January?????

[awdwnut]

Hello,

I need some advice on when to schedule our next trip (8 days). We have been the WDW eight times, mostly in the spring and late fall, but this year I am planning for a winter trip. Ideally, I would like to go in early December of this year, but my wife cannot get that time off from work. Currently I have in narrowed it down to January or early February. I am a little concerned about attractions that will be down due to refurbishment. The only thing I can find that looks like it will be down for sure is TL, but we can live with that. Are there any other attractions that they traditionally take down for refurb this time of year? Also, I know park hours will be short, but with EMH, and crowds being very light, I hope this will not be a problem. One other thing is that we love MK at night, and I have to catch Spectromagic at least twice. And does anyone know if they will still be running Wishes nightly then? Sorry I rambled on so long, and thanks for the help!!!

Thanks,

awdwnut

 

[kilee]

As for refurbs-- you can count on at least a handful of attractions to be down in January and early February. It's the trade-off for lower crowd attendance.

I would pick early February-- I've been at this time before and it was just perfect. The crowd levels were low, the weather wasn't hot but it wasn't cold either. January is known for being quite a bit chilly at times. We had daytime highs right around 60.

As for Wishes. It should run every night-- but not guaranteed. Disney has tended to run this most nights. However, we did see some nights were it didn't show. As for Spectro-- good chance it may only run once a week during this timeframe.

Don't forget if you pick January-- to watch for MLK weekend. The crowds get a bit busy and will ruin the whole low crowd reason for going then.

 

[kirbsam]

have gone last week in january the last two years. very low crowds. shorts during the day, jeans and sweatshirts at night. had mgm to ourselves one emh night, awesome.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

We usually go either in early December or early January. IMO, the January crowds are lighter than the December ones, in spite of what the guide books say. I LOVE the parks at night, so with the really short days during that time of the year, more night time hours to enjoy! The only downer is the weather. Some years, we've frozen our behinds off, other years we've been hot. (Occasionally, we get BOTH in the same trip!) Check the weather right before you go. On more than one occasion, I've seen people running around with Mickey pajama bottoms on... they're the ONLY long pants for sale at the parks!

 

[scoutsmom99]

I agree with what everyone said about the trade off of crowds/refurbs. I went January 19-26 this past year and it was great! The crowds were non-existent and the night EMH were even better (total walk-ons). Off the top of my head I can remember Dumbo, Astro Orbitor, It's a Small World, were closed at MK...I can't recall what was closed at the other parks though. I'm making plans to visit at this time again in 2006

Ok now I borke out the times guide for Jan 16-31 for MK
Spectro was at 7pm on Jan 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Wishes was every night
MK was open till 7 or 8 every night

 

[winniedapooh]

We have gone in early January and early Feb. and I much prefer right after the first of the year when the crowds go down...as a previous poster said watch for MLK weekend and also Marathon weekend, we have found those to be very busy as well. Weather is unpredicatbable. But, in the 4 /5 times we have gone at that time only 1 time was exceptionally cold and even that warmed up to the 70's after 3 days. Whenever you go...have a blast!

 

[hegs65]

I personnally love early December. It is my favorite time to go but we aren't able to take the kids out of school anymore because they are older. So this year we went in January over MLK holiday. I was very nervous that it was going to be packed but found that the crowds weren't bad at all. The weather on the other hand could have been a little warmer! We were freezing at night. During the day the temp was about 60 but a couple nights it dropped to the 30's. The only attraction we had any kind of wait for was the safari ride in Aimal Kingdom. The weather did work in our favor one day though. I definately would suggest taking advantage of a rainy stormy day. As we stepped off the bus to go to MK it was thundering & lightening and pouring rain. This lasted for about 15 minutes-after that it was off and of rain and drizzle which was just enough to keep the crowds from coming out to the park. The MK was virtually empty! It was kind of eery to be on the people mover ride and look down and see no one around. Also, I believe Spectro ran 3 or 4 nights due to it being around the holiday. Good luck and have a wonderful time in whatever you do!

 

[the kabuki]

Have gone first week in Jan. for past 2 years and love it. Crowds were low, no lines. Weather is iffy, but so what you're in disney not the beach. Just come prepared. In one trip I have pics with us in bathing suits and winter jackets!

Went down during Marathon, crowds weren't bad then either. Don't go during MLK though. Very busy

 

[awdwnut]

Thanks for all of the replies; I am feeling a little better about either early January, or early Feb now. What really stinks about this is that I have wanted to go the first week of Dec for years, and it never works out. Just yesterday my wife's employer (Costco) said that they may be willing to give her time off then, but they can't confirm until July!! For a planning junkie like myself this is pure torture! How about all DIS members boycott Costco until they okay her vacation !! Seriously, thanks for all of the support, and I'm sure we will have a great time whenever we get to go!

awdwnut