There is so much to look forward to each year at Disney World! Here’s what you need to know when planning your Disney World Vacation in January. Keep in mind that many of these events happen each year, so this post is good for planning for future years as well!
Holidays
Table of Contents
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1st – Typically, heavy crowds at the parks
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 20th – Typically, heavy crowds at the parks (local schools have the day off, and long weekends attract crowds)
Events
Marathon Weekend – January 8 – 12, 2025
Epcot International Festival of the Arts – January 17 – February 24, 2024
After Hours Magic Kingdom – Monday, January 6, 13, 20, 27 (10 pm to 1 am)
After Hours Hollywood Studios – Wednesday, January 22, 29 (9:30 pm – 12:30 am)
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
For Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Guests Only
Magic Kingdom – Wednesday, January 8 (10 pm – 12 am), 15 & 22 (9 pm – 11 pm)
Epcot – Monday, January 6, 13, 20, 27 (9 pm – 11 pm)
Hollywood Studios – Friday, January 3 (9 pm – 11 pm)
Animal Kingdom – Wednesday, January 1 (7 pm – 9 pm), 29 (6 pm – 8 pm)
Ride Closures & Refurbishments
Magic KingdomÂ
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – January 6, 2025 – TBD 2026
- Astro Orbiter – January 13 – Summer 2025
- Hall of Presidents – January 20 – TBD 2025
Epcot
- Test Track – June 17, 2024 to Summer 2025
- Gran Fiesta Tour – January 6, 2025 – TBD 2026
Hollywood Studios
- None
Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids – January 6, 2025 – TBD
- TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures – closing January 13th for good – New Tropical America’s Themed Area to begin
Coming Soon!
Magic Kingdom
- Pirates Tavern – TBD
Hollywood Studios
- The Little Mermaid-A-Musical Adventure –Â Summer 2025
- Disney Villians Show – Summer 2025
Epcot
- Spaceship Earth Lounge – Spring 2025
Animal Kingdom
- Tropical America’s Themed Area – TBD
Resort RefurbishmentsÂ
DeluxeÂ
- Beach Club – Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool – Closed January 2025 – June 2025
- Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort – Guest room refurbishment through September 2025
- Grand Floridian Resort – lobby refurbishments
- Polynesian Village Resort – Entrance and parking through 2026
- Rivera Resort – Topolinos Terrance – closed January 12 – 25, 2026
Moderate
- Port Orleans French Quarter – Guest room refurbishment through Spring 2025
Value
- All-Star Movies – Fantasia Pool closed January 2025 – April 2025
January at Disney World FAQs
Is January a good time to visit Disney World in Florida?Â
January can be a great time to visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is considered low season, and the parks are typ8ically less crowded. Keep in mind race weekends and school holidays, as the crowds will increase during those times.
Is Disney World still decorated for Christmas in January?
The Christmas and other holiday decor will typically be removed by RunDisney Marathon weekend which happens in early January.
Can you wear shorts at Disney World Orlando in January?
Watch the water for your exact travel dates, but shorts can often be worn at Disney World in January. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, but layers can help to keep you comfortable throughout the day as the weather warms up. There are some colder weeks that will require a coat and pants. The weather varies significantly in Orlando in January and February, but shorts are possible during these months!
Are the pools heated? Can you swim at Disney World in January?
Yes! You can absolutely swim at Disney World in January. The pools are heated year-round to a comfortable 82 degrees. Enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather that Orlando offers during the winter months.
Does it rain a lot at Disney World Orlando in January?
January averages only about 2 inches of rainfall in Orlando. It’s one of the coolest months of the year, with average highs of 72°F and average lows of 51°F.
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