Disney / Theme Parks - January vs April

[ilikedonuts]

I'd do April because I find a lot is closed for refurb in January. Plus more pool time in April!

[pooh8402]

April was a great time to go. It wasn't ridiculously hot. The spring break crowds have died down, and the summer crowds haven't picked up yet. The Epcot Garden Festival is going, so it's really pretty and has a lot of the food and drink carts you get with the Food and Wine Festival.

[Deleted]

The pool at the Beach Club is really cool and April will be hot enough so that you could spend a lot of time there. Otoh, it would be nice to walk to the MK from BV. So I think it depends on what kind of trip you have in mind. Laid back, lounging by the pool or more active and hitting up the MK.

[Amy]

We go MLK week (leave tomorrow) it's not cold (usually). Last year highs were in the 80s

[ribollita]

I went in January 2015 and it was never cold. We went swimming every day.

I would always always choose lower crowds. Always.

[zarapipe]

We've done april and the weather was good. It was the beginning of April and was still hot but not unbearable. Crowds were heavy IMO.

[krystee]

Lower crowds and cooler weather are my two most important factors in determining when we go.

[ilikedonuts]

My kids were so bummed we couldn't swim this past December (2 days it was warm enough mid day but we had other stuff planned). I think if you really want to use pools and stuff, I wouldn't count on warm weather for January. But if it's not your plan, you can be pleasantly surprised if it is.

[DarcyLongfellow]

January, no contest.

April is hot and crowded. January is much cooler (and almost never actually cold) and has some of the lowest crowd days.

I guess, unless swimming is something your kids are really going to want to do. Even with relatively warm weather, I would never want to swim in January in Orlando.

[Ashley&Scott]

@starry - Sounds like it might be a little too cold to swim in January. That was M's favorite thing when we were at Disney, if it's a big deal to DD1 I would go for April.

[bookqueen15]

I agree with the PP, if you want to use the pools at all that's definitely not a sure thing in January. This week has been pretty cold (I live about 1 hour from Orlando) and definitely not pool weather. But it's great weather for going to the parks! And I think the crowds are pretty low, especially during the week. Early April is a nice time too...it's warm but usually not that hot yet and usually pool weather for the most part.

[auntie]

Crowds are relative.

Late April and early May are not hugely crowded, but tend to have longer operating hours in the parks which is useful if the little still naps. You'd be able to use the Beach & Yacht pool and walk to both Epcot and DS.

[Deleted]

Hands down January. It's much cooler, but not cold. A light sweater and you'll be plenty warm. Ignore the fact that locals are in parkas.

[auntie]

It's been chilly on and off. MLK day is predicted to be about 58F. My mom lives nearby and has been pissing in my ear about the cold.

[lishie]

I'm going the week after MLK this year. I'll give you my comparison, as I've done that week in April as well.

I do love the Epcot flower/garden festival, and warmer weather, but I'm dreaming of empty walkways in January

[swest]

We went one year over MLK weekend probably 10 yes ago and it was a freakishly cold year. I think the highs were in the 40's. I don't want to take that chance again so we won't go in January again. Also I don't get the same feeling off season, less things are open and shorter hours.I have been in early May and it was great. Not too busy, great weather and great hours.