I second the PP's suggestion to be at rope drop at DHS in order to ride TSM. Rope drop is not what it used to be. The CM's from TSM and HTT are there to WALK you to your destination. The same process exists at Epcot. They will not let you pass to arrive at your first ride ahead of them (they are the CM's for the most popular ride, and the ride cannot operate with them there). OP if your DH is not into early mornings, bring cell phones so you and your child(ren) can go for rope drop. DH can sleep in and meet up with you. The busses run all the time and if relaxing is most important to him, have him relax and meet you at the park. If this is not a realistic option for your family, there will be rope drops on you next trip too! TSM has massive lines as it is still fairly new and the most popular ride at DHS. Be there for rope drop, get FP's and then get in line. It will likely be a 30 minute wait or a bit longer by the time you get your FP's. But it is worth it to go through the queue and see the fantastic decorative elements throughout. The view is amazing and the time will pass quickly. If you only use FP you will not experience all that the entry queue has to offer, as you bypass the majority of that through the Fastpass entry door. I love going in January. The crowds are definitely lower but let's face it....It's Disney World and there will always be a lot of people there no matter how you look at it. I am going with my DM(mom) 12/14-19. We try and go every year for those four days. It is our special time together. I went this year in May also for DGS and my birthday celebrations. TSM is currently our most favorite ride so you will want to attempt to be there one morning for rope drop. You could try to go for morning magic hour entry, which will allow you to enter one hour before they open to the public (as long as you are staying on Disney property). Be sure to print out the park hours from this web site as it lists all of the times for park openings to include EMH's, parades, fireworks and special events. PP also mentioned being at "rope drop" for Mickey's Toontown to meet Tink. there WILL absolutely be people there. I did this with DGD(2 1/2) in early December of last year. We were at rope drop, but I had to park her stroller and then head in. The line was already jumping to 30 mins!! The reason is that they only take a small group of people in each time, but it is absoltuely worth seeing. Have a wonderful time! Just do what works for your family.
One more thing. Toontown did not open until 11 when I went last year (or it may have been the year before that). That may have changed due to Tinkerbelle lines now that she and her friends are there. Just be sure to check the park hours schedule to determine this.
Also, smesmer, your DD 4 would do fine with rope drop as the changes have made it less hectic and they strictly maintain the crowd control. The running that used to happen is now a fast walk instead. My first trip with DH, DS, and DD in 1997 was different and I am glad we experienced those old rope drops, but I like what they are doing now much better.
That's mainly why I was worried.
