Disney in January: Low Crowds, Cool Weather & What to Expect

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Are you visiting Disney World in January? Here’s your complete 2026 guide to weather, crowd levels, discounts (including Kids Eat Free!), closures, refurbishments, and everything you can expect during one of the calmest times of the year.

Once the holidays wrap and families return to school, Walt Disney World becomes cooler, calmer, and often more budget-friendly. January is known for lighter crowds, comfortable weather, and special events making it a favorite month for many repeat visitors.

January Weather at Disney World

January brings some of the most pleasant weather all year:

Highs: Around 70–75°F
Lows: Mid-40s to low-50s°F
Rain: Lower than spring/summer
Humidity: Mild and comfortable

What to Pack
Layers are essential — mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons warm up nicely. Pack sweatshirts, light jackets, leggings, and maybe a hat or gloves for windy days. Throw in a mix of shorts and T-shirts for warmer afternoons.

Crowd Levels in January

January is typically one of the slower months at Disney World, but timing matters.

Best Low-Crowd Days
January 12 – mid-month
Late January (after MLK weekend)
Weekdays
These dates usually offer the shortest wait times and a more relaxed pace.

Busier Periods
January 1–5 (holiday hangover crowds)
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 7–11, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
Avoid these dates if minimizing crowds is your goal.

January 2026 Closures & Refurbishments

January is known as “refurbishment season.” In 2026, several significant attractions and transportation options will be closed:

Attraction Closures for January 2026
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Walt Disney World Railroad (Train)
Kali River Rapids — yearly winter refurbishment

Transportation Closure
Disney Skyliner will be closed January 25–31, 2026

This affects stations at Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and EPCOT/Hollywood Studios access. Guests staying at Skyliner resorts should plan for additional travel time using buses during this period.

January Events & Entertainment

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Starting January 16, 2026, EPCOT kicks off the Festival of the Arts. Guests will enjoy food studios with artistic dishes, Broadway-style performances, artists, hands-on experiences, fun photo ops & interactive art walls. This festival alone is a huge reason many guests choose January for their Disney visit!

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Held January 7–11, 2026, this runDisney event brings thousands of runners and spectators. Expect busier hotels, increased traffic, and more people in the parks early in the morning.

Reduced Entertainment
With fewer crowds, you may see shorter park hours, reduced showtimes, and select experiences temporarily unavailable. This is normal for January and helps prep the parks for busier seasons.

Discounts & Special Offers (Including the 2026 Kids Eat Free Promo!)

January often brings great value, and 2026 is no exception. Get a FREE dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when you purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package for you and your children that includes a room at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel and a dining plan for each Guest ages 10 and up. Offer valid for all arrivals in 2026! This deal can save families hundreds of dollars, especially those with multiple children.

Other January Savings include lower resort prices compared to peak seasons, better availability for dining, more flexibility with Lightning Lanes thanks to lighter crowds, and often better flight pricing. January is one of the best months for travelers looking to get the most value out of a Disney vacation.

Tips for Visiting Disney in January

• Bring layers — temperatures change throughout the day.
• Check attraction closures if certain rides are must-dos.
• Arrive early for the shortest lines.
• Visit EPCOT mid- to late-January to enjoy Festival of the Arts starting January 16.
• Plan extra time for transportation if staying at a Skyliner resort Jan 25–31.
• Avoid major event weekends (including Marathon Weekend, Jan 7–11) to enjoy the lowest crowds.
• Stay flexible — winter refurbishments are common.

Disney in January is magical in a calmer, more comfortable way. With cooler weather, lighter crowds, great 2026 promotions like Kids Eat Free, and unique seasonal events, it’s a wonderful time to visit. While there are important closures this year — especially Big Thunder, Buzz Lightyear, the Train, Kali River Rapids, and the Skyliner (Jan 25–31) — the overall experience remains relaxing, beautiful, and full of Disney charm.