First week of January?

[lilles]

We might be going to Disney World the first week of January 2017. Staying three nights. I have been a million times before but never with kids. They will be 8.5, 6.5 and 2.5 when we go. We might be driving there but still not sure. DH wants to stay on property. Is this a good time to go?

When I went before with my parents we would just buy our plane tickets and go. We never stayed on site. It seems like the planning is much more complicated now.

The other thing is that the girls would be missing the first week of school after Christmas break which I'm not thrilled about but it is the only time that would work with DH's schedule right now.

[ilikedonuts]

Great time to go because most schools are back in session. Weather could be cold, could be warm.

[lauren170]

We love going in early January!! So cheap. It was pretty cold for a few days. We'll bring coats this year, just in case.

[ribollita]

They're expecting the first week of Jan to be busier than normal this year due to how Christmas falls on the calendar. We went once from Jan 1-12 and had a great time although the Christmas music was driving my crazy by the end of it!

[curbsideprophet]

I would figure out a tentative plan for which parks you want to visit and book some dining reservations now.

You don't need a room or tickets to book ADRs. They are easily cancelled.

[cajunmom]

We've gone that week before and it was pretty good. The first time we went the weather was pretty nice...highs in the 60s. The second time it was FREEZING and super windy. It was miserable, worse than being hot. That's pretty unusual though, you'll probably have pretty decent weather.

[lala]

I think it's a great time and I don't think missing school is a big deal at all.

I would stay on property of you can.

[lilles]

Jul 29, 2016 14:34:19 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

I would figure out a tentative plan for which parks you want to visit and book some dining reservations now.

You don't need a room or tickets to book ADRs. They are easily cancelled.

Do you need reservations for all restaurants or just for the ones with characters? I don't think we will do any character ones.

How far in advance to we need to make hotel reservations?

[curbsideprophet]

Jul 30, 2016 9:18:21 GMT -5 lilles said:

Jul 29, 2016 14:34:19 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

I would figure out a tentative plan for which parks you want to visit and book some dining reservations now.

You don't need a room or tickets to book ADRs. They are easily cancelled.

Do you need reservations for all restaurants or just for the ones with characters? I don't think we will do any character ones.

How far in advance to we need to make hotel reservations?

Most table service meals recommend reservations. I would say for the more popular ones they are pretty much required. This includes the restaurants without characters. You can go to dining page and sort by restaurants that accept reservations. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/#/reservations-accepted/

That being said I able able to pull up some decent times for a party of 5 for lunch today. When were there we booked a table for six day of at Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch.

I don't know enough about rooms and when they start to fill up. I would want it booked prior to 60 days out so you get the FP advantage if you are staying on site.

[zarapipe]

We are going January 14the and I'm really excited for cool weather!

[estrellita]

We used to go when I was a kid in early Jan. It was the best time to go IMO. If you go early enough, there are still Christmas decorations up, it's not too hot (sometimes it's a little too cold though, lol), and it's less busy because it's between the holidays and breaks. Just make sure you have a sweatshirt and pants, we always picked the coldest days to go!