Possible January 2026 adults trip

[mama2twins]

I'm thinking of booking a trip for me (51F) and my 21 year old sons for January. I was originally thinking 6th to 10th but now I see that the marathon is the 11th so the week after may be better crowd-wise? Is it still super crowded if we arrive on the 11th? We can't do much later than that as one son has to be back at college by the 18th or 19th. I wanted to give him time to relax at home before rushing to school but is that next week worth it if it's less crowded?

Also do there tend to be room or package deals during that time?

 

[Tom_E_D]

I'm thinking of booking a trip for me (51F) and my 21 year old sons for January. I was originally thinking 6th to 10th but now I see that the marathon is the 11th so the week after may be better crowd-wise? Is it still super crowded if we arrive on the 11th? We can't do much later than that as one son has to be back at college by the 18th or 19th. I wanted to give him time to relax at home before rushing to school but is that next week worth it if it's less crowded?

Also do there tend to be room or package deals during that time?

For when Disney has offered room/package discounts in recent years, see here: https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/#codetrends

Lists include January discounts.

 

[emilyann704]

I came (and ran) Marathon Week for the first time this year. The races were Thursday - Sunday and we were there Wednesday - Sunday. I found it more crowded than I expected, especially considering I go early May and it's dead. A friend of mine arrived for a park day the Monday after the marathon and said it was dead.

It's not a perfect prediction but if you have schedule flexibility I would aim to get as few runDisney days in as possible. The crowds were not unmanageable, but as you can see in this WDW Prep School Crowd Calendar my dates were light orange vs green for May. The crowds drop down to yellow the Monday after the Marathon.

 

[gzmtlock]

I have been twice the week between NY Day and the marathon. Chose that week as there are still a lot of Christmas decos up, but prices are much lower than the actual Christmas season. It is way less crowded than Christmas week, but not to "low crowds" level. If you can delay until after the marathon, crowds should be lower.

 

[rdevans_2000]

We like Jan after the marathon. Slightly heavier crowds at times but very manageable.

 

[ezma]

My husband and I are going Jan. 18-26 ...hoping for low to moderate crowds. We have gone in Jan. before but I cant remember the crowds.. I like going in the middle of May or middle of Oct. (warmer weather) ...He is retiring so I guess its his pick this time What ever days you chose you will have a great time with your son... Its all about making memories! Marla

 

[Simba's Mom]

I came (and ran) Marathon Week for the first time this year. The races were Thursday - Sunday and we were there Wednesday - Sunday. I found it more crowded than I expected, especially considering I go early May and it's dead. A friend of mine arrived for a park day the Monday after the marathon and said it was dead.

It's not a perfect prediction but if you have schedule flexibility I would aim to get as few runDisney days in as possible. The crowds were not unmanageable, but as you can see in this WDW Prep School Crowd Calendar my dates were light orange vs green for May. The crowds drop down to yellow the Monday after the Marathon.

Yes, the year DH ran the Dopey (all 4 races), he was amazed at the # of runners who had scheduled flights back on Sunday afternoon (they had work Monday) and were asking others about their opinion of them "making" their flight. He was concerned with them sitting on the airplane without cramping up!
We went to MK on Monday, and found it very lightly attended.

 

[summerlvr]

My husband and I are going Jan. 18-26 ...hoping for low to moderate crowds. We have gone in Jan. before but I cant remember the crowds.. I like going in the middle of May or middle of Oct. (warmer weather) ...He is retiring so I guess its his pick this time What ever days you chose you will have a great time with your son... Its all about making memories! Marla

MLK day is January 19, so the first part of that week may be crowded.

 

[SL6827]

Do the BTGs still come in January. I dont recall seeing any in 2024.

 

[ezma]

MLK day is January 19, so the first part of that week may be crowded.

Thanks ..I did notice that when I booked and I also went to different web sites with the crowd calendars and they "claim' low to moderate crowds so we shall see We are doing a split stay half in the Contemporary tower then off to the Yacht club..fingers crossed they will be done with construction at the Yacht ,they say Oct. lets hope!! Thanks again..Marla