WDW in early January

[Disney5Mom]

We usually go in March, but are thinking of going Jan 2-7 2006. Anyone who was there at this time last year was it crowded??Would you go during this time again? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Do a search on this board and you will find many other threads on this topic.

The crowds start clearing out on New Year's weekend and by the 3rd parks are pretty empty. The Marathon and Half Marathon are the weekend of the 7th and 8th, but they have very little effect on crowds in the parks.

Check other threads for more.

Bob

 

[danny1649]

For low crowds,I think you will have a great time.

 

[singingpixie]

DBF and I are going the 4th-10th this year, and are excited about the low crowds and cooler weather. All I'm worried about is that it might be a little too cool! but honestly, I'd rather layer on a couple sweaters and go have fun than feel like I'm going to pass out in the heat. Most of the attractions are inside anyway. I'd say go for it. It will be less crowded than spring break season and toward the beginning of your trip you should be able to see some of the christmas decorations! Have fun!

 

[Livie's Mommy]

DD and I went that week back in 2002 and it was WONDERFUL!!! We have also been the fourth week in January in 2001 and still no crowds, but weekends were a little busy (not sure why, locals maybe?). I don't do well with big crowds and waiting in lines and I find that January in general is a great time of year to be at WDW. It is my favorite time of year, anyway!

 

[2tinkersmom]

We were there this year at almost that same exact time and it was absolutely awesome! It was our first trip ever as a family and we couldn't have had a better week to do it.

We were there for 7 days and 5 of them were above 70 degrees. The last two were a little rainy but still nice temperature wise so we put on ponchos and had a great time. I guess we had an above average week according to some we talked to.

I can't say enough about how nice it was that time of year though. We did everything we wanted to......never waited in a line longer than maybe 15 minutes and that was Kali River Rapids in AK.....never felt crushed by crowds....saw every parade in a great spot without being there an hour before.....only made one PS reservation from home, walked into every restaurant we wanted to without waits....rented boats one day at Fort Wilderness campground where we stayed and swam another.

Compareatively we went again this June (won the trip, believe it or not) and we will never go at that time of year again! In January we covered every park in a day, going back to our favorites or a few things we missed on our extra days. In June, we were lucky to do about 5 rides in the MK and the heat and crowds were unbearable.

I just kept checking the weather online up till we left in January. I was kind of packed for any weather but like others have said, it is much more pleasant to go and have to wear some layers than to suffer through the heat.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[webprinter]

We were there in mid January a couple years ago. It wasn't overly crowded, but was more crowded than in early Dec. which is when we usually go. The weather was much the same as in Dec. It can be short sleeve weather or long sleeve weather. My DH and DD went to Blizzard Beach one day in January. They said it was empty. The temps were probably in the low 70's that day. We also went swimming in the pool twice that trip out of 11 days.
Debby

 

[Disney5Mom]

Thanks everyone for your prompt and encouraging replies. It looks like we will give January a try this year.

 

[heather31]

We are going to be there January 9-16 and it will be our first time visiting. We were hoping the crowds would be minimal, as my husband does NOT like crowds.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

We were at WDW Jan. 4-11, 2005 and enjoyed it thoroughly. We won't hesitate to go again at that time of year.

• shorter lines meant we were able to cover all the rides in a park in a day, even with shortened hours.
• most rides were "walk-ons" and we practically ran through the FP lines.
• FPs don't disappear so quickly -- the return time was usually within an hour.
• easier to get ressies for CRT breakfast or PSB at the 3 month window.
• Christmas decorations still up around the resort -- although you might miss Country Bear Jamboree if they are replacing the holiday show with the regular show.

Don't hesitate -- run to WDW for a lovely holiday in early January.