Jan 30-Feb 7 2016 (what do we need to know)

[elmom]

We will be escaping the frigged temps up here in Minnesota for a WDW trip Jan 30th-Feb 7th this coming winter. We have only been to WDW once, 6 years ago in the middle of summer and huge crowds (and still had a blast). What tips do you all have for visiting in the winter?

I had everything planned out to the last detail to avoid crowds and long lines on our list trip (I used an online service and I can't remember the name! ). Do you think we need to do that this time, or just free wheel it?

Do they still have parades and fireworks in their down times of the year?

 

[Epcotfan64]

I live an hour east of WDW; don't think during that time it's going to be a balmy 85 F. Be prepared to dress warmly, including jeans and a light jacket.

 

[vicb]

Bring your fleece and bathing suits you might need both! We went once in January had fabulous weather. Have been many times in mid-late February and had mixed results. Just be prepared.

 

[amylevan]

We'll be there the 30th thru the 8th.

Yes, there are still parades and fireworks, although MSEP usually doesn't run every night. Illuminations and Wishes are every night, though. The schedule is already up if you are interested.

I still plan what park we are going to (for FP+ and ADRs) and I have a general plan ready so that we don't waste too much time arguing about what to do next, but it isn't as crucial. WDW is never really SLOW anytime anymore. There will still be crowds.

And, yes, the weather varies tremendously. You won't need your winter jackets, and coming from the north it can feel wonderful, but it can occasionally be chilly.

 

[sonocruiser]

We went the last week of January this year and had a blast! We are repeating again this coming January. We did try and plan our park days around crowd prediction calendars. We also stayed on site and booked our FP's at the 60 day window. That being said we probably did not HAVE to..we had really low crowds and alot of the rides were walk ons or 20 mins or less. Our course 7dmt was always 60 min but were able to score same day fast passes for that. We also were escaping cold weather and wore shorts/capri/jeans with short sleeves during the day and 1 night we put on sweatshirts. We saw lots and lots of people bundled up in the early am and in the evening but 55-60 degress in the morning is no big deal to us Be prepared for shorter hours. We only went back to our hotel 1 time during the day, we really wanted to maximize our time in the parks. I felt like we could really walk around and see everything because it was not wall to wall people.

 

[elmom]

Thanks all. hahaha yeah you never know what you are going to get that time of year. We lived in Houston for a long time. But I hear it will be 20 below here in MN so I bet we will be happy no matter what. I did just think of it, I might have to schedule our touring around my daughter's fear of the dark. Ugh.