What to Pack for Disney World in January | Packing List

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in January, you’re in for a treat. The crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler, and the holiday decorations may still be up if you visit towards the beginning of the month.

Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links Moms with Mouse Ears may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

But what should you pack for this time of year? You’ll want to be prepared for both chilly mornings and warmer afternoons, as well as the occasional rain shower.

Quick Outfits for Disney in January

Here are some quick outfits to wear to Disney in January!

Found in Photo:

Snowflake Minnie / Chillin’ Olaf / Snowflake Mickey / Olaf Presents / Winter Wishes

Winter is a fun time to sport both snowflake inspired looks with Mickey and Minnie or the princesses, or outfits featuring everyone’s favorite snowman that loves summer – Olaf!

Looking for more outfit inspo? Jump to our essential clothing to bring in January section to use as a reference! Our Disney Winter Packing List can also make sure that you’ve packed all of the essentials for your trip!

Essential Items to Pack for a January Trip

As you’re putting together your outfits for a January trip to Walt Disney World, gravitate towards apparel that is easy to layer and pack. You’ll want a few different options for outer wear, like a cardigan or jacket, that can be worn when the temperatures drop.

Found in photo:

Jersey Shirt / Mickey Print / Magical Shirt / Sherpa Fleece / Mickey Zip Up

On my January trips, I make sure to pack enough long pants or leggings to wear each day. Some days may be warm enough to not have the leggings under dresses during the day.

Layers are key in Florida during the winter, cold weather can be more prominent during the mornings and evenings, with warm ups during the day. If a cold front is moving through, you’ll want a sweatshirt or light coat to wear for the entire day. 

Winter Months Disney World Packing List

While many of the items for your trip will be the same all throughout the year, use this special winter at Disney packing list to make sure that you have all of the essentials for a winter Disney trip. 

In the evenings and early mornings, it may even be cold enough for a hat, scarf and gloves, so consider packing those if the weather forecast looks like it will be on the colder side for your trip.

Disney World’s January Weather

January is one of the coldest months in Florida, but it’s still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country.

The average high temperature is around 71°F (22°C), but it can dip down into the 40s°F (4-9°C) at night. Temperatures can also vary widely from day to day, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for a range of weather conditions.

While January is typically a drier month in Florida, there is still a chance of rain. On average, there are around 7 rainy days in January, so it’s always a good idea to pack a rain jacket or poncho to have on hand.

Why Disney World in January?

January tends to be a lower crowd time of year once you get past the New Year’s holiday and marathon weekend timeframe. Many school aged children do not have long breaks in January making it a perfect time to enjoy a less crowded theme park towards the latter part of the month.

Found in photo: Cinderella Ears / Blue Dress / Jacket / Leggings

This Cinderella inspired outfit was worn on a January trip to Disney World!

It’s a great idea to check the holiday calendar to make sure you aren’t visiting during a holiday long weekend, as many schools will have a break around the middle of January. However, compared to the busiest time of year that happened just a few weeks previously around the Christmas holiday, crowds tend to start to be lower throughout this winter month. 

There are also a few special events that may be bringing you to Walt Disney World in January. 

RunDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

In 2025, the RunDisney Walt Disney World Marathon weekend will be January 8-12, 2025. This will bring runners from around the country to Walt Disney World to participate in this fun race, so you’ll see crowds uptick around this time period. 

EPCOT Festival of the Arts

EPCOT International Festival of the Art Dates for 2025: January 17, 2025 through February 24, 2025

EPCOT’s signature winter festival is a treat for anyone that loves the arts. The EPCOT Festival of the Arts opens in January and runs through mid-February.

Beginning January 17, 2025 through February 24, 2025 – you can enjoy special colorful cuisine options that are only available during this festival, see artistry of both music and live action art on display, and even take part in creating some art yourself!

This fanciful festival is a great way to kick off the festivals at EPCOT for the year!

Essential Clothing Items for Disney

When packing for Disney World in January, it’s important to prepare for the cooler weather. While temperatures can vary, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip into the 50s or even 40s, especially at night. Here are some essential clothing items to pack for your trip:

• Warm Layers: Be sure to pack some warm layers, such as a sweater or light jacket, to wear over your shirts during the cooler parts of the day. This will help keep you comfortable and warm.
• Long Pants: Long pants are a must for cooler weather, and they can also help protect you from any bugs or other critters that may be out and about.
• Comfortable Shoes: With all the walking you’ll be doing at Disney World, it’s important to have comfortable shoes. Be sure to bring a pair that you’ve worn before and that won’t cause blisters or other foot problems.
• Rain Gear: While January is typically a dry month in Florida, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for rain. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and/or umbrella just in case.
• Hats and Sunglasses: Even in cooler weather, the sun can still be strong in Florida. Be sure to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun’s rays.

Packing for Disney World in January requires a bit of planning to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for any weather conditions.

What to put in your Disney Park Bag

You’ll want to pack up those items that you’ll need for a day at Disney theme parks to make sure you’re ready for weather changes and more. In the winter, we also keep a light layer like an extra hoodie or pullover to bring out if the weather gets cooler throughout the day and into the evening.

Found in photo:

Mouse Ears / Sunglasses / Ponchos / Autograph Book / Portable Charger / Mouse Fan / Coola Sunscreen

Spray Mister Fan / First Aid Kit / Cooling Towels / Hip Bag / Backpack

You’ll find these essentials handy to have in your Disney park bag:

Park Essentials

• Portable charger: With all the photo-taking, ride-waiting, and app-checking you’ll be doing, your phone’s battery will likely drain quickly. Bring a portable charger to keep your devices charged throughout the day.
• Light jacket or sweater: While the weather in Florida is generally mild in January, temperatures can drop in the evenings. Bring a light jacket or sweater to keep warm.
• Rain poncho: Florida is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s a good idea to pack a rain poncho. You can buy one at the park, but it will likely be more expensive than bringing your own.
• Autograph book: If you’re a fan of character meet-and-greets, bring an autograph book for the characters to sign. You can buy one at the park, but bringing your own will save you some money.
• Snacks and water bottle: Disney World allows outside food and drinks, so bring some snacks and a refillable water bottle to save money and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Backpack or bag: You’ll need a bag to carry all your essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and souvenirs. Bring a comfortable backpack or bag that won’t weigh you down during the day.

Visit our Disney park bag packing post to get a full list of all of our favorite Disney park bag items! And if you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can find our warmer month Disney packing list here.

Touring Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to bring shoes that are broken in and comfortable. Sneakers or walking shoes are a great option.
• Bring lightweight, breathable clothing: January in Florida can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that you can easily add or remove depending on the weather.
• Apply sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the Florida sun can be intense. Make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out to the parks and reapply throughout the day.
• Have a hat or visor handy: A hat or visor can provide additional protection from the sun and keep you cool.
• Use a water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially when you’re walking around all day. Bring a refillable water bottle to save money and reduce waste.

January can be a great time to visit with lower temperatures and lower crowd levels throughout the month.

What else should you bring?

There are some additional items that you should make sure you have packed and prepared for your trip.

If you’ll be using your cell phone a lot during your trip, having a plan for how you will charge it on the go is a good thing to think about ahead of time. Also think about how much cash you’d like to have on hand, for any tips you may need to give private drivers, servers, bell services and other instances where tipping is customary and you would like to tip in cash. 

Travel Documents

Make sure to bring the following travel documents with you to Disney World:

• Valid government-issued ID: This can be a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID. You will need this to purchase alcohol if you are of legal drinking age.
• Disney World tickets: Make sure to bring your tickets with you to the park. You can either print them out or have them on your phone through the My Disney Experience app.
• MagicBands: If you have a MagicBand, make sure to bring it with you to the park. This will serve as your park ticket, hotel room key, and can be used to make purchases throughout the park.
• Reservation confirmations: If you have made any dining reservations or Lightning Lane selections, these confirmations will be on your phone. 

What Money to Bring

When it comes to money, there are a few things you may want to think about ahead of your trip.

• Cash: It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or tips. There are ATMs located throughout the park if you need to withdraw more cash.
• Credit/debit cards: Most places in the park accept credit and debit cards, so make sure to bring at least one with you.
• Disney Gift Cards: If you have any Disney Gift Cards, make sure to bring them with you to the park. They can be used to make purchases throughout the park, including food and merchandise.

Health and Safety Items

There is a First Aid Station available in all of the parks that you can get health and wellness supplies, as well as use for a quiet place with babies and toddlers. You may also want to bring these health and wellness items in your park bag to have handy no matter where you are around property.

• Hand sanitizer: Keep your hands clean and germ-free while exploring the parks by packing travel-sized hand sanitizer. You’ll find hand sanitizer stations throughout the parks, but having your own supply can give you extra peace of mind.
• Sunscreen: Even in January, the Florida sun can be strong. Protect your skin by packing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
• First-aid kit: Accidents happen, so it’s a good idea to pack a small first-aid kit with items like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. You can also purchase first-aid supplies at the parks, but having your own kit can save you time and money.
• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially in the Florida heat. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to fill up at water fountains throughout the parks. This can also save you money on purchasing bottled water.

Food and Snacks

When you’re planning your park budget, some families like bringing their own food and snack options to have throughout their stay. If you’re driving, these can be stowed away in your vehicle for when you arrive, and if you’re arriving you can consider having an Amazon Fresh order dropped off at bell services. 

While there are plenty of dining options available throughout Disney parks, bringing your own snacks can save you time and money. Snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, and crackers can easily fit into your backpack and are perfect for when you need a quick energy boost. We also like having items like GoGo Squeez and GoGurt in our hotel room, so the kids can grab a quick snack if we have a later breakfast reservation in the mornings. 

If you want to save on staying hydrated, plan to bring a reusable water bottle. There are plenty of water fountains throughout the parks where you can refill your bottle for free. Many quick service locations will also give you a free glass of ice water that you can put in your reusable water bottle. 

Walt Disney World in January 

January is an excellent time to visit Walt Disney World to have lower crowds and cooler weather during your stay.

It’s a good time to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort property, and resort hop to check out resorts for future visits, as well as try out new dining reservations that your family hasn’t tried yet. If you have availability to travel during this month, it’s a nice time of year to plan a Disney vacation for a low key time to enjoy Disney Parks and Resorts.