Wondering about January

[M*2]

Hello; I hope I'm posting in the right place.
I'm thinking of taking a January trip to WDW...
Has anyone experienced cancelled parades or fireworks during that month?
A few of the guidebooks led me to think that some of these events might not take place.
Has anyone had crowd problems due to the marathon?
We're hoping to enjoy the less crowded time of year but still get to see our favorite parades and fireworks shows.
Thank you very much!!
I love reading all of your trip reports!!

 

[kelleigh1]

Hubby and I were looking at January '06 too. I posted a similar question on the tips board and learned that the Marathon is the weekend of the 7th-8th. While I was told that the parks were the least crowded they'd ever seen, we might have some difficulty getting a good deal on the resort rates simply because they fill up with marathoners and spectators that weekend. And because the 1st is a Sunday (with Monday the unofficial holiday) chances are it might be busy then too.

Which dates were you considering? I'm now rethinking it to maybe the week of MLK day, which would be the week of the 15th.

 

[M*2]

Thanks Kellieigh1.
We're thinking anytime after the marathon might be good. And we're hoping for good weather!

 

[roscodog]

Been to WDW late January for the past two years. The crowds are relatively low but noticed this year crowds were up versus last year, even on weekdays. The weather was comfortable during the day but would cool considerably during the evening. Been lucky about not having too much rain but that is always unpredictable. During our visit, all parades and shows went on schedule. Even though the parks close earlier, you can still get alot done because there are less people. January is a great time to go.

 

[babybunrab]

I was there in January (to run in the half marathon--and as a side note I'm very sad they've changed the route for next year) and the crowds were quite light. We saw Illuminations, Spectro and Wishes, but didn't go to Fantasmic, though I believe it was on. Contrast this with a trip a week ago during Spring Break with my grandma on a scooter. Woah Nellie! I thought she might be run down. All of the parks were the most crowded I'd ever seen, even during the summer season. I'd go again in January in a heartbeat (if I wasn't going to be gainfully employed in January from now on, that is...)

 

[wildbill]

We've been in Jan. the past three times-twice the weather was perfect but the last time it was COLD. We bought lots of sweatshirts in Canada, Germany and Norway (cost a fortune but they are nice). Ended up one night with a shirt and 3 sweatshirts on-and I used to live in Detriot so I was used to cold weather. Take warm clothes just in case.

They never cancelled any of the activities, we never had to wait more than a few min. for any ride, never made ps since we could walk into any place and get a seat-we are spoiled.

Now due to school we are going June 4th-think we'll notice a difference?

Bill

 

[DisOrBust]

If your dates are flexible avoid MLK holiday including the Thurs Fri prior I believe Flordia schools are off.

 

[M*2]

Thanks to all who replied to my question. We've decided to "go for it" in January! We'll take clothes for any kind of weather and enjoy the low attendance!

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

We went over MLK weekend this year. It was SOOOO crowded Sat-Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon we sawing a huge improvement in the lines and had a great time. All of the parades and fireworks were running. It was FREEZING it was high of 50 the whole time we were there and it got even colder at night. We had on winter jackets and hats and gloves every night.