January help ...suggestions

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

We usually go to DW for Christmas or but have to push our trip back due to moving. Pretty bummed about it. Looks like we will be able to go late January or just wait until next Christmas but seriously dont know if i can wait that long. How is DW in january? Anything special going on in late January? Staying at the cabins at Ft. Wilderness .... not sure what to do .. any help appreciated. Thanks

 

[KeithVH]

We are in the same boat. College and jobs really got in the way of XMAS this year. But in the middle of a People's Republic of Seattle winter, we really need a few days of sun. We're doing the 12th to the 17th (arrive after the marathon, leave before MLK weekend). It's OK though as the observed 15+ year decline in holiday offerings (decorations, etc) makes us feel we're not missing as much. And we have great memories so that's good enough.

The biggest issue I have noticed, besides the typical winter refurbs, is a SERIOUS lack of hours. Mostly dealing with MK. Epcot is set in stone and AK is a half day park anyway. Reduction in EMH has really affected length of stay and planning efforts for Studios and MK though.

Dining demand seems to be OK. Then again, we called on the first day we could. I was a little surprised that more times weren't available but we did get our seatings. YMMV depending on locations.

Crowds are questionable. Even with the marathon and a holiday weekend, Undercover is saying the whole month (excluding New Years) in the 3-5 range. I dunno about that, especially for a national holiday. I'm hoping it will low attendance with nothing much going on 'cause crowds can make or break a visit.

Just think of it this way. You could still be sitting at home or be at the World in January. Easy choice . . .

 

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

We are in the same boat. College and jobs really got in the way of XMAS this year. But in the middle of a People's Republic of Seattle winter, we really need a few days of sun. We're doing the 12th to the 17th (arrive after the marathon, leave before MLK weekend). It's OK though as the observed 15+ year decline in holiday offerings (decorations, etc) makes us feel we're not missing as much. And we have great memories so that's good enough.

The biggest issue I have noticed, besides the typical winter refurbs, is a SERIOUS lack of hours. Mostly dealing with MK. Epcot is set in stone and AK is a half day park anyway. Reduction in EMH has really affected length of stay and planning efforts for Studios and MK though.

Dining demand seems to be OK. Then again, we called on the first day we could. I was a little surprised that more times weren't available but we did get our seatings. YMMV depending on locations.

Crowds are questionable. Even with the marathon and a holiday weekend, Undercover is saying the whole month (excluding New Years) in the 3-5 range. I dunno about that, especially for a national holiday. I'm hoping it will low attendance with nothing much going on 'cause crowds can make or break a visit.

Just think of it this way. You could still be sitting at home or be at the World in January. Easy choice . . .

 

[SDisney90]

Well here I am to help you out because I can only go in January. With my landscaping/retail jobs, and my girlfriend in college we have no other choice but to go in January.

First off like Captain said, would you rather go or sit at home and wait? I'd say with going. Now, onto my personal experiencing on January traveling..

Refurbs: One word, stinks. We are going again January 14, second year Splash Mountain will be closed and I haven't been on it since 2011. But, going on the off season that's just one of the things you have to deal with.
Water Parks- always one or the other is shut down during the off season for refurb but at least there's still another one to enjoy.

Crowds: LOW- I cannot stress that enough. in 2010/2011 all the rides were open but granted even with FP it was difficult and annoying to even get on the rides. This past January my girlfriend and I rode every popular ride at least 6 times! Test Track, Space Mountain, BTMR, ToT, RnRC you name it at least 6 times some rides even more! Even with the races going on a few days after I arrived, the crowds were STILL low, the resort (Allstar Sports) still quiet with no issues.

Christmas Decor: Surprisingly my last trip I went January 7-13th and there was some Christmas tree's, Mickeys, etc up. The castle was still lit with the Christmas lights from the 7th - 10th. Not sure why the 10th was the last day (possibly due to the races ended not too sure on this?) But, depending how late in January you go you might miss quite a bit of the decor still lingering the parks.

Hours: Obviously the hours aren't as long as I'd want them to be, but hey its off season what do you expect. Usually in January the parks either have a 1-2 hour morning/night EMH. (Usually 8am-10pm) I believe there might be a day MK is open until 11pm in January. (just take a look at the hour calendar up)

All in all, i'd honestly just go in late January rather than waiting until next Christmas. If you have any other questions just ask, ill answer them to my best of my ability hope this helps!

 

[Disney Shib]

All in all, i'd honestly just go in late January rather than waiting until next Christmas. If you have any other questions just ask, ill answer them to my best of my ability hope this helps!

I am also going in January. The 22nd-29th. We rented a villa and are staying offsite. I am guessing the weather can be pretty inconsistant as well? Thanks for the info!

 

[Betsyboo]

I highly recommend January. We will be going in February this year but have always found January to be pleasant. Weather can be hit and miss but FL January is better than just about anywhere. I agree with @SDisney90 about the refurbs. This will be the second year in a row without Splash Mountain. We've ridden countless rides multiple times in a row. The usual rides are still a bit crowded TSMM and Soarin. The hours can be short but that just gives more time for late dinners, strolling the Boardwalk and checking out DTD. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[SDisney90]

I am also going in January. The 22nd-29th. We rented a villa and are staying offsite. I am guessing the weather can be pretty inconsistant as well? Thanks for the info!

The weather can be be very inconsistent. Two years ago it was so cold I had a north face on, and last year i was so hot I wish I had brought more shorts and tee's.

 

[luv]

Crowds are generally better than summer. Park hours are shorter. It doesn't rain much. It can be cold, so be sure to pack for all kinds of weather. You don't want to be one of those people walking around the AK, wrapped up in blankets, like I saw last year.

 

[SMS55]

January tends to be a slower season. It is the value season for Florida Residents. The holidays are over and the kids are back in school and the grown ups back to work. Crowds are lighter. You won't have to make long lines but park hours tend to be shorter and there tend to be some refurbs as they get ready for the Spring Break crowds. Weather will be pleasant unless a strong front comes through which will make it feel really cold

 

[RMichael21]

The same thing happened to us. January is an awesome time to go! Guests who came for christmas probably aren't coming back a month later so the crowds are quite low. (APs will still be there of course, as well as locals). Be sure to avoid Martin Luther King Jr. Day! There are a few tradeoffs:

Pros of going in January-

1. Low crowds
2. Low Wait times
3. Good weather
4. Kids back in school so there are almost NO strollers that will run over your feet.

Cons of going in January-

1. A couple of larger attractions are closed for refurbishment. (an example is Splash Mountain)
2. No deals on hotels, ticket prices, etc
3. shorter park hours
4. No christmas decorations

 

[Disney Shib]

The weather can be be very inconsistent. Two years ago it was so cold I had a north face on, and last year i was so hot I wish I had brought more shorts and tee's.

Luckily the place we rented has a washer and dryer so if the weather is mainly or the other I can always rewash lol.

 

[SDisney90]

Luckily the place we rented has a washer and dryer so if the weather is mainly or the other I can always rewash lol.

Yeah that will definitely help out big time I hope the weather is nice this year again...

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I go during the end of January and wait times aren't that bad..It does get busier by the weekends..But there's one thing you will surely see when your there and no one has the heart to say it and they are HUGE around that time of year..

Tour Groups...

http://.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/tourgroup.jpg

Like Em or Hate Em..They come in full swing and they don't care what they do..They took over Pop Century when I was there and it was Packed..And at night the food court was a nightmare since they all go in herds..Here's a photo I took during my stay there..

 

[Betsyboo]

I go during the end of January and wait times aren't that bad..It does get busier by the weekends..But there's one thing you will surely see when your there and no one has the heart to say it and they are HUGE around that time of year..

Tour Groups...

http://.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/tourgroup.jpg

Like Em or Hate Em..They come in full swing and they don't care what they do..They took over Pop Century when I was there and it was Packed..And at night the food court was a nightmare since they all go in herds..Here's a photo I took during my stay there..

Watch out for the flags!

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Watch out for the flags!

I still remember walking through Epcot by The Land and there was one lonely guy with a flag. He raised it up in the air and out of nowhere at least 30 people came from different places in just a few seconds..There friggin Ninjas..

 

[luv]

I have to say that Disney really is making an attempt with these tour groups, because the behavior continues to improve. After I was physically pushed into a wall (out of nowhere! From behind, while I was just standing there, in line!), I had pretty much HAD IT with these kids and Disney. Then there was all that line cutting...

But they really are getting better. I even saw a group encouraging a few girls to come and cut and the few girls were hesitating and finally decided not to do it. Amen and alleluia.