How busy is DVC in January?

[utahkennedys]

Are there better weeks than others, or does it pretty much slow down after New Year's? It will be our first DVC trip if we decide to go in January, and I want it to be great so DH thinks I made the right choice buying at OKW!

 

[Candace]

Yes, it is slower during January after the New Year. Points costs at that time are great, but the weather can be iffy.

 

[tjkraz]

Except for the couple of days right after the new year and MLK weekend, it's pretty slow. But, as Candace said, the weather can be a crap shoot. We had great weather for our last January stay (low-70s every day), but two days before we arrived they were just getting over a record-breaking cold spell. One day the temp did not get out of the 40s!

The average daytime temp is probably in the 60s and after sunset it will get down into the 40s and be COLD!

Other cons: Short hours and ride rehabs. MK and MGM will probably close in the 7-8pm range on weeknights. Also, it's a prime time for rides to be taken down for extended rehabs (right after the busy holiday season, but a couple months before Spring Break.) This January / February, the likes of Dumbo, Astro Orbiter and the entire Land Pavilion at Epcot were closed.

All of that said, you probably can't beat the January crowds--particularly if you avoid MLK weekend.

 

[mowog]

We were at BCV this past January and it was very quiet. Weather was warm the week before we arrived and cooled down as we arrived. We started with sweaters and jackets, progressed to sweaters, and spent last few days in shirts only. So plan for a variety of weather conditions with layering and check on-line weather services just before you leave.

Crowds were very light with little waiting although some attractions are usually down for service. There may be some special events that draw crowds but they're easily worked around. We find having a car during slow periods when the roads and parking lots aren't crowded is a very quick and convenient way to get around. We can drive to AKL for Boma, we're at BCV but you could drive there and take the short walk to Epcot. It makes getting groceries easy also. We always used Disney transportation only for many years, liked it, but it seems to get slower and slower every time we go (maybe it just seems slower). Either way its easy to get around with the smaller crowds.

Overall a very nice time to visit.

Have fun, Jean and Bob

 

[DVCconvert]

You've been given good advice here. Our experince echo's what's been said. So long as you're not banking on hot, humid tropical weather, and you bring proper attire (gloves can be a must somedays) you should enjoy it!

 

[Caskbill]

One thing I always notice is the number of people who go to the parks in shorts and shirts, sometimes just T-shirts, because the temperature is 70 degrees.

As soon as the sun goes down it can drop 20 degrees or more very quickly. If it's a warm day, take extra clothing/jackets with you and put them in a locker for use later.

 

[utahkennedys]

Thanks everyone for the info. I have been on so many trips to WDW, but the latest I have ever traveled is November and I always remember swimming (but on a lot of those trips I was a kid and swam no matter what!!!). I think I may have to re-plan because I don't know how happy my DH will be if it is cold...

 

[winjos]

All but one of our trips have been in January! Our last trip, the weather was better at home than at WDW. Go figure.

Here's why we go in January:

1) Low points
2) Light crowds
3) Low/No humidity
4) Light crowds
5) Cheap airfares
6) Light crowds

Although the hours are shorter, because the crowds are light, you can get through the parks and see just about everything you want. I love WDW in January!!

The only other time we've been to WDW was in July/Aug. and my husband swore never, never again!! He'll take January and it's uncertain low humidity weather any day!!

 

[jnrrt]

Yeah, we've been in January twice, had great weather both times, brought our ponchos for the wet rides since it really was nice, but not enough to want to be wet, and loved, loved, loved the crowd levels. We also didn't find that the shorter hours were a problem since there were no lines - we actually did more I think. We ended every evening at Epcot, though, since it was the only one open later. Did the other parks until they closed and then headed to Epcot. Since it's only the world showcase at night and my kids are afraid of Maelstrom but want to be riding something, I think we will never get the "Mexico Song" as it's known in our house, out of our heads. "Let's go again, Mom! Let's go again, Mom! Let's go again, Mom!"

I guess sometimes lines aren't such a bad thing...

 

[DonnaL]

I agree....January is also my favorite time to visit......primarily due to low crowds. But, the weather can be iffy.....this year we were there from 1/1 thru 1/9 and it was GORGEOUS.....temps in daytime in high 70's and nighttime lows in mid 60's.......since New Years Day was a Saturday we did avoid the parks until Sunday evening, but, the rest of the week crowd level was great.
Also, traveling New Years Day was great......flew on SW out of PHL at 3:00 p.m.......no crowds anywhere, either in PHL or MCO. Last year we went the last few days of December, 2003 to 1/4/04 and I swore NEVER AGAIN.....crowds were simply horrendous until 1/2/04. New Years Eve the MK
was closed to more people by 11:00 a.m. it was literally shoulder to shoulder...we left and didn't go back until the evening of 1/2. We did a lot of
stuff at the resort (VWL) biking, boats, hayride at Ft. Wilderness, horseback riding, etc. instead.

 

[sugahjunior]

Donna,

For this last trip, where did you stay? When did you book it? Were there any problems starting the reservation on 1/1?