Tell me about the 1st week of January

[NateNLogansDad]

If you've been, how was the weather and crowds? I'm sure swimming is out of the question but what about splash mountain? We're looking at Jan 1st till the 6th. Usually we go May/June so this is all new to me. Anything else I should know?

Thanks guys,

Rob

 

[sjpvac]

My family went last year in the beginning of January and lines for the popular rides (Soarin & Toy Story Mania) were as long as any other time of the year so try to get your fast passes as early as possible. Otherwise expect an hour to two hour wait. Splash Mountain is set to close at the beginning of January for maintenance so check the schedule and don't rule out the pools as we've been there with 80 degrees through 40 degrees in December/January.
There has been a large influx of South Americans that Disney must be marketing to as I have not seen parks "empty" as they used to be in the winter months, which is why I stay at OKW but spend most of the time at Universal where you can get a full week of admission for $99 and the parks there really are empty and the rides accessible.

 

[princessbee]

I've never been to WDW in January, although I'll be there this coming Jan, but I wanted to warn you that I'm pretty sure Splash Mountain will be closed for at least part of your trip.

 

[*~PrincessBelle~*]

Hi! Im going the same time as you...I hear the weather can be a mixed bag so prepare for anything...I hear the pools are heated well so if it's fairly warm you still might be able to get in a swim... The pp is right you can expect Splash Mountain to be closed from Jan 3 to some time in February so get it in during the beginning of your trip if the weather permits!!

 

[PyxiiDustt]

Basically what everyone else has said is true. The first couple days of your trip will be more crowded then the end because people are still there from New Year's trips. As a PP mentioned, there's the Brazilian Tour Groups that ALWAYS go down in January, without fail.

The weather depends, Florida weather in January is kinda crazy. When we go down, you can always do hot tubs, just not always the pool. SM will be closed, but if you go to AK, you'll be able to do Kali River Rapids, as long as it's not like 40 degrees. The weather really is circumstantial, which is the main thing about going in January that's kind of unfortunate, you can't really plan everything out in advanced.

Hope you have a good trip!!

 

[Harvestmooner]

We always go in January, but we are from NH. We have spent a whole day at Blizzard Beach because it was 87 degrees and other days with jeans, long sleeve shirts and coats on. It is hard to predict-but it is ALWAYS warmer than NH in January!!
Last year while we were at WDW I called home to my parents and was informed it was 22 below zero that night and we were waiting for the bus to MK and it was a balmy 70 degrees-no complaints from me!!
The crowds are better after the marathon weekend-it thins out for a while.
Enjoy your trip!!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Wind chill is single digits around here toward the end of the week, COME ON DISNEY! The first 3 days I'm semi prepared for the crowds but I do want to see the decor so it's a pretty good trade. Any other advice out there, I'm all ears!

 

[imLissy]

we'll be there 1/4-1/9

I've gone in Jan a few times and have actually gone swimming at night. It's fine when you're in the water, 'cause it's heated, but it was pretty terrible walking back to the room, lol. I've gone on SM in January too, but we saved that for last guess we won't be going on this year though.

I think the weather in January is perfect. I hate walking around when it's really hot.

I think it was less crowded in Jan than when we went in October. But neither time seemed too bad to me.

 

[kentstateman2010]

imLissy,
We are leaving on January 4th as well. It's coming up soon! Anyways, I have a feeling the New Years crowds will be headed home by the time we get there. Last year we went on the 2nd to Epcot and it was absolutely nuts...that is why we delayed the trip by a couple days this year, hoping it would help with the crowds slightly!

Anyone know if there are any hot tubs at Pop Century?

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

I was in Disney the first week of January in 2007 and the temps were in the 80's which felt pretty hot to someone coming from an area that was in the 30's. Can't really offer much more than that though. Hard to say what the weather will be like right now, but your in Disney so it will still be great.

 

[Jynohn]

New Year's Day falls on a Friday this year, so I think the crowds should start to thin out by the 3rd as people head back to work/school. Marathon weekend is the following weekend, and it increases crowds somewhat, but not dramatically.

We think January is one of the best times of year to go to Disney. The only real downside is the weather is wildly unpredictable, so you really do have to pack for anything. One year when we went it was in the 40's all week, and we wore coats, hats, and gloves every day. Then another year it was low 80's and sunny the entire week. But as someone else pointed out, no matter what, we know it will be warmer than January in New England!

Have a great trip!

 

[PyxiiDustt]

imLissy,
We are leaving on January 4th as well. It's coming up soon! Anyways, I have a feeling the New Years crowds will be headed home by the time we get there. Last year we went on the 2nd to Epcot and it was absolutely nuts...that is why we delayed the trip by a couple days this year, hoping it would help with the crowds slightly!

Anyone know if there are any hot tubs at Pop Century?

Nope. No hot tubs in the values.

 

[hsmamato2]

going in January-again! we love this time of year,snow at home,none in WDW. crowds will thin out on the 3rd,as they'll be heading home after the holiday weekend