Mid/End January 2017 - what to expect?

[Liberator]

We are considering a trip in mid to late January next year.

What to expect from January? Is already known which rides will be down for refurb?

What are your experiences from January trips?

I already checked rates which seem to be the lowest along with September rates. I guess this means low crowds.

Please tell me that it is a good time to go!

 

[KrazeeK120]

I've been to Disney in January twice. Splash Mountain was down for refurb both times. One of the water parks (don't remember which one) was also closed for refurb...I don't go to the water parks, but I know one was closed.

Otherwise, I didn't notice any more closed at that time than any other time I went. It was cooler, of course, than visiting in, say, August and I needed a jacket some days. A couple of times, the highs were in the mid-50s. Personally, I'm more comfortable touring when it's colder than when it's hot. I hate being sweated out before I've even stepped foot in a park.

As far as crowds go...there are a lot of people there every day. I'm sure it was less crowded than peak holiday times, but there were definitely significant waits at the headliners.

One thing to note for 2017 is that there will probably be a bump in attendance during the last week of January with the Pro Bowl being held in Orlando and some related events being held at Disney (such as the player parade at MK).

 

[drdrowsy]

-temps are variable-- could be highs of 50s to 80s
-ride refurbs have been more common in the winter months, none have been announced yet for jan 2017, i think
-it is a very off peak time-- crowds are much lower than in the summer or over holidays, this can make ADRs an hotels easier to get (prices are lower, too), HOWEVER the parks (especially non-recommended parks) can seem crowded at times. Part of the reason for this may be that disney likely has fewer cast members working in the parks, in turn keeping some rides at reduced capacity
-hours tend to be shorter (ie MK from 9am-8pm weekdays)

we like the trade off of less cost/lower crowds/lower temps