January Planning

[jupers]

Hi all,

We are headed to the World in January for our 1st dvc stay as a family. (did a trip with Mom to F&W in Oct)...Anyway, I planned so much for that trip I'm feeling a little lost with this one. We will be there 4 full days, staying at SSR in a 2 bedroom. We have 1 day without park tickets, which if weather is good we will happily enjoy the pool, but I'm assuming it will probably be too cold. Any thoughts on what to do? Doubt we can spend a full day at Downtown. Any experience with the weather in January?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Weather in January is all over the place. This picture was taken during Marathon weekend 2010. We were north of Orlando, our DS's family were looking at homes to buy. There was ice on the dock of the Contemporary when we went on the Pirates cruise on Saturday night!

When it's too cold for us to enjoy the parks in January, we sometimes head out to Blue Springs SP in Orange City Florida. The spring water there is perfect for manatees to hang out.

I'm going to be in Florida this entire January, so I'm hoping for warmer weather this year!

 

[MdmMim]

I agree with Bobbi, and I was there during the cold snap. DH was in the marathon, and it was actually sleeting.

Check the weather before you and pack accordingly. Dress in layers if it is going to be cold.

I, too, will be there for the month of January. IMHO, it is the best time of year to visit WDW. Maybe I'll see you there.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We've been there for the marathon in January when we got sunburned from so many days at Blizzard Beach - temps in the 80's. Then we've seen the freezing or near-freezing temperatures as well.

 

[Marine Mom]

I visited last January and it was actually 60-70 each day. We got lucky. It was a nice break from the teens-20's back home! Enjoy!!!!

 

[Kidanifan08]

We have been there the last 3 January's. Actually, last year, we got there at the end of January, with most of the trip in February. We had nice weather (upper 50's to low 70's), but nothing warm enough to go swimming, at least not my comfort level for swimming.

As far as other things to do, I suppose you could always spend some time in DTD and then maybe go over to the Boardwalk area in the evening for dinner and some of the activities there.

 

[Ronald Duck]

After getting UNlucky with the weather for our 2009 and 2010 mid-winter trips, last year we made up for it by hitting the warmest week of the month of January...80 every day!

The long range forecast for FL this winter is the same as last year...a bit on the cool side, a few very cold snaps, and not much rain at all. Even if it's cold, though, that Florida sunshine feels great in the winter!

 

[BabsBunny]

I think it's a good idea to expect the worst and that way if the weather gets warm, it will be a nice surprise.

DD is always nice if when you are staying at SSR. I like to walk along the golf course to OKW and then take the boat to DD for lunch.

And don't forget, the cooler the weather, the better the hot tub feels.

 

[jlovesee]

I agree with the previous poster... plan for the worst, but also be prepared for ANYTHING.

My husband and I have gone down in January every year for the last 10 years (we were married Jan 26, 2002 at WDW!). For our wedding the weather was the warmest we have seen in all those years, highs in the upper 80's, it was SO nice.

Usually what we see is highs in the mid 70's, lows in mid-50's or so. Thanksfully we missed the sub-artic freeze last year, but we had a pretty cold trip ourselves about three years ago, the highs were in the low 50's and lows were just around freezing. Pretty chilly!

One thing that helps me with packing is watching accuweather which gives 15 day forcasts. Once I have a general idea of weather then I can start packing. I usually pack a few sweaters, long sleeve shirts, jeans, etc. I also always pack a pair of gloves, hat and a few hoodies and a somewhat heavy jacket. (for layering) I also always pack a few short sleeved shirts and one pair of shorts. (Thank goodness for those DVC washer/dryers)

The great thing about January is it rains very little, so even though its cold its not usually wet. Plus the crowds arn't usually quite as bad, though they have definitly grown thru the years. Have fun!

Jennifer

 

[katiemely]

We usually like to do our last day not in the park . . we like to go do the mini golf. My DH and I also like to go to the movies in DTD and walk around. I know you can go to the movies anytime but we like to try and pick a Disney movie and watch it at the big AMC in DTD. For our honeymoon we also did Cirque that night which is an awesome show . . just a few thoughts

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Count me in on the wishing for nice January weather. My DH is running in the marathon for the first time, I want the weather to be perfect for him

 

[Deb & Bill]

Count me in on the wishing for nice January weather. My DH is running in the marathon for the first time, I want the weather to be perfect for him

Then you want it nice and cool, around 50 or so.

 

[Anal Annie]

The one year we got to go down in January was over MLK weekend. It was NOT pool weather although we DID go once (we were in FLA so we HAD to say we went to the pool...but we stayed in the hot tub & kept our towels VERY close). Pack for layers. The mornings will start off cool & the evenings will get cold fast once the sun goes down. The pools really aren't heated toooo much down there (or at least not as much as I would heat it if it were MY pool). Our warmest day on that trip was about 73. It stormed REALLLLLY hard one night - DS and I were waiting in line to order some dinner while DH went to try to see if there were any FP's left somewhere (Space Mountain I think). Anyway, he got caught in it and was SOAKING WET all the way thru his poncho. Shorts, underwear, shirt - everything. By the time we finished dinner he was freezing cold and there was still a lot of lightening around so we went back to our room (VWL) and got dry clothes & went on a MASSIVE Hidden Mickey hunt for the rest of the evening. It took 2 days for his shoes to dry out (even WITH the hairdryer on them periodically). While it wasn't as warm as we'd HOPED it would be it sure beat the 20 degrees we left behind at home!! Anyway, since we are Hidden Mickey hunters (we take pics of each one we find) my suggestion would be to make the rounds to different resorts to seek them out if it's not pool weather.

 

[jupers]

Thanks all for the ideas...We will be there MLK weekend! Fingers crossed for good weather for all of you....and us too!