If you're planning a trip to Disney World but don't want to break the bank, the single biggest factor that affects your cost isn't the hotel you pick or the souvenirs you buy-it's when you go. The difference between peak season and low season can be over $500 per person just on park tickets and accommodation. And yes, there’s a clear, predictable pattern to when prices drop-and when they skyrocket.
January is the cheapest month to visit Disney World
January, right after New Year’s, is consistently the cheapest month to visit Disney World. Why? Because most families are done with holiday travel, schools are back in session, and the weather in Florida is still mild enough to enjoy the parks-just not warm enough to draw crowds. Average hotel rates in Kissimmee and Orlando drop 30-40% compared to December. Park tickets don’t change price by month, but bundled packages (hotel + tickets) do, and those are where the real savings happen.
Disney World’s crowd calendar shows January as the least busy time of the year. Lines for popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train often stay under 20 minutes. You can walk right into Be Our Guest Restaurant without a reservation. The parks feel empty compared to the chaos of summer or Christmas week. And with fewer people around, you get better service-faster food delivery, quicker FastPass+ availability, and cast members who actually have time to chat.
Why January beats other "off-season" months
You might hear people say February or September are cheap too-and they’re right, but not as cheap as January. February starts to warm up, and some schools have mid-winter breaks, which pulls in families from colder states. The crowds creep back up by late February, especially around Presidents’ Day weekend.
September has its own appeal: lower prices, fewer kids in school, and the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. But September also brings Florida’s rainy season. Afternoon thunderstorms happen nearly every day, and humidity can hit 90%. You’ll spend more time waiting out rain than riding rides. Plus, some attractions close temporarily for maintenance after summer.
January avoids both problems. Rain is rare. Temperatures average between 55°F and 75°F. You can wear jeans and a light jacket. No one’s sweating through their Mickey ears. And with no major holidays or school breaks, the parks stay quiet.
What you save by going in January
Here’s what a typical family of four saves by choosing January over December:
- Hotel: A 5-night stay at a Disney Value Resort drops from $1,200 in December to $700 in January.
- Tickets: 4-day park tickets are the same price year-round, but bundled deals cut $150-$250 off the total.
- Dining: Disney’s dining plans are often discounted in January. A 5-day plan that costs $500 in December might be $380 in January.
- Flights: Orlando International Airport sees a 25% drop in demand after January 5. Round-trip flights from the UK can drop from £600 to £450 per person.
That’s over $700 saved per family-enough to cover a few extra souvenirs, a character breakfast, or a night at a nicer hotel.
What’s closed in January? (And what’s still open)
Some people worry January means everything’s shut down. It doesn’t. All four theme parks-Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom-are fully open. Water parks like Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are usually open too, unless there’s an unusually cold snap (which happens maybe once every three years).
Some seasonal events end in early January. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party wraps up on January 1. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs through early February, so you’ll still get great food, art, and live performances. Character meet-and-greets? All still running. Fireworks? Happening every night. The only thing you’re missing is the holiday decorations-and honestly, most people don’t miss them after a month of Christmas overload.
How to book your cheapest Disney trip
Booking early doesn’t always mean cheaper. Disney raises prices as demand increases. The sweet spot is booking your January trip between mid-October and early November. That’s when Disney releases its lowest rates for the next year. If you wait until December, you’ll miss the best deals.
Use Disney’s official website to search for "Magic Your Way" packages. Filter for Value Resorts like Pop Century or Art of Animation. Avoid the Deluxe resorts-they’re not worth the price in January. Book a room with a free cancellation policy so you can switch if a better deal pops up.
Also, sign up for Disney’s email newsletter. They send out exclusive discounts to subscribers in late October. One year, I got a 20% off resort stay offer just by being on the list. That saved us another $140.
What to pack for January in Florida
Don’t assume it’s beach weather. Pack:
- Light jackets or hoodies for mornings and evenings
- Waterproof shoes or sandals (dew and occasional drizzle happen)
- Umbrellas (they’re allowed in the parks)
- Moisturizer (Florida winter air is dry)
- Comfortable walking shoes-you’ll do 8-10 miles a day
Leave the heavy coats at home. You won’t need them.
Who should avoid January?
January isn’t perfect for everyone. If you’re looking for warm weather and pool time, you might find it chilly. The pools are heated, but the air can feel cool after sunset. If you have young kids who can’t handle colder temps, you might want to wait until February.
Also, if you’re counting on seeing a specific character or show, double-check the schedule. Some nighttime shows like Fantasmic! or Rivers of Light have reduced performance days in January. But most major attractions run daily.
Final tip: Skip the middle of January
There’s one trap to avoid: the week after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. That’s a three-day weekend for many U.S. schools, and crowds spike. The savings vanish. Book your trip for the first two weeks of January, and avoid the 15th-18th entirely. That’s when you’ll get the quietest parks and the lowest prices.
Go in early January, and you’ll get Disney World the way it was meant to be experienced: without the crowds, without the stress, and without the crazy prices.
Is January really the cheapest month to visit Disney World?
Yes. January consistently has the lowest hotel rates, the fewest crowds, and the best bundled deals. While September and February are also off-season, January has fewer weather issues and no school breaks, making it the most reliable time for savings.
Do Disney ticket prices change by month?
No, single-day park tickets don’t change price by month. But when you book a package that includes hotel and tickets, Disney offers discounts in low-demand months like January. That’s where the real savings are.
Are the water parks open in January?
Usually, yes. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach stay open unless there’s an unusual cold spell. Most years, temperatures stay above 50°F, and the pools are heated. Check Disney’s website before you go, but don’t assume they’re closed.
Should I book a Disney dining plan in January?
Yes-if it’s discounted. Dining plans are often 20-30% cheaper in January. If you plan to eat at table-service restaurants, the plan can save you money. But if you’ll mostly eat quick-service meals, skip it and pay as you go.
What’s the best way to save on flights to Disney World?
Book flights for the first week of January. Demand drops sharply after January 5. Use Google Flights to track prices from your nearest airport. Flights from the UK often drop from £600 to £450 per person during this window.