January WDW Info, Please!

[HappieMommie]

Hi!

We visited WDW in 2008 in September. It was mega super hot, but we hardly ever waited to get onto a ride.

Can you tell me about:

-the weather - what to bring?
-the crowds?
-the beaches - swimmable?
-how about pools/water parks?

We found temps in the high 90's and the humidity REALLY tough, so we don't mind cooler temps.

Thanks for your help!
Heather

 

[mlegerto]

I went 2 years ago from Dec 23 - Jan 3

When we arrived it was REALLY cold, i had to wear pants and a hoodie for the first half of the trip - however, I had been there before during the christmas season and it wasn't nearly as cold.

The second part of our trip was really quite pleasant (the weather). I was able to wear dresses / skirts and shorts without feeling cold, until night time.

I would def. suggest being prepared for weather changes , especially from day time - night time. Bring layers that are easy to add or remove.

As for beaches / pools, it all depends on the day. Some days were really nice and hot where we wanted to spend the whole time in the pool, others were so cold that I wouldn't have dreamed of it.

Its best to be safe especially at this time of the year!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hi!

We visited WDW in 2008 in September. It was mega super hot, but we hardly ever waited to get onto a ride.

Can you tell me about:

-the weather - what to bring?
-the crowds?
-the beaches - swimmable?
-how about pools/water parks?

We found temps in the high 90's and the humidity REALLY tough, so we don't mind cooler temps.

Thanks for your help!
Heather

January is AWESOME!!!

weather - be prepared for anything! We were there for 10 days this past January and we had weather as cool as 38F and as hot as 82F! Layer, layer, layer! Definitely bring at least 1 warm sweater, maybe a jacket. definitely bring long sleeves and a couple pairs of pants/capris. I mostly wore capris, shorts a couple days.

crowds - I had not been to WDW in about 15 yrs so I found the crowds to be VERY manageable! We used the UG crowd calendar for the best days predictions and found the crowds to be quite light. The longest time we waited was for Ariel's Grotto and to get in to see Tink in Pixie Hollow and those were both ~ 35 mins! Probably not as uncrowded as Sept though! Many people say that there were lots of tour groups there at that time but I don't remember seeing any!

Swimming/Pools - We didn't go to a beach so I can't comment on that but we did swim a couple times! The pools are heated so the water is a bit warmer than the air around you. Being in the water is fine it is just coming out of the water that is a bit chilly! We stayed at Wl so there are 2 spas right beside the main pool so we took our fair share of turns in those!

Hope this is helpful info for you! Please don't hesitate to PM me if you have anymore specific questions!

 

[tabithakp]

We are going in January, and went last January. We love going at this time of year. For a lot of the same reasons already mentioned. We like cooler temps too so packs some extra hoodies and enjoy the low crowds!

 

[stitchaholic]

2 years ago we went jan 3rd,and it was beautiful and hot, last year,we went at the end of jan,and it was rainy and/or cool.
but the crowds are always good

 

[jtdl]

We went to Orlando in mid January 2008. As everyone else said, there were a couple of hot days but the rest of our week consisted of rain. I don't think that is a normal occurance in Orlando in January? but we had only two days of sun, the others were rain - not a pouring rain but more of a misty rain. The kids went swimming each night - too cold for me getting out of the pool though!

 

[disneyfan2]

We went late Jan one year, late Feb and Late Oct.

Jan was cold, we actually had coats and gloves some days. That year we did not go swimming at all, even on days that got to low 70's. Our late Feb early March was great. Swimming weather most days and a few cooler days.
Oct was the best as we did not have too hot or humid weather and we did not have to pack gloves

 

[Oshawa]

We love January. The weather is cooler but as long as we can do the rides we are happy. The last time we went we had few days at 80 and the rest of the time it was 70's. The boys went swimming every day. We are going back again this year coming up. Can't wait!!

 

[HappieMommie]

We love January. The weather is cooler but as long as we can do the rides we are happy. The last time we went we had few days at 80 and the rest of the time it was 70's. The boys went swimming every day. We are going back again this year coming up. Can't wait!!

Thanks guys! Does it matter what part of January? We were thinking right after the holidays - oh gosh, I have been so excited lately I can't even sleep!

 

[Oshawa]

Thanks guys! Does it matter what part of January? We were thinking right after the holidays - oh gosh, I have been so excited lately I can't even sleep!

We usually go a few days before Marathon Weekend. I often run one of the races. This year I am doing both!!
We leave right after the Christmas holidays. The kids go back to school for 3 days and then we pull them out for 10. So far their teachers have never said anything just that they wish they were coming with us!!
We find the crowds really quiet. It does get a little busier for the Marathon Weekend but then quiets right down again. Last time we went DH walked on to SpaceMoutain. There was no one in line.
That's why we love that time of year.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Extreme cold weather can mess up any community, including Orlando. I've experienced it twice (mild frost in 2005 and severe, prolonged cold weather in January 1986).
* don't expect all the flowerbeds to look pretty. If the greenhouses can restock frost-killed flowers, they will. We saw lots of empty flowerbeds in '86.
* other plants may be wrapped in burlap or carboard to protect them from the cold.
* machines (buses, boats, attractions) break down in cold
* not all indoor spaces are heated. Your hotel room should be fine, but you might want to check the restaurant before you sit down for breakfast.
* like anywhere else in North America, when extreme cold hits, locals tend to call in sick. There is a chance some operations will be under-staffed.
* outdoor staff may not appear as happy as your previous visit, especially if they're from warm climates. Smile and tell them, "It could be worse. You could live in Canada."

As for beaches and swimming pools, they will be open, but few will use them in cool weather. Only Canadians go swimming when it's 60F / 15C. Even most of us stay away when temperatures dip down to freezing.

Pay attention to park hours of operation, especially if your family needs mid-day naps. Typical park hours are 9-6. If naps are really going to mess up your plans, either eliminate them or stay on property and use Extra Magic Hours.

Good luck!