January 2017- crowds after most go back to work/school

[NYCANC]

The last January we did was 12 years ago!
We are thinking of coming down around January 5 and leaving before the MLK crowds get there (leave Thursday, 12th).
I know the marathon is around that time (is it 5th-8th?).
How is the marathon regarding crowds?
How are the parks during this timeframe?
I do realize that there will be rides down, earlier closures than Oct., etc.

We went October 2-8 last year and it was crowded but not too bad- we were able to do everything we wanted.

Thanks!

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

I can tell you that www.rundisney.com says SW Marathon is Jan 12-15, 2017.

 

[rteetz]

I can tell you that www.rundisney.com says SW Marathon is Jan 12-15, 2017.

That is for Disneyland.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is January 4-8th 2017. I have gone during marathon weekend the last two years. I haven't had any major crowds problems at all. I think you'll be fine unless you don't like seeing a lot of runners on property. We are pretty friendly at least most of us.

Not too many rides were down during this time Except for splash mountain and Kali River Rapids.

 

[DavidNYC]

Been there a bunch that time. A lot more crowded than it was 10-12 years ago but still a very pleasurable and manageable trip.

 

[GreatLakes]

January is still a low season with the exception of a few days around New Years and MLK weekend. It isn't as low as it used to be but it is lower than just about any other time in my experience.

 

[NYCANC]

Thanks everyone! On average for this timeframe, about what time does MK close for the evening?

 

[rteetz]

Thanks everyone! On average for this timeframe, about what time does MK close for the evening?

10 PM usually.

 

[NYCANC]

10 PM usually.

Thanks for the info. Makes it easier to do RD but my kids will miss midnight closing

 

[LSUfan4444]

The biggest issue with January are the tour groups, not the marathon crowds.

 

[K_Jordan]

We went this January (during a non-race time) and loved it! Most waits times for Big Thunder, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Test Track, and Splash Mountain and other popular rides were around 20-30 mins or less (except 7DMT was almost always an hour). Teacups and Dumbo type rides were almost always 10-15. Very chilly weather though, so bring a hoodie!

 

[DWillowBay]

I've been on solo trips for the past 3 Januarys. I love the crowd levels at that point. The race weekend tends to bring in more people, but nothing like Christmas or Summer crowds. The weather can be iffy, but ....it's Disney so the rain isn't even real! It's animatronic rain! You just "THINK" you're soaked to the skin! Oh...Disney...what will you think of next??!!?

 

[kayteekt]

January is a great time to go! We've been several times with the last being this past January. Really only drawbacks are there tend to be more refurbs than usual (being down season) and the hours are shorter. Pretty sure MK was closing at 8pm through the week, 10 on weekends. HS 7:30pm, Epcot 9 as usual and AK 5 or 6. Anyway, it's usually fine for us because we have kiddos who can't hang too late anyway. Also, if you have ability to...you can always hop to the park with evening EMH that day.

 

[NYCANC]

The biggest issue with January are the tour groups, not the marathon crowds.

Which groups the week of January 5-12?

 

[anniemae]

Jan is a great time. Low crowds, beautiful weather.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Which groups the week of January 5-12?

South American.

 

[cdnSpinalTap]

Thanks everyone! On average for this timeframe, about what time does MK close for the evening?

As others have said, the crowds are more than they were 10 years ago, but still manageable. This is our preferred time of year to go.

We were there this year from January 26 to Feb 4. Here is a breakdown of the closing times while we were there for MK:

8:00 pm - 5 nights
10:00 pm - 3 nights (2 were EMH)
11:00 pm - 1 night
12:00 am - 1 night (EMH)

 

[NYCANC]

South American.

From what I have researched- sounds more like July (really bad) and the end of January (more family touring groups from South America).
Is that not correct?

 

[anniemae]

From what I have researched- sounds more like July (really bad) and the end of January (more family touring groups from South America).
Is that not correct?

This is what I thought as well. I would not let that stop you, Jan is a fabulous time to go.

 

[LSUfan4444]

I am not saying don't go or that it should deter you (I love marathon weekend). I'm only saying you will likely get more of a headache from the tour groups than marathon crowds.

http://hubpages.com/travel/monthsdisneycrowds

What to Expect
At the beginning of the month, the crowds are as insane due to the New Year's holiday (Not to worry - the madness concludes at least the Epiphany, or the 6th for the politically correct.), but most of the month can spell less daunting, manic waits.

There are two events you really need touring plans for - the Walt Disney World Marathon and MLK's birthday, in which kids are out of school, either celebrating the latter or cheering their kin on that day. Also, this month is a summer month in South America, so expect many turismos (not just the Brazilian tour groups you are really, really familiar with) during the month.

My Verdict
With the exception of MLK Day, the series of footraces, and New Year's weekend, I think January is tops for going! The forecast calls for turismo chanting and antics, though. (They bring in a lot of revenue to the resort too, on the bright side!)

 

[disneymath]

Because Christmas Day 2016, and New Year's Day 2017, fall on Sundays it MAY turn out that the first week of January 2017 is busier than usual.

Ontario, Canada schools get two weeks off for Christmas/New Years (as do most schools in other provinces and states I think) and those that run classes until December 23rd won't resume until Monday, January 9th. (This set of dates is seriously being considered by the board I work for and seems to have lots of parent and staff support.)

Anyway, if these are the break dates in lots of school districts, you may see more families taking advantage of the value prices that first week of January.