*** OFFICIAL January 2013 Thread ***

[SandiKB]

Ok so a conference that has just been approved in my work budget is scheduled for January 2013 and I have been approved to take a little vacation time before and after the conference to enjoy DW
So I need to save as much money as possible.
Here are the details:
Conference is 1/15 - 1/19
We are planning on arriving 1/12 and staying through 1/20
I was planning PC but looks like AofA might be a little cheaper UNLESS free quick dining pops up.
Is AoA really less expensive than PC if not staying in family suites? Will Cars rooms be open by them - not sure my 12 yr old son would want to stay in Little Mermaid.

The only regular rooms at AOA are LM rooms, the rest are family suites, here is the opening schedule

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...animation-resort-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

•Finding Nemo (Grand opening) – Opens May 31
•Cars – Opens June 18
•Lion King – Opens August 10
•Little Mermaid – Opens September 15

When will January open for reservations?
We are driving from VA so transportation to the conference is not an issue. I would really like to get the quick dining package so we can pay ahead and less cash to take, plus my work budget will cover many of my meals.
Also probably going to need an ECV for husband.

Sorry for all the questions but been 3 years since we got to go to DW. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!!!

January is usually open in August, but last year opened up in June

 

[Marshay]

I can FINALLY officially post here! Whew. I mean, we knew we were going in January 2013, but it was a matter of making it official before I wanted to actually post in this thread. Glad I waited, too, since our dates changed!

I am absolutely thrilled to be going back in January as it's our favorite time of year to go! This will be our third January in a row.

However, our FIRST January going over MLK Jr. weekend. Anyone have any opinions on this? We usually go the week after but this year because it's a bit later, and we needed to use up a ton of of banked DVC points, we're opting for a week earlier.

Welcome! I remember you from the January 2012 thread. Glad to hear you are doing '13, too.

This past Jan, we went the week after MLK but I was watching what others had said about MLK w/e b/c I knew we were going that w/e this year.

We definitely had a better week both weather-wise and crowds-wise, by going the week after MLK. However, the parks were open a bit longer for MLK so that was nice, too. I read TR where crowds for the Th - Mon for MLK were crowded, particularly Friday and Saturday ... but MK was also open until 12am or even 3am!

Since we did the AP, we have to go the week earlier (MLK) so we'll see what happens. I remember Touring Plans showed crowd levels like 6,7,8's for MLK week and the week after was 3, 4, 5s.

So not crazy ... but not empty either.

Ok so a conference that has just been approved in my work budget is scheduled for January 2013 and I have been approved to take a little vacation time before and after the conference to enjoy DW
So I need to save as much money as possible.
Here are the details:
Conference is 1/15 - 1/19
We are planning on arriving 1/12 and staying through 1/20
I was planning PC but looks like AofA might be a little cheaper UNLESS free quick dining pops up.
Is AoA really less expensive than PC if not staying in family suites? Will Cars rooms be open by them - not sure my 12 yr old son would want to stay in Little Mermaid.
When will January open for reservations?
We are driving from VA so transportation to the conference is not an issue. I would really like to get the quick dining package so we can pay ahead and less cash to take, plus my work budget will cover many of my meals.
Also probably going to need an ECV for husband.

Sorry for all the questions but been 3 years since we got to go to DW. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!!!

PS We are in VA too - Chesterfield, just SW of Richmond

AOA rooms are only LIttle Mermaid. If you want Cars, you'll have to do a suite (~$300/night). When I checked it was the same price as staying in a room at the Contemporary!

DH and I went this past January and left the Saturday of MLK weekend. That Friday night was crazy at MK. I'm sure it only got busier that weekend.

and I have to ask what is a PP share? LOL

I've been lurking over this board with the hopes that my DH will let us go back to Disney and go run the half marathon (that's some motivation to get in shape right there!).

Anyone know when they will start letting us normal folks book for January?

I hope you get to go back to Disney!!

ok so my conference is 1/15 - 1/19. I was planning for us to stay another night and hit the parks that evening and maybe a little pool play before we leave on Sunday morning. If the crowds are that bad for MLK weekend should we just leave right after the conference ends Sat. morning? We are arriving before the conference 1/12 to have a little extra fun.

If you have an AP, I say go for it! Just go on and if it's too crowded, pick another park.

If you are using a full day's ticket, you might not want to b/c MLK Sat will be more crowded

Then again, a poster below says...

The crowds are heavier, but an extra day in disney is still an extra day in disney

Yep, you can still do things on crowded days...get there for RD, use FP, see popular rides/shows first.

Just know it's going to be more crowded.

 

[cajunprincess]

I hope you get to go back to Disney!!

I hope so too! I was heading to the gym to train for my half marathon and told my husband I was running this thing at WDW. I just can't motivate myself any other way!

 

[hsmamainva]

I will be leaving you!

After much begging and pleading on behalf of our sons, we've moved our dates to May of 2013. They want to do a Star Wars Weekend!

 

[letthewookiewin]

I will be leaving you!

After much begging and pleading on behalf of our sons, we've moved our dates to May of 2013. They want to do a Star Wars Weekend!

I'm sorry you'll be leaving us, but it sounds like you'll be going during a great time. Hopefully, we can make it to some of the SWW on our upcoming June trip.

 

[Marshay]

I will be leaving you!

After much begging and pleading on behalf of our sons, we've moved our dates to May of 2013. They want to do a Star Wars Weekend!

Sorry to see you go but I totally understand! SWW will be wonderful for your boys!

Have a great time!

 

[mickeyplanner]

Please add us, we will be at BLT January 2-8, 2013. Patiently waiting for the January calendar to open and crowd predicitions to start planning our days.

Has anyone booked airfare yet?

 

[Marshay]

Please add us, we will be at BLT January 2-8, 2013. Patiently waiting for the January calendar to open and crowd predicitions to start planning our days.

Has anyone booked airfare yet?

Yay! BLT is a great DVC -- our favorite one!

PS I'm originally from Reading!

 

[mickeyplanner]

Yay! BLT is a great DVC -- our favorite one!

PS I'm originally from Reading!

Our first trip staying as a DVC member will be over Labor Day and then again in January 2013. We closed on a BLT resale in February 2012. We had a hard time deciding between BLT and BC to buy resale. We opted for BLT because of the monorail and being able to walk to MK. Have you stayed at all the other DVC properties?

We live south of Pittsburgh. We were just on 222 this past weekend for a weekend trip.

 

[danimaroo]

Welcome! I remember you from the January 2012 thread. Glad to hear you are doing '13, too.

This past Jan, we went the week after MLK but I was watching what others had said about MLK w/e b/c I knew we were going that w/e this year.

We definitely had a better week both weather-wise and crowds-wise, by going the week after MLK. However, the parks were open a bit longer for MLK so that was nice, too. I read TR where crowds for the Th - Mon for MLK were crowded, particularly Friday and Saturday ... but MK was also open until 12am or even 3am!

Since we did the AP, we have to go the week earlier (MLK) so we'll see what happens. I remember Touring Plans showed crowd levels like 6,7,8's for MLK week and the week after was 3, 4, 5s.

So not crazy ... but not empty either.

Yup, I'm glad to be back for 2013! January is the best time of year to go.

All your info on MLK weekend is great! Definitely good to know that the parks are open later, too! I've never gone when the parks have been opened past midnight so that could be really fun...

I noticed TP had those numbers, so I'll keep an eye on both that and easywdw.

I mean, I figure if we go in expecting crowds and plan accordingly, it'll be fine. Again, I think those days for us will involve spending time away from the parks in the afternoons, and going early/later to avoid the BIG crowds.

 

[Scarletyoshi]

Squee! I just pulled the trigger. My brother and I will be visiting Disney World for the very first time Jan 13 through 19. We rented DVC points so we'll be staying at the AKV. So glad I found disboards, staying at Animal Kingdom has been a dream of mine but I thought it was out of our reach. On top of that, we'll be celebrating our birthday (twins), it's in December but its the thought that counts right? Now I just have to find a way to make it through more than half a year without going insane. I'm sure many of those days will be spent on disboards.

I do have a question for you other Januariers. Well, two questions. I've never been to Florida in winter, are we talking sweaters and coats or just a light jacket? Also, anyone know what the refurb situation might be like? I know we wont know for sure until much later than now, but are there any usual suspects? Sure we'll have a great time no matter what, but crossing my fingers that Haunted Mansion will be up and running. We've wanted to ride that since we were kids. Hope I didn't jinx it, .

Anyway, just had to let out some excitement. Thanks for bearing with me.

 

[danimaroo]

Squee! I just pulled the trigger. My brother and I will be visiting Disney World for the very first time Jan 13 through 19. We rented DVC points so we'll be staying at the AKV. So glad I found disboards, staying at Animal Kingdom has been a dream of mine but I thought it was out of our reach. On top of that, we'll be celebrating our birthday (twins), it's in December but its the thought that counts right? Now I just have to find a way to make it through more than half a year without going insane. I'm sure many of those days will be spent on disboards.

I do have a question for you other Januariers. Well, two questions. I've never been to Florida in winter, are we talking sweaters and coats or just a light jacket? Also, anyone know what the refurb situation might be like? I know we wont know for sure until much later than now, but are there any usual suspects? Sure we'll have a great time no matter what, but crossing my fingers that Haunted Mansion will be up and running. We've wanted to ride that since we were kids. Hope I didn't jinx it, .

Anyway, just had to let out some excitement. Thanks for bearing with me.

AWESOME! You chose an excellent month to, too. We have gone the past 2 Januarys, and this will be our 3rd January in a row! We'll be there from the 18th-27th, and I'm beyond thrilled!

Anywho, in terms of your questions... Both times we've gone, we lucked out with the weather and experienced t-shirt and shorts weather! This past January it was in the 70s-80s every day. I think a few evenings I wore a hoodie and shorts, but that was the extent of it. My advice, however, is to be prepared for either awesomely warm weather... or 30s-40s. I know last January, early on in the month, it was in the 30s-40s. By the time we got there, late January, it was very very warm. It can go either way, but just keep an eye on the weather and you'll be good to go. I packed a few hoodies and a pair of jeans but rarely needed either!

Refurbs are well.. January is VERY well-known for them. You might miss a few, but for us, in 2011, Star Tours was down, as was Splash (and this is one that goes down nearly every January), and I know a few others. This year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was down (but! Splash Mountain was open, which was SUPER exciting), the Main Street Electrical Parade, Fantasmic, and a few other things. People were unhappy this year because they felt too many things were closed. I think you'll be safe on HM (though, knock on wood )... I know my husband would be really sad if HM was down because it is his favorite attraction.

Oh, and I don't know if you care about water parks but usually one of the water parks is also closed in January... It's pretty much a guarantee.

Glad you've joined this thread! It's such torture having to wait though, I agree!

 

[Marshay]

Squee! I just pulled the trigger. My brother and I will be visiting Disney World for the very first time Jan 13 through 19. We rented DVC points so we'll be staying at the AKV. So glad I found disboards, staying at Animal Kingdom has been a dream of mine but I thought it was out of our reach. On top of that, we'll be celebrating our birthday (twins), it's in December but its the thought that counts right? Now I just have to find a way to make it through more than half a year without going insane. I'm sure many of those days will be spent on disboards.

I do have a question for you other Januariers. Well, two questions. I've never been to Florida in winter, are we talking sweaters and coats or just a light jacket? Also, anyone know what the refurb situation might be like? I know we wont know for sure until much later than now, but are there any usual suspects? Sure we'll have a great time no matter what, but crossing my fingers that Haunted Mansion will be up and running. We've wanted to ride that since we were kids. Hope I didn't jinx it, .

Anyway, just had to let out some excitement. Thanks for bearing with me.

Welcome!! I'll add you to the front page.

AKV is wonderful ... esp if you get a savannah room but even if you don't there is still lots to see and do and animals to see. AKV is the resort that we stayed at for our non-park vacation a few years ago. It was so much fun and AKV provided tons to do.

Weather = unpredictable.

In Jan 2012 over MLK week, people were mostly in tshirts and jeans but nighttime brought out the hats, scarves and gloves.

However, one week later (when we went), I had to go out and buy short sleeved tops b/c the weather was warm, if not hot (70-80 degrees). We wore shorts almost every day and evening with short sleeved shirts. We carried long sleeve shirts to wear at night but never really wore them. We also only stayed out until about 9pm or so, except MK/Wishes night.

Refurbs -- expect Kali River Rapids and Splash Mountain to be refurbed since they were not this past January.

 

[Morningstar2807]

So I was finally approved for my time off for Disney ( I knew I would but you never know!) but anyways on to my question......

I am wondering if any one has been to either of the Character meals at 1900 Park fare? I can't make up my mind if we want the breakfast with Mary Poppins or dinner with Cinderella. We are already planning on doing both princess meals at Epcot and in the castle.

I have so many list going, my DH thinks I am going crazy!

 

[mickeyplanner]

So I was finally approved for my time off for Disney ( I knew I would but you never know!) but anyways on to my question......

I am wondering if any one has been to either of the Character meals at 1900 Park fare? I can't make up my mind if we want the breakfast with Mary Poppins or dinner with Cinderella. We are already planning on doing both princess meals at Epcot and in the castle.

I have so many list going, my DH thinks I am going crazy!

We have done both of the 1900 Park Fare Character meals. Every trip to Disney we have breakfast at the 1900 Park Fare, my daughter loves Mary Poppins and we all enjoy the different options on the breakfast buffet...lobster eggs benedict and strawberry soup. We have done the dinner twice and were very disappointed with the food but the character interaction was excellent. The Step Sisters and Lady Tremaine still the show. So it all depends on what you hope to get out of the meals. Alice and the Mad Hatter are very funny in the morning and the food is top notch....in the evening the step sisters will have you laughing but the food is horrible. I hope that helps. You will already have meals with Cinderella in the castle and possibly at Epcot and you may even have Mary Poppins at your meal in Epcot. It is more difficult to find the Mad Hatter and the Step SIsters and Lady Tremaine.

 

[Marshay]

So I was finally approved for my time off for Disney ( I knew I would but you never know!) but anyways on to my question......

I am wondering if any one has been to either of the Character meals at 1900 Park fare? I can't make up my mind if we want the breakfast with Mary Poppins or dinner with Cinderella. We are already planning on doing both princess meals at Epcot and in the castle.

I have so many list going, my DH thinks I am going crazy!

Yay for getting the approval!!

We've only done the dinner and found it quite good! The step sisters are hilarious and Lady Tremaine is great -- she really plays her role well. Meeting Prince Charming (by himself) was neat, too, as that was the first prince we met where the princess wasn't right there, so we got to interact with him. Cinderella was great, too. It was neat to see them dancing together, too. The interactions with the step sisters were just too funny! They made us laugh and laugh as they thought they should dance with the prince, too!

You really aren't going there for Cinderella (otherwise I would tell you to skip dinner since you are doing Norway and the castle).

Food was good. Not great but IMHO, just like any other Disney buffet, better than Chef Mickey dinner, on par with CP or H&V...not quite as good as Cape May or Garden Grill (but those last 2 are differently themed -- seafood and family style).

I would choose based on whether you want breakfast foods (and if breakfast doesn't interfere with your park plans) or which characters you want to meet ... and if all are equals, then in my family, we choose the cheaper thing when everything is equal!

 

[Scarletyoshi]

Oh, and I don't know if you care about water parks but usually one of the water parks is also closed in January... It's pretty much a guarantee.

Glad you've joined this thread! It's such torture having to wait though, I agree!

I'm not really a water park person, so that wont be a problem.

Refurbs -- expect Kali River Rapids and Splash Mountain to be refurbed since they were not this past January.

I figured Splash Mountain is one that we'll have to be prepared to miss. I've been trying to avoid even looking at information about that one, lol.


Thanks guys, glad to hear January is such a great time to go.

 

[Danjocass]

Hello all!!! We just planned out trip for 1/18-1/26... first time in January for us but I've been hearing good things about it. We were there in Nov/Dec 2011 and the weather/crowds were great. Also chose this week cause my DH has MLK off and so does my DD so she will only be missing 4 days of school. Can't wait fo the pkgs to come out & hope we get FD. Deciding to possibly split our stay this time between POFQ & BWI as we have always stayed value. Also, going to let my DD plan a lot with us being that the last time (her first trip) was a surprise. Glad to have found thsi thread!

 

[Marshay]

Hello all!!! We just planned out trip for 1/18-1/26... first time in January for us but I've been hearing good things about it. We were there in Nov/Dec 2011 and the weather/crowds were great. Also chose this week cause my DH has MLK off and so does my DD so she will only be missing 4 days of school. Can't wait fo the pkgs to come out & hope we get FD. Deciding to possibly split our stay this time between POFQ & BWI as we have always stayed value. Also, going to let my DD plan a lot with us being that the last time (her first trip) was a surprise. Glad to have found thsi thread!

Welcome!! I'll add your info to the first page, along with your hotels. Just let me know once you book and I'll update.

We overlap a few days, although we'll also be doing the DCL-Dream, too. We decided to try to get a longer vaca in with the 2 day school break we have over MLK. So DD6 will still miss school for her normal 5 days but we get to stay in WDW longer!

 

[Danjocass]

Thank you!!!! Just booked!!!! Staying at POFQ still not sure about upgrading for a couple of days to BWI..very $$$ for 3 days..But either way we are booked! Now just waiting for July so I can book ADR's! Hope I will be able to book Be Our Guest Restaurant