Visiting Disney World in January

Disney World has so much to do and people of all ages can enjoy something inside and outside the parks. While there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit, there are sometimes that are better than others. Here are seven reasons that a visit in January may be just what the doctor ordered for you and your family.


1. Crowds are easy to handle

Even in months with higher crowds, a good touring plan and taking advantage of all the hours available can make a Disney vacation manageable. That said, in January you’re likely to see extremely favorable crowds. There are a few exceptions, like the first two or three days of the year when there are still holiday travelers hanging around, and the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

2. The weather is beautiful

Visiting the parks in summer has its advantages but one of the downsides is that it’s hot and humid. This isn’t an issue in January. You can expect it to be sunny most days, with highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s, and lows in the 50s.

3. You can check out all four Disney parks

Disney World has four theme parks within it: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. If you are planning a trip of four or fewer days during busier times of the year, then you’re simply not going to be able to experience it all. However, if you plan the same trip during the lower crowd season, you can take in a lot more. This gives you the chance to truly get the best possible value from your trip.

4. You’ll have easy access to great brands and shopping opportunities

Visiting Orlando in January means lower crowds everywhere – including at the world-famous shopping districts. Whether you want to visit the Mall of Millenia, Florida Mall, Rodeo Drive in nearby Winter Park, or the outlets in Orlando, you’ll find that the lower crowds often encourage store owners to lower their already reduced prices.

5. Get a great value

There’s no way around it – if you visit Orlando in January then you’re going to get a better value than you will if you travel in other months. For some families, this means staying at an affordable hotel, eating many meals within their hotel room, and getting their trip for as little as possible. On the other hand, other families stick with their peak-season budget but upgrade their hotels, eat at more expensive restaurants, or even extend their trip thanks to the better value.

6. You can see why Orlando is increasingly a favorite culinary community

It wasn’t long ago that Orlando was thought of as a city with a serious lack of a culinary scene. That’s not the case today. Whether you want some unique, fresh, and delicious fast food options for days you enjoy the parks, or you want to take a trip down to Sand lake Road to visit one of the many options on Restaurant Row, it’s much easier to get reservations during the off-season than it is during the rest of the year. From sampling local wines to taking in meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, there’s a lot to love about visiting Orlando in January.

7. You can take in seasonal events

Have you always wanted to plan a Disney vacation around the holidays? Do you wish you could see all the resorts decked out in their holiday best? Many people want this, but the main issue is that it can be extremely expensive – not to mention very busy – to visit Disney World in December. The good news? The Christmas decorations stay up through the second week of January. This is why many people who want to see the Christmas parade or enjoy the holidays from around the world in Epcot, will wait until the slower, more affordable options available in January.

These are just seven reasons to plan a Disney vacation in January. No matter what time of year you visit, there are always great tips to help you save money, exceptional ways to skip the lines, and the opportunity to have the time of your life.