What Are Your Opinions on Early January (2005)?

[KBFinFan]

Just returned from a GREAT family trip to WDW (working on the trip reports!), after my parents and brother had not been for quite a time. The Disney bug has bitten the family and we are ready to go again, and we are thinking the first week of January due to cooler weather and low crowds. It will be our Christmas present most likely...

Any experience during this time (January 1-10?). I am off from college and my brother would only miss a few days of school after the first of the year. We are looking at this early January timeframe and would appreciate any comments or experiences. My mother wants to stay at the GF, but I am partial to the Poly (even though we have never stayed onsite before). Looking to stay around ten nights.

Thanks as always in advance everyone!

 

[msmouse]

Hi, we have gone every January for the last four years. Last year we went from 1/10-1/15. The weather was wonderful. In fact, we have been very very lucky in that regard. I know some that have had terrible weather experiences in January. The crowds are non-existant. Really, you walk on everything. The only downside is that water rides and water parks are pretty much not an option. We are going Jan. 2005 also! Can't wait.

 

[Melann]

We went this year Jan 3-10, (Sat to Sat) and had a great time. The weather was excellent for most of the trip...we wore shorts every day up until Wednseday, and then jeans and a sweatshirt...were able to wear shorts again on Friday, but day we left was cold! Crowds were decent...up until Wednesday, you just needed to use fastpass, after that you could go on a ride (ToT for example) and get right back off and do it again. I absolutely loved being in Disney at this time, and am trying to talk my BF into going again next year. We actually were able to hit the waterparks on Sunday, went to BB and had alot of fun...not that crowded there either!

 

[KBFinFan]

Thanks sounds like this is a good time to go. Does Disney leave their holiday decorations up to 'linger' or are they down by the first of the year?

With these positive comments the planning gears are starting to turn....

 

[AJKMOM]

They gradually take them down starting right after New Years Day. Seemed like the hotels decorations were up longer than the parks.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I also was there the very first week in January in 2000, 2001, and 2002, and just made reservations to go with DS in January 2005 (same reason-college break). Previously, the first week in January has been very cold, so I was somewhat relieved to hear about warm weather this past January. However, crowds are very low. Just checked about the Christmas decorations and stuff yesterday. According to park info for previous years, no more tree lighting, Holiday storytellers, or CP the first week in January. However, I remember decorations still being up in hotels and parks. And Osborne Lights, if they're back this year (I hope, I hope) usually stay up until about the 5th. But if there's some Christmas decoration you really want to see, get there ASAP. I remember one year, on 1/2 the Christmas tree was still up in Epcot. Went back on 1/4-poof, gone!