January 1-7, 2005 crowds

[ktbugsmom]

Due to work issues, I had to switch my early December reservations to Jan 1-7 , 2005.

I have read that normally, early January has low to moderate attendance. However, given that we arrive on New Year's day (a Saturday), I was wondering what the thoughts are for park crowds during the week?

Do you think many people will head back home on Sunday? Or, do you think because New Years falls on a weekend, some folks may extend the vacation through the week?

Just curious what the "experts" think! Thanks in advance.

P.S. I was sad to cancel my December trip - but excited to start the New Year out at WDW! How cool is that?! Plus, the Christmas decorations should still be up.

 

[Joyciemc]

Hi! We were there jan 4-11. First, xmas decorations were still up at Epcot , Ak, MGM, and our hotel (ASMo) until about 1/7. MK decorations were already down when we went on Tuesday, 1/6.

Crowds were moderate at the begining of the week, and got lighter as it went on. The worst day was Sunday (1/4), but it seemed that most people went home after that. From then on, the crowds just got better.

Overall, it was a great week. It was hot (almost 80) and cold (almost 40). So pack for everything!

have a great trip!

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks Joyciemc!

I was so bummed that my December dates did not work out. Then was worried about showing up on New Year's day...

If we go to the parks on Sunday the 2nd, I will do our standard routine, get there early and leave by noon. Then go back to Epcot for dinner or something like that.

And BTW, anything over freezing in January will be fine with me. 2 years ago when we went in December, it was cold and rainy, yet we swam every day. My DD loved it! We had the pool to ourselves most afternoons. How many people can say they have had Storm Along Bay all to themselves?

 

[TammiMcMan]

We were there from Jan 3rd-7th and I echo what Joyciemc wrote. Crowds were heavy through the weekend, but by late Sunday, it was like we had the place to ourselves. Days were downright hot and the evenings cool. On our last day there, we were in jackets and mittens though. Yes, you'll still be able to enjoy the Christmas decorations and Christmas carols were played at the parks. Magic Kindgom & MGM hours did drop starting on that Monday and Spectro was only shown on Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday. They did have Wishes every night though.

Have a wonderful trip.

Tammi

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hi! I'll also be arriving on January 1. This is the second time I've arrived on 1/1, and once I arrived on 1/2. Crowds do clear out very fast after NYE. I'll always remember what one CM in Epcot told me when I commented on the low crowds so soon after NYE. "Well, they party so much, they don't have any money left, so they have to leave right away!" She wasn't pleased with all the celebration on NYE. But it's been very cold sometimes that week, so bring your hat and mittens! Also, if there are any Christmas decorations you're especially interested in, go see them right away. I remember one year going to Epcot on 1/2 and seeing the big Christmas tree and arch. But then when I went back 2 days later, all signs of it had disappeared. Once they decide to take a Christmas display down, it all comes down at once.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We arrived on NYE this past winter. We had a marvelous time at Disney Studios for the NYE party there. The days through Sunday were packed, the MK was closed several times during the morning hours. But once the weekend was over, the parks cleared out and it wasn't crowded at all.

After spending NYE at WDW, I'd rather go for NYE than Christmas.

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks to all for your insights. Now I am really excited that this will be a good time to go!

I have booked BWV for the first 6 nights... maybe I can talk my husband into cancelling the last night at BWV, and adding the 7th and 8th at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have never stayed there and it looks wonderful! Besides, then the crowds should really be gone!