No Splashing Allowed! The Jan 2018 Trip Preview

I have a history of going to Walt Disney World in January, but much is different since the last times I went this time of year. January 2009 – late January 2009 that is – Was my first ever trip as a DVC Member. My parents and I stayed in a 2-Bedroom Villa at SSR Congress Park with a beautiful view of Downtown Disney (at that time). The Great Recession had taken its toll and as a result, the public was being less generous toward Disney (lowest crowds ever) and Disney was being more generous with discounts! Splash Mountain, my favorite attraction, is closed.

The other time was January 2011 at AKV-Kidani, my home resort. It was right after Marathon weekend, but before MLK, Jr. Weekend. Numerous tour groups from South America were present, so lots of flags, still not bad on the lines. Splash Mountain is open!

This time it’s a new game. The economy is doing better than ever, and we’ve never gone over MLK, Jr. Weekend so that should give an added crowd “bonus”. Also with premium passes, we even get water park access! Ironically though, this trip may too cold even for Blizzard Beach. Do you wanna build a snowman? Fortunately Wilderness Lodge has fireplaces in the lobby areas Splash Mountain is closed again

Still there will be other things to look forward to that we’ve never done before. We just need to hope that our flight can leave when scheduled…So please, Elsa feel free to let it go somewhere else until we return

Here’s our Itinerary in brief ( = new experience):

Wed 10 Jan
6:15a – Fly from BWI to MCO
8:45a – Arrive at MCO, board Magical Express
9:30a (ish) – Check in @ Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge Villas – 2 Bedroom) then Bus to Epcot
Epcot FP+ for Spaceship Earth, Soarin’, and Mission: SPACE (looking forward to trying the new Green)
Lunch Reservation at Restaurant Marrakesh
May stay for IllumiNations or go to MK in the evening for the Happily Ever After and EMH

Thu 11 Jan
Arrive at MK in time for Rope Drop
FP+ for Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and Enchanted Tales w/ Belle
Take the Afternoon off for rest at Wilderness Lodge, shopping at Disney Springs, or visiting Blizzard Beach if weather miraculously cooperates (even just to see it, we don’t need to get wet)
Dinner Reservation at Artist Point
See Happily Ever After at MK, or IllumiNations at Epcot

Fri 12 Jan
Arrive at AK in time for Rope Drop
FP+ for Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, and Rivers of Light
Take the afternoon off for rest at Wilderness Lodge, visit Blizzard Beach if we haven’t already, Disney Springs, or Festival of the Arts at Epcot.

Sat 13 Jan
Arrive at HS in time for Rope Drop
FP+ for Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, and Star Tours
Lunch Reservation at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano w/ Fantasmic Dining Package
Take the afternoon off for same options as previously mentioned
See Fantasmic! and maybe Star Wars Galactic

Sun 14 Jan
Breakfast Reservation at Whispering Canyon Cafe
Morning at MK
FP+ for Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , and Haunted Mansion
Take the afternoon off for same options as previously mentioned
Dinner Reservation at Hoop De Doo Musical Revue! (Can’t Wait!!!)

Mon 15 Jan
Morning has 2 options: (1) Epcot or (2) Sleep in. Assuming (1):
Check-Out in time to get to Epcot for Rope Drop
FP+ for Test Track and Spaceship Earth
Be back at Wilderness Lodge by 1:00p to take the Tragical Regress to MCO
4:00p Fly from MCO to BWI
6:00p Arrive back at BWI to bitter cold temps and real life