January trip - will we be disappointed?

[GSLand]

We have just booked a WDW trip in January 2007. It is the Value Season and the price was right.
But now I'm thinking .... weather? shorter hours ? more attractions down for rehab?

Help us get ready for the winter trip. How different is it than going in June - October (times of previous trips) ?

 

[allaboutmm]

I have heard thats a good time to go-crowd wise and weather. I've never been at that time though.

 

[martyshoney]

When are you going to be there in Jan.? My family and I will be there the 6th - 12th and I heard it is great at that time of year!!

 

[BeckWhy]

The weather can be unpredictable! But it's not unbearable, if you pack correctly. When we went it would be in the 40s in the morning and would peak in the 60s. A year or two before we went, my sister's friend went and it was in the 80s. My suggestion is to pack for either (no matter what the weather report says). And bring little gloves, just in case!

We walked on every ride except for the House of Innoventions. The hours aren't much shorter, only about a 1/2 hour to an hour, and it doesn't matter because there is PLENTY of time to ride rides because there are no lines! As for rides on rehab, you risk that at any low season. If you are worried about one or two attractions being closed, then you can go during the summer, spring break, or Christmas and deal with all the crazy amounts of people there.

 

[Elmo888]

The last 2 times that we have been to WDW were in January (one time was our honeymoon), and it was so great that we are going in January again!

The weather was pleasant, although it varied from cool to warm. Over our honeymoon, we were there a week and it only rained once. The parks have shorter hours, but Epcot still closed at 9 pm, so we always went there in the evenings. There are plenty of ways to stay up late if you want to!

Enjoy!

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Going in the winter has spoiled us. I would rather go then than the summer. It is so much nicer with less crowds and lower temps. Don't worry about the parks closing early, there will still be EMH. I wish I could go then...

 

[mtrak17]

We've never been in January, either. Does anyone know how the marathon affects the crowd levels that first weekend? I understand the runners run through the parks? Are there portions of certain parks that are blocked off that day?

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

we went in mid-december and i loved it! less crowds, less waiting times, holiday decorations.....good times!

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

We've never been in January, either. Does anyone know how the marathon affects the crowd levels that first weekend? I understand the runners run through the parks? Are there portions of certain parks that are blocked off that day?

We were there the week before the marathon in January. Did not seem too crowded. I understand, however, that if you are traveling by car the day of the race you may have some problems getting around.

 

[byoung]

There 2 years ago coldest trip we had. Did not where shorts at all. Jeans and sweatshirt every day.

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

I groan everytime I see someone post a question about going in January. I want to shout SHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Dont let the secret out that it is the best time to go!!!!! No crowds, no lines, no HEAT, no sweating. Sure some of the rides are down for refurb, and only BB water park is open but there is soooo much to see and do. Its amazing the things you can actually see without a swarm of people buzzing around you.

 

[mousiemom]

We love it in January!!! Just pack jeans, capris pants, shorts, & jacket. I'm worried about being disappointed when we go for our trips in Sept. and Oct.! We're used to the pleasant weather and no lines. The rehabs are not bad!
Have Fun!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I think you'll love it! Yes, you'll need to pack for cooler weather (although you may also get some warmer days) but really that makes it much more pleasant to walk around. And you have so much more ROOM to walk around because the crowds are lower. Shorter evening hours just means more time to enjoy Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney.

Teresa

 

[mamacatnv]

We have only done late Dec into early January. We have found the weather to be wonderful with sweatshirts at night and then some nights not even that. We come from a cool climate so some of it is relative.

Depending on when in January the rehabs are not bad as some of the holiday & Marathon crowds are around. I have been told the Marathon affects the resort availability more than the parks and that self driving can be bothersome.

During the 2 times we have been we have only had rain 1 morning

We are returning 1/1/07 - 1/9/07

 

[rkujay]

Weather is certainly variable at that time of year. Can be very cool 40s to 80s and everywhere in between. WDW sells clothing if you packed incorrectly. Monsoon season ends in December, so not likely to get any rain ( I realize this is a hopeless generalization) until June. Crowds are less. As far as maintenence, usually one of the water parks is closed for annual fix up. Someone said it is a well kept secret about off season. I guess that secret is out now.

 

[GSLand]

Thanks for all the encouraging words about January!
I don't mind wearing a jacket, gloves even. And I don't usually wear shorts - so we are OK. <big smile>

Now the fun part of planning our first adults-only trip (me, husband, and my mom).

 

[AllthingsPiglet]

Hi!
I purposely picked late January for this trip. We took our last trip in early February (5 years ago). We started at the Magic Kingdom on a Monday.. and I remember Walking on to every ride .. no waits in the morning. I had shorts and a sweatshirt on in the morning but was too warm for the sweatshirt by afternoon.
Like someone else posted.. I am from a cool climate (o.k... Buffalo snow belt!) and by January I will have been shoveling , making a mad dash for the car in the mornings, and being whipped by icy winds for more than two months. So Disney in January will be an absolute treat weather wise!
I stayed offsite last time but we swam in the heated outdoor pool alot.
Trust me.. once you experience the short lines you'll be thrilled!
Just wear layers and you are ready for any weather.

 

[reginaastralis]

As you've read, it's a GREAT time to go.

My daughter was born on the second of Jan, and it was 90 degrees on the 4th when we took her home from the hospital. I remember having to strip her out of the only girly outfit we'd bought as soon as we got home b/c it was way to warm for that day.

As a Floridian, the best part of the winter .. no rain. Gosh, it's wonderful. By the time the afternoon comes around, the sun is out and it's HOT. There might be a slight breeze, making it comfy.

The only thing at all that I could think could go wrong would be packing improperly. The others have told you great things to bring, so you're set there. I wear flip flops year round, if that gives you any idea on the weather down here.

Good luck, enjoy your trip!
Amanda

 

[DisneyPhD]

We have only done late Dec into early January. We have found the weather to be wonderful with sweatshirts at night and then some nights not even that. We come from a cool climate so some of it is relative.

Depending on when in January the rehabs are not bad as some of the holiday & Marathon crowds are around. I have been told the Marathon affects the resort availability more than the parks and that self driving can be bothersome.

During the 2 times we have been we have only had rain 1 morning

We are returning 1/1/07 - 1/9/07

I have to agree.

We have been a few times in early Jan. It can get cold for a few days, but it can also be warm in the same week (or even day.)

Just pack for everything. The biggest pain is you need more cold weather clothes and that takes up more room.

Last year I let my 4 year old DD wear her skirts and T shirts, but with pants under them and a jacket. I thought it looked silly, but that is the style some with youth now a days (go figure) and as it warmed off the layers came off with no problems.

It is better to be comfortable. I missed my winter hat and scarf some nights. Bring it all (I had my leather jacket and gloves and was grateful for them a few nights.) We did get in the pool 3 days, so don't despair.

I really like in in Jan, but my favorite time to be there is early May (and my favorite time to escape MI is early March.)

 

[wdwcrazy]

I always go down 12/27 each year and stay for at least 2-3 weeks. I can remember standing in Epcot in a long wool coat, with gloves and hat and scarf at night and being cold. But I can also remember this past January when I barely put the shorts away. Fortunately, we bought a vacation home down there and now don't have to worry about extra clothing, but I would pack and be prepared for it. One year it cost us a small fortune buying winter wear when we were unprepared (about 5 years ago) Since then we always advise our family & firends who visit to pack 2 suitcases each. One winter and one summer. This way you are prepared for anything and have more spending money for the important things like ice cream and Mickey souvenirs.
As for the Marathon, it is very early in the morning and doesn't affect you unless you plan to be out and about very early. It is finished by 10 or so. As for the crowds, the hotels tend to get more crowded the weekend of the marathon but most seem to go home by Mon or Tues. Enjoy!