We have been thinking about going in January. We have always gone in the fall during Food & Wine Festival and we really enjoy it. Just wondering if anyone has gone in January and what should I expect? Nothin special going then is there?
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January trip
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Eric Graham
Well-Known Member
We've been in January. The crowds are less. Cooler weather prevails. I would avoid January 4-6 because that is a running race weekend. Happy travels to you all.
Cmdr_Crimson
Well-Known Member
As a veteran of going during that time If you go by the end of the month it does get a little busier due to the Festival of The Arts at Epcot.. However, this is peak Tour Group Season. And they are EVERYWHERE! This also includes cheerleading competitions going on at ESPNWWOS...
What part of the month is the Tour group season and the cheerleading competitions?
Smiley/OCD
Well-Known Member
We’ve never been in January but have been several times in December…2 observations…first, fleece is your friend! A fleece pullover or two is great to have along with a sweatshirt or two. Second, if you take buses to the parks, the drivers tend to crank the a/c at night when not needed. The crowds are smaller, people seem to be in better moods (not as hot)…I think you will have a whole new appreciation for WDW…enjoy!!
One more question: Would the week of Martin King day be crowded?
Cmdr_Crimson
Well-Known Member
Historically it is as busy as any holiday as many take the advantage of the previous week to start or go midway in...I'd recommend more to the tail end of January and the start of February..
MacVenture
Member
My family and I have been twice during this period. It is our preferred time of year to visit- heading back in 2024. The crowds are very manageable but you do see a few large tour groups. The weather can be tricky so bring a light jacket. I would say the only downside, is the pool is a little too cool for me.
Smiley/OCD
Well-Known Member
I would think with a 3 day weekend, if anything, the locals will be there…I’m sure MLK day will be busier than usual
Colonel Angus
Active Member
I'm going Jan 12-21 I don't think anything is really going on during that time, at least according to Touring Plans. I'm hoping for cooler weather. I run warm anyway and am hoping it'll be cool enough to wear a flannel at least in the evenings. I sweat way too much on my last trip around Halloween 2022.
Looking at 4 different crowd calendars they all vary but don't seem too bad. Regardless I just went last year so I'm planning to just be chill and do the little things I missed last time.
Looking at 4 different crowd calendars they all vary but don't seem too bad. Regardless I just went last year so I'm planning to just be chill and do the little things I missed last time.
Cmdr_Crimson
Well-Known Member
Jan 13-Feb 20th 2024 Epcot's festival of the arts begins...
And no matter when you go in the early part of the year..THEY will always be there .
Colonel Angus
Active Member
Who are they?Jan 13-Feb 20th 2024 Epcot's festival of the arts begins...
And no matter when you go in the early part of the year..THEY will always be there .
Cmdr_Crimson
Well-Known Member
The Brazilian Tour Groups they will take over the value resorts, be in large groups, obsessively loud clapping and chanting, they love to line jump, their back packs pile up while one person nests on top of them while they go on rides...No matter where you go in WDW they are there..
Colonel Angus
Active Member
I guess it makes up for our reputation as tourists in most European countries.
IanDLBZF
Well-Known Member
Universal and SeaWorld are NOT immune from these groups either.
Cmdr_Crimson
Well-Known Member
Although, it isn't as bad..The tour groups really like Disney more..I haven't seen them staying there at universal while I was on my last trip.
You say they take over value resorts, does that include POP?
Cmdr_Crimson
Well-Known Member
Yes, if it's a value resort they will stay there. This was a photo I took when I was there in 2020. The groups were heading to AK that day you can see the bus for it all the way down in this pic.