January or April?

[TerraLil]

Our kids are in year-round school, so we have the option of planning a Disney trip for any time during the first 3 weeks of January or any time during the first 3 weeks of April. We were initially leaning towards January, but I'm a bit concerned about cold weather and ride closures. Are the crowds much lower and prices much cheaper in January? I've seen a list of January ride closures, but I'm not sure how accurate it is and if many more rides will be added.

I know April can be busy because of Spring Break. Do the crowds thin out by the 2nd or 3rd week of April?

If you could go in January or April, which would you choose and why? I know it's a personal choice, but I'd like to hear what others consider pros and cons of each month.

Thanks!

 

[monorailsilver]

If I had to choose...neither, lol...but I'd lean more towards April.

I have been in February a few times and while the day time was warm, at night it got chilly and I needed pants. I also got sick/cold from splash mountain. I think January has the marathon so if you chose then, I'd avoid that week.

I have been in April a few times but more so in the 80s. The last time I took a Disney trip in April was Easter week, it was the end of March/first week of April. Again, day time was nice but in the evening we had to change into pants and needed a cost. My neither from above is because if I am headed to Fl I don't want to see my coat until I get off the plane in CT! After that trip I said I would never go in April/Easter week ever again. The crowds were insane.

A few years ago when we were driving home from southwest FL we stopped and had dinner at the then DtD, I did notice a chill in the air at night but people were still in shorts. That was probably the 3rd week of April.

If you did April, I would avoid Easter week and FYI, we in the north east have April break either the 2nd or 3rd week of April.

If you chose January, prepare for it to be chillier but I am sure the crowds will be less assuming it's not a long holiday weekend.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I've been to WDW a couple of times in early February and sometimes a light jacket during the day was needed but definitely at night. One would assume January would be cool but you never really know for sure. Are the water parks a must do? If so, April may be the better choice. The last time we went in April was Spring Break 2014 and it was busy. And surprisingly a lot warmer than I thought it would be. Mid 90's most days, went to water parks. The time off from schools differ so greatly. This year my daughter's school break starts April 3rd.

 

[westie55]

I have been in both January and April. Personally, I prefer April. I like to stay on-site and using the resort pool is a huge draw for my family, as are the water parks if we are staying for a longer period of time. The downside with January is it can be downright cold, which means no swimming except for the truly brave In April it is hot during the day but very pleasant at night. January can be uncomfortably cold after sundown. In January the parks tend to close MUCH earlier. This may be a consideration depending on how late you like to stay in the parks. The benefits of January are slightly better pricing and lighter crowds. However, the "big" rides like Mine Train, Test Track, etc. will have long lines regardless. I personally like the parks to feel busy-ish... I remember feeling it feeling a bit empty when I was there in January, which I realize for some is a draw! With FP+, ADRs, and planning, I feel like April is very manageable. The further away from Easter you can get, the better. April gets my vote!

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I would be partial to April. Spring is a gorgeous time of year at Disney. We don't get to Disney often so the ride closures and cool temps typical in January would be an issue for us. Also, there is always the chance of a winter storm causing flight delays/cancellations out our way in January. Good luck with what you decide.

 

[Canooknic]

We always go in February because we are escaping snow and usually around -25c so we think the weather is great and have never worn jackets (a rain coat once in 3 trips) but if you aren't escaping the freeze I would probably choose April.
It will be slightly busier, but it's beautiful. I went last week of April/first of May before children and it was comfortable weather, jeans and t-shirts, not hot or cold.

 

[SweetMissy]

January is definitely much colder. This year we went the 3rd week and my MIL bought hat and gloves for everyone during our 2nd day there, lol. We went in April a few years ago and it was HOT! If I had to choose, it would be April.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

In Jan the only ride closures are those that involve water. Just like next week on Sun and Mon Typhoon lagoon is closed because of the cold temps. Jan there are 2 a marathons the first two weeks of the month so most rooms fill up fast if they aren't already sold out this late in the game. And Jan is Florida's coldest month. So pack accordingly.