Jan trip - Pros & Cons? Worth it?

[NicholeB630]

So I am considering a January trip to Disneyland for my daughter’s 13th birthday. We have never been as we live on the East Coast and frequent Disney World. Her birthday is in January so I was thinking the last week like Wednesday-Sunday. 3 park days. I have looked into the weather and it seems manageable aside from possible rain. We can handle the lower temps. But also I know refurbishments happen just like in DW.
Who has been in Jan? Is it still worth it? I don’t want to go during a holiday break or summer. So I figured it was a good month plus a bday gift. Any input would be great! Thanks!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I think it's overall a good time to go because it's one of the rare "down times." The negatives are that it gets dark early and often when the sun goes down, it gets very cold very quickly; you could end up with rain; some of the headliners will be closed. Since you visit WDW often, it may not be a big deal if a couple of the headliners are closed. For me, the biggest issue is that when the sun goes down, it gets cold really quick.

 

[Buson808]

I went in Jan for the past 5 years. Only problem is the ride refurbishments and limited amount of shows which also might be canceled due to rain. Other than that I love the weather, the low temps and the low crowds. These year Im going in Oct, hope the hot weather and high crowds dont bother my family too much. At leasr it’ll be Halloween themed. Also in late January its lunar new years so theirs asian food in dca and Mulan type themes through out the park.

 

[SherylLC]

I love Dis in January but also be aware that the hours may also be shortened. Although three park days will probably do it!

 

[NicholeB630]

Thanks for the reply’s. I think we’d be ok with cooler nights I’d rather wear layers and bundle up then be hot. It would stink if rides that aren’t at DW happen to be down but guess it’s a risk we’d have to take. Obviously we’ll have plenty to ride. I’m guessing it’s not normal for it to rain like for days non stop?

 

[midnight star]

Thanks for the reply’s. I think we’d be ok with cooler nights I’d rather wear layers and bundle up then be hot. It would stink if rides that aren’t at DW happen to be down but guess it’s a risk we’d have to take. Obviously we’ll have plenty to ride. I’m guessing it’s not normal for it to rain like for days non stop?

It depends. Winter is the rainy season for California. This year didn’t have much rain, but a couple years ago (2019?) had a ton of rain Jan-March. Closer to your trip dates I would keep an eye on the weather patterns.

 

[Kit Jackson]

This website might be helpful. You can can check closer to your trip for an updated list. I went in January 5 or 6 years ago, and I don't think any of the rides were really wanted to do were closed. There were a few, but nothing we were terribly upset about not getting to ride.

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disneyland-refurbishments-closings/

 

[disneycat321]

For temperatures, taking a look at historical temps will show you that there's QUITE a variation: https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/anaheim/92805/january-weather/327150

There probably won't be a lot of rain....but there could be. Also, rain in southern CA is generally a lot less intense than people from other parts of the country are used to. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

There would be refurbs, yes. And at some point Small World and HM switch back from the holiday versions...I'm not an expert on when that happens or how long it takes. By the end of January, I'd guess those should be back up.

I think January is a great time to go. Historically much lower crowds, and the weather is cooler.