ride closures? - early Dec. vs. mid Jan

[mickeymom629]

We currently have reservations for Dec. 8-15 but wondering whether to change to one of the middle weeks in January.

One of our biggest concerns is ride closures. We haven't done Tiana's yet, though I realize it may be cold to do even if it's open. I know there are lots of rides closed for changes but I'm particularly wondering about refurbs.

I'm thinking crowds may be similar, particularly around MLK weekend and after, and maybe similar weather chances - would you agree about crowds and weather? Crowds and weather are also concerns but I don't think there's many slow seasons or guarantees in the weather department anymore.

We're going with kids and grandkids. We probably aren't going to buy party tickets and maybe only a day or 2 of the new lightning lanes.

I added a poll and would love to know thoughts/advice!

 

[scrappinginontario]

If you enjoy Christmas I would keep your current dates. If you’re okay to miss those festivities I would consider Jan 7-14. Historically it feels more renovations happen as January progresses.

 

[sponica]

I would keep the December dates, 2 of your options include marathon weekend and I prefer to avoid rundisney weekends if possible.

 

[mickeymom629]

I would keep the December dates, 2 of your options include marathon weekend and I prefer to avoid rundisney weekends if possible.

Thanks for pointing that out! I thought the marathon was earlier in January. We got stuck on a MK bus one morning on a trip in Oct., not realizing the wine & dine marathon was going on and we had quite a wait while trying to get to rope drop.

Though I didn't think marathons increase crowds, necessarily.

 

[DeeBee3]

Would definitely keep December. The Christmas magic for the kids (and adults) and less chance of rides down due to holiday crowds. It will be busy though.

We went for a long weekend this last January and we enjoyed the Festival of Arts. It was FREEZING and I live in NY.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Guessing ride closures is pointless. Skyliner will be down for select days in Jan, look them up if you're going to stay at a skyliner hotel. Are you artsy? Festival of arts might kick off but that's kinda all Jan has to offer at WDW. Hands down I'd go for Christmas time. Fake snow, storytellers all over World Showcase, kids will love it.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

You're likely to find better weather in December and the rides should be up and running.
Crowds shouldn't be too bad for the dates you have booked.

But keep in mind since Tiana's Bayou Adventure is very new and very popular it seems unlikely that it would be closed in January.

 

[sponica]

Thanks for pointing that out! I thought the marathon was earlier in January. We got stuck on a MK bus one morning on a trip in Oct., not realizing the wine & dine marathon was going on and we had quite a wait while trying to get to rope drop.

Though I didn't think marathons increase crowds, necessarily.

I think because of the timing of the holidays, the marathon is the second weekend in January in 2026.

It's not the overall crowd factor for me, it's the having to be intentional of where I stay and which parks to go to on which day. I'll only stay on a monorail or skyliner resort on a rundisney weekend to avoid being stuck on a bus trying to get to Epcot or MK.

 

[mickeymom629]

Guessing ride closures is pointless. Skyliner will be down for select days in Jan, look them up if you're going to stay at a skyliner hotel.

Thanks! Yes, I meant the scheduled refurbs like the skyliner (thanks for that reminder!). In the past, Splash Mountain closed for much of January, also.

 

[CarolynFH]

I thought the marathon was earlier in January.

Marathon Weekend is the weekend before MLK weekend. So in 2026 the Marathon Weekend dates will be Wednesday Jan. 7 through Sunday Jan. 11. The Saturday and especially the Sunday are the ones that affect roadway transportation the most.

 

[_19disnA]

Unless you are talking about some ride being closed for months due to major construction, I don't think it is worth changing your travel plans. I believe the official Disney website lists rides that are down for any sort of extended remodeling effort. On any given day, random rides might not be available due to bad weather and/or unforeseen maintenance issues. No way to know that ahead of time. There are also signs at the entrance to every park about rides that are indefinitely closed.

The reopening date for a ride closed for months of construction can never be exactly determined since so many variables can impact how long a project takes. Work might take more/less time than originally expected, there might be delays due to weather or a shortage of materials could cause delays in how fast the work progresses.

None of those would be reasons I would change the dates I plan to go to Disney.