Walt Disney World in January

January is the perfect month to visit Walt Disney World. Immediately after the vacation you usually find fewer families take extended leave from work and school to visit Orlando, which means crowds are noticeably lighter than the month before. The weather is also ideal If you don’t want high temperatures and oppressive humidity, we’ll cover the weather in more detail in a moment.

Let’s start with the major events around Walt Disney World in January. You might think January is the sign of the winter doldrums, but Disney World is always so busy this time of year.

What’s happening at Walt Disney World in January

Disney After Hours returns

Throughout the first half of the calendar year, Disney World welcomes Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These paid events require separate admission to attend and take place after normal posted hours. Times and ticket prices vary from park to park, but attendees can expect reduced wait times for attractions, special character meet-and-greets, unlimited popcorn, new ice cream and soft drinks, and much more.

You can expect Disney After Hours to begin around mid-January on select nights and continue into early summer. This is a great tool to use if you want to maximize your time in a park on a particular day, especially if your trip is shorter.

READ MORE: SHOULD YOU BUY A TICKET TO DISNEY AFTER HOURS?

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The month begins with the biggest runDisney event of the year: the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Usually held on the first or second weekend of January, the marathon includes several morning races: a 5k, a 10k, a half marathon and a marathon. While other runDisney races throughout the year also offer these first three events, this weekend is the only one that includes a full marathon.

Around this event, you’ll spot runners appearing in the days leading up to the races, and as the weekend progresses, you’ll spot participants displaying their well-deserved medals around the park. If you want to encourage the runners, parks admit guests free early in the morning for certain races (Nothing will be open in the parks, of course, but it’s fun to cheer on the runners along Main Street, USA!). Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend normally takes place the first full weekend in January.

EPCOT International Arts Festival

EPCOT begins its festival lineup each year with the Arts Festival. This is a short festival, usually lasting a little over a month. As its name suggests, the Arts Festival celebrates all things visual and performing arts.

Throughout EPCOT you will notice paintings larger than life you can pose with it, artfully inspired food and drink available for purchase, treasure hunts, limited time merchandiseand more.

The Festival of the Arts is also when EPCOT hosts the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series. Each evening, Broadway stars of Disney musicals perform a selection of show tunes at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. The EPCOT International Arts Festival normally begins in mid-January (historically, it was the third Friday of the month) and lasts for approximately five weeks until the end of February.

READ MORE: BEST TIMES TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD IN 2026

Weather in Walt Disney World in January

You’re in the heart of the winter season when you visit Walt Disney World in January. For many, the weather will be softer and more comfortable than at home — I currently live in New England, so believe me, Orlando looks wonderful this time of year! But This doesn’t mean it will be hot. On the contrary, you’d be surprised how cold it gets at Disney World during the winter months.

According to Weather Spark, January is actually the coldest month in Orlando on averagewith a average daily minimum of 52°F and maximum of 71°F. Once you’re in the 50s, you’ll definitely feel a thrill. Make sure to bundle up with jackets, hats, and even gloves.

READ MORE: WHAT TO PACK FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD IN WINTER

Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World in January

Check out the final days of holiday decorations

If you visit early enough, you can usually see some of the Christmas decorations before they are taken down for the year. This is especially true at Magic Kingdom, where the Christmas tree usually stays up during the marathon weekend.

However most holiday events are already over (after-hours events typically end before December 25), you can still get a taste of the holiday (and maybe a specialty item or two on the menu) during the first week of January.

READ MORE: PLAN A VACATION TO WALT DISNEY WORLD

Be aware of marathon crowds and road closures

runDisney events are always very popular and sell out well in advance. This means that runDisney event weekends see increased crowds, which could mean longer wait times and busier days at the parks in general. If your vacation overlaps with Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, simply being aware of this can ensure the success of your trip. Furthermore, Roads are usually closed around the resort during these events. 5K and 10K mornings shouldn’t have much of an impact on your travels, but half marathon and full marathon mornings might. Allow extra travel time to get where you want to go.

Make time for the EPCOT Arts Festival

THE EPCOT International Arts Festival generally extends from mid-January to the end of February. Although this festival is much shorter than, say, the Flower and Garden Festival or the flagship Food and Wine Festival, it is no less extravagant! THE the food served during the Arts Festival usually has a creative touch, and EPCOT is filled with colorful exhibits and vibrant performances throughout the festival. I highly suggest planning to try some of the festival food and drinks during your EPCOT day.

Consider booking a dining package for the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series

If you want to attend the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series during your visit to EPCOT, the best way to get guaranteed seats is to book a Meal Package. These packages include a reservation of lunch or dinner at a participating EPCOT Table Service restaurant, with a reserved seating section for your party and other meal plan participants. It’s a great way to avoid the queue for the evening concert, and if you’re already planning to dine at an EPCOT restaurant, it’s a convenient way to check several items off your bucket list.

Prepare for cooler temperatures!

You may think I’m crazy for saying this, but if you’re visiting Walt Disney World in January, be sure to pack a jacket, hat, and even a scarf or gloves if you’re more likely to get cold. Orlando can get really cold during the winter months, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared without equipment to keep you warm. Pack these winter essentials so you don’t have to buy extra sweatshirts once you get there (although I’ll never say no to an opportunity to stock up on cute products).

READ MORE: SHOULD YOU BOOK A SUMMER TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD INSTEAD?

Walt Disney World in January was originally published on The World of Spark.

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