A Complete Guide to Disney World in January

The holiday season is over and it’s a new year filled with lots of opportunities to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

It’s gonna be a great year, not just a good year, my fellow Disney friends!

2024 brought us some new attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new Country Bear Jamboree show, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Communicore Hall & Plaza, and the start of a complete overhaul of Test Track.

If you’re looking to book a trip to Disney World in January, be sure to go through this guide to ensure it’s the best time for you to visit.

Or if you’ve already booked, take note of what’s closed, plus any special events going on.

Keep reading for my guide to Disney World in January, including weather, what to wear, crowd predictions, new attractions, closures, events, and more.

All dates and information subject to change throughout the year. This post will be updated frequently, but for the most up to date information on what’s closed and what’s reopened, check out my post about Disney World closures and what’s new.

Weather in Orlando in January

January is usually the chilliest month in the Orlando area, with an average high of 71° F and low of 49° F (source).

The January weather is also dry – by Florida standards, anyway – with an average of 2.35 inches of rain (source).

As a New Englander, this weather sounds absolutely sublime to me! No sweaty, sticky days and less chance of rain? I’ll take it!

If you hate the sweltering humid weather, January will be a great time to visit for you, too.

What to wear to Disney World in January

Given the cooler temperatures, it’s important to pack layers when visiting Walt Disney World in January.

For many, low 70s or even high 60s is still shorts and t-shirt weather, while others will need a winter jacket.

You know your tolerance of temps the best, but given how erratic Florida weather can be, I do recommend packing warm and cold outfits!

For me, I usually stick to jeans and t-shirts this time of year, with a warm layer that I can easily throw on or take off.

And while I’m almost always in Birkenstock sandals at Disney, you’ll likely find me wearing sneakers instead. I hate when my feet are cold!

In short: t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sweatshirts or a light jacket, sneakers, and hats are all great picks for what to wear to Disney World in January.

Notable Walt Disney World Events in January

Although the major holiday season is over, there are a number of special events in January 2024.

First up in January is New Year’s day, as well as 1/2, which is the federal holiday for New Year’s Day this year, both of which will no doubt result in some leftover crowds during the first week of January.

This rolls right into Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, which runs from January 3-7, 2024.

This runDisney race includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon race, plus a health and fitness expo, spread across 5 days.

Not long after the marathon weekend, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts will start.

The exact start date hasn’t been announced as of the last update. However, in past years, it has opened on the Friday before MLK Jr. Day, so my best guess is that it will start January 12, 2024.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 15, which is a federal holiday.

That means lots of schools and work places will have that day off – resulting in slightly heavier crowds that the rest of the month weekend.

For tips about planning your visit to the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, check out my comprehensive guide.

How crowded is Disney World in January?

The crowds at Disney World ebb and flow throughout the month of January.

There are a few pockets where the crowds are nice and small. Combined with the lovely January weather, it makes for a blissful visit!

For a more detailed look at the best and worst times to visit Disney World, check out my Disney World crowd calendar.

You can also sign up for my newsletter to get access to a free download of my month-by-month crowd calendar.

What’s closed at Disney World in January?

The winter months are often packed with ride and attraction closures either for refurbishment or due to cooler temperatures that would make water rides and parks unsafe.

Check out the lists below to see what’s closed at Walt Disney World Resort in January.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids often closes in January for a refurbishment during the colder months. Once a confirmed date is available, I will update this post.

Epcot

• Test Track closed in June 2024 and is expected to reopen in 2025. However, as of June 19, 2024, Disney has not shared a reopening timeframe or date. As soon as it’s available, this post will be updated.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay theater remains closed with no opening date yet announced. However, the shops and most of the meet-and-greets at Star Wars Launch Bay are available.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

As of June 19, 2024, there are no planned closures at Magic Kingdom in January. However, I would expect some to be announced as we get closer to Janaury.

Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks

Next up are the water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Typhoon Lagoon is typically closed at this time of year, while Blizzard Beach remains open. However, Disney has not yet confirmed that this will remain the case for next Fall-Winter season. As soon as more information becomes available, I will update this post.

Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, the popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique remains closed.

Disney has publicly stated that it will reopen, just like the Magic Kingdom location, but hasn’t announced a date.

Resorts & other locations at Walt Disney World

Last year, many of the kid-friendly experiences at the Grand Floridian were closed in January. However, 1900 Park Fare, which features character dining, reopened in April 2024.

Lastly, the Skyliner is typically down for maintenance for a week or two at the end of January. As of June 2024, Disney has not announced if or when this will happen in January 2025 again.

Will you visit Walt Disney World in January?

Overall, Disney World in January is one of my favorite times of year to visit, thanks to the lower temps and and easier crowd level to deal with.

Let us know in the comments below what your favorite time to visit Disney World is!

For more Disney World vacation planning tips, check out the posts below:

• The Ultimate Packing List for Disney World
• A Complete Guide to Disney Skyliner Transportation
• Epcot Festival of the Arts Guide & Tips
• The Best Things to Do in Disney Springs

Lastly, for more monthly vacation planning guides, check out these posts:

1. WDW in February
2. WDW in March
3. WDW in April
4. WDW in May
5. WDW in June
6. WDW in July
7. WDW in August
8. WDW in September
9. WDW in October
10. WDW in November
11. WDW in December

This post was originally published January 7, 2023 and last updated June 19, 2024.