~~**The Official January 2014 Group**~~

[middlesista]

Tour groups usually go at the END of the month!

"Beginning in late January, South American tour groups tend to visit Disney World en masse due to a long vacation in throughout the continent. Expect to see large groups throughout the theme parks. If you do see a group, its best to avoid them." From EasyWDW


But then they also say "crowds are well below average with January 23rd through the first ten days in February seeing the lowest crowds of the year outside of September."

We went in the summer a few times when our children were younger and the tour groups were unreal - we would go the other way when we saw the flag. When we went in January 2012 (early in month) we also ran into tour groups but not as much as during the summer. There was a group so large that they filled one of the QS spots (Backlot Express I think it was) at DS.

Both when we were there. Dancers on one weekend, cheerleaders another plus a few foreign groups. We had planned on the dancers and cheerleaders but the other groups caught us off guard. There was a young group of ladies "fifth teens" that we found to be very rude.

I read somewhere about "cheerleaders and dancers." "Rude" is never good - must be tough for the CM's. I have found some really rude folks at parades - folks that stand in front of little children are "frustrating."

Every January we go around the 24-25th.(check in the last weekend in January) ..and our week extended until Feb 1st or 2nd ish... we LOVE that time of year at the world!

The weather is fantastic and the crowds & ride wait times are minimal.

Last January we went on Test Track 3 times and Sorin twice before noon.
We use to go in April but after making the change to January the one year we were hooked!

We saw a bunch of tour groups from Brazil. But you just watch where they go..if they are headed to a ride just pick another one!

Thanks - appreciate hearing from folks that have gone later in the month. Sounds like the tour groups are manageable. When we went in 2012 the parks were very crowded over the MLK long weekend - from Friday through Monday which is one of the reasons we are changing to later in the month.

When we called to change our dates the CM was great - told us the packages should be avail around the 3rd week of June for January. Looking at some of the "historical data" - not sure if there will be any discounts for this time frame although other than this year there has been some discounts in January. When we went in 2012 it was free dining which works for us since we tend to do many character meals with grandchildren. Plus my DH HAS to go to the Hoop-de-doo - that is his happy, happy place - a bucket of ribs really puts a smile on his face

Somewhere I read the changes of a discount might be better later in January - time will tell.

 

[mickeyplanner]

We are planning a January trip however are wondering if folks that have gone in January would recommend a trip from Jan 11 - 25th vs January 25th - Feb 8th. Wondering if it is best to avoid Marathon weekend and MLK weekend which is what our present trip is anchored with. We were there in Jan 2012 and the crowds over the MLK long weeeknd were intense plus reading this past January was pretty busy. Also hoping the chance of some sort of discount might have better odds if we stay away from these weekends.

Suggestions/advice appreciated.

We have been there twice during the marathon, once this past January 2013 and then in 2009. There is an influx of people in Magic Kingdom for sure. In 2009, we visited HS on Friday and Saturday and had no problems. In 2013, we visited HS and Ak and had no problems.

In 2014, we are going to try MLK. We are booked January 18-25 at BLT.

 

[vacation_junkie]

We went in the summer a few times when our children were younger and the tour groups were unreal - we would go the other way when we saw the flag. When we went in January 2012 (early in month) we also ran into tour groups but not as much as during the summer. There was a group so large that they filled one of the QS spots (Backlot Express I think it was) at DS.

I read somewhere about "cheerleaders and dancers." "Rude" is never good - must be tough for the CM's. I have found some really rude folks at parades - folks that stand in front of little children are "frustrating."

Thanks - appreciate hearing from folks that have gone later in the month. Sounds like the tour groups are manageable. When we went in 2012 the parks were very crowded over the MLK long weekend - from Friday through Monday which is one of the reasons we are changing to later in the month.

When we called to change our dates the CM was great - told us the packages should be avail around the 3rd week of June for January. Looking at some of the "historical data" - not sure if there will be any discounts for this time frame although other than this year there has been some discounts in January. When we went in 2012 it was free dining which works for us since we tend to do many character meals with grandchildren. Plus my DH HAS to go to the Hoop-de-doo - that is his happy, happy place - a bucket of ribs really puts a smile on his face

Somewhere I read the changes of a discount might be better later in January - time will tell.

We have booked our last few January trips the 2 nd week of August... We usually book as soon as I see it available online. And I usually check daily lol.

We had free dining in 2012 and had to wait to check in until the Saturday.. I think it was the 25/26th or something. 2013 no free dining so we went outside the norm and did another cruise.

2011 we checked in with free dining the last Saturday as well...the check in day for free dining stays on the Saturday after MLK weekend.

So continuing with that trend we are planning to check in on the 25th...the Saturday after MLK day...that would prob be the day free dining would start back up in January after the marathon & holiday.

We have been to Disney is April as well with the World Cheer and dance squads...we have never had an issue then either.

We loved the April crowds until we went in January...now the only time we will go is the last week of January

 

[middlesista]

We have been there twice during the marathon, once this past January 2013 and then in 2009. There is an influx of people in Magic Kingdom for sure. In 2009, we visited HS on Friday and Saturday and had no problems. In 2013, we visited HS and Ak and had no problems.

In 2014, we are going to try MLK. We are booked January 18-25 at BLT.

When we went in 2012 I don't recall it being wicked busy for the marathon weekend - it was more MLK long weekend. We did not use info r/t crowd calendar which was probably one of our problems - if we had picked a less crowded park for a specific day it might have worked out better.

BLT - a walk away from the MK - sounds wonderful

 

[middlesista]

We have booked our last few January trips the 2 nd week of August... We usually book as soon as I see it available online. And I usually check daily lol.

We had free dining in 2012 and had to wait to check in until the Saturday.. I think it was the 25/26th or something. 2013 no free dining so we went outside the norm and did another cruise.

2011 we checked in with free dining the last Saturday as well...the check in day for free dining stays on the Saturday after MLK weekend.

So continuing with that trend we are planning to check in on the 25th...the Saturday after MLK day...that would prob be the day free dining would start back up in January after the marathon & holiday.

We have been to Disney is April as well with the World Cheer and dance squads...we have never had an issue then either.

We loved the April crowds until we went in January...now the only time we will go is the last week of January

Too funny - we will be checking in on the 25th. Great that you recall that this is the date they open the free dining in the past. I am just hoping that if they do have FD that it will be avail at POFQ. In 2012 we called as soon as we saw the FD and the first reservation person told us we had to change resorts but when we called and tried later the second CM did accept the FD at POFQ and we were thrilled. We did go around Jan 9th in 2012 and we did have the free dining for the entire stay through the 19th. Our daughter works from home usually so we will have to put her on FD watch in August so she can call pronto. Thank goodness she can do this since they frown at us using work time to book vacations at the hospital I work at

Glad to hear the cheering/dance crowds are not too bad.

 

[vacation_junkie]

Too funny - we will be checking in on the 25th. Great that you recall that this is the date they open the free dining in the past. I am just hoping that if they do have FD that it will be avail at POFQ. In 2012 we called as soon as we saw the FD and the first reservation person told us we had to change resorts but when we called and tried later the second CM did accept the FD at POFQ and we were thrilled. We did go around Jan 9th in 2012 and we did have the free dining for the entire stay through the 19th. Our daughter works from home usually so we will have to put her on FD watch in August so she can call pronto. Thank goodness she can do this since they frown at us using work time to book vacations at the hospital I work at

Glad to hear the cheering/dance crowds are not too bad.

MLK weekend was blacked out so we chose to check in the next soonest day in 2012 ...Jan 25th seems like a looooooong ways away !! We stayed at CBR last...this time we are thinking of trying POR. Hopefully we will be lucky enough to get free dining!

 

[SAFamily]

So happy to have this board! We are a family of four traveling to WDW 01-11 January. Our flights are booked connecting in Houston. Looking forward to a DVC rental this time or a super good deal like in January 2010. We live near Calgary

 

[HeatherLassell]

So happy to have this board! We are a family of four traveling to WDW 01-11 January. Our flights are booked connecting in Houston. Looking forward to a DVC rental this time or a super good deal like in January 2010. We live near Calgary

Another Canadian! Welcome to the Dis and welcome to the January thread! Happy to have you!

 

[the_green_machine]

Tour groups usually go at the END of the month!

"Beginning in late January, South American tour groups tend to visit Disney World en masse due to a long vacation in throughout the continent. Expect to see large groups throughout the theme parks. If you do see a group, its best to avoid them." From EasyWDW


But then they also say "crowds are well below average with January 23rd through the first ten days in February seeing the lowest crowds of the year outside of September."

When I was there from Jan. 20th through 27th, 2012, I found the South American tour groups were everywhere and we did our best to avoid them at all costs. What I did notice was they would send one representitive (with everyone's tickets) & hijack a bank of Fast Pass machines and single handedly send the return time into the stratosphere. I found some (not all) of them to be very loud and rude, especially when a group of them would be on the same ride. That said, everyone has the right to enjoy Disney in their own way but sometimes it was a bit much.

In one instance, my wife (who has MS), was resting against a railing and one yong man slapped her arm away to get past her....I won't go into specifics, but we ingaged in a very specific conversation and, in broken english, an appology came shortly thereafter.

 

[middlesista]

MLK weekend was blacked out so we chose to check in the next soonest day in 2012 ...Jan 25th seems like a looooooong ways away !! We stayed at CBR last...this time we are thinking of trying POR. Hopefully we will be lucky enough to get free dining!

Friend of ours recently stayed at POR - she really loved the resort. She did end up asking for a room change since the first room was very far off and her little girl is in a wheelchair so the hiking back and forth was going to be too much.

I read that at POR if you book a preferred room in Alligator Bayou buildings (in order of closeness to main building) 14, 15, 18, or 27 - it costs an additional $25/night. To be close in Alligator Bayou without paying extra, they suggested to request building 16 or 17. It also went on to say that the walk from the other Alligator Bayou buildings to main area will be at least ten minutes. Magnolia Bend buildings are generally closer to the main building, dueto bridges over the Sassagoula River. You might already be well versed in this but whenever I come across info I might need I tend to keep in a file.

No doubt folks have read about the free dining coming out in May for Sept - I was glad to hear that it is being offered and happy for those folks that are planning a trip in September. As well as hopeful for those of us going in January. I do have to agree - Jan 25th seems way out there - more time to plan I guess

 

[middlesista]

When I was there from Jan. 20th through 27th, 2012, I found the South American tour groups were everywhere and we did our best to avoid them at all costs. What I did notice was they would send one representitive (with everyone's tickets) & hijack a bank of Fast Pass machines and single handedly send the return time into the stratosphere. I found some (not all) of them to be very loud and rude, especially when a group of them would be on the same ride. That said, everyone has the right to enjoy Disney in their own way but sometimes it was a bit much.

In one instance, my wife (who has MS), was resting against a railing and one yong man slapped her arm away to get past her....I won't go into specifics, but we ingaged in a very specific conversation and, in broken english, an appology came shortly thereafter.

Wow - just reading about that behavior is infuriating - so sorry that this happened to your wife and family. True - everyone should be able to enjoy themselves however some folks have a sense of entitlement that is over the top.

 

[3Leafs]

We just booked today for race weekend 9-12. My friend is running her very first half marathon so my ds10 and I are going down to cheer her on. My ds10 is also doing the Mickey Mile! We let my son choose hotels and he said since we are running we have to stay at assp. Lol

 

[Daisy07]

So happy to have this board! We are a family of four traveling to WDW 01-11 January. Our flights are booked connecting in Houston. Looking forward to a DVC rental this time or a super good deal like in January 2010. We live near Calgary

Have you done a DVC rental before?

 

[SAFamily]

Have you done a DVC rental before?

No but friends of ours have thru a Canadian Company and they have had no issues in the past 4 rentals. It is reputable as far as we can tell. We need a place "large" enough for our DS who has epilepsy. When we looked at current promos for January 2013 & possible promos for 2014 to determine if the cost for a DVC was realistic. We anticipate that the cost for a DVC rental will be cheaper than a Deluxe Resort for 10 days.

 

[HeatherLassell]

No but friends of ours have thru a Canadian Company and they have had no issues in the past 4 rentals. It is reputable as far as we can tell. We need a place "large" enough for our DS who has epilepsy. When we looked at current promos for January 2013 & possible promos for 2014 to determine if the cost for a DVC was realistic. We anticipate that the cost for a DVC rental will be cheaper than a Deluxe Resort for 10 days.

I don't think I know anyone that can afford 10 days at a DELUXE! Did you look at the Moderate resorts? Port Orleans is amazing! We stayed there in a Royal Room for 12 days from Sept 29-Oct 10 and it was so great! We loved it so much we're staying there again in January! I would LOVE to stay in a Deluxe of course but there would have to be a great 35-40% discount offer! Or if it was a short trip.

 

[vacation_junkie]

I don't think I know anyone that can afford 10 days at a DELUXE! Did you look at the Moderate resorts? Port Orleans is amazing! We stayed there in a Royal Room for 12 days from Sept 29-Oct 10 and it was so great! We loved it so much we're staying there again in January! I would LOVE to stay in a Deluxe of course but there would have to be a great 35-40% discount offer! Or if it was a short trip.

We usually stay at CBR and love it but are going to try POR this trip.. I hope we will be as happy at POR as we are at CBR.

 

[SAFamily]

I don't think I know anyone that can afford 10 days at a DELUXE! Did you look at the Moderate resorts? Port Orleans is amazing! We stayed there in a Royal Room for 12 days from Sept 29-Oct 10 and it was so great! We loved it so much we're staying there again in January! I would LOVE to stay in a Deluxe of course but there would have to be a great 35-40% discount offer! Or if it was a short trip.

That is my alternate resort preferably French Quarter I think. Our only concern was that the last time we stayed at CB and found the walking too much for our DS. He often crashes when food/energy levels are low, needs downtime, and a safe place.
I totally agree that 10 days at a Deluxe would have to be at an amazing deal or it is unsustainable for our budget.
DVC rental gives us the space, kitchen, and ability to be close to our home away from home.
I am so eager for the Packages to come out for 2014 then I will know if DVC is out in left field compared to an awesome moderate. Or if it really is the best deal.

 

[Aunt Peggy]

We are going Jan 19-26. Right now we are booked at OKW, but hoping to change to BWV at 7mo window. Our group includes myself, BF Pat, DN Amy & family-Mike, Taylor, Brianna, Nana, Grandpa George, Auntie Kristina. It's a birthday celebration for Taylor & Brianna who turn 4.

 

[HeatherLassell]

We are going Jan 19-26. Right now we are booked at OKW, but hoping to change to BWV at 7mo window. Our group includes myself, BF Pat, DN Amy & family-Mike, Taylor, Brianna, Nana, Grandpa George, Auntie Kristina. It's a birthday celebration for Taylor & Brianna who turn 4.

Welcome That's a nice big group! I added you to the main page!

 

[bvkramer]

Okay, we're officially booked. Dec 30-Jan 2 at Saratoga Springs. Jan 2-8 at AoA. It'll be me, dh, ds4, and dd16mos. My in-laws will be traveling with us but staying separately. So excited!