January Trip

[Sheila G]

Because my daughter works at a school we have always taken our trips during Spring Break. We are thinking about January or February for our next trip. We are looking for any information you are willing to share about why we will like or not like a trip during those months.

 

[CAS239]

Aside from going in December to enjoy all the holiday decorations and the atmosphere...Jan/Feb are my favorite times to be at Disney. Mainly because usually the weather is a bit chilly and I don't find the crowds to be that bad

 

[Gary M]

I agree with CAS239. I can't stand the hot and humid weather so the winter months are great for me.

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

I agree with CAS239. I can't stand the hot and humid weather so the winter months are great for me.

Us, too. We live in a hot and humid area, so we prefer our vacations to not include that. And only one day in our January trip last time felt like it was crowded. The only park that had long wait times during our whole stay was MK.

 

[glk2009]

We loved late January. When we were there is was unusually warm (80s!!!) but without the humidity, so it was great for us. Especially since we're from the northeast and January can be cold. The crowds were light and it was easy to maneuver around the parks.

 

[MamaMaleficent2016]

We love this time of year. Lower crowds, better availability of ADRs. Weather can range from warm to cold. Water parks are usually closed. But weather is always warm enough (at least a few days) to get in the pool.

 

[ssmurphy28]

We went at the end of January 2015 and would probably choose a different time of year to go back in the future.

Like others have said the biggest factor was the weather. We live in a cold climate, so want to be warm on vacation. Having to wear layers on vacation was no fun for us!

There tend to be lots of refurbs during that time of year and there was a crane taking down Christmas Lights from the castle during our entire 10 day trip. You can't get a good Castle picture without also having a crane in it.

 

[Robo]

Our favorite time to visit, as well.

 

[caliope]

We went end of January/early February 2016 and really enjoyed that time of year. The weather was warm enough to be comfortable without being too hot or humid. We didn't find the crowds to be bad and we were able to get all the FP+ and ADRs we wanted, even without booking 60/180 days ahead respectively. I'd go again that time of year without hesitation.

 

[SuperTink]

For several reasons, usually (lately) the only time we go. We love it. And no, the tour groups don't bother us.

 

[magicwdw]

Late January has been our favorite time to go for a few years now. We have been in the spring and summer many times and it is too crowded and hot for us now. Most of the days are warm enough for shorts during the day and light jackets in the evening, but of course there is the occasional "cold" day where warmer clothes might be needed. We can go whenever we want and this is our top choice.

 

[SarahInMN]

We have gone in January several times - crowds are low, weather is definitely not hot, but I have been snowed on. Twice. I think the cooler weather is the biggest down side to January. We prefer going for F&W and EPCOT seems bare in January (we went this past January). Plusses are definitely the crowds and the weather is a plus/minus depending on your preferences.

 

[magicwdw]

We have gone in January several times - crowds are low, weather is definitely not hot, but I have been snowed on. Twice. I think the cooler weather is the biggest down side to January. We prefer going for F&W and EPCOT seems bare in January (we went this past January). Plusses are definitely the crowds and the weather is a plus/minus depending on your preferences.

I agree about the January weather and crowds. What is cooler/downside weather might be an upside for some (like me!).

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I wouldn't necessarily not go during any of these, but a couple of dates to be mindful of when booking in January or February:

WDW Marathon (1/4-1/7 in 2017)
MLK Weekend (1/16 in 2017)
President's Day Weekend (2/20 in 2017)
Princess Half Marathon (2/23-2/26 in 2017)
Mardi Gras (2/28 in 2017) (Not sure how legit this is but I've always read that many (all?) schools in LA have off this week and many families flee to WDW, bumping up crowd levels)

Hope that helps!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I wouldn't necessarily not go during any of these, but a couple of dates to be mindful of when booking in January or February:

WDW Marathon (1/4-1/7 in 2017)
MLK Weekend (1/16 in 2017)
President's Day Weekend (2/20 in 2017)
Princess Half Marathon (2/23-2/26 in 2017)
Mardi Gras (2/28 in 2017) (Not sure how legit this is but I've always read that many (all?) schools in LA have off this week and many families flee to WDW, bumping up crowd levels)

Hope that helps!

I think the Mardi Gras effect varies. If it falls the same week as Presidents Week, that is when I would think twice (BTDT!)

 

[angierae]

We were in Orlando this last January (mid-month) and there were days we were in shorts and tees, and days we were in hoodies and were pretty cold. But it was a fantastic time. I would have liked it to have been a liiiittle bit warmer, but I'm pretty sensitive to cold.

(I can't speak for Disney specifically in January, this was our first trip down to go to Universal)

 

[SuperTink]

I wouldn't necessarily not go during any of these, but a couple of dates to be mindful of when booking in January or February:

WDW Marathon (1/4-1/7 in 2017)
MLK Weekend (1/16 in 2017)
President's Day Weekend (2/20 in 2017)
Princess Half Marathon (2/23-2/26 in 2017)
Mardi Gras (2/28 in 2017) (Not sure how legit this is but I've always read that many (all?) schools in LA have off this week and many families flee to WDW, bumping up crowd levels)

Hope that helps!

It does, I was looking for the January event calendar and couldn't easily find it! Thanks!

 

[rteetz]

I wouldn't necessarily not go during any of these, but a couple of dates to be mindful of when booking in January or February:

WDW Marathon (1/4-1/7 in 2017)
MLK Weekend (1/16 in 2017)
President's Day Weekend (2/20 in 2017)
Princess Half Marathon (2/23-2/26 in 2017)
Mardi Gras (2/28 in 2017) (Not sure how legit this is but I've always read that many (all?) schools in LA have off this week and many families flee to WDW, bumping up crowd levels)

Hope that helps!

The marathon crowds aren't as bad as some make them out to be. And actually for WDW marathon weekend the dates are 1/4-1/8 in 2017.