***Official January 2023 Thread***

Yes, my primary MK day is a Tuesday since that day is historically lower crowds, plus I am planning on doing the EEH the following day.

Here is my tentative plan:

Sunday 1/8 - transfer from Universal, PR at AK for an afternoon/evening arrival to see Pandora at night
Monday 1/9: PR HS - break midday - hop to Epcot for fireworks and EEH
Tuesday 1/10: PR MK
Wed 1/11: PR AK - hop to MK for fireworks and EEH
Thursday 1/12: PR AK, go to Disney Springs in the evening for dinner
Friday 1/13: PR Epcot - Arts Festival
Saturday 1/14: Back up day for big rides that we missed earlier days - PR HS - Hop to Epcot for Arts festival
Sunday 1/15: PR Epcot in the morning before we leave

Any input is welcome.
 
Hi! Glad I found you guys :)
My family and I will be in WDW January 17-24. Hoping for less crowds since we will be arriving after the MLK Day rush.
I was able to rent DVC points from a fellow DisBoards member (I know renting without a third party involved is a bit risky, but I looked into this person thoroughly, and feel super confident), and we are staying at AKL Kidani Village in a Savannah Room. I am so excited- my kids (DD 5 & DS 3) are going to freak out when they see animals right outside the window (who am I kidding- so will I 😆)!
The countdown is on- 224 days ❤
Added to the list! Seeing the animals outside your window will be so exciting! :simba:
 
Yes, my primary MK day is a Tuesday since that day is historically lower crowds, plus I am planning on doing the EEH the following day.

Here is my tentative plan:

Sunday 1/8 - transfer from Universal, PR at AK for an afternoon/evening arrival to see Pandora at night
Monday 1/9: PR HS - break midday - hop to Epcot for fireworks and EEH
Tuesday 1/10: PR MK
Wed 1/11: PR AK - hop to MK for fireworks and EEH
Thursday 1/12: PR AK, go to Disney Springs in the evening for dinner
Friday 1/13: PR Epcot - Arts Festival
Saturday 1/14: Back up day for big rides that we missed earlier days - PR HS - Hop to Epcot for Arts festival
Sunday 1/15: PR Epcot in the morning before we leave

Any input is welcome.

Looks good. Since we're staying near Epcot we think we'll end up in Epcot almost every evening for dinner.
 


2023 Magical Extras​

Discover all the Magical Extras that await you in 2023!
THINGS TO DO
Miniature Golf

Choose from two 18-hole miniature golf courses. Join Santa and his elves at their off season retreat or delight in a golf adventure based on Disney's classic animated film Fantasia.
  • Receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) 18 hole round of miniature golf on one (1) day for one (1) Guest at either Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course or Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course. Voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at time of redemption. Voucher is nontransferable and expires at midnight on the day of checkout. Lost or stolen vouchers will not be replaced. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotions, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part. Only one miniature golf course may be open from time to time and courses are subject to weather closures. Due to capacity limitations, it may not always be possible to accommodate Guests at the exact time they choose to visit. No photocopy or reproductions of voucher will be accepted. VOUCHER IS VOID IF SOLD.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Check out the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex which is a professionally run, state-of-the-art facility which hosts sporting events for athletes of all ages and abilities.
  • Receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) general admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on one (1) day for ONE (1) Guest. Valid only on event days. Some events require an additional admission charge. There are no events on certain days. Days and hours of operation of concessions, venues and attractions varies. Visit espnwwos.com for more information. Voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at time of redemption. Voucher is nontransferable and expires at midnight on the day of checkout. Lost or stolen vouchers will not be replaced. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotions, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part. No photocopy or reproductions of voucher will be accepted. VOUCHER IS VOID IF SOLD.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes™
Enjoy an upscale new spin on a classic American pastime at this modern take on a bowling alley.
  • Receive 10% off the non-discounted price of bowling (walk-in bowling only), receive 10% on the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (dine-in only), and receive 10% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ located in Disney Springs® West Side.
PLACES TO EAT
City Works Eatery & Pour House

Discover the ultimate sports bar—this upbeat eatery features classic American fare and an incredible beer menu!
  • Receive 15% off food & non-alcoholic beverages at City Works Eatery & Pour House located at Disney Springs® Marketplace. Not valid with any other offer, or discount.
Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
The world-famous chocolatier delivers decadent sundaes smothered with hot, house-made fudge as well as chocolate treats and drinks.
  • Receive a Complimentary Ghirardelli® Chocolate Bar with purchase of any Specialty Sundae at Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace. Limit one per person, cannot be combined with any other offers.
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company®
Joffrey’s is the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland®Resort and Disney Vacation Club®. Enjoy a range of specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, assorted fresh pastries, and bottled drinks.
  • Receive 20% off entire purchase, excluding alcohol at Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company® at the following locations at Walt Disney World® Resort: Magic Kingdom® Park, EPCOT®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney Skyliner and Disney Springs® The Landing including Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® store, or purchase online at JOFFERYS.com using coupon code: travel23.
Paddlefish
Feast on fresh seafood and savory steaks aboard a modern steamboat moored on the shores of Lake Buena Vista.
  • Receive 20% off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages at Paddlefish located at Disney Springs® The Landing. Not valid with any other offer, or discount.
Rainforest Cafe®
Surround yourself with the exotic sights and sounds of the jungle as you dig into classic American cuisine.
  • Receive 10% off adult entrees at Rainforest Cafe® located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace and outside the entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom®Theme Park. Not valid with any other offer, or promotions.
T-REX®
Travel back 200 million years—this dino-themed eatery features creative cuisine and fun discovery zones for all!
  • Receive 10% off adult entrees at T-REX® located in the Disney Springs®Marketplace. Not valid with any other offer, or promotions.
The Spice & Tea Exchange®
Find your way to this old-world spice trader’s emporium—it’s a gourmet seasoning and tea lover’s wonderland!
  • Buy 5 items and get the 6th free! Offer only available at The Spice & Tea Exchange® located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace. One per Guest. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
Discover handheld happiness - savor the amazing flavors of “golden-on-the-outside” soft pretzel perfection.
  • Buy two pretzels and get one free! Offer only available at Wetzel’s Pretzels located at Disney Springs® West Side and Marketplace. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
PLACES TO SHOP
Balocoloc Venetian Masks

All masks are completely handmade using the old techniques learned from the ancient art of the Venetian mask makers.
  • Receive 10% off your entire purchase. This offer is only available at the Italy World Showcase Pavilion location in EPCOT®. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
Basin
Basin invites you to discover the fresh, fragrant, and fun way to pamper yourself with a diverse collection of natural, cruelty-free bath and body products.
  • Receive 10% off entire purchase, excluding sale items, at Basin located at Disney Springs® Marketplace or Basin White located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Chapel Hats
Face your day in style by heading to the premier destination for fashionable hats—there’s something fabulous for all!
  • Receive 15% off entire purchase at Chapel Hats located at Disney Springs® the Landings.
Coca-Cola Store
Pop inside to shop exclusive merchandise and savor views from the rooftop beverage bar.
  • Receive 15% off purchases of $30 or more at the Coca-Cola Store located at Disney Springs® Town Center. Not applicable for rooftop beverage bar purchases or professional photography services. Discount my not be combined with any other offer.
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
Discover a glittering glassware gallery that continues the tradition started at Disney in 1967!
  • Receive 10% off purchases at the Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers stores at Disney Springs® Marketplace, Magic Kingdom® park and EPCOT®. Exclusions apply. Not applicable for shipping charges. Some other restrictions apply. Discount may not be combined with any other offer.
Just Fun Socks
Discover socks for all ages, personalities and occasions! From novelty to animal-themed to profession-inspired socks, you’ll find socks to enhance your personal style or give as a gift. These fun socks are sure to bring a smile or a laugh!
  • Receive 15% off entire purchase at Just Fun Socks located at Disney Springs®the Landings.
Kendra Scott
Make All Your Jewelry Dreams Come True!
  • Visit Kendra Scott located at Disney Springs® Town Center and receive 15% offyour entire purchase! Offer valid in Disney Springs® Town Center location only. Cannot be combined with other offers or be applied to previous purchases, markdown items, giveback items, warehouse items, gift card purchases, gift sets, sales tax, or shipping charges.
Sugarboo & Co.
Visit this family-owned shop that is filled with whimsical treasures—including apparel, bags, candles, ceramics, jewelry, toys and other treasures.
  • Receive 10% off non-discounted merchandise at Sugarboo & Co. located at Disney Springs® Town Center. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Volcom®
Drop by this iconic shop for an incredible selection of performance apparel that tempts the impossible.
  • Receive 15% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Volcom® located at Disney Springs® Town Center.
Benefits are valid for arrivals January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023. A valid Magical Extras Savings Card must be presented to receive any Magical Extras benefit. You must also present a valid voucher for admission to ESPN Wide World of SportsComplex and Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course. Benefits are valid during your Walt Disney Travel Company package stay. Benefits have no cash value, are nontransferable and void if transferred or sold. All benefits, services and locations are subject to change without notice. May not be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Valid for the number of Guests in the package, unless otherwise specified. All dining discounts exclude applicable tax and gratuities. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. For dining reservations visit www.disneyworld.com/dining.
 
Magical Extras have changed from 2022 to 2023, including but not limited to:

Discounts Removed
Surrey Bike Rentals
The To-Go Cart Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Epcot® Resort Area
EARL OF SANDWICH®
House of Blues® Restaurant & Bar
Paradiso 37
Planet Hollywood®
Terralina Crafted Italian

Edward Beiner, Eyes Forward
Origins
Orlando Stroller Rentals
Sanuk
UGG

Discounts Added
City Works Eatery & Pour House
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company®
Rainforest Cafe®
T-REX®
The Spice & Tea Exchange®
Wetzel’s Pretzels

Balocoloc Venetian Masks
Chapel Hats
Just Fun Socks
Kendra Scott
 
This is Disney's official pop-up message when trying to modify a current reservation (and perhaps for other actions, too):

An Important Update About Disney Genie+ Service

Effective June 8, 2022, Disney Genie+ service is only available for purchase on the day of your visit to a Walt Disney World theme park, subject to availability.

Here's what to know when modifying or cancelling a reservation that currently includes Disney Genie+ service:

Modifying a Reservation
When modifying a reservation that already includes Disney Genie+ service:

  • If you choose 2022 travel dates, then your modified reservation will still include Disney Genie+ service.
  • If you choose 2023 travel dates, then your reservation will no longer include Disney Genie+ service. However, you may purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of your visit via the My Disney Experience app, one day at a time (subject to availability).
Cancelling a Reservation
If you cancel your reservation and decide to make a new reservation, then you may purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of your visit via the My Disney Experience app, one day at a time (subject to availability).
 


I am wondering when they posted the dates for the Arts festival last year. I am guessing it will be about the same length/time frame, but I can hope that they expand it like they have with the F&W festival so that I get a few more days of my trip to cover it.
 
I am wondering when they posted the dates for the Arts festival last year. I am guessing it will be about the same length/time frame, but I can hope that they expand it like they have with the F&W festival so that I get a few more days of my trip to cover it.
Last year, it looks like dates were announced on October 21st. Previously, dates seemed to be released in September.

It's still looking like it would start on the second Friday of the month, January 13th. A week prior would be unlikely because of the marathon weekend, and although the festival has started on the third Friday before, it was because of a late MLK day.

But I will share your hope that dates get expanded because...festivals are fun! :wizard:
 
Hello everyone! I am excited to announce that I have booked Pop Century from 1/22/23-1/28/23, 5 days in the parks. This is my first ever trip to WDW!!

I am curious and it is ok to not be sure, but historically how crowded is this time? I picked this time to try to avoid any big events like cheer and sports. I appreciate the help! :)
 
Hello everyone! I am excited to announce that I have booked Pop Century from 1/22/23-1/28/23, 5 days in the parks. This is my first ever trip to WDW!!

I am curious and it is ok to not be sure, but historically how crowded is this time? I picked this time to try to avoid any big events like cheer and sports. I appreciate the help! :)
Yay for first trips! You've been added!

Others can chime in, but I think that's a good time to go because you'll miss the rush of early-mid January events like the holidays, marathon races, and MLK week.
 
Hello everyone! I am excited to announce that I have booked Pop Century from 1/22/23-1/28/23, 5 days in the parks. This is my first ever trip to WDW!!

I am curious and it is ok to not be sure, but historically how crowded is this time? I picked this time to try to avoid any big events like cheer and sports. I appreciate the help! :)
Are you travelling by yourself? We'll (myself, DS and GS) will be at Pop Century from 1/22/23-2/2/23. Pop Century is our favorite resort.
 
Hello everyone! I am excited to announce that I have booked Pop Century from 1/22/23-1/28/23, 5 days in the parks. This is my first ever trip to WDW!!

I am curious and it is ok to not be sure, but historically how crowded is this time? I picked this time to try to avoid any big events like cheer and sports. I appreciate the help! :)
We normally go this time of the year because of low crowds but this year it was so busy. but i don't think 2022 is a normal year for anything.. hoping 2023 will be a bit better.
but over the years it does seem like the secret is out about low winter crowd levels.
fingers crossed for all of us!
 

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