Jan vs Dec

[dekraut]

We are headed back at the end of Jan. We did the same week last year and had a blast! We never felt like it was crowded. In fact we walked on to alot of rides and had minimal waits for the bigger attractions. We even snagged FP's for SDMT from the kiosk at the park after our first 3 were used up. Shorter hours at the park might be a problem for some, but we just stayed all day with no break and then were able to get a good nights sleep and do it again with no problem (with a 4 yo). For us the weather was perfect, jeans and tee shirts, but we did see some people wearing jackets. We didn't go expecting to use the pools or anything if that is important to you. 2 years ago we went to DL the first week of December and it was beautiful with all the decorations, to me that was the only negative of going in Jan- no holiday magic

Love this! Thanks so much. We made a big decision and are going 1.18-1.24 - we have never done Jan before, and I am so excited about lower crowds and cooler temps, even if we need a jacket. I am not going to DW to swim!

 

[MinnieMeep]

Love this! Thanks so much. We made a big decision and are going 1.18-1.24 - we have never done Jan before, and I am so excited about lower crowds and cooler temps, even if we need a jacket. I am not going to DW to swim!

We're going the same dates! See you there! I'm expecting 1/18 to be busy as it's a holiday, but hopefully it will die down right after.

 

[aimathy]

We loved going in January because it's a bit less crowded and you don't die from the heat. Honestly though, there is really never a true slow season at Disney anymore. When I was in my teens and early 20's (the early 90's), we would go with my parents in the fall or winter and it would be so empty that you walked on ride after ride. I have yet to find a month now that offers that opportunity anymore! However, January will definitely be less crowded than December.

That being said, we went last January and it was VERY cold for a few of our days there. It was in the 40's and we were wearing down winter coats all day. We are from NJ and used to the cold, but it was a bit disappointed to be THAT cold in Disney. At night, it dipped down into the 30's and was uncomfortable. However, just two days later, we were walking around with short sleeves and no jackets...so the best I could say is that the weather in January will be completely unpredictable. The fact that you're driving down is tough in either month. You will be hitting snowy state after snowy state, so your chances of hitting bad weather is pretty high overall.

 

[dekraut]

You will be hitting snowy state after snowy state, so your chances of hitting bad weather is pretty high overall.

We are coming from WV, so I figure if we make it through VA we should be good to go.

We like to take 81S to 77S over Fancy Gap mountain, but if it is snowy, we will head towards DC and down 95. The major interstates are hardly ever closed so I figure we will be okay as long as I can get out of the driveway (and my DW finally convinced me to get a snowblower, so that shouldn't be an issue!). We might leave a day or two early if we see any possibility of bad weather for the two days we are driving.

Plus the El Nino winter is saying warmer for us in the Mid-Atlantic, and cooler in the south, so who knows what to expect. But we WILL pack our coats!

*fingers crossed*