Jan 3 and 6 - AK and HS - need advice

[dorchrislen]

Right now this is my plan for the first week of January reservations:
Tuesday, January 3: Animal Kingdom 9-5
Wednesday, January 4: Epcot 10-9
Thursday, January 5: Magic Kingdom 9–9
Friday, January 6: Hollywood studios 9–9

I’m wondering whether the crowds will be higher on January 3 because it’s right after the New Year’s weekend, or January 6 because it’s a Friday leading into a weekend and that is the 10K Disney marathon?

Hollywood Studios is a priority over animal Kingdom, and Star Wars and new rides are a big plus for us since we haven’t been back for a while. I’m thinking, should I switch Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom so that Hollywood Studios would be easier to navigate on Tuesday instead of Friday? And then Animal Kingdom would have longer hours on Friday.

Or do you think there’s not going to be a negligible difference between those two days?

Thanks!

 

[sponica]

I don't think there will be a huge swing in crowds from the 3 to the 6th. Here in the northeast, the kiddos are back to school but in other parts of the country that isn't the case. Granted my experience is nearly 20 years old by now, but I had a trip that was like Dec 28 through Jan 5 or 6, and the crowds never dropped. We kept saying oh it'll be better after the 1st. Oh it will be better after the 2nd. IT NEVER GOT BETTER.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I'm not sure park hours have been released for January. As far as crowds, I doubt you will see much difference between the 3rd and the 6th. Not only do some schools not go back until the 9th, but it's also marathon week and a lot of people arrive on Tuesday, if not earlier, because the Expo starts on Wednesday.

Hollywood Studios is always crowded anyway.