Tell me why January is awesome

[abinormal]

After some unexpected financial setbacks, it looks like we're going to have to postpone our planned November trip to 2015. I'm thinking it would be the last week of January.

I'm a bit bummed out, truth be told. So to cheer me up, tell me the good parts of this time of year!

 

[mom2t]

Low numbers of attendance. Last 2 trips were Jan. Wanted to go back this year but DH vacation rules have changed and we have to go in June and because DS and I are in school. We like King holiday because we are already out of school 2-3 days that week historically.

 

[bcbmommy]

Unfortunately, I can't tell you why it's awesome just yet. We've been here two days, and it's been cold, raining and crowded the entire time. I'm hoping it gets better tomorrow.

 

[laughinplace199]

OP, do you have your heart set on January or are you just trying to go as soon as you can?

January can be great for low crowds and cooler temps. However, the weather can be unpredictable and some rides may be closed for refurbishing. Also, park hours are shorter.

There are really pros and cons to any time of year. If you have flexibility, I'd really think about what things are most important to you and plan from there. If warm weather is a must, I'd wait until April. If low crowds are more important, late January should be great! It's all about what will make the best trip for you.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[ajwolfe]

We have went twice in Jan and loved it. Low crowds, shorter lines, better deals. The only cruddy thing is not knowing how to pack for the trip since the weather can be unpredictable, but we also like knowing it's not going to be super hot when we are down there during that time frame.
I think you will enjoy Jan, so don't stress about it!!

 

[abinormal]

OP, do you have your heart set on January or are you just trying to go as soon as you can?

It's for a few reasons. Low crowds, number one. Price, number two. The fact that it's sooner is a bonus. I know about the refurbishments, but our kids are very young and it will be our first trip so I they won't know what they're missing, and there's no way we could do everything anyway.

I had also planned on trying to have another baby soon after that, and I really don't want to go while pregnant.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

We always go in the winter now. We love January! The weather isn't too cold (we are from new england) and we rarely need sunscreen at all. We have never encountered rain yet.

The crowds are low except the holiday weekend. We like that the parks close earlier because we have little ones and the fireworks start earlier so that is a benefit to us. We love having the kids see the fireworks and not get into bed too late like they would in the summer.

We have not gone in the pool at all during our winter trips. Though I know the water is warmer then the air outside. I find when the weather is nicer we don't need time to rest during the day, so we rarely have down time at the resort...we are too busy in the parks.

It's my favorite time of the year to go!

 

[SweetMissy]

Back in 2011 we went the first week of January, it was horrible....very crowded! The last week of January should be good, so I've read.

 

[mggeary]

Swapping from Nov to Jan.

Hoping for last week of Jan, but may have to do the jan 11 week (marathon week).

Wondering if anyone knows if room only discounts are blacked out for Marathon weekend or if crowds are as bad as Columbus Day weekend?

 

[mamawee]

In 2011 we went Jan 25-Feb1 and it was great. No more than 5-7 minutes in the line ups (at most) low crowds, cheaper pricing and we had great park weather (slightly cool in the morning, warm but not super hot in the afternoon) being from Canada we were in sweatshirts to start off and then ended up in tshirts - perfect park weather. We are going from January 31 - Feb 8 2015 and can't wait

 

[MandiC]

We went Jan 31-Feb. 7 this year and it was very nice. The only reason our next trip won't be during that time is because of the refurbishments. The lines were so short, I hear about waits 100+ minutes long and am shocked, the longest posted wait I saw was 45 minutes (except Anna and Elsa, but technically there was no posted wait, just an estimate from a CM) I am worried about the crowds at other times for sure.
The weather was up and down, 3 days we needed rain gear and jeans/sweatshirts...the rest of the time was beautiful. We went swimming, wore dresses/shorts/t-shirts...it was 80s, which is perfect IMO. You just never know, but for us, we know we could never tolerate the heat Florida can have at some other times of the year. We are fine with cold throw on some extra layers, but heat? No thanks.

 

[5stljayhawks]

J- Jump on most rides w/o waits at all the parks
A- Anna Fast Pass+ - you should still be able to get the
N- Neverland will be completely open
U- Understand, life has setbacks and the rewards can be magical
A- Anytime in Disney is great- maybe expect for xmas week.
R- Refurbishment - some rides/pool/rest may be out of order
Y- You cannot beat going in off season. Lower cost!! discounts/free dining?