Disney in January

[seminolejeff]

I am planning on taking the kids to WDW for their first visit. Last time I was there was 95. Has anyone gone in Jan and have any hints, tips or suggestions.

Also, does anyone have any idea when the vacation packages will be available for 2009

 

[MickeyspalJim]

We have gone in January the last 2 years, and all I can offer is that expect all kinds of weather. It went from cold and rainy, to warm and sunny, back and forth the whole week or so We were there. Not sure what special events that are happening next january to help You out with any kinds of suggestions, but Most of the available Disney sites will post something about when the packages are available. I use this site and allearsnet.com to check on what's happening in the "World". Have a fun time too!!!

 

[Hrudey3032]

I have gone in January 4 out of the last 5 years and only once have I experienced weather that was real cold.Most of the time its about 75 and sunny in January.The only thing you might do is find out when the marathon is going on to avoid bigger crowds but for the most part it is really a quiet time of year to go and easier to see alot more at the parks.

 

[MickeyspalJim]

I have gone in January 4 out of the last 5 years and only once have I experienced weather that was real cold.Most of the time its about 75 and sunny in January.The only thing you might do is find out when the marathon is going on to avoid bigger crowds but for the most part it is really a quiet time of year to go and easier to see alot more at the parks.

I agree. The parks are not too crowded. Very easy to get around, but the marathons do bring in alot of guests to the hotel, so see what dates are scheduled. They seem to add more and more of them each year.

 

[happymom52003]

We went this past January. The crowds were low except over MLK weekend....the crowds picked up quite a bit starting that Friday.

We lucked out and had warm weather during the day for our entire trip....and it was cool enough a few of the nights for a lightweight jacket, but it was not very cold. But....they can have cold spells in January, so you have to pack for warm and cold weather. But chances are higher it will be warm.

 

[lukacseven]

You never know with the weather. I've run the marathon the past 3 years and in '06 the temperature at the start of the race was in the 30's. A year later it was in the mid 80's and very humid. This year the races are the 9-11. Generally, most people arrive on Thursday to pick-up race packets. Crowds really aren't an issue, however, be aware of the race routes going through the parks and the re-routing of traffic/busses. Some of the main roads will be closed to traffic (including resort busses). Friday is the 5K at Animal Kingdom, but the race is finished by 8:00 am and shouldn't pose a problem. Saturday/Sunday the races begin at 6:00 am. On Sunday, there will be runners going through AK, DHS, and Epcot when the parks open, but this does not affect attractions - everything opperates on the normal hours.

 

[elcodfish]

right after new years

If you can go right after new years it is EMPTY! which is great!!! But like everyone said, it can be cold, I think I wore jeans everyday with a t-shirt and carried a hoody, but I am always cold...

 

[bradandsarabr]

January typically has shorter park hours & more attractions under refurb.

 

[LuisT]

January is one of the better times to go to WDW . Its less crowds, because everyone has to go back to school. Like everyone else said.. Watch out for the Marathon weekend. It can get crowded at times!

-Luis

 

[tink68]

My daughter and I were there this year during MLK weekend and it was not too bad with crowds. Weather was great during the day and a little chilly at night. We loved it. We were able to see alot of characters during the P & P party. If that is going on then you should get tickets for it. It is alot of fun.
Have a good trip. :wave:

 

[Yankeeplex]

weather is extraordinarily beautiful with temperatures in the 60's and 70's...although, we were there in late january in 07 and we woke up to 30 degree temps...needless to say nobody was prepared for that as a huge run on sweatshirts and jackets occurred.

 

[mickeymouse090]

I’ve gone in January twice & my next trip is also planned for January 2009. We love going during that time because it is an off season. I would say the only thing is the weather, you just never know what you are going to get. The one year we went the night we checked in the area was under a freeze warning! I was coming from Ohio thinking I thought I left this stuff back home, it must be following me! :lol: During the day it was about 75 & at night it could get pretty cool. We only had 80’s a couple of times so we never really got to swim because it seemed like we always had other plans on those warm days.

We never had any problems, the parks weren’t crowded & the lines were short. I never needed to get a fastpass…that is how manageable it was at the parks! We only missed out on a couple of rides being down for a rehab, but they weren’t “big” ones so we were ok with that. For the most part though January is a great time to go for a visit! :wave:

 

[coulty]

I am planning on taking the kids to WDW for their first visit. Last time I was there was 95. Has anyone gone in Jan and have any hints, tips or suggestions.

Also, does anyone have any idea when the vacation packages will be available for 2009

we have been a few different times of year ,so this year we thought we'll go in january i'ts cheaper less busy and quite warm(compared to england).we stopped at the sports resort and arrived the day after the marathon so I suppose some were there for that,but we also had the cheerleaders as well so it was quite busy.we found the parks very busy as well and nearly every day we tried to get on soaring and the fast passes were gone splash mountain was closed and blizzard beach as well so we went to typhoon lagoon one day but it took nearly 1 hour to get there bacause they went to DTD first, and when we got there it turned out to be quite cold so we didnt stay long.And would you believe the following day the temp was over 80s but we couldnt face the bus ride again.we found the weather very changable so you just have to take a sweater or jacket with you .and plan days around the weather forecasts.as someone already said some rides are shut(refurbs)parks close earlier but we still had a great time.I dont think I would go again in january,next year we are going in may mainly because of the childrens school holidays.Im sure you'll still enjoy yourself.