Tell me about end of January...

[Madeleinesmommy]

My DD and I have been to DW several times but never end of January, beginning of February. I know the crowds are predicted to be low to moderate ... has anyone been this time of year and what was it like weather, crowds... I know the beginning of the Spring Flower show should be this time too ??

 

[Barbydoll8]

Hi, as a local, AP holder and DVC member with others on this board in the same boat, I'm confident to say this time of the year is one of my favorites to go. Crowds are never what I call "light" but they are much lighter this time of year. There are always waits for the typical attractions. I still use FP in Jan/Feb.
Weather in FL this time of year can be iffy. I see you are from Texas. The weather should be similar to what you are use to. It can get nippy at night but generally this time of year we are in the high 60's low 70's day time and then low 50's to 40's at night. I always refer to late Jan early Feb here as March/April up north.
Flower show normally starts end of Feb beginning of March.

 

[Madeleinesmommy]

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

It was chilly when I went down in 2000 in February. 65 degrees most evenings was the high. Waterparks were closed too. Had a great time as usual just missed the water parks...

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

It is cold in the morning and evening and fine in the middle of the day. The crowds are GREAT! I love being down there at that time.

The crowds will start picking up right before Valentines day.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

My DD and I have been to DW several times but never end of January, beginning of February. I know the crowds are predicted to be low to moderate ... has anyone been this time of year and what was it like weather, crowds... I know the beginning of the Spring Flower show should be this time too ??

That's our absolute favourite time to go. The weather is usually cool-ish but not cold at all - light sweater in the morning, usually shorter sleeves in the afternoon - and it's empty. I don't think we've waited more than 10 minutes for any ride except BTMR and TSMM. Usually flower show starts later, more like early March, but unless that's your main draw I'd say stick with late January. The only thing to watch is that sometimes that's also a time for closures because it's such a low season; we haven't had any problems with it, though.

 

[hops&dreams]

We've been 3 times in Jan/Feb. We LOVE it. Crowds are lighter, but this last time, they weren't light like they used to be. I think it's become a more popular time than it has in the past, so lines aren't quite as short and discounts aren't quite as deep. But overall, still better than most other times of year.

Things to be mindful of when going at this time of year:

• weather can be unpredictable, causing a packing challenge. When we went in Jan 2010, highs were in the high 30's, it was snowing, and raining. When we went this past Feb, highs were in the 70's and we wore sweaters in the morning, and tanks during the day. To combat this, we bring 3 in 1 coats (like the Columbia Bugaboo), versatile clothing (a skirt that can be worn on its own, or with leggings underneath), and dress in layers. We also brought ponchos this last year, and the one day we needed them, I was sure glad DH suggested that I pick some up before our trip.
• Crowds will be lighter, but by no means non-existent. You will still need to book ADRs and FP+s. They will still be VERY important in your plans.
• Refurbs will be happening. Because attendance is lower, WDW uses this as an opportunity to take some rides off-line to perform regular maintenance. I think this is most true of the water parks and Splash Mountain. And if a ride is due for a bigger overhaul, they tend to do them over the winter months rather than during the peak summer months. Generally doesn't matter much, but if there's ONE ride that you MUST do... when you're planning, just keep an eye on scheduled refurb lists (there are many places online you can find them. I tend to check allears's the most)
• Plan around holidays - there are a few obscure holidays that tend to drive up crowds at WDW. MLK day, President's Day are a couple. Valentines day usually makes it difficult to get an ADR at romantic restaurants as well.
• South American Tour Groups. I don't know why, but this time of year sees a lot of tour groups from South America. Our last trip was lousy with large groups (like 50 or more) of teenaged girls or girls and boys together who didn't speak english. It's fine, but be aware that common courtesies are different in different cultures, and while waiting for a show or ride, they may spontaneously break out into loud, loud chants, sit in the middle of walkways (literally, just plop down in the middle of everything!), or make out in NSFW ways while waiting in line. I encountered each of these personally our latest trip. The NSFW situation, I actually had to divert DD's attention, as the guy was approaching 3rd base, and the chaperones were standing RIGHT THERE, not even batting an eye! There were also other groups who were very well behaved, and extremely courteous. But yeah... that chanting... sometimes it was fun, like while waiting for fantasmic. Other times, it was just overwhelming, like in the canopied/enclosed areas waiting for RnRC.
• Parks have shorter hours. If you're planning on going commando all day, be aware that the parks close early during the winter. When planning for our last trip typical hours were:
  • MK: 9-10
  • EC: 9-9 (WS doesn't open until 11)
  • HS: 9-7
  • AK 9-5
    • Extra Magic Hours - typically 1 or 2 parks a day - maybe just morning or maybe one park morning, a different park evening. EMH hours are open 1 hour early, or close 2 hours late.

That's all I can think of for now. Hope it's helpful!