Less crowded in early Jan. or late Jan.?

[erdooley]

Hi! We're planning our first trip (me, DH and 5 DD) in January '09. We want to go during the least crowded time during that month. I guess temperature-wise, there's not much difference b/t early or late January. But crowd-wise, would we be better off going after 1/3 but before MLK day, or the end or Jan./early Feb., before President's day? Thanks!

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

I would say mid-late Jan is less crowded than early Jan but not necessarily empty. Also, in the week is better than the weekends due to crowds, etc.

[Disney Lynn]

January can be a great month to go, especially if you will be content with only EPCOT for the evenings (the other parks usually close early). For this reason, I do suggest park hoppers. Also, the WDW Marathon will make the whole area crowded (see info below on dates), and also MLK weekend will be crowded. I suggest choosing a date in-between those events. Dress in layers (sunny days will be warm with cold nights).

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 8-11, 2009
Disney's Health and Fitness Expo Jan 8-10, 2009
Family Fun Run Kids' Races Jan 9-10, 2009
Disney's 5K Family Fun Run Jan 9, 2009
Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge Jan 10-11, 2009
Walt Disney World Half Marathon Jan 10, 2009
Walt Disney World Marathon Jan 11, 2009

[kellykaypa]

My family had gone in 2004 during 1st week of February and there were NO CROWDS. It's a great time to go. We are booked at Pop Century in Jan 24-Feb1st 2009. Super Bowl is Feb 1st in Tampa in 2009. We are hoping that doesn't increase crowds by too much. :mickey: