January 7th-11th, 2007 - low crowds ?

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Hello everyone ! I always take my annual WDW solo trip during the first week of December. I've only been back a couple of weeks, and here I am already planning for the next one already! The crowds have picked up during that week; every year it is busier and busier. I am seriously thinking of delaying my trip an extra month, and this time going for 5 nights, beginning on January 7th, 2007. I have been to WDW now *MANY* times during the Christmas season, but now I think I might want to change that.
I still prefer the cooler weather.

How do you think January 7th-11th sounds ?? I'm thinking that the Christmas decorations will be coming down that week, the Christmas rush is over, and it will be *Before* the MLK long weekend.
BUT......I have no idea about the schools.

Can I please get some opinions ??? Thanks SO Much !

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I think I'm going to have to study this more.
Now I've been reading something about a marathon that happens each January.

 

[Valentine]

Yep,, the disney marathon is every year that same weekend... there is very limited resort availability this year for these dates..I am heading down myself.. also solo! So.. pm me after the 9th and I will give you a crowd report!

Kathy

 

[LiteBrite]

It's true that the resorts get crowded for the marathon weekend, but if you book far enough in advance, that shouldn't be a problem. I don't think the marathon affects the parks as much as Pop Warner week does (which is probably what you've been experiencing on your first week of December trips). I think that sounds like great timing - my family has been in January many times, and it's a wonderful time of year to go.

 

[bride03]

I agree with litebrite. It's funny I found your thread because these are the exact dates my DH and I want to go. I just got back from my trip as well. It was so crowded the 18-20!!!!!!! The first part of our trip was great though.

As for the marathon...we have been there during this time and it has little or no effect on the park crowds IMHO. Anyone else know anything about when the 2007 marathon dates are...I believe they change a little each year right?? The only thing is that they rope of the parks a little bit when they are running through.

 

[DianeL]

2007 Marathon Weekend dates have been listed on the Wide World of Sports page and are Jan 6, 2007 (sat) for the 1/2 Marathon and then the Full will be on Sunday the 7th Jan.

We have been there for Marathon weekend in 2004, 2005 and going again in 2006. The parks aren't that bad. The only thing I would possibly worry about is PS for the nights of the races and even that isn't too big of a worry since we just booked our dinner for 1-7-2006 like 2 weeks ago if that for the Rose and Crown grant it we went with a 5 pm-ish time frame perhaps the later times were full but we were ok with wandering for Illuminations rather then being at the R&C for them. But if dinner on those 2 nights are musts for your trip and are so important that if you don't get them the trip is ruined I think if you make the PS as soon as they are available you'll be fine. It's not like Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving

It's a very inspiring weekend and a really nice time. If you go I hope you have as much fun as we have each year even if your not there for the marathon weekend. The people are always nice and possibly more relaxed maybe because the crazy holidays are over? LOL

Happy holidays and to those heading down in just under 2 weeks for Marathon Weekend best of luck to the runners and have a blast to those just kickin' back!!!!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Thanks for all advice ! We have finally come to a decision. It will be 5 nights, beginning January 21, 2007.

This visit is going to be so .... different.

I have now had 6 annual solo vacations to WDW.
DH does NOT enjoy being away from home for more than one night. Plus we also do not want to leave our 2 cats with a stranger. DH and I had 4 annual visits before my solo ones, and I can tell you, he gets very CRABBY being away from home.

Out of the blue, I came up with a plan, and even DH thinks it sounds exciting.

I will make ressies for a one bedroom Boardwalk Villa, using rented points. I have stayed there solo, but only for 3 nights each time. This time I will splurge for all 5 nights. Both DH and I will fly out to WDW together. We will only do Epcot together. ( He wants to do Soarin' really bad LOL)
The next day, HE will fly back home, and I will continue on for 4 more nights of vacation.
We will be able to have a good buffet breakfast together, and he will then be in NO HURRY to pack up for the check-out time because I will still have the room. The shuttle bus will pick him up right at the resort.
This way he will experience the attractions before he gets a chance to get crabby. I have his company for a while, then my solo vacation. AND Our beloved cats will only have to be alone a day and three quarters.
We just have to hope that there are no major snow storms that would delay any flights.

How is my plan ?

 

[Simba's Mom]

The part with being with DH for part of it, then being solo-sounds great! I did the exact same thing in November (well, not quite "exact"-it was my DH, not yours!) I'd never done a solo trip like that before, and I was afraid I might enjoy it a little less saying good-bye to DH at WDW, right after I was used to him being there with me. My fears were completely unfounded.
Have fun-I hope your DH likes Soarin' Mine hasn't gotten to go on it yet, but I loved it all 3 times I went!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Simba's Mom

I'm so glad you saw my post. I was thinking of PM'ing you to tell you about it.

I also got to do Soarin' 3 times on my trip.
Next year - I hope to get top row! LOL!
Fantastic Ride !!