How are early Jan. crowds?

[pixieprincessmom]

I am now officially freaking out. We got in the postcard with the early Jan. discount rates today. DH knows I have been dying to go back (it has been less than a year) and we had been talking about going for our anniversary in June. When he saw the postcard he said "why don't you just book it." He does not like the lines and heat in the summer anyway. I priced on DW.com and all 5 of us can go, with dining plan, hoppers, and WP and more, for about $2600, Which is much cheaper than the summer. I am assuming that crowds will be down (that's the only time they offer good discounts anymore). I know that the planning is doable. I feel like I will be missing out on some of the fun of planning, but I am soooo excited BTW I am a teacher so we don't get many chances for less crowded times of the year. If anyone has advice on planning a trip in a little over a month, please let me know. I am stressed out about dining. I know I need to do it ASAP.

 

[DisneyDork712]

I am now officially freaking out. We got in the postcard with the early Jan. discount rates today. DH knows I have been dying to go back (it has been less than a year) and we had been talking about going for our anniversary in June. When he saw the postcard he said "why don't you just book it." He does not like the lines and heat in the summer anyway. I priced on DW.com and all 5 of us can go, with dining plan, hoppers, and WP and more, for about $2600, Which is much cheaper than the summer. I am assuming that crowds will be down (that's the only time they offer good discounts anymore). I know that the planning is doable. I feel like I will be missing out on some of the fun of planning, but I am soooo excited BTW I am a teacher so we don't get many chances for less crowded times of the year. If anyone has advice on planning a trip in a little over a month, please let me know. I am stressed out about dining. I know I need to do it ASAP.

I just made my dining ressies a couple of weeks ago for our January trip, and I got all the places I wanted, at the times I wanted. I hope that makes you feel at least a little bit better! I was stressing out over it, too! I'm sure everything will be fine! Enjoy your trip!

Oh, and I think it's neat that you're a teacher! That's what I'm majoring in right now - Elementary Ed.!

 

[Robo]

That's what I'm majoring in right now - Elementary Ed.!

Yeah, I went to school with Elementary Ed.
It took that guy like 11 years to finally get into the 7th grade!

He was not a very good student, but he's doing OK now.

He operates an eBay business trading in vintage Big Chief Tablets (his own collection, from all that grade school time, is now worth a fortune!)

 

[tiberius]

By the time Jan 4th rolls around the New Year's crowds are pretty much gone and the parks are much easier to get around.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[pixieprincessmom]

We can only stay until the 6th. How bad will it be on the 1-3. Is it worth going? Checked the calendar this morning and Fantasmic is offered twice the whole time we are there. I am getting worried about the crowds. It can't be worse than the summer. Thanks guys!

 

[HopperFan]

It will not be un-crowded. You arrive during the NY weekend and then Marathon weekend is Thurs - Sunday, well over 30,000 runners and many with families. We are one of them. We went last year the entire week (arrived the 2nd) because we have off that week, and it was very crowded at MK on 3rd. DTD was the worse. We are again going to be there all week this time, because around here the schools are out until the next week. Every time we have the after NY week off, we go to Disney, and every time it is very busy. We go expecting crowds. Last year we noticed lots of European families so I am guessing their holiday lasts longer as well. Book your dining asap.

The plus side is it is not hot. If you are usually there during hot times, then it will be so much more enjoyable, even if you are in a line.

 

[dixiedizfan]

We can only stay until the 6th. How bad will it be on the 1-3. Is it worth going? Checked the calendar this morning and Fantasmic is offered twice the whole time we are there. I am getting worried about the crowds. It can't be worse than the summer. Thanks guys!

We've never gone in the summer so can't compare. But we went this past January 1 thru 7, and it was by far the most crowded week we've ever been. Especially the first few days. Many holdovers stay from the holidays, and lots of foreigners there as well. Also, most schools in the southeast have Christmas break til the second week of January (like us).

 

[madelinesmum]

Pixieprincessmom

Just a suggestion.......if you don't mind doing your table service meal at lunch, it's really easy to get the reservations you want at this late in the game.
For example, we got a CRT at 5:45 and it was PERFECT! We were sitting over looking Fantasy Land and when we got there it was daylight, as dinner progressed it turned dark and it was magical. Two totally different moods, just beautiful.
We like to eat at odd times anyway because we sleep in a bit and eat a late breakfast, therefore all other meals seem to get pushed back.
Just a suggestion but it's do able in a month. What a great deal!