Rethinking Post-Thanksgiving Trip...thoughts on Jan?

[100acreHiker]

Hi DisFolk!
Currently have a 5 day trip at BWI booked for Nov 28-Dec 3. Love that time of year, it's "our week" (along with thousands of others!). That said, I'm sensing that week is going to be PACKED this year. Every room at Disney Resorts is sold out for our dates. Like, everything. We did manage to score FOP FPs, but it seems most others did, too, as they released a bunch more before my window opened. That said, I am starting to think about rescheduling for mid-January. Never been then. Can y'all help talk me through the pros and cons and offer up some opinions on crowds?

What I like about our current dates is that we love BWI and my kids will likely be able to swim, as they usually can that week (not a guarantee, of course). It's holiday season, which I love.

What I like in thinking about January is that we'd get to stay at WL, which I've never tried. I'm not a fan of bussing it everywhere, but we'll survive. Also, I suspect it will be less crowded as there is a ton of room availability currently. Also, we'd save about $600. But, quite likely no swimming and no Christmas cheer, unless they leave decorations up past the 10th of Jan (do they?).

Any major drawbacks to January I'm unaware of? Would love to hear any and all thoughts and predictions. TIA!

 

[megs1313]

They won't leave the decorations up, so you'll need to factor that in. MLK day is mid january and it's pretty crowded at the parks (though not at the resorts).

I think if I were you, I'd stick with your BWI dates, but that's based on how you sound about the holiday stuff....

 

[dansdad]

On site resort occupancy has very little affect on park attendance. Having said that, there are approximately 1500 less rooms in the inventory compared to last year.

 

[Shellyred8]

I would stick with the Nov plans. The parks and resorts are all decorated for Christmas and it's so awesome!

Have a great trip!!

 

[Babsy]

We love Jan and go that month every year, but it isn't as uncrowded as it used to be. November is my new favourite month, especially the week following Thanksgiving. We love the Christmas decorations and the MVMCP as well as the Candlelight Processional. The first week or two of Dec is also very nice.

I know what you mean about resort availability. We are going on the same dates that you are in Nov, but staying in AKL. This is the first time ever that I was unable to get an AP discount for our Nov trip. We are pretty flexible re which resort, but there was almost nothing. (We did have the opportunity to stay in a two bedroom suite at the CR for something like $2K per night - saving about $100 or so per night! OUCH! Umm, we decided to pass on that one.)

There aren't a lot of negatives to a Jan trip. Hours of operation are short, groups of young people seem to abound, one water park is always closed and there are often some rides closed for maintenance. Weather is variable enough that we have worn winter coats, caps and mitts on some days, while swimming and shorts with tank tops were the norm on other days. You need to pack more clothes to be ready for almost any type weather. That's about it for negatives, IMO.

If I were choosing between a Nov trip in the BWI or a Jan trip in the WL, I would probably choose the Nov / BWI. I like the WL, but we prefer the BWI and Christmastime is special. Also, while visiting in Nov, you might score a good Bounce Back rate for Jan and be able to do both!!!

Seriously, whichever you choose, I am sure that you will have a wonderful vacation.

 

[Sue M]

I’m really excited about going late Nov/Dec. to see the Christmas decorations. We have gone late Jan lots. Crowds are lower. But weather very unpredictable. I’ve experienced everything from mid 70’s to freezing.

 

[ChrystieFite]

We have been twice in the last 2 1/2 years in January and are going the exact same dates this year 11/28-12/3. January has been nice, we went around Jan 20th. Weather turned out fine and we had really low wait times 2 years ago at MK when it rained a little one day. And I was able to snag ADR the month and few weeks before our trip. I got CRT, BOG, and CM. But I am very nervous because I was unable to get any of those 180 days out from this trip.....I am nervous word had got out that this is a good time to go because of Christmas decorations and low crowds due to most school aged kids are in school.

 

[Wood Nymph]

What I like in thinking about January is that we'd get to stay at WL, which I've never tried. I'm not a fan of bussing it everywhere, but we'll survive. Also, I suspect it will be less crowded as there is a ton of room availability currently. Also, we'd save about $600. But, quite likely no swimming and no Christmas cheer, unless they leave decorations up past the 10th of Jan (do they?).

Any major drawbacks to January I'm unaware of? Would love to hear any and all thoughts and predictions. TIA!

We have been to Disney many times in January and while the parks are less crowded, they aren't empty. This is the time of year when the South American tour groups are at WDW. They tend to travel in packs.

Park hours are much shorter with MK closing at 8pm on many nights. The weather is variable but usually never hot. There are always rides down for maintenance. Splash Mtn is usually closed. It is also when resort pools will close for maintenance.

After saying all that, we like to go to Disney in January to escape the cold winter at home. And prices are lower in January, too. But we'll bring our long pants and warm coats because most likely we'll have to wear them.

 

[Haley R]

I would keep your trip for November. I wouldn't want to re-plan everything. It puts enough stress on me the first time lol

 

[DisneyCAL]

Resorts were totally booked during our trip in August and I didnt find that reflected in the parks at all. A previous poster mentioned the less rooms which was confirmed by a CM when I called before our August trip looking for a discounted room. Lots of construction at moderates equals all other resorts being booked solid. I'd keep your plans.

 

[Disneyhenry]

I would stick to your post thanksgiving dates, I fave been there a few times that exact time of year and not really crowded. Gone in January it was cold and no Christmas decor - have fun

 

[Crazyhorse]

You have to decide what means the most. Yes, it'll be more crowded in November/December but the parks will be so cheerful with the Xmas decorations! Like you, we are one of the many booked, 12/9-12/14. We've also gone several times at the end of January, as that's my husbands birthday. It's quieter...and Disney is still Disney, with and without Xmas decorations. The weather is more unpredictable but honestly, we're bringing some layering stuff for the December trip too, cuz ya never know. If crowds are gonna cause you stress, then certainly consider your January option. Either way, you're going to Disney!!!!

 

[gillep]

I would stick with your November reservation, with so many refurbs and construction there has been pretty low availability on site lately, but as a previous poster said, on site rooms are a small fraction of Disney capacity. We go in January every year, and the shortened hours are not ideal, and we have experienced everything from snow/sleet to high 80s, it is very unpredictable.

 

[100acreHiker]

Thanks everyone! DH has a preference to stick with our plan, partly because he really likesBWI and he’s more of a resort guy than a park guy. Because we’re a family with kids and we’re also bringing along my elderly-ish parents, there’s always a chance one or some of us will come down with a bad bug and I hate traveling sick, so the back up plan is late january should we need to rebook due to illness. Someday I will manage to get to WL!