Let's plan Together! Jan 2009

[Kazooie01]

My family was planning on last week of Jan or first week of Feb, but I am just not sure I want to gamble with the Super Bowl. I have spoke with several CM's and read tons of information, but no one seems to really have an answer. I think we have decided to move to the last week of Feb 22-28. I am working with a TA that told me because Easter is mid April next year that this time frame will most likely be a value week. If ya'll know different information, please let me know. I hate guessing!

We sure are no experts, but my Husband and I have done a bit of research because the time frame of this year’s Super Bowl falls about the same time we go to WDW each year.

The stadium in Tampa holds 65,857, we figure if even 10% of the fans come to Disney before or after, that is still only roughly 6500 extra bodies (I think we have seen tour groups that big ) broken up over all the parks. And with Super Bowl tickets already going for $1000-$10,000 per seat, the number of families that can afford the game and WDW drops even more.

Our trip this past year (Jan 30-Feb-6) with some strategic planning and Fast Pass use, never had a wait of over 20 minutes for anything. Add the possible extra bodies and we still think the risk is worth the reward. Just hoping to offer some help. Isn't trip planning fun!

 

[Alison_in_Wonderland]

We are planning on taking our kids for their first trip to WDW in Jan/Feb too! It will be a short vacation (just a long weekend.)

I've narrowed it down to:

Jan 8-12 (this is the weekend of the marathon)
Jan 22-26 (this is the weekend after MLK)
February 5-9 (this is the weekend after the Tampa Superbowl)

Any thoughts on which weekend would be best? We went the weekend of the marathon 3-4 years ago and the parks were EMPTY (especially Epcot - MK had a few waits - but nothing major!) I just wonder if that is still true. Thoughts?

I really have to pick a S-L-O-W weekend since my DP isn't nearly into Disney as much as I am and the easier and less crowded, the more happy we'll all be.

 

[GoofyFairie]

My family was planning on last week of Jan or first week of Feb, but I am just not sure I want to gamble with the Super Bowl. I have spoke with several CM's and read tons of information, but no one seems to really have an answer. I think we have decided to move to the last week of Feb 22-28. I am working with a TA that told me because Easter is mid April next year that this time frame will most likely be a value week. If ya'll know different information, please let me know. I hate guessing!

I didn't know that value season changed from one year to the next. I thought the 13 was always the cut off. I'd love to go closer to the end of Feb than the beginning.

 

[aprincesswannabe]

And with Super Bowl tickets already going for $1000-$10,000 per seat, the number of families that can afford the game and WDW drops even more.

Good point!
I wish my crystal ball was working so I could "look into the future"!

 

[learnhome]

I am planning for Jan 7th - 21st.

We went in January 2006, stayed at Pop Century and had the times of our lives....not one complaint (well, the fact that we HAD to leave to go home )

I will be watching this thread with hawk eyes!!

 

[xmas16]

I've noticed that many people already have rooms booked for Jan 09 but when I went on the Disney site to book I was not able to. A message popped up explaining that it was too soon. Can anyone shed some light on what I am not doing right

Steve

 

[princessamy1]

I've noticed that many people already have rooms booked for Jan 09 but when I went on the Disney site to book I was not able to. A message popped up explaining that it was too soon. Can anyone shed some light on what I am not doing right

Steve

Hi Steve,

The rates will not be out till around June or July, so the system will not let you book online. You have to call Disney and do it on the phone. You will have to pay a one night deposit to book, and it will be a 08 peak rate. When the new rates come out for 09 the reservation price will adjust.

 

[bas71873]

We'll be there too, but not until Feb 21 - 28 (it's Mardi Gras vacation time for us South Louisiana people). This will be our 2nd visit and we are giving an off property location a try. DH likes more space than WDW resorts offer...i.e. a bedroom that he can close the door and sleep in when DD5 rises early and wants to get going. So, we'll see how it goes. We also plan to do some other parks besides the big 4. Haven't really done much other than book a condo, but anxious to see what other off property people do for their planning.

 

[bas71873]

I didn't know that value season changed from one year to the next. I thought the 13 was always the cut off. I'd love to go closer to the end of Feb than the beginning.

I think that the seasons kind of depend on when US holidays fall. Presidents week is always busy, stuff like that.

 

[n2mm]

We'll be there Jan. 18-23 -- MLK weekend for a week. We booked the BWV already, but may switch to the WLV in June when my 7 month window opens. Since Monday the 19th is a Federal holiday and the 20th is also a Federal holiday for folks working in the Wash/VA/MD metro area for innaugration day -- plus I'm off every Friday I only have to use 2 vacations days to have 10 days off, I figured I'd spend it in WDW. Normally we choose the last week of January to go. We know it'll be busy during MLK weekend, just hoping is quiets down a little as the week goes on.

 

[3amigos]

We have booked our reservations Jan23-Feb1 in a studio villa at SSR. I can't wait! I am so excited to see this resort! Would love opinions if anyone has stayed there.



http://www.**************/id/1207399928.jpg

 

[xmas16]

After some research I am going to go ahead and plan on our first WDW trip as a family for the time between MLK Day and the Superbowl. At first I was concerned because I've been at the MK on a MLK Day years ago with my just married wife and the crowds were so huge we had to get out of there. I have a feeling that despite the Super Bowl just down the road in Tampa for Feb1,2009 we should be OK as long as we are gone before the weekend and plan accordingly. But here is a question for my fellow Jan '09 travelers. What can we expect to pay for hotel rooms? Hopefully not full rack prices. Can anyone share what their past experiences have been and what they've paid. I am shooting for a moderate resort like POFQ, or if I can swing it, the Poly or Boardwalk, but unless there's a discount I won't be able to swing the deluxe resorts. Are there deals to be had at this time of year (Jan). It is value season correct? I know about the codes but we probably won't know what they are for some time. Any suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated.

Steve

 

[drakes]

Hello all we just booked our room only ressie tonight!

2009 rates will be announced August 2008 ( according to the CM on the phone).

We did book thru calling Disney ourselves.

We had to pay a deposit of one night of peak 2008 rates, the price quoted was also based on 2008 peak rates. We were told the rate should be lower as January is a value season, however the quoted price is higher to avoid disappointment.

We also could not book a package- dining and park passes because these also are not released until August 2008.

However we can book our Dining as early as July 2008!

We have booked Jan 16 - Jan 25 2009! We debated MLK weekend and the superbowl. I have read and posted on other threads about these topics.

MLK weekend in 2007 was not bad, advance book your dining and plan you day and you'll be fine.
Superbowl is predicted to be a 9/10 for park crowds. It has been reported NFL parties are booked in the GF for superbowl weekend and the week after.

We're happy with our choice and can't wait to plan our days and book our ADRs!

 

[MomofCKJ]

We officially booked! CSR for Jan 8-11 for the Half Marathon. It is DH and I and our best friends (they have their own room). No kiddos! I am excited!

Allyson

 

[2totsmom]

Anyone camping at Fort Wildersness in January
I reserved a campsite for Jan 9- Jan 17
Of course had to book at peak rates but hoping for some value season
I will be traveling with my DH, DS6, and DD4
This will be our second trip to Disney but first one at the Fort
Hope to see some you there

 

[Sabrina90744]

MLK weekend in 2007 was not bad, advance book your dining and plan you day and you'll be fine.
Superbowl is predicted to be a 9/10 for park crowds. It has been reported NFL parties are booked in the GF for superbowl weekend and the week after.

Where did you get this information? I am debating on when to take our 09 trip. We normally go the last weekend in January through the first week of February. I was hoping for 1/29 - 2/7, but want to avoid the crowds and would consider 1/22 - 1/31

 

[drakes]

Where did you get this information? I am debating on when to take our 09 trip. We normally go the last weekend in January through the first week of February. I was hoping for 1/29 - 2/7, but want to avoid the crowds and would consider 1/22 - 1/31

I think the info was posted on here ! The search actually worked for me and I read everyone's posts because I was worried. I also reviewed other discussion forums , so maybe it was there?

Found it here on the dis..
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1770576&page=2

 

[OTRGal]

Hi All,

We've visited Disney World during the last week of January for the past two years, and we'd love to do this again in 2009. Though we usually stay offsite, we're considering all of our options for the next trip. I'll enjoy being a part of this thread as the planning takes shape.

 

[Sabrina90744]

I think the info was posted on here ! The search actually worked for me and I read everyone's posts because I was worried. I also reviewed other discussion forums , so maybe it was there?

Found it here on the dis..
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1770576&page=2

Thanks!! Guess I'll be moving my dates around!

 

[GrammyJudy]

I haven't booked anything, yet. But, I'm hoping we make it back next January. We usually stay at Pop and get the free ticket upgrades and use the dining plan, but I'm watching these boards to see if I can get an even better deal for next year.

What are the free ticket upgrades? We are going Jan 22-29 at POp