January or Summer?

[kenny]

As a family that vowed never to go I. Summer we have now gone the past 4-5 years

Yes it is hot. You will not spend all day in the park like you would in Jan. But you go in the morning then head back to your hotel for a swim. Then go back at night. It’s a lot of fun and we never really felt we couldn’t do anything because of the heat

Being that many of your reasons for going would not happen in Jan I say go in summer. I am always in favor or long trips anyway

 

[NYHeel]

We go in January since that's when my kids are off from school. Weather is hit or miss. We've gone twice and had great weather the first time (2012) and bad weather (cold and rain) the second time (2016). We're going again this year (2020) and I'm hopeful for good weather. We are going to miss Splash Mountain and Test Track this time though we've never missed Splash on any of our earlier trips. Ultimately I'd much rather go in January than in the summer. I just can't imagine being in the parks for a week straight in that miserable humid weather.

We always stay offsite since we're 5 people and we're going for just over a week. I couldn't imagine staying in those terrible Disney hotel rooms with that many people for over a week. We don't really care about theming at all.

 

[lorenae]

I can’t tolerate hot weather, so I love January! This year, I’m probably going in August with the grandkids so they dont’ miss school, and I’m dreading it.

I’m going over next week (cold weather forcasted) and in January for a week.

I’ve had good weather in January, unseasonably cold weather (coats, hats, gloves) and a few hot days. It’s still great to me!

 

[mshanson3121]

This probably seems like a no-brainer. Magically my high school sophomore has a week in January where he doesn't have to be in school because of testing. Apparently he won't have any test to take and will just not go. I wasn't even considering a trip to Disney and now it has snowballed. First of all we are on a budget and all of the values are sold out for the time we can go. We have a room booked at Wyndham which is probably fine. I'm surprised at how sucked in we are to all of the extras you get by staying at an actual Disney hotel. I was disappointed to find out we would not be getting new magic bands for instance. And we have to pay for parking both at the hotel and if we drive to the parks. That was all fine (not really) until I found out that Splash Mountain would be closed the week we are there!!!!! That is our favorite ride of all time. And Test Track!!! My son was already bummed about the hotel not being themed and this new piece of information added insult to injury. Now we are thinking about summer which we have somehow managed to avoid. We would be able to stay longer, maybe get free dining, all of the rides would be open, parks stay open later.... but the heat?! Is it worth it to sacrifice all of the above mentioned to avoid being hot?

So, I saw your title and was all ready to tell you... JANUARY!!!

But now that I've read the post, in your situation, with some of your preferences, I would probably wait until summer. Yes, it's hot. REALLY hot. But it's also very manageable. Rope drop, afternoon break, then back for the (gorgeous!) evenings. Cooling towels help a lot, drink lots of water, ice cream etc... Plus, it's not like you're standing in the heat non-stop - most of the queues and rides are air conditioned. If you feel over heated - pop into a store to cool down. Also, alternate outdoor stuff with an air conditioned indoor attraction.

As you mentioned, parks are open later, and honestly, night times in the parks were without a doubt our favorite time.
You're guaranteed awesome pool weather. Being able to stay at the resort you want, and have more time there, is worth a lot IMO. As is having your two favorite rides open.

 

[mamamelody2]

In your situation, I would do summer. Longer park hours, your favorite rides will be open, new rides will have opened, and you can get a value room onsite. Without 60 day FP, you likely won't get FoP or SDD if you want them (which you do LOL). I can see the appeal of going sooner, but to me, much of my enjoyment for any trip is the anticipation, so I like it to be at least 6 months, preferably closer to a year. Most of our trips have been in September, so I know what the summer weather is like, and it is totally doable with AC breaks, pool breaks, etc.