How cold 1st week of Jan?

[TiffJ]

We are considering bringing our popup to FW the 1st week of Jan. We are fairly new to camping and FW looks like a blast. I think we would be happy going to the parks just a couple of days & spending the rest of them at FW. We are thinking of ariving Jan 1-8. Would it be too cold to really enjoy the campground this time of year? Since we are only going to parks a couple of days, I wanted to go when it is slow but I want the weather to be warm enough to enjoy being outside.

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[MrKTI]

My granddaughter's birthday is Jan 6, and we have been at WDW/FW several times late Dec/Early Jan for her birthday (good excuse).

The temps can vary widely. Several days never left the 50's, with night temps dipping into the high 40's.

I would plan on temps like this, but who knows.

Rain and cold is a bad combo, but you will be OK. Take some sweats and maybe light gloves.

We got to the point that we said no more Jan's at WDW, but that didn't last long. Don't 'not go' because of the weather (did that make sense ???).

A cold day at WDW is better than the best summer day here in Northern IL.

John

 

[tim5055]

While we usually go in mid December, this year we switched to early january. As John said just plan for any posibility. I have been there when I needed gloves (light ones) and other years I was in shorts and in the pool every day.

 

[TiffJ]

Thanks for your input. I agree- a cold day at WDW is better than no day at WDW. I was just trying to decide if we should delay until spring. But then you have the higher crowds. I just want it to be nice enough to enjoy the campground, plus I dont have a heater in my popup. Might need to bring some electric blankets or a space heater.

 

[Pop-up-family]

It's a toss up, I live right outside of Disney and have for over 28 years. Bring shorts, bathing suit, gloves, heavy jacket, and a hat for your ears...because you just never know.

Just make sure you have a ceramic heater with you for the nights or you'll be cold. It can get down to freezing and below here in the months of Decemeber and January. But it never stops us from camping, the days are nice after long hot muggy summers.

The only problem with Disney is no campfire to warm you...we did do one in the grill and no one said anything to us. Wasn't the same, but did keep us warmer.

 

[John VN]

Tiffj

If you wait until spring you will miss the DECORATIONS!!!

Go for early Jan. and the heck with the weather, as mentioned be prepared.

John

 

[Whosemom]

We went in December when the highs were 50-ish and the lows were near freezing. AND it rained. And we had the best time! Of course, we went to the parks every day. So that could make a difference, but it was grand! We never waited in line for ANYTHING!

bE HARDY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IFFY WEATHER

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

I was just there this past Jan and it was freezing!!!! I was watching illuminations and could actally see my breath!!! I never expected that! They were selling hats, gloves and scarves at the parks! The one good thing was the parks were not crowded at all at night! I was there for 10 days and only wore shorts once! Bring Jeans, Sweatshirts, Jacket, gloves and warm shoes and socks.

 

[bama_ed]

Tiff,

We have been to FW 3 of the last 4 years around the first full weekend of January to participate in the various WDW Marathon races (2001=5k, 2002=Half Marathon, 2004=Full Marathon). We tent camped in 2002, got a FW cabin the other two years with 3 kids now 6-11.

Temps get down to 40 or so at night (which is average for that time of year per the Weather channel web site) and up to 70 or so in daytime. The pools at FW are heated that time of year and so swimming is comfortable in the evenings but if you get out when wet then running to the locker room is pretty chilly! Keep your shoulders in the water and you'll be okay.

All in all, it is a great time to go. Spring Break time is way more crowded. There are still a few Christmas decorations up in early Jan. If you're concerned about the chill, bring a small heater for inside the popup. Campfire sing-along is not crowded nor are restaurants.

Be prepared for anything between 40-70 degrees. When we got up at 3 a.m. this past January to run the Marathon it was 38 degrees in a tank top and short running shorts. But it beats summertime . Never had any rain in those 3 trips so I can't advise on that.

Enjoy! Bama_ED