Talk to me: cabins, Jan vs June

[limace]

I'm hoping to make it to the World next year for my 40th and am interested in the Fort. We're west coasters, so the cabins would be our option. We'll have 2 or 3 adults, a 12 year old, a 3 year old, and a baby. My bday is Jan 5, so that is my first choice. Our second would be mid-June, right after school's out. How does weather compare? Bugs? Cost? Likelihood of deals? Crowds?

I know I could figure a lotbout by searching, but only have my iPhone right now and it's really challenging. Thanks!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

If you plan your trip to arrive right after the 1st of January, you are much more likely to get a better deal all the way around than in mid-June after school lets out. Early January is definitely a slower time at WDW. So, much better chance for a room discount and smaller crowds in January. IMHO bugs are not an issue at the Fort. The weather will definitely be cooler in January, and possibly too cold to enjoy the pool. But, it could also be in the 70's and really nice. You never know about the weather in January in Florida. If I had a choice, I would take January over June.

TCD

 

[beagles7278]

We were at FW the first 2 weeks of Jan 2008. The crowds, what crowds. Every park you just pretty much walked on the rides during the week. The weather, we had a 40 degree day, a few 50 degree days, but the rest were high 60's, low 70's. No bugs to speak of.

As far as swimming, we did it, but when we left Michigan it was about 6 degree's, so when we hit 60's and 70's you would have thought we never saw water before. I guess it was obvious we weren't locals.

 

[limace]

Oh good-this is what I was hoping to hear! Anyone know how long they keep the Christmas decorations up in the parks?

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Oh good-this is what I was hoping to hear! Anyone know how long they keep the Christmas decorations up in the parks?

Not very long after the 1st. The Christmas decorations at the Fort came down on 1/1 last year. All in one night!

TCD

 

[Christine9125]

Looking at Pricing, it is around $265 a night rack rate in January compared to $315-330 in June. If you have AAA there is normally a 20% Discount in January and 10% in June.

 

[Mary2e]

I've been there twice in Jan and a few times in June.

In January one trip I had to run out and buy shorts because it was 80. The next trip I needed to wear my winter coat, gloves, and ear wraps because the temps dropped into the 30s.

If there's one thing that's certain about going in January, it's that you never know what kind of weather you'll get.

In June, not only will it be considerably more crowded, it will also be hot and the humidity will be starting up.

Bugs weren't and generally aren't a problem in Disney.

 

[DennisC]

As others have pointed out, January weather is very unpredictable. You could have mid-70's or even 80's, or you could have mid-50's dipping to 40 after sundown and then dropping to 30's for overnight lows. If you come in Jan you need to be prepared with clothing for all types of weather. One day you might need shorts; and the next you might need coats, hats and gloves. We nearly froze at FW one year in Jan because we were not prepared - in fact Disney was selling Mickey Mouse gloves to desperate people like us.

 

[PaPa Doc]

We have done FW Cabins twice just after New Year's Day, twice in mid-late January and early February, and are planning another trip for late Jan early February, 2010.

Have also been in WDW once in June and once in August and we ran, screaming, right back out again.

I think the winter low season is perfect: lowest crowds, practically serene parks (not that you won't rub elbows and need a few fastpasses, but you won't be trampled and you will be able to see where you are going most all of the time).

Some attractions will be closed and some extravaganzas will be presented only intermittently - so it may take some hopping around if you just have to see Illiminations for example. On the other hand you CAN easily hop around.

You will probably have a couple "cool" days or even light frost - but it's still warmer than the MidWest. There may be a day of mist or rain - but no dehydration, no heat exhaustion, no claustrophobia and no hour waits except for the really slow-loading rides (i.e. Dumbo, etc).

You will definitely NOT need a parka or long woolens - the layered look works fine as it's usually brisk in the AM and often shirt sleeve temp by noon: t-short, long-sleeve shirt and wind-breaker was all we ever needed, and a small bag for the discards. Wind was more of a surprise for us than temps.

We do forgo wet rides (except for Splash Mountain which is just "partially wet"), don't feel like braving the water parks, and don't get a tan.

The pools are all comfortably heated, the kids enjoy them anyway, and, hey, there will be a "hot tub" at the redone pool. It's a treat to swim in the warm outdoors in the cold.

Just please leave before we get there so we too can enjoy an uncrowded experience ;>)

 

[Skyw]

Jan is the best!!! Especially with little ones!! It is not too hot and barely any lines. We really got spoiled!!!

 

[limace]

Well, we're coming from the Pacific Northwest, so weather is definitely going to be nicer than it is here . We like to swim, but aren't big suntan people-more like pale-white-cavefish-people. And we have no problems touring in the rain, as it keeps the crowds down .

The basic rate with the AAA discount looks good; in your experience, have there been any special deals offered in January?

 

[2goofycampers]

Well, we're coming from the Pacific Northwest, so weather is definitely going to be nicer than it is here . We like to swim, but aren't big suntan people-more like pale-white-cavefish-people. And we have no problems touring in the rain, as it keeps the crowds down .

The basic rate with the AAA discount looks good; in your experience, have there been any special deals offered in January?

This year they had the buy 4 get 3 free special, have to see about next year. Go ahead and book ASAP and if discounts become available you can add that to your ressie later. Same with AAA, if they don't have it at booking, keep trying. Or better yet, alot of us just let rhonda@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com handle things for us and let her deal with the calls.