Opinions on Jan 1-7 2011 trip. Good time of year?

[alamode]

My family will be going to our first DVC trip on May 27th, 8 nights AKV Jambo 2 bedroom value (can't wait!!!).

Just thinking a good way to break up a dreary Canadian winter might be to go from Jan 1st to 7th, 2011. Missing a week of school at that time would be minimal effect (my son will be in Gr 5, twin girls in Gr 2), and the points would be a lot less than going late in December.

For those of you that have been to WDW at this time of year, what are the advantages/disadvantages? I'm thinking a Wilderness Lodge studio for the 4 of us would be nice, especially at only 107 points.

Also, I'd actually be at WDW at the 7 month point, so do I still do everything over the phone, or can I book face to face with someone?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

My family will be going to our first DVC trip on May 27th, 8 nights AKV Jambo 2 bedroom value (can't wait!!!).

Just thinking a good way to break up a dreary Canadian winter might be to go from Jan 1st to 7th, 2011. Missing a week of school at that time would be minimal effect (my son will be in Gr 5, twin girls in Gr 2), and the points would be a lot less than going late in December.

For those of you that have been to WDW at this time of year, what are the advantages/disadvantages? I'm thinking a Wilderness Lodge studio for the 4 of us would be nice, especially at only 107 points.

Also, I'd actually be at WDW at the 7 month point, so do I still do everything over the phone, or can I book face to face with someone?

it is complete luck of the draw as to what the weather will be between December and March ANY year....

you stand a pretty good chance of being in the low 70s..at least....any given week in the "winter" in florida...but cold streaks (like the one the first 2 weeks of january this year) do happen at least once or twice each winter.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I imagine it will still be pretty crowded on Jan 1st since it is a Saturday, but I'm guessing it will be dead by Monday.

We have been on several trips during that time of year, and would probably still be going in January if it weren't for school schedules.

Airfare, hotel, rental cars ... all less expensive in January. The weather is a complete crap shoot (we've had sunny & 79 along with 48 & rainy during the same trip), but crowds are very low. The parks tend to close fairly early, but you can easily see everything you want b/c lines are minimal. Fireworks, etc. may be very limited and it seems like there are always some major rides that go down for rehab right after the new year.

 

[alamode]

48 and rainy is still better than Toronto January weather.

 

[Quilter007]

We've been twice the first week of January to escape the cold winter of the Rocky mountains. One year we got lucky, the other year it was in the 30's and we thought we were going to freeze! We were staying at the Poly too! It was a little surreal running around w/ the tropical theme everwhere while freezing -- and with the humidity and without all our gear it felt cold! So, we would probably do March before we did January again. If you do go in January, talk your own winter gear, the stuff they sell there is 1) overpriced, 2) in short supply and 3) inadequate! But it is cute!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

48 and rainy is still better than Toronto January weather.

you'd think so...but that not be the case

Anything less than about 60 is a complete bummer in Florida...it's usually still sunny - so you try to convince yourself it doesn't stink....but it does...

It's tough to see sand, palm trees, and waterslides everyday...but still have it be an April day in Michigan....

 

[5forDiz]

Also, I'd actually be at WDW at the 7 month point, so do I still do everything over the phone, or can I book face to face with someone?

Yes call in to MS.

 

[bobbiwoz]

THIS year January 6-11 saw some very low temperatures. It was into the 20's at least one of the nights. It was rainy, drizzly. There were patches of ice on the BLT's dock. We went on a Pirates and Pals Wishes cruise and they provided lap blankets and they were needed. Just telling you what it was. We were there for the Marathon weekend and we plan to go again in 2012.

Bobbi

 

[LeighHop]

We often go in early January for the WDW marathon. The crowds are great and if the weather is cold, we just wear layers and make the best of it. We were there for the cold snap this year and believe it or not, people were still hitting the pool!

 

[Mike2023]

I was at the world this year for the first week of Jan.

While it was better then T.O. weather, it was still cold.

We did have a blast and I think I would do it again, (maybe), its just not the same when you can't go swimming or walk around in shorts.

 

[DeeDeeDis]

My son was there Dec 10 to the 12th and the day they went to MVMCP he said it was like 89 out at 11pm. They were golfing there on Jan 10th and froze their butts-off but by the 15th it finally found its way back up to the
70's.

be sure to pack clothes you can layer - this is very important!, also pack a hat and gloves/mittens and warmer shoes not just summer sneakers. As the post earlier have said, the weather can be iffy and standing outside for 35 minutes in 45 degree weather watching fireworks or a parade is chilly.

Another great time to visit is the first two weeks of December - all the christmas decorations are up and its absolutely beautiful. If you travel the wednesday after Thanksgiving and return home around the 14th of December you can usually get some great airfare and its considered value season at your dvc.

We might be seeing you in Jan 2011 so i'm hoping for a heatwave between Jan 1 and the 15th (we haven't settled on our dates yet, just narrowed it down).