January trip vs May trip

[ktrask]

Hi All,

Our last trip to DW was December 2013...it was awesome thanks to the help we got here. It's a trip all 3 of us looks back on with extremely fond memories...our daughter still talks about turning 5 at Disney.

I've got lots of things going on right now...not the least of which is that my Mom is aging and having trouble. We are dealing with that as a family, and it weighs heavy on my heart. Thankfully I have siblings and we are all leaning on each other...but it's just never easy. We just aren't sure how much time we have left with her...could be months...could be years...we are hoping for years.

I mentioned to my husband the thought of taking a trip to Disney this January...we decided to take longer to plan since I love the planning and it would allow us to pay with cash instead of credit (buying up gift cards at Target to save ). I wanted to have some quality time for the three of us and have a bit of an escape.

So this begs the first question..January vs May. I see that both are value times, and low crowds. Key in the decision making. We know that we'd have to pull DD from school for the trip, but she'd be in 2nd grade...so we can work with that. We are looking at 2017 so that we can save in a smart way.

So I look forward to your advice and tips on January vs May...and thanks in advance. This is a wonderful place to be able to come and flush out ideas and learn.

 

[vicb]

Over the years I have done one trip in Jan, many in Feb, one in April and one in May. Personally I would pick May over Jan for the weather. If pool/waterparks are important to you then there is no question. We got super lucky on our Jan trip it was unusually warm and we had tons of pool time. Our Feb trips were always a mixed bag of weather experiences, many spent in fleece coats and/or rain ponchos. Really hot on our April trip also super crowded as it was Easter week but May was just right in terms of crowds and weather!

 

[Alesia]

May is my favorite time to go.

 

[CodeGoddess]

Usually we go in January but you do risk it being a bit cold. If you are a water/pool person then May.

 

[SaraJR]

January is when they do repairs also so there will be more rides down than usual & the risk of cold, May will be hot and crowded so pros and cons

 

[Alesia]

January is when they do repairs also so there will be more rides down than usual & the risk of cold, May will be hot and crowded so pros and cons

The crowds in May are very reasonable.

 

[JennyDrake]

January is low crowds (aside from MLK weekend) and when DH went, it was our favorite time to go!

May has F&G and beautiful weather -- but it WILL be more crowded than January. I've had May trips for 10 years and the first week in May is reasonable; crowds build each week. LOTS of school kids at Epcot on Fridays and Saturdays, but I have found them to be non-disruptive.

 

[DisneynBison]

We have gone in Jan13, jan14 and will go again in Jan 16. I also took a dad/daughter trip this last may, may15. I really liked the may trip but we had great weather and I had never went during flower and garden and that was fun to do. Just taking Disney into account I would hit the value May time. When I take into account the rest of life stuff for us we will be going more in January.

 

[LuvDaisy&Minnie]

I have been both. January weather was pretty erratic but it didn't stop us. May (last week in May) weather was hot midday, but we were able to take a break and go back because park hours were longer. Mornings and evenings were very comfortable. We actually were planning another January trip but changed our mind because Splash Mountain, one of our favorite rides, was closed for refurbishment. I would definitely check before you plan a January trip and be sure your favorite rides aren't closed for refurbishment (which is common that month). Crowds were bigger in May than January. January had some rides that were basically walk on but that has been 5 or so years ago, and apparently that rarely happens anymore any time of the year. Our May trip was this year. I happen to think that early May, since you are taking the kids out of school anyway, would be an excellent time to go.

 

[HopperFan]

Travel both (did both the last few years), like both but given a choice my first pick would be May.

January -
- Depends greatly on if staying at Disney resort, Values would be OUT for me, full of BTG. Two years of misery was enough for me to move offsite.
- Weather can be all over the place but I love crisp days over sweating. But I do have to pack a variety of clothes.
- Crowds can be slightly lower but each year has gotten busier and busier.
- Disney is adding Season of the Force this coming year starting early January, no clue for 2017, but point is Disney is creating demand during slow seasons so there is no longer any slow seasons.
- Many attraction renovations and maintenance to buildings going on.
- Shorter hours but usually enough for us, but we go often.


May -
- Depends on which week as to what will be happening but it's a busy month.
- Flower and Garden, Star Wars Weekends (unless that changes somehow).
- Beautiful weather but can get hot, and if it showers at least it's warm.
- Higher crowds maybe than January but no guarantee either way in 2017.
- For sure swimming weather.

 

[SA mom]

We hit the last weekend of Flower and Garden one year. It was so beautiful. I would pick May just for that. The little play ground areas they set up are so neat for the kids. I don't know why they don't have them all the time.

 

[maloned]

I like going in January. Crowds are smaller. I like the cool weather. Plus, Disney heats the pools. There's a good chance that there will be a warm day to go for a swim.

 

[lustergirl]

Been in early May: weather was beautiful. Going on a short solo trip in the end of January this time. First time going during January so I am curious as well. I am from the north so I can handle 50 degree weather in Florida during January if need be.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

In our house, the first question is always "how late are they open"? January hours are too short for us.

 

[ols386]

My favorite time to go is in January.

I'm from a cold and snowy state, and it's usually always better weather in Florida in January, than it is where I live.

It's a nice break from cold and snow.

 

[starsweeper]

Personally, I'd pick May over January. Our older kids' first trip was Jan/Feb 2009 and we had 2-3 lovely days, then highs of 40 with cold wind for the last few days. For their next trip, we went the first week of May--weather was 80s to low 90s, low crowds and longer hours at the parks.

 

[RhodyChief]

As someone who's done both I'd choose January, and we'll actually be back this January! I love the cooler temps (we're from Rhode Island so no problems with that) and the crowds are at one of their lowest points of the year. Yes, some rides are down for maintenance (such as my beloved Splash Mountain) but last time we went in May it was constantly going down. I think we only got to ride it twice that trip, so you never quite know what may happen.

I think it really comes down to what is better for you financially and also if you can deal with potentially colder weather than potentially scorching weather (or vice versa), especially with how your daughter would do with them. Either way you'll have an awesome trip!

 

[momtosam]

We have done both. My kids will pick May every time because they want to swim! In January it is too cool for that.

 

[NYHeel]

We last went in January 2012 and it was great. We got really lucky and had fantastic weather. Mid-day was at least in the 70s everyday and it hit the 80s one or 2 days. The day we went to Islands of Adventure was really warm and we were able to enjoy the wet rides. Crowds were very manageable.

We're going again this January and am hoping for similar great weather.

We go in late January because my kids are off from school then. That's when they have their winter break. Works out nicely for vacation planning.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I pick May for F&G, and swimming!