When to go in January?

[Clare]

I'm sorry, I'm sure there are a million posts about this topic, but each time I try to search for them I get an error message.

We're going to WDW with my family (usually it's just DH, DD and me) and they are extremely crowd/line averse. As of right now our dates are flexible......we just know we're going for 5 nights sometime in January. So I'd LOVE some input on which week to go in January. I know the 4-7 is Marathon weekend & the 15th is Martin Luther King. Are these dates to be avoided or do they have little/no effect on crowds?

Thanks for any input!!!!

 

[harleyquinn]

The marathon doesn't really effect crowds, just parking. But avoid President's day and the first week of January. A lot of schools are ot until the 5th, so the first week will be a little busier than the rest.

We went the lsat week this year and it was insanely crowded, but I think it was because of EE's AP and DVC opening. It was as busy as my June trip. I don't think anything is happening that week this year, so it's a great time to go.

Also plan for all weather! I only brought one sweatshirt and ended up wearing it every day. Bring at least one light sweater and one heavy one. Gloves are a great idea too. it was never cold enough for a heavy coat, hoodies were good enough, but you never know.

Have fun!

 

[yearbook50]

The marathon only affects parking and the hotels. Not the park.

 

[oxfordcircus]

If you're that flexible, I'd recommend the 21st through the 26th. I would avoid the MLK weekend, although, according to the Unofficial Guide, the holiday doesn't seem to be such a terrible influence on crowds. You should be able to get better hotel discounts after the marathon and the MLK weekend.

I was there for that week (the 21st) this year and the crowds were quite low, although, we did have to wait in line some, of course.

 

[dpuck1998]

No no no, don't go the 21st - 26th...I hear thats a horrible time ohhhh....and pay no attention to my countdown...it lies...lies I tell you..

 

[oxfordcircus]

No no no, don't go the 21st - 26th...I hear thats a horrible time ohhhh....and pay not attention to my countdown...it lies...lies I tell you..

I'm actually going the week before the 21st so I'm trying to direct others to different dates!

Actually, my AP expires on 1/22/07, so I have to go during the MLK weekend. Otherwise, I'd be right there with you!

 

[dixiedizfan]

Most schools in the southeast don't start back until the second week of January, making the first week in January very crowded. It sure was this past January 1st week!

 

[Clare]

Well, we discussed it tonight and were leaning toward Jan. 23-28, but when I called WDW to check availability at the WL (our first resort choice) there were no standard rooms for that time. We need 3 rooms and the standard view rooms just go so fast & I'm not willing to pay for woods or courtyard.
But....I could get the rooms I wanted for Jan. 30 - Feb. 4, so I went ahead and snagged them.


Hopefully, we won't be disappointed! Thanks everyone!

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

This year we went 1/28-2/2....never waited more than 5 minutes for anything we wanted...weather was beautiful - it was a truly magical trip. Maybe we just missed the crowds...who knows? I saw plenty of folks wearing the EE lanyards, but I would not say the parks were crowded at all!

Next year, I am booked for 1/21-1/26....can't miss that Pirates and Princess party!


Patty