How is the crowd level between Jan. 8 till the 16th?

[mom2agirlandboy]

anyone have experience about it?

This will be our 2nd trip. We were at WDW last year in August and decided never again to do an August trip because it was too hot.

Any recommendations on what to bring?

Thanks

 

[OKW Lover]

Crowds are pretty low then. I'm sure somebody will comment about MLK birthday weekend but seriously even with that "holiday" the crowd level is still very low.

 

[GeorgeAndDiana]

Crowds are pretty low then. I'm sure somebody will comment about MLK birthday weekend but seriously even with that "holiday" the crowd level is still very low.

Good prediction

Actually, we went last year over MLK and did experience a significant change in crowds (mostly wait times) in the Magic Kingdom. Many of the "big" rides had 60-90 minute waits, which we're generally not accustomed to in January. Many folks get the idea to leverage the holiday to get a longer vacation with one less vacation day, so the popularity is naturally higher. It's not a reason not to go, but there is a difference.

 

[mattsmom2000]

This will be our 5th time in 5 years going that same week. We will be there January 7th through January 15th. We love that time of the year! The crowds are extremely manageable. The only time we really did see a spike is on Saturday and Sunday during MLK weekend, but we were leaving on Sunday so it didn't matter much to us. Of course you will always have the long waits for TSM at DHS and Space Mountain at MK, but that is what FastPasses are for. FYI---Big Thunder Mountain is scheduled for refurb that week, so it may make for longer lines at Space Mountain because of this at Magic Kingdom!

 

[mom2agirlandboy]

thanks you for your input.

how is the weather in January? Do we need sweaters/scarfs/hats/mitts?

 

[mattsmom2000]

thanks you for your input.

how is the weather in January? Do we need sweaters/scarfs/hats/mitts?

Weather is really the only unsure thing! One year we are wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day and the next we are wearing sweatshirts, jackets, gloves and hats. Most days it is usually in the high 60's to low 70's, but it can get as low as the 50's during the day, which can be chilly. At night it can be 50's or as low as the 30's.....we even saw frost....brrrrrrr! But overall a cold day in Disney is better than a warm day at home in PA for me!!!
We usually have everything from jeans to shorts and t-shirts to sweatshirts. The key is layering because it can start out in the 50's in the early morning and get into the 70's in the sun but then back down into the 50's at night. So we start off bundle up, strip the layers off as needed and utilize the lockers for our coats, etc and then we are back to get them around dinner because we know that we will need them.
You can always go to accuweather.com and get a 15-day advance weather prediction (not that it is always correct, but at least you are in the ball park for temps). It has helped us predict what to pack.

Just be prepared for anything......but you are in Disney so enjoy!

 

[SashaFarce]

We went 2 Januarys ago over MLK weekend and the crowd level was fine. We're going again this coming January and it looks like the crowd is supposed to be a little higher per the TouringPlans Lines system, but we'll see.

As to the weather, I wore capris all last time, but then again when we went on our November trip I froze, so the scout motto of Be Prepared clearly doubly applies at Disney

 

[GeorgeAndDiana]

I echo the previous posters - can't be too careful. January can get nippy, especially in the evening after the sun goes down. I usually wear shorts anyway, because I'm on vacation and I can! However, if you or your family is the type to get cold at any temperature under 70, it's best to prepare. It's rarely "water park weather" for us, and I suppose that's why one of the major water parks is always closed during this time.

 

[Kakikomori]

Well, it's good to know that there will be at least 3 sets of DISers there that week. (Even though my set is of one )

I was there two years ago and the crowds were great, but I echo the unsure weather thing. On that trip, there were record cold temperatures, and I swear I saw snowflakes one day.

 

[mjem216]

anyone have experience about it?

This will be our 2nd trip. We were at WDW last year in August and decided never again to do an August trip because it was too hot.

Any recommendations on what to bring?

Thanks

been there at that time and its one of the best times to go so enjoy