[Cincy]

We are thinking about going to WDW the first week of January 2006. Has anyone been at this time and can anyone who has just went provide any information about crowds and weather and any other important information.

I would love to go the first week of December, however I can't travel during that month due to work requirements.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Cincy

We are thinking about going to WDW the first week of January 2006. Has anyone been at this time and can anyone who has just went provide any information about crowds and weather and any other important information.

I would love to go the first week of December, however I can't travel during that month due to work requirements.

We visted WDW this January (10-19) and had a great time. The crowds were very low durning the week and very managable on the weekend. The weather is a bit unpredictable. The first few days it was in the 80's then it shot down to the 40's. I belive January has one of the lowest rainfalls too.

We'll definately go in January again.

Jen

[llama]

We were at WDW from January 2 to 16th this year. The only time we experienced crowds were on the 2nd (which was still a holiday for many). As the week went on the crowds got lower and lower. By the 4th or 5th we were just walking on to everything. For example - we had our own log on Splash Mtn. and our own train for Big Thunder.

[wdwspider]

We went the third week of Jan. and here was our experience...

Crowds were low except for Fantasyland and other Toddler attractions in each park. It seems this is the ideal month for a Toddler Economic trip. Unfortunately, we were one of those families. It is still manageable and no where near Summer crowds, but our family felt it was on par with October trips as far as crowds go for toddler friendly attractions. Thrill ride lines seemed slightly lower (since teens are in the midst of school I imagine).

The weather does vary a lot. 80's to 30's and back for us. Rain was minimal. Rates at the resorts are awesome.

We have tried May and January, but still feel the best trips we have had are around September to November. You will certainly have a good time but it is a little more unpredictable.

[tink74]

We've been there twice in the early parts of January. As far as we're concerned it's the only time to go! Low crowds (although they were a little bigger this last Jan.), and it's not near as hot as those summer months! However, speaking of the weather, it is very unpredictable at that time. Our first trip, we never took our jackets off (55-70 degrees), and this last time it was 80 during the day, 75 at night (we also had a day of rain).

[Dana]

I have gone twice now in January and love it there then. The crowds are nonexistant and most things are a walk-on or small wait. You will not believe how much more relaxing it is to tour.

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by wdwspider2005

Crowds were low except for Fantasyland and other Toddler attractions in each park. It seems this is the ideal month for a Toddler Economic trip. Unfortunately, we were one of those families. It is still manageable and no where near Summer crowds, but our family felt it was on par with October trips as far as crowds go for toddler friendly attractions. Thrill ride lines seemed slightly lower (since teens are in the midst of school I imagine).

I've been to WDW twice in early January and once in early December. I feel early January is slower (but you don't get the Christmas decorations).

To deal with Spider's predicament, hit Fantasyland at the "rope drop." This past January 5, we rode EVERYTHING in Fantasyland, plus Barnstormer, plus Haunted Mansion, plus Peter Pan a second time all in the first 90 minutes of the day (at PP we didn't even have to get out of our ships; we just sailed on through!). We had a similar experience in December 03. BTW, ALWAYS do Dumbo first, as it is the bottle neck.

[EmpressJenny]

We went in the 3rd week of Jan. this past year, and it was cold (30s at times) and more crowded than we'd hoped. I think September is the best time to visit.

[carodosy]

We went Jan. 16-20 this year and we were freezing but the non existent lines totally made up for that. Watching the fireworks right in front of crystal palace with no crowds brought (almost frozen) tears to my dd and my own eyes. We walked on to everything multiple times. By the way, hi! I'm new and am totally loving disney central.

[Cavey]

I think the cool weather is a good trade off...and what's cold to a Floridian seems tropical to this Illinoisan.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by carodosy

We went Jan. 16-20 this year and we were freezing but the non existent lines totally made up for that. Watching the fireworks right in front of crystal palace with no crowds brought (almost frozen) tears to my dd and my own eyes. We walked on to everything multiple times. By the way, hi! I'm new and am totally loving disney central.

Hi! WElcome to Disney Central! Glad you found us.


I was there from 21st to the 27th and did not wait in ANY lines at all. There were no crowds...it was perfect. It was cold on a few days, but a sweathshirt or a light jacket was fine. We felt like we were in a heat wave down there...there was a snow storm going on at home while we were in WDW..talk about perfect timing. I wish I coudl go again in JAnuary, but had to opt to go in October this time around. January, to me is perfect.

[llama]

Originally Posted by carodosy

We went Jan. 16-20 this year and we were freezing but the non existent lines totally made up for that. Watching the fireworks right in front of crystal palace with no crowds brought (almost frozen) tears to my dd and my own eyes. We walked on to everything multiple times. By the way, hi! I'm new and am totally loving disney central.

Welcome! Hope you like it here.

We had unbelievably beautiful weather for the first two weeks of January. Highs in the low 80's, sunny every day. We've gone in January for the last 3 years, and we've never had weather like this. But the low crowds definitely make up for any bad weather.

[wdwspider]

Originally Posted by caver_jeffery

I've been to WDW twice in early January and once in early December. I feel early January is slower (but you don't get the Christmas decorations).

To deal with Spider's predicament, hit Fantasyland at the "rope drop." This past January 5, we rode EVERYTHING in Fantasyland, plus Barnstormer, plus Haunted Mansion, plus Peter Pan a second time all in the first 90 minutes of the day (at PP we didn't even have to get out of our ships; we just sailed on through!). We had a similar experience in December 03. BTW, ALWAYS do Dumbo first, as it is the bottle neck.

Thanks for the tips. Peter Pan Twice... in a row... WOW!

We are expert Fastpassers so we managed Fantasyland pretty easily despite some crowding, but your scenario sounds awesome. Seems like I was minority on the Jan. trip idea. However, we were driving so when we headed back home we ran into Ice and Snow and had to stop and spend the night before finishing the drive. Totally outside of Disney and Florida problems but it propably did damper our spirits a bit.

[Cincy]

We have snow and Ice all the time. Today they are calling for another inch or two. My big concern would be the weather. My DW hates to be cold. A light jacket at night would not be so bad, but if we are going to be looking for things to inside because of the cold then that would be bad.

Sounds like the crowds will be very light, that will be great. We used to go every trip in the summer. Last trip was the first week in March. We were spoiled by the lack of crowds.

[llama]

Originally Posted by Cincy

We have snow and Ice all the time. Today they are calling for another inch or two. My big concern would be the weather. My DW hates to be cold. A light jacket at night would not be so bad, but if we are going to be looking for things to inside because of the cold then that would be bad.

Sounds like the crowds will be very light, that will be great. We used to go every trip in the summer. Last trip was the first week in March. We were spoiled by the lack of crowds.

Well - who am I to judge - I don't exactly live in the Tropics - but "cool weather" is a relative term. Jeans and a light jacket should do the trick. The only downside is that swimming isn't too likely - but who knows. We were able to swim this year. It was beautiful. Weather is - pardon the expression - a crap shoot. You can plan for the beautiful spring vacation and have a week of rain.