January in the World...

[Divamomto3]

Is it crowded the second or third week in January? Are all the Christmas trees gone? Can you swim? Do you need coats? (Can you tell I'm from New England and can't fathom anything but blizzards in January?) We cancelled our December reservations because dh said "You can't go to Disney twice in one year!!" @@whatever....
So JANUARY makes it 2004 so that makes it OK! tee hee...men!

 

[swankybeth]

January is a great, uncrowded month, IMHO. Just avoid MLK weekend. You can definitely swim, as the resort pools are heated. Yes, the Christmas trees are gone, as they remove the decorations around New Year's. You don't necessarily need a winter coat, though a light coat or sweatshirt would be in order as the temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit in January. It's often in the 70's during the day, but gets quite cool at night. Cold fronts *do* happen in Florida, however, and one year we were quite surprised to encounter 50 degree temps in January for our whole week. Brrr.

 

[Miffy]

We've been at WDW twice in January.

It was quite cold most of the time we were there this past January and we were wearing our winter coats (although not the freezing-weather kind, only the it's-kinda-cold-out kind) nearly the whole stay. And, for us, it was definitely too cold to swim when we were there, but we did see plenty of other people swimming and enjoying it. We did swim in January '99, and the pool was lovely and heated . . . but we hadn't figured on what we were going to do when we got out of the pool! Brrrrrrr!

But -- here's the great news -- during our most recent January trip, it only rained once and only for a little while late at night when it didn't affect any daytime park activities at all. So that's a definite plus on the weather. Also, after the Christmas crowd is gone (around January 3rd or 4th), there's no one in the parks and it's great walking on to every ride, not having to make PS for dinner, strolling around like they built the place just for you! We love it!

They take the Christmas decorations down bit by bit after New Year's, but, depending on when you're there, you may still see some, although by the 2nd week in January, I think they've pretty much disappeared. We were there Jan 2-12 this year and by the 10th, IIRC, the Xmas decs were all gone, but the first few days, the decs were still up everywhere. When we were there in '99, our stay started on Jan. 7 and the Xmas decs were completely gone by then...and so were the crowds! Also, fyi, our stay that year included MLK weekend and we really didn't notice any great upswing in the crowds, altho things may've changed since then.

Part of our stay this past year was during Marathon weekend, and other than seeing lots of people checking in to AKL, we didn't notice any more people in the parks.

It's great in January! You'll love it.

--miffy--

 

[Antonia]

This is how I feel about January. Yes, the pools may be heated . . . but. In my opinion, it was not worth spending all that money in January because we would have enjoyed it so much more in a warmer month. On the way home, I thought how I wished we could have our money back and spend it in a month like March or April or September. One day we wore gloves and big coats and hats in Epcot. We were only able to use mouseboats one day due to cold weather and wind. The pools were heated, but it was not pleasant getting in and out. Personally, I would save my money adn go at a time when there is more flowers in the parks, etc. and when the weather is more predictable and enjoyable.

 

[Harambe]

We swam every day! Of course, the only people in the pool were all from New England!

Have a great trip! See you there!

 

[jordanyosh]

I went in late January 2000. Thank God I kept an eye on the Weather Channel...they had a cold snap that year and it was in the low 40s during the day and low 30s at night--very cold for WDW. However, we had a blast. There were low crowds and we were able to see everything. Who really cares about the weather when you are at WDW.

 

[arizonacolbys]

My hubby & I went down together for the first time in January 2000. The weather was great - we didn't get one single drop of rain! It was in the low 80's everyday for a week & we wore shorts & went swimming (even did a waterpark). But, the last 2 days it was only in the 50 - low 60's, and this felt quite chilly after a week of 80 degrees!

We have since visited in September, December & March & decided January was by far the best! We will be down January 2004 again & we can't wait!!!

Even if the weather turns slightly cooler it sure beats being snowed in in Cleveland. Being able to walk right on to any rides & eat wherever & whenever you want is the greatest! Hope this Helps!

 

[katrina1122]

we went in jan of 99 and went swimming every night and hit both water parks, i went in march of 97 and couldn't get in the pool at night and wore sweatpants during the day it was so cold, so I think its hit or miss. We are planning a jan trip for 04 and hoping for warm weather and waterparks again. We shall see, just pack a little of everything. I'll say this we left on a cruise out of miami last jan 11 and returned the 17th and both days it was maybe 50 and raining. It was unseasonably cold even for Miami last jan. So you just have to be prepared for anything.

 

[stink]

My Dad and I swam in Stormalong Bay in January a couple of years ago, the air was chilly but the water was warm. It was great. (but I am used to swmining in cold upstate NY Adirondack Lakes) There was no crowds. It was like our own private pool. When my Dad and I got out my Mum had warm fluffy towels and drinks (to warm the inside) from Hurriane Hannahs waiting for us. I also swam in Stormalong Bay in May and it was a mob scene. Had a much better time in January !

Most importantly watch the forecast before your trip and each AM when at Disney & dress accordingly . If we had a warmer weather forecast we planned on heading to the pool in the early afternoon vs. touring at the park. From my January exp. I would also recommend dressing in layers. It also depends greatly on what your used to and your tolerance for the colder weather.

In January the lines were short at most attractions. Much shorter than my May trip. We were able to do more at a mush less haired pace in January. For me this makes up for the colder type January Florida Weather.

 

[Muffy]

We have been to WDW in jan for the past 4 years. You can run into some cold weather but you will get some nice days too. You may get lucky and get some great weather. It is iffy in Jan. This past Jan we went to Typhoon Lagoon 3 times while at WDW. So be prepared for all kinds of weather, warm and cold! Bring gloves and hats as they are over priced in the parks! Better to be prepared.

 

[antmaril]

I have been to WDW in January twice - loved it both times. My son and I were able to go in the pool and all the rides were a walk on. I was at WDW two weeks ago and I swore, never again. Next time I'm going in January or early February - before the school breaks. The heat and the crowds last mopnth were almost unbearable - IMHO.

 

[lulugirl]

We were in DW this past Jauuary and loved it! We did have a few very chilly days, but for my family that is preferable to hot, humid weather. The parks were not at all crowded, we waited on very few lines. The only downside for us was the reduced park hours.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[wilderness01]

We are going this January and can't wait. We were there the end of Jan/beginning of Feb last year and it was great. The weather was cool in the am, warm during the day and cool again at night. Wonderful break from the cold Northern winter. The crowds weren't there and the pace wonderful! We saw so much more this trip than any of our other trips. Can't say enough nice things about the off season.

 

[IAMaGR8DISMOM]

What is MLK weekend???

 

[DisOrBust]

WE have been twice in Jan. In 2002 it was awesome 80's, light crowds. In 2003 they had record cold we did MK in 24 degrees which was colder then WIsconsin that day,lol! I wouldn't do it again...I think,lol. Ap rates went thru 2nd week in FEb and I would go later. The other big draw back is shorter hours. We always went in the AM, swim in the PM and return at night. Thats just not possible in Jan. We spent most evening at Epcot. The difference of rookm rates at a mod during Easter and January is around 100/night. For the extra monrey I would do Easter or spring break.