January-did I pick a bad time of year????

[momtokendantom]

I have booked airfare for the end of January. We will be staying six days (3 at WDW, 2 US/IOA and 1 travel day.) Now I am concerned I have picked a "bad" time of year for our vacation!!!

I realize the crowds are much lighter, but the parks close early. Will we be able to swim? I know the weather can be variable (we live in New England), but now I'm consumed with worry.

Please reassure me I did the right thing!

Thanks,
Michelle in MA

 

[jordanyosh]

We loved going in late January. It was not very busy. Even though weather is unpredictable, it still won't be as bad as it is in New England.

With crowds so light, you should be able to accomplish alot during the time your there.

Have fun. Hakuna Matata.

 

[kilarney]

We've been a couple of times in January. It has been downright COLD, and it has been pleasant. Rain hasn't been too bad, since they don't get thunderstorms every afternoon that time of year. It can, however, be pretty moist and cold. We've had to wear hats and mittens on some evenings.
But... crowds aren't too bad.

 

[nowellsl]

We went January last year - it was cold to us Floridians but there were people in the pool!!!

 

[mtdevine615]

We've always gone in Jan. or Dec. We are going back again this Jan. for 10 days and can't wait. Because the crowds are smaller we usually don't have to use Fastpass if it's even open. The weather can be unpredictable but being from Maine and since your from Mass. it's got to be better down there. I wouldn't worry to much, last year we did wear our coats that we brought with us a couple of time at night but we also wore shorts. The hard part is packing, you have to pack a little of everything.

 

[billygoat]

went in jan/2000 first three days wore hats and mitts and next four days were swimming.

 

[Threehearts]

We went in January last year and it was VERY chilly. It was enough of a disappointment that we couldn't swim that we won't try the Winter months again. I am from New England and can take cold weather but the winds were also strong. You may get perfect weather like some posters and have a super time w/ the pools. Delivering the *dust*.

Threehearts

 

[tinaluis]

We went in January last year and were able to do a water park 1 day and did not swim at all at our hotel pool. You take a chance with the weather but I believe it's a bigger advantage to have the lower crowds, even though the parks close early. We hardly needed Fastpass at all when we were there. We just returned from an October trip and decided that we prefer January because of the lower crowds. Your plans are already set, so enjoy the anticipation of the trip. I'm sure you'll have a great time!!!!

 

[Geoff_M]

We've been in January three times, and would recommend it. The crowds (once the New Year's crowd leaves) is non-existient. True, the temperature can be hit-n-miss, but the rain isn't a problem that time of year either. The pools are heated like bath water and our kids didn't mind the cool weather a bit.

 

[Joyciemc]

Hooray! Sounds liek we're going to have fun on our trip! Touring the parks in a sweatshirt will be fun! I get VERY grumpy when I'm sweaty, so I will welcome the cold weather. Now hurry up, January!

 

[Threehearts]

I should mention that we did love the lower crowds and the weather was Spring-like. We usually go in August so it was a pleasure to be touring without frequent breaks and drink stops. I think you'll have a fabulous time. Threehearts

 

[DavidNYC]

Great time of year to go! Especially if the X-mas is still up (unfortunately you'll miss Osborne this year but maybe next time!)

We've been 3 of our last 5 trips in mid-january and have loved it.

Once it was easily warm enough for water parks - once we were in sweaters and heavy jackets so you really just have to cross your fingers on the weather - can easily vary by 40 degrees depending on mother natures' mood that week.

Think of the park closing early as a benefit not a drawback! First, because of light crowds you EASILY can do more from 9-6 than you can from 9-midnight in heavy season. I would expect no more than a 5-10 minutes wait on most rides (with many walkons). The few rides with waits you can do fast pass for.

In addition, you are not as exhausted from being in the park for 15 hours and have the evenings completely free for Downtown, Disney Quest, restuarants at hotels etc. that you might not have tried if it were cutting into your park day.

Enjoy!

 

[pixiedust519]

I also have a question about traveling to WDW in January. Our trip is planned for Jan 1-6 (Thurs-Tues). Do you think there will still be some of the NYE crowd at that time? Or will the crowds be nonexistent like other posters have mentioned? It's over a weekend, so I'm just hoping everyone goes home by that time!!! Anyway, I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts about January trips and I can't wait!!

Alyssa

 

[nowellsl]

We were there on 1/2 and 1/3/03 and it was pretty crowded. At least at the Magic Kingdom!

 

[DavidNYC]

I've been there a few times in the first week of January. I would expect fairly heavy crowds this year until the 5th since Jan 1 is a Thurs and many people take the long weekend. From Jan 5 you should see a considerable drop off over the next week.

 

[normmo]

Hi - we went in January of 2002 and I can't comment on the post-New Year's crowds since we were there in the last week of the month. However, the weather was great, we swam, wore shorts and no rain. I think there was only one day where it was "cold". I wore pants and a long sleeved shirt but they were selling Hot Shots hand warmers in the parks! We're from Canada so we don't think that 62 degrees is cold!!! lol
Have a great trip!

 

[Prince Eric1]

I like January, been there three times during that month. It can be hot, it can be cold, you never know, but you don't have overheated kids waiting in lines for an hour and you maximize the time you have with no lines. Don't sweat it, have fun.