The infamous Jan 2017

[Rachel Polkowska]

hello again! Ok so I have a quick question. If we are going January 5th and the 180 day mark is July 16th (I think) than what happens if the releases are after that? How would you even get a reservation? I know last year they released in June but previous years they released in July so what happened? Also how is Januray 5th-12th? Thank you!!!

 

[RustManFan]

A hotel reservation?

Room reservations can be made up to 499 out and since this is the resort forum I am unclear what you asking about a 180 day mark?? A package?

 

[westie55]

I think OP is thinking of the 180 day mark for dining reservations. Anyone can make an ADR. You don't need to have a hotel reservation on property or anywhere else. If Disney hotel rates aren't out by the time your 180 day dining window opens, you can still make dining reservations just the same.

 

[Rachel Polkowska]

A hotel reservation?

Room reservations can be made up to 499 out and since this is the resort forum I am unclear what you asking about a 180 day mark?? A package?

Yes, a package.

I think OP is thinking of the 180 day mark for dining reservations. Anyone can make an ADR. You don't need to have a hotel reservation on property or anywhere else. If Disney hotel rates aren't out by the time your 180 day dining window opens, you can still make dining reservations just the same.

But wouldn't it be a frenzy? Usually we go in November and once it hits 180 I'm in full on war mode

 

[dansdad]

But wouldn't it be a frenzy? Usually we go in November and once it hits 180 I'm in full on war mode

Not sure what you are asking here?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

You don't need to have a resort reservation to book dining. You'll just have to do it daily, instead of all at once.

I don't recall booking dining being "a frenzy." Maybe only if you are looking for something so extremely popular that it sells out immediately (Be Our Guest I'm looking at you) or you have an extremely large party.

 

[smiths02]

If it gets close to your 180 ADR window, you can always call Disney and make a room only reservation. Then make your ADRs at 180 days. Then when packages come out, you can cancel the room only and get a package.

 

[Rachel Polkowska]

You don't need to have a resort reservation to book dining. You'll just have to do it daily, instead of all at once.

I don't recall booking dining being "a frenzy." Maybe only if you are looking for something so extremely popular that it sells out immediately (Be Our Guest I'm looking at you) or you have an extremely large party.

OOH THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I had the idea that in order to book an ADR you needed to have a package reservation/room reservation. Thank you!

 

[Harambe]

As for a January trip, just be ready for any kind of weather. We went once where it was 80 degrees and sunny all week, and another time, it was cold and raw. I pick up a bunch of those stretchy $1 gloves from the dollar store to keep in the backpack, and at least one person puts them on during the nighttime fireworks/parades. I think it is a great time to go - less people in the parks (although it swells up because of the Marathon weekend, it doesn't really show in park attendance as much as you'd think. However, dining reservations will be needed for practically any restaurant), and since it gets dark earlier, you get to see all the beautiful lights/etc. in the parks.

 

[rteetz]

January 4-8 is Marathon Weekend. I have gone during that time period the last two years. It really doesn't affect the crowds a whole lot but you will see a lot of runners. I would like to think based on experience that us runners are very nice.

As for weather it really depends on the year. Some days it can be 40-50 degrees others 70-80 degrees.

 

[Rachel Polkowska]

January 4-8 is Marathon Weekend. I have gone during that time period the last two years. It really doesn't affect the crowds a whole lot but you will see a lot of runners. I would like to think based on experience that us runners are very nice.

As for weather it really depends on the year. Some days it can be 40-50 degrees others 70-80 degrees.

Thank you so much!!!!! What are the crowds like though? Super packed or calm?

 

[Rachel Polkowska]

As for a January trip, just be ready for any kind of weather. We went once where it was 80 degrees and sunny all week, and another time, it was cold and raw. I pick up a bunch of those stretchy $1 gloves from the dollar store to keep in the backpack, and at least one person puts them on during the nighttime fireworks/parades. I think it is a great time to go - less people in the parks (although it swells up because of the Marathon weekend, it doesn't really show in park attendance as much as you'd think. However, dining reservations will be needed for practically any restaurant), and since it gets dark earlier, you get to see all the beautiful lights/etc. in the parks.

ADR's are a must for me anytime. I like that security. As for the weather I hope it's kinda chilly. I'm from NY so I'm used to it. Hopefully it'll deter the Florida crowds!

 

[Harambe]

^^Actually, the thing I like best about the cooler weather is taking advantage of eating at some of the beautiful outdoor spots at the parks (like down by the water near Flame Tree, etc.). When the weather is sweltering I need to be indoor in the AC to eat. We are from Boston, so I hear ya!! It is also easier to eat a Mickey Ice cream bar because it doesn't melt as fast! All about the food with me!

 

[rteetz]

Thank you so much!!!!! What are the crowds like though? Super packed or calm?

Really not bad. Disney is always crowded but it's not summer or holiday crowded.

 

[Rachel Polkowska]

^^Actually, the thing I like best about the cooler weather is taking advantage of eating at some of the beautiful outdoor spots at the parks (like down by the water near Flame Tree, etc.). When the weather is sweltering I need to be indoor in the AC to eat. We are from Boston, so I hear ya!! It is also easier to eat a Mickey Ice cream bar because it doesn't melt as fast! All about the food with me!

Us too! Complete foodies! On occasion when looking at 50's prime time meatloaf I get a little tearie eyed I much rather be chilly than hot. At least I can pull on a sweater. What can I do when I'm hot? Lol

Really not bad. Disney is always crowded but it's not summer or holiday crowded.

Wow perfect!! Thank you!!

 

[Lvsdisney]

Thank you so much!!!!! What are the crowds like though? Super packed or calm?

We've gone the past two Januarys during MLK week. This year we went to EP on a Wednesday and it was essentially dead. SO quiet! It was awesome. No wait for meet and greets and food lines short.