WDW in January 2012 - What To Expect?

[viluvsdisney]

Looking for some feedback and on what to expect in regards to weather, crowds, etc. We'll be there Jan 22 - 26. We've only been once in Jan and that was after 9/11 so the crowds we're very very small. Looking for seasoned visitors who can help with some tips. Thanks!

 

[beccasmom]

It should be pretty quiet with regard to crowds. Weather could be cold, but of course it could be warmer too!. You'll want to keep an eye on the temps closer to the trip so you can gauge how to pack.

Park hours will be shorter and some rides will be closed for rehab. Check out the link for info.



http://allears.net/tp/rehabs.htm

 

[OKW Lover]

We go in late-January or early February every year. We've had everything from very chilly weather (say in the 40's) to very warm weather (80's), sometimes on the same weekend.

Crowds are pretty low during this time of year.

 

[readytogotodisney]

We're frequent WDW January visitors too, and I agree with others comments.

Weather - it'll be chilly in the mornings and evenings, but just dress in layers. "Most" days will start off in the high 40's low 50's and get up into the 60's or 70's during the day. But once the sun goes down the temp will drop fast. Of course like anywhere else you can have out of season temps, warmer or colder.

Crowds - Minimal. Most rides you can walk on or wait a short time. The biggies (Soarin, Everst etc) will still have a wait, but with FP you'll be on in no time. On our last trip the standby wait for Everest was only 25 min and the FP return time was only an hr later. As opposed to in busy times FP running out on the big rides.

Rides closed for refurbishment - There is always one of the water parks that will be closed. But not a big deal since it only gets in the 70's most days. We'll still swim, but we can devote enough time to make a water park worth it.
We also have never rode the Kali River ride bc it's always down when we're there.

Park hours - The park hours should be posted less then two weeks, hopefully sooner on the TA site, but they're usually Epcot 9am-9pm, AK 9am -5pm, HS 9am-7pm and MK 9am-8pm. But since the lines are so much shorter you really won't have much of a problem getting to ride everything you want to.

 

[viluvsdisney]

We're frequent WDW January visitors too, and I agree with others comments.

Weather - it'll be chilly in the mornings and evenings, but just dress in layers. "Most" days will start off in the high 40's low 50's and get up into the 60's or 70's during the day. But once the sun goes down the temp will drop fast. Of course like anywhere else you can have out of season temps, warmer or colder.

Crowds - Minimal. Most rides you can walk on or wait a short time. The biggies (Soarin, Everst etc) will still have a wait, but with FP you'll be on in no time. On our last trip the standby wait for Everest was only 25 min and the FP return time was only an hr later. As opposed to in busy times FP running out on the big rides.

Rides closed for refurbishment - There is always one of the water parks that will be closed. But not a big deal since it only gets in the 70's most days. We'll still swim, but we can devote enough time to make a water park worth it.
We also have never rode the Kali River ride bc it's always down when we're there.

Park hours - The park hours should be posted less then two weeks, hopefully sooner on the TA site, but they're usually Epcot 9am-9pm, AK 9am -5pm, HS 9am-7pm and MK 9am-8pm. But since the lines are so much shorter you really won't have much of a problem getting to ride everything you want to.

Excellent info! Thank you so much

 

[GrammyJudy]

We always go in Jan...this year the weather was great...we swam almost evryday. The evenings you need a light jacket or a sweatshirt. You can wear shorts or capris or ehatever. There were no lines but there were several groups fom brazil etc. Buses were fine short waits except at park closing. We have had some chilly weather in past years but seldom any rain. Generally the days are in the 70s which is perfect for walking around the parks.

Hope you have a great trip. we are planning Jan 28-Feb 4, 2012

 

[no capes darling]

Whatever happens, I hope you don't have the freezing temps that we had in January '10. It was really discouraging because it was our first January trip that felt just like being at home. My advice- check the long-term weather reports a couple days/the day before you go and pack accordingly.

 

[babiipiggiex3]

I went to WDW from end of Dec'10 to beginning of Jan'11 and let me tell you, the weather was not cooperating with us There was this "freeze front" covering the Florida area so there weren't really an sun or warmth. We were totally caught by surprise and did not packed enough clothings for this kind of weather.

But mid-Jan is suppose to be a quieter time at WDW, so the crowds should be low. I'm going again for a week end of Jan'12 to Beginning Feb'12. I can't wait!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Dont forget since you will be packing clothes for two seasons you will need more luggage space which may result in paying luggage fee's. When we go in Feb I always plan to do laundry while I am there. The laundry rooms are located by the pools and takes very little time to wash and dry. Last month it took me 1hr and 15 minutes to wash 3 loads and dry. Since there are multiple machines its not a bother for me. In fact I do laundry the night before we leave to come home do I don't have to process multiple loads at home when I have 3-4 washers to use all at once at Disney.

 

[viluvsdisney]

We're shooting for Jan 22 until the 26th....glad to hear crowd levels are lower. We were there in Feb '10 and it was COLD So we've encountered that before (and one other time in January of 01). It's the damp kind of cold....goes rt through you ...brrrr!

 

[hroyale]

We love the last week of Jan. Mornings and Nights are cold. Not chilly, they can be cold.

But...we've gone swimming on every trip. Keep an eye out for the warm afternoon and make a bee-line for the pool.

Crowds are so low that DS can ride Big Thunder Mountain 10x in a row. They just let him stay on. We can walk on any of the minor rides and ride Soarin or even Toy Story Maina 3-4 times in one day.

Just pack everything you own, avoid the Brazilian tour groups and you'll have the best time.

Can you tell I'm jealous because this is the first year we're missing the last week of Jan so DH can run the 1/2 marathon.

Best,
Heather

 

[viluvsdisney]

Thank you hroyale I'm beginning to get excited, now. I hope the weather pans out for us this time.