Someone talk to me about early January

[ilanakan]

OK, so we were there 3 January to 15 January 2019. We flew over from Australia, and came in January because this is when our school holidays are. Anyway, we found Disney World to be very crowded. Didn't really have a very pleasant experience. Many big groups from South America. Just packed, as a whole. And it was a disappointment for us, especially after I checked crowds, and January showed lower crowds. We knew the first few days would be more crowded, but the whole trip was the same crowd levels - packed.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Looks like DW and I will be taking our son to start his DCP right around marathon weekend. I was looking at rooms and see that some resorts are already full. I'm thinking we may get something off-site on VRBO. We will be ready to park hop if crowds overtake us.

We've been in January a few times before. As others have mentioned, you can pretty much plan for it to be cool, maybe even unpleasantly so in the early part of the morning. We usually pack jeans and jackets, but also a pair of shorts just in case

 

[kwdw]

How is the weather during January? We are looking at early January and checking averages it can get rather chilly at night. I like the idea of high 70's during the day since I can't handle the heat and humidity very well. We will be doing a resort only stay this time and choosing activities like riding bikes, visiting Disney Springs, playing mini golf and using the pools.

I would not do a resort stay only in January if the pools are thought to be a big part of it. Yes - you could have beautiful low 80's weather (and Disney does heat the pools) - but it could also be in the 60's mid-day.

 

[kwdw]

I love early January - anytime January 2 to right before MLK weekend. In my experience, the marathon just causes some minor traffic delays in the morning for two days - but otherwise its a "non-event" for non-runners. Crowds aren't super high; but I wouldn't call it super light, either. Weather is challenging to pack for - and you need to dress in layers - as it could be 40 degrees in the morning and 80 degrees at 4 pm and then 60 degrees by 6 pm. I often use a locker this time of year so I can change clothes/not have to carry stuff. Park hours are short (historically) - that is a disadvantage. I think folks underestimate how cold 50-70 degrees can feel at Disney - and LOTS of hats, scarves, gloves, sweatshirts are clearly purchased by the unprepared. When you are outside that much - and it's often still cool inside attractions/restaurants, too as they aren't well-heated - you can be cold. In one 5 day span - you can be dressed in T-shirt, sweatshirt, heavy jeans, light coat, hat, scarf, gloves mid-day - and two days later be in a T-shirt/shorts mid-day. January 2-4 you MIGHT catch the last of the Christmas decorations - or you might miss them. I have pictures of Main Street MK on the same trip with and without them. Anyway - for me - it's a great way to ease back into real-life after the holiday season - a bit of time at Disney!

 

[vadersprincess12]

I would not do a resort stay only in January if the pools are thought to be a big part of it. Yes - you could have beautiful low 80's weather (and Disney does heat the pools) - but it could also be in the 60's mid-day.

I'll pack our swimsuits to use if there is a good day or two for the pool, but it's not a make or break issue for us. We love to walk the grounds of the resorts and it's better for us when it's not hot and humid. Just looking forward to a nice relaxing trip.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

How is the weather during January? We are looking at early January and checking averages it can get rather chilly at night. I like the idea of high 70's during the day since I can't handle the heat and humidity very well. We will be doing a resort only stay this time and choosing activities like riding bikes, visiting Disney Springs, playing mini golf and using the pools.

Jan. is Florida's coldest month. So pack accordingly.

 

[Miffy]

I used to go in January all the time--before the WDW Marathon started. It can be actually cold in January. Like, wearing-your-winter-coat cold. This is true of February as well, which is the month I switched to and then abandoned. We had a beginning-of-February trip where I never took off my winter coat, even during the day, and it rained about 75% of the time. Very unpleasant.

If you're planning on relaxing at the resort and going swimming, thinking that, well, the pools are heated, remember that you have to get out of the pool after you're done. That's the very very cold part of this maneuver. I did it once only. Never again.

As for packing--take lots of layers. And don't leave your winter coat at home. You might need it.

 

[Princesspixi]

We’ve gone the past 3 years in January. Between New Years and the marathon crowds were ridiculous! After the race, crowds were more manageable. It can be cold! Like really cold. Scarves, hats and gloves cold until afternoon, and when the sun starts going down it’s cold again. (I was shivering on the way to dinner in my dress) we wore long sleeves and jackets most days.