How are the crowds in early January?

[Aurora63]

We're thinking of taking a short trip from the 2nd-5th. I've been there during New Year's and will never go again due to the crowds, but I've heard that it's not as bad during the 1st week of January. Is this true?

 

[Bob P]

Yes, it is true. Monday January 2 will be getaway day...you'll be arriving just as everyone is leaving!

 

[bcsmom]

I just read on another board that during that time is the maraton. I was planning my trip that week also, but I am thinking of changing. Someone also said there is going to be winter break for some school this first week.

 

[Bob P]

Marathon weekend is the 7th and 8th.

It WILL be empty from the 3rd on, believe me! Even if some schools are still off, most schools are not.

Bob

 

[Aurora63]

Thanks. I think we will go then. It's either then or wait until Spring Break, or the summer! I'd rather take my chances when it will be cooler.

 

[cillakat]

UOG gives it a 7 on the first for 2006, then 6 or 5 thru the 7th. 5's the 8-13. 7 the 14th. 5 or 4 the 15-end of january.

katherine in atl

 

[kilee]

There is a January thread on this board. Now, I know the world is bigger than the DIS. However, the majority is within the first week of January. Supposedly, it's supposed to be a bit more crowded this year than previous years. There is some new school vacation in place somewhere. It still wouldn't be 1/2 as bad as the Christmas/New Year week though.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Most schools go back on the 2nd. I've heard that transportation during the marathon can be a bit of a pain, but it doesn't really have an affect on the crowds in the park.

 

[HopperFan]

We are out of school (am in metro Atlanta) through the 9th - heading to WDW 2nd - 8th.

 

[Luv4Disney]

We're going from the 6th-14th. Schools in NJ (mostly) go back the 2nd. However, there always exceptions, but not enough to make a big difference in my opinion.

 

[Russell]

I'm thinking about going the first week of January 2007!! Planning ahead? Daydreaming? you bet! We are also in metro Atlanta and the kids go back on the 9th. My plan is to drive on New Year's Day and start the parks on the 2nd. I'm anxious to hear about the crowds for this week 2006. So please let us know how it goes!

 

[MamaQuack]

Russell,
We will be cheering on the Falcons at the Dome on the 1st, recovering on the 2nd and heading to YC on the 3rd. My ds returns to school on the 9th also. Don't normally visit this time of year but just need a Disney fix before Spring Break

MamaQuack

 

[kbeels]

We were there for a week in early January 05, including the weekend of the marathon. The parks were busier than when we've gone the last week in January but there was only one day that was even slightly crowded. Most of the time our ride waits were under 10 minutes. We didn't have any trouble with traffic due to the marathon, we did have our own car. There were areas in the parks that were kept clear for the runners but you could get around easily. We're planning to go back about the same time this year, our 4th January trip. It's a great time to go!

 

[dandee00]

We were there for a week in early January 05, including the weekend of the marathon. The parks were busier than when we've gone the last week in January but there was only one day that was even slightly crowded. Most of the time our ride waits were under 10 minutes. We didn't have any trouble with traffic due to the marathon, we did have our own car. There were areas in the parks that were kept clear for the runners but you could get around easily. We're planning to go back about the same time this year, our 4th January trip. It's a great time to go!

this is good to hear!

 

[Russell]

That sounds good. I was avoiding the Saturday of the marathon but maybe should extend the trip to that day. I mean, there's always room for one more day at Disney! I'm nervous because it's the first time we've been when we didn't take the kids out of school. They are too old now to do that to them (make up work). But the last late October trip the parks weren't empty that's for sure. I'm hoping the first week in January won't be much more crowded than the last week of October.

 

[Luv4Disney]

We were there for a week in early January 05, including the weekend of the marathon. The parks were busier than when we've gone the last week in January but there was only one day that was even slightly crowded. Most of the time our ride waits were under 10 minutes. We didn't have any trouble with traffic due to the marathon, we did have our own car. There were areas in the parks that were kept clear for the runners but you could get around easily. We're planning to go back about the same time this year, our 4th January trip. It's a great time to go!

Awesome! Thanks for the info, as this will be our first "real" January trip (we went for NYE once, but left on the 3rd).