, and the weather was wonderful! high 70s and low 80s, until our last day! Then it got down into the low 60s when we were heading out to AK and we froze!!! Got used to the warm weather and even with a sweatshirt on I was freezing! LAYERS! Turtlenecks! Gloves! But a quiet time, low lines, and FUN! We were there on Marathon weekend, so the resorts were full. This weekend is always sold out and busy, more crowded. But even still, FAR LESS crowded than the summer. Parks close early, but no need to stay open, as you can get through everything quickly! Enjoy!

 

[disneymyway]

The only thing I don't like about January are the shorter hours. During the slow times there just isn't as much stuff going on.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Thanks so much for the info.

Do the parks close earlier at this time of year?

 

[Pakey]

Yes the parks close earlier and there are generally more rides down for refurbishment as it's such a slow time. We have gone every January for the past 10 years but have decided that we actually prefer a bit warmer time of year. We've had a few Jan trips where the weather was nice through the entire trip but most trips, there are some very cold days and nights.

The crowds are generally pretty low as long as you avoid the holiday weekends, marathon weekend and since Super Bowl is in Tampa this year, avoid that time too.

 

[ILoveMK2008]

We went last year Jan 4-9th... weather was BEAUTIFUL, we wore shorts every day, but I know it's not always like that. We lucked out in that respect. Crowds were crazy on the Friday night we arrived, but calmed down progressively after that until the last morning, where we walked right on everything at the MK. Just remember that Splash Mountain will be closed. Otherwise, I think it's a great time to visit! Have fun!

 

[BarbieGal457]

I went in January for the first time in 08 for the week of the 6th-11th, and loved it! So much that we're going back this January. The weather was hottt (shorts and tanks) in the day, and a bit chillier at night. We brought tracksuits/long jeans but didn't wear them. The crowds were almost nonexistant compared to the summer. We walked on almost everything, or had a very very short wait. The longest we waited was the first night (a Sunday, so full of holiday weekend crowds) at Soarin', about 15-20 minutes. That night EPCOT was packed, but it was definitely because it was the end of the holidays and a weekend. The rest of the week there were crowds but as I said nothing like in the summer. I forget what this January's park hours are, but I know they're posted on the Disney website. I absolutely cannot wait to go back! We had a ball last January, and I would definitely advise giving it a try at least once. I was a staunch "summer-only" girl, esp. since I was always in grade/high school. Now that I'm in college and have a longer break, and it just popped up, I went with it and fell in love!

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

DH & I checked in to ASMu on MLK Day and spent 3 days there. Crowds were very low, rides were pretty much a walk on. Weather started out great & then we had a Florida cold snap. Of course, living a short distance from the Mouse House I didn't bring warm clothes because the weather had been gorgeous. Ended up buying sweatshirts @ DTD (which I really didn't mind......... ) We loved everything about going in January & wouldn't hesitate to go then again.

 

[gallam5]

Our January trip was a great time! Granted the parks close early. But crowds are easy, and you find other things to do - downtown Disney for one. Disney Quest too! It was a whole different trip when we went it January.
Weather was favorable, crowds favorable, all in all - oh yeah - and I remember it was a great deal - b/c we got to stay at POLY! So great rates too!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The WDW Marathon will be Jan 8-11. That will increase the number of people staying in the resorts, but not necessarily the number of people in the parks. Except for the mornings of Jan 10 and 11.

 

[rockonthemoon]

My Dbf and I were down there last Jan, and rode Splash Mountain the day before they shut it down for refurb.

It was 29 degrees.

So yeah. Sometimes it is cold.

 

[DisneyFans4]

It does sound like January is a good time to go but I'll keep in mind the marathon dates and now the super bowl...I had forgotten about that and it will probably bring a decent crowd in to the resorts and parks.

Has anyone gone in May and can tell me about that month?

 

[gallam5]

May is really beautiful - awesome sunny warm weather.
Lots going on too - keep in mind Epcot Flower and Garden Festival - which is awesome awesome awesome! Really great - did I say beautiful !

Also at HS - is Star Wars weekends - which is also fun - but crowds are heavier at this time, but also a fun experience!

Each time of year has its ups and downs - for me the most ideal time I have ever spent at Disney was the week following labor day - as far as crowds weather etc, ( and that was before the FD ) since FD I am not so sure about this time of year , but for now we will continue to do the September thing.
( and always try to sneak in a late winter , early spring trip in now and again!)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January is our favorite time of year to go. Over on the countdowns board, there is a January Snowbirds thread - actually two (we already went through 250 pages).

The crowds are their lowest levels and you can usually walk right on everything. Weather is hit or miss. It can be in the 50's or low 80's. Usually you start out chilly in the morning, then it warms up during the day. We usually have worn sweatshirts and long pants, although short sleeve shirts have come out occasionally!

The important thing is to dress in layers so you can take something off if it does warm up, plus the layers hold in the heat when it's chilly. I've been there watching Illuminations and the weather was in the 40's. I've also been to the water parks when the weather was in the 80's in February.

Typhoon Lagoon is closed this year in January, so you'll only have Blizzard Beach. All of the water parks and pools are heated, so you can swim.

Come join us on the Snowbirds. We talk about all aspects of January trips - there are veterans and January newbies. We are a chatty bunch. I'm beating our fearless leader to the punch on this one - she's busy today, so I'll give you the January Snowbirds thread link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1963686

We're a fun bunch and we'd love to see all of you who are thinking of or planning a January trip.

Hey, are you talking about me???!!!

Yes, come join the Snowbirds, lots of great January info there!

Also, someone asked about May. We have gone the past 2 years in the middle of May. It is a great time to go crowd wise. We have gone the week of Mother's Day (arriving on Mother's Day) both times. Crowds are very manageable - mostly 15-20 minute wait times (keep in mind that we avoid EHM's), some waits a little less, some a little more. May 2007 weather was great - mid 80's during the day, cooling into the low 70's at night. This May the weather was way too hot - most days 94-95 and very humid. So, that is the main reason we are trying January next year!

 

[sharadoc]

Hey, are you talking about me???!!!

Caught me! I figured it was soccer day, so I didn't want to let it slip by

 

[mom2princessj]

Great info! We'll be getting there on Saturday during the marathon and leave on friday before mlk weekend. I think this is going to be a great time to go. I've heard low crowds after marathon and before mlk so we decided to go for it.

 

[Cupcake88]

We will be there OVER MLK weekend this coming January and then for the week after. Last year we arrived on January 20 and there was quite a crowd in Epcot and also at MK. I figured it was the holiday crowd. It cleared out by that Tuesday and the rest of the week the crowd was light. We had great bus service. Since it was our first time we don't have much to compare it to. I do remember the wait for Soarin' being 2 hours at one point. The weather was awesome...only one day was really cold and that was the day we arrived. We didn't go to EMH that night...too chilly for even us Northerners!