Coming off the very busy holiday season, the Walt Disney World Resort in January boasts low crowds and prices and comfortable theme park touring temperatures.  And while it may not be ideal water park weather, shorter lines and great Walt Disney World package deals are an excellent trade-off.

Crowd Levels & Special Events

Aside from that first week in January at the tail-end of the holiday season, January enjoys relatively low crowds throughout the month.  The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend takes place from January 9th – 12th and marathon events are happening around Disney property throughout the weekend.  There are lots more people around this weekend, but overall crowd levels in the parks aren’t impacted greatly by the events.  Martin Luther King weekend sees a surge in crowd numbers from Thursday through the actual holiday on Monday, but the remainder of the month boasts what are some of the lowest crowds Disney World will see all year.

Weather

January is the coolest month of the year in Disney World, with an average high of 71° and an average low of 47°.  Temperatures are comfortable and although it may not be the ideal weather for a late-night swim, it sure beats scraping the ice off the windshield in the morning!  I always suggest that people traveling during the winter months dress in layers as the mornings tend to be cool to cold and long-sleeves and a jacket or sweatshirt over a t-shirt is a good way to go.  It’s also a smart idea to bring along jeans and a sweater for your January Disney trip as temps drop down again as the sun sets.  Precipitation levels in January are some of the lowest Orlando sees all year, so opt for some warmer items over ponchos in your luggage.

Resort Pricing

Disney Resort pricing is based on multiple “seasons” throughout the year ranging from Value 1 (which is the least expensive) to Holiday (which is the most expensive).  In between the two are Value 2, Fall Season, Summer Season, Regular Season and Peak Season.  Thrown into the mix are various holiday, weekend and special event rates which range from Regular Season to Holiday Season Pricing.

• January 1  New Year’s ($$$$$)
• January 2 – 8 Value 1 ($)
• January 9 – 11  Marathon Weekend ($$)
• January 12 – 16  Value 1 ($)
• January 17 – 19  Martin Luther King Weekend ($$)
• January 20 – 31  Value 1 ($)

Closures & Refurbishments

The Magic Kingdom’s Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will have it’s final performances 1/1/14 – 1/4/14 before closing to make way for the new Festival of Fantasy Parade scheduled to debut Spring 2014

Splash Mountain:  1/6/14 – 3/21/14

Tomorrowland Speedway: 1/6/14 – 1/12/14

Casey’s Corner: 1/6/14 – 2/15/14

Studio Backlot Tour: 1/5/14 – 3/1/14

Blizzard Beach: 12/22/13 – 3/16/14