The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disney World in January
Heading to the most magical place on Earth in January? It might be more chilly than you expect. In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World during the month of January. From weather tips to crowd levels and seasonal offerings, we’ll help you plan the perfect winter getaway. If you can handle Florida’s cooler temperatures, January is actually one of the best times of year to experience the parks with fewer crowds, lower prices, and plenty of magic.
The crowds dip, the weather chills out (literally), and the parks feel a little more relaxed after the December madness.
But that does not mean January had some dead crowds, in fact it has had some moderate to busy crowds before. I know this month does not usually scream “Disney season,” but hear me out; not an overwhelming amount of lines, some festive activities, and the chance to wear cute Mickey ears and a cozy hoodie at the same time? I do not know about you but I will take that deal! Revealing busy dates and closures to what to pack so you are ready for anything the parks throw your way, we got you prepared! Let’s get into everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in January.
What are the busiest dates in January?
Thursday, January 1 – Friday, January 2, 2026: End of Holiday Season and New Years Day
It is safer to say that during these times, it would be very crowded and heavy traffic. New Year's Day is a holiday where many families usually extend their vacations through these days before heading home. While the parks will still be decorated with festival holiday decor, keep in mind that this is peak time so arrive early and plan ahead.
Wednesday, January 7 – Sunday, January 11, 2026: Marathon Weekend
This is Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. There are pros and cons to visiting this weekend whether you are a runner or not. Expect road closures, and elevated crowds, where many of the race routes pass through. On the upside, there is a fun vibe in the air! If you are not a runner, just plan for early mornings and have a little patience.
Saturday, January 17: First Day of Festival of the Arts
The first day of any EPCOT festival tends to be busy, and this one is no exception. If you love art, music, and food, this is a great time to visit! But make sure to book in advance.
Friday, January 16 – Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
This is a popular time for quick family vacay due to the extended holiday break. The parks typically experience a high crowd level so do not expect this to be a walk in the park. Since it overlaps with the Festival of the Arts, EPCOT will be especially crowded, and resort hotels may be more expensive or fully booked. With good planning, you can still have a fantastic visit.
Top Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World in January
Wednesday, January 7 – Sunday, January 11, 2026: Marathon Weekend
Marathon Weekend is one of the most exciting events hosted by runDisney each year. This multi-day race event includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon plus special challenges for runners who complete multiple races. Participants race through the theme parks, often in fun costumes, before the parks open to the public. It is not just for elite athletes. It can also be for families, beginners, and Disney super fans that come together to run, cheer, and celebrate. Even if you are not a runner, the high-energy atmosphere makes it a memorable time to visit! If you are visiting during this time, enjoy the extra magic by cheering runners on or checking out exclusive merchandise and medals throughout the parks.
Saturday, January 17 – Tuesday, February 24, 2026: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is an annual event that takes place at Walt Disney World from January to February.
It is a cultural celebration that offers visitors the opportunity to experience various artistic activities. The festival provides a chance to explore different forms of art, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital art. Moreover, you can enjoy live performances by artists, musicians, and other entertainers.
There is also a Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and the festival offers the most beautiful and colorful food of the year! You can test your skills with the Animation Academy and be a part of a paint-by-numbers mural. This is a great opportunity for a full day of family fun!
Ride Closures, Openings, and Resort Refurbishments at Disney World
Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom) closes for an annual refurbishment. It typically closes every winter, and 2026 is no exception. Expect Kali River Rapids to be unavailable from mid-January to mid-March.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom) might close for an annual refurbishment. It skipped an early 2025 refurbishment so we expect it to have a short refurbishment in early 2026 for a general upkeep, aligning with the usual maintenance patterns for water rides.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed in early 2025 and is still undergoing refurbishment until 2026. There is no reopening date that has been specified yet, so it will remain unavailable.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom) will be closed for refurbishment from August 2025, and the reopening date is still unknown. This ride would be to be announced until a date is revealed.
DINOSAUR, rest of Dinoland USA (Animal Kingdom) are permanently closed to make way for a brand new area. While details are still limited, it has been confirmed that a major reimagining is coming to the area which is exciting!
Sunday, January 25 – January 31, 2026: Disney World Skyliner is a scenic gondola system that connects EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and several resorts and will be closed for an annual refurbishment. This closure can affect all the lines and services that are happening during these dates.
Planning for the Weather at Disney World in January
January is generally considered the coldest month of the year in Florida. The average high temperature is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, while the low temperature is typically around 48 degrees Fahrenheit. It is advisable to wear layered clothing when visiting the parks during this time of year. If you have young children in strollers, you may want to bring blankets to keep them warm in the cool evening temperatures. The humidity in Florida makes the cold feel even colder, so it's essential to pack for all seasons. However, one advantage of visiting Florida in January is that it is one of the driest months of the year.
How to Make the Most of Your January Trip to Disney World
● Disney Park After Hours is a game changer: 10:00 PM–1:00 AM at Magic Kingdom, 9:30 PM–12:30 AM at Hollywood Studios, and 10:00 PM–1:00 AM at EPCOT. Guests can enter the park as early as 7:00 PM, before the event officially begins. After Hours is a separate-ticket special event.
● Watch out for shorter park hours. January often comes with reduced operating hours, especially midweek. That means fewer nighttime fireworks shows or earlier closings at Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. Always double-check the park schedule before planning a full-day itinerary and consider using evenings to explore Disney Springs, grab dinner at a resort, or even just chill by the pool with a hot drink. Yes, a pool day in January is possible. Florida is weird like that.
● Prioritize shows and entertainment. This is one of my favorite underrated January perks. With cooler temps and slightly fewer people, it's the perfect time to grab seats for shows you might normally skip. You’re not sweating through it, the performers are full of energy, and it adds a nice balance to a ride-heavy day.
● Avoid park-hopping during Marathon Weekend. This one’s for the sanity of your feet and your patience. Between road closures, re-routed buses, and large crowds of runners, hopping parks on race days is just not it. Stick to one park and enjoy the vibe because there’s still plenty to do.
● Use Mobile Order like a pro. Even in January, festival booths and popular quick service spots can get slammed. Pull up menus in the app the night before or during breakfast so you can plan your foodie stops ahead of time. It’ll save you time and hangry energy.
What’s New at Disney World in 2026?
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster gets a Muppet makeover. It is saying goodbye to Aerosmith and welcoming the Muppets in 2026. Yep, you heard that right! The ride’s getting a full re-theme with new characters, storyline, and soundtrack. It’s still open throughout 2025, but expect a seasonal closure before reopening with all the Muppet magic next year. Honestly, I’m excited to see how they will be able to include that classic Muppet humor into a high-speed coaster. It could totally breathe new life into a beloved ride. If you’re a fan of the Muppets or just love a fresh twist on nostalgia, keep this one on your radar.
F1 and Disney Collaboration: In 2026, Disney is officially teaming up with Formula 1, and it’s bringing a whole new level of speed and thrills to the parks. Rumors point to immersive F1-themed experiences, merchandise, and maybe even new attractions inspired by the adrenaline rush of racing. Can’t wait to see how this blend of tech, storytelling, and racing vibes comes together.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family's favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
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