Yes, You Should Visit Disney This Winter
After the glitz and glam of the holidays, January can feel stark. I know I feel the winter blues when the decorations go down and cold weather sets in.
During this time, I usually ask myself “What now?” During this time, I like to plan for trips and adventures I’ll take later that summer.
You might be thinking, “Why would I go to Disney in the wintertime? Shouldn’t I wait for Halloween or Christmas? Won’t it be cold in Orlando now?”
Let me assuage these fears. Wintertime can be just as magical, maybe even more so.
Cooler Weather
Orlando does experience winter, but for those from the Northeast and Midwest, it’s significantly milder.
As a Pennsylvania native, I treasure escaping to the south. Florida winters feel like pleasant spring (even summer days) to me.
I’ve been caught wearing a T-shirt and no jacket in mid-January.
You should still pack accordingly. Longer pants, light jackets, and rain gear (you never know) should be on your packing list. Always check the weather beforehand.
Erratic Orlando weather aside, winter weather is generally pleasant. Everything, from ride queues to standing for parades, is more bearable than summertime.
I can guarantee one thing. Florida winters will not make you miss Florida summers.
Lower Price Points
The slow season of the 90s and mid-2000s is gone, and visitors must be more strategic. The holiday season, spring break, and almost the entirety of fall is considered peak season.
This means higher prices for almost everything. This includes hotels, airfare, park tickets, and even Genie+ reservations.
Except for a couple of marathon weekends, January and February are not peak season. In fact, this can be a great time to score deals on hotels or vacation packages!
These deals make winter trips possible – especially after an expensive holiday like Christmas. And during an economic downtown, every penny counts.
Lower Crowds
Did I mention Disney World crowds? Just a couple of factors (school breaks, minor holidays, etc.) can make crowds massive.
Like higher prices, crowds have a ripple effect. Think of it this way: Disney World is a land of queues. And the longer your queue is, the less happy you’re going to be.
Super busy times at Disney World see giant lines for park entrances, attractions, food carts, and even restrooms. (During one visit, I couldn’t get into a restroom in under fifteen minutes.)
I’m a patient Disney visitor, but experiences like this can erode the bliss. This is why I’m more intentional about avoiding Disney during these crazy times.
The winter lull after Christmas is the very definition of “not crazy busy”.
Just be aware that wintertime can bring maintenance for different attractions and transportation options. Despite that, smaller crowds will always be a win in my book.
A Very Inspired Festival
EPCOT is known for its crowd-drawing festivals and for good reason. EPCOT festivals are a wonderful time to try seasonal food and drinks. Plus, there is always special entertainment at the outdoor America Gardens Theater.
Other EPCOT festivals focus on food, flowers, and the holiday spirit. But this special event speaks to the artist in us all.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs roughly from mid-January to mid-February. Like other events, it features an array of specialty food and beverage booths.
Additionally, guests can witness acrobats, listen to street musicians, and watch real-life Disney artists paint their masterpieces. You can even take a lesson in animation.
(While snacking between the booths, keep your eyes peeled for fun art-inspired photo ops!)
To top it off, check out the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. This concert features stunning vocalists singing through the catalog of Disney’s Broadway hits. (This includes songs from classic films like Aladdin (1992), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Little Mermaid (1989).)
Consider signing up for a concert dining package to get guaranteed priority seating.
No matter what scratches your artistic itch, you’re sure to find it here.
Bring Some Magic to Winter
Unless you’re an avid skier, winter can just be dull. (This is especially true for the cold-averse.)
Chilly, rainy, and snowy weather can limit weekend activities. By the end of January, I know I’m sick of window shopping at the mall.
If you also get restless during the doldrums of winter, plan something to break up the gloom! And what could do a better job than Disney World?
The pleasant weather and infectious atmosphere of happiness would lift anyone’s seasonal sadness. Truly, you don’t have to wait for spring break to get a breath of fresh air.
Book that flight and escape to a place that rejuvenates your body and soul.
What are you waiting for? Don’t wait a second longer to book this much-needed trip.
This might become your favorite New Year’s tradition.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
Feature Image: Disney