Is 1/1 typically hard to book?

[lenshanem]

Looking ahead, is January 1st typically hard to book? We are looking at 2006 and would arrive that night for five nights. It will hit on a Sunday night.
Would I need to book out 11 months or would I still be safe getting a non home resort 7 months out?
Most people check out that day?
No crowds in the parks?

Thanks!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

If you know you are going 1/1/2006 why not book it as soon as possible?

That said... I would think that 1/1 would be pretty easy to get. January is an off month and if 1/1 falls on a Sunday that would be a departure day for quite a few people...but not all...some would have 1/2/2006 off but it wouldn't be a universal holiday.

 

[mikesmom]

We were there 1/1 several years ago. Never again! It was SO crowded that DS (who was only 7 at the time) wanted to leave. Yes, that's right, a kid wanted to leave WDW!!!. And those crowds were at MGM - I can only imagine what MK was like.

We couldn't see, we couldn't walk, you stood in line just to get water, never mind rides! It was not a fun experience. Now that being said, there was a bowl game in Florida that year a couple of days later, and that added to the crowds. I suspect if there is anything going on in Florida on top of the holidays, people will take the opportunity to visit WDW and it becomes a zoo.

Just my opinion.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

This will be our third January 1 in a row and we love it. While this year isn't a DVC trip, we love it and will always do our best to go at that time of year. Yes it is crowded but if you manage it correctly, it can be a lot of fun.

On January 1, the crowds start to lighten up. I don't think you will need to make a reservation for January 1, right at the 11 month mark. This year they still had 2BR available at a few resorts for that night as late as July. New Year's even was even avialbale this year and that is the most difficult IMHO.

HBC

 

[kweaver]

Shan...we're planning on arriving that day as well! Maybe we'll see you there.

I'm not so worried about the crowds that day...as we won't arrive til mid afternoon.

 

[lenshanem]

Yes, I think on that Sunday the 1st we would probably drive down, check in that afternoon, get settled and maybe go DTD or do a dinner show, Chef Mickey's, whatever. Our AP will be over and the following trip would be DL so I'm sure we'll just end up buying a hopper instead of renewing.

Katie, I think we'll try SSR. It is the only WDW DVC resort we haven't stayed at yet and we're low on points.

It just seems silly not to go then with the lower points and that whole week being off for the kids, doesn't it? I wonder if our county will be a fluke that year or will more schools be out then, too?

 

[laceemouse]

Shan, we are planning to go that time too! I think we will go about 12/29 though. I know it will be a LOT more points but then we could catch the last CP, ect. We have sent our check for our VWL add-on, I plan on booking there 11 months out. Haven't decided yet, but I may do day by day as I think the crowds will be pretty heavy.