Disney..Help required!

[markb]

We are planning to go to orlando the first 2 weeks in Jan 09 and need some information on the following.

1) Is this a good time to visit? - we have a five year old

2) What is the weather like at this time of year?

3) Disney hotel v International drive - pro's and con's - and any recommendations of hotels

4) Are the water parks open?

5) What are the shuttle services like?

6) Will restaurants be open on new yeards day?

7) Do you need a car?

sorry...loads of questions but we have never been before.

thanks for your help and advice.

[spondishy]

Hi MarkB,

We're here to answer your questions, so don't be afraid to ask. In fact the more the merrier.

1) Is this a good time to visit? - we have a five year old
The period after New Year is one of the quietest times of the year at Disney, so from a waiting in line perspective it's pretty good. Especially the second week.

2) What is the weather like at this time of year?
Weather in January is obviously chillier than say June, but you can still have days when it hits 22ºc. The nights are colder, so take a mix of clothes. The good news is, the rainfall in January is one of the lowest.

3) Disney hotel v International drive - pro's and con's - and any recommendations of hotels
Are you visiting anywhere else except Disney? That may influence your choice of hotel, as getting to Universal is much quicker from I-Drive. If your staying for more than a week, how about splitting your time between hotels (if you can be bothered packing up and moving).

4) Are the water parks open?
The water parks are open. One of the Disney water parks (either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) tend to have one closed for refurbishment over December/January, but one will definitely be open. Then again, Aquatica will be open as well. You'll just have to be lucky with the weather or brave it.

5) What are the shuttle services like?
The Disney Shuttles are on the whole pretty good. Depending on where you stay may mean the shuttle takes longer, but Disney are used to shipping huge crowds around.

6) Will restaurants be open on new yeards day?
Yep... Restaurants will be open on New Years day. Are you planning eating at a Disney Restaurant? If so, give them a call in advance and book your ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) as New Year's Day will be pretty busy.

7) Do you need a car?
Personally, I always have a car. If your planning on visiting other parks and doing shopping, I just find it the most convenient way to get around. If your staying on Disney property and that's all you'll see you could survive without.

Hope this helps Mark.

[markb]

you have been really helpful and thanks for taking time to reply. I really appreciate it...I may have more questions before I book!
Regards
Mark