Hiya Leslie!
Welcome to planDisney! Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort is a momentous occasion. I'm so excited that you are planning on visiting in January as that is when one of my favorite Festivals occurs! I know you want to visit
Magic Kingdom Park but I highly suggest a jaunt over to EPCOT to enjoy the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts as well! EPCOT transforms into an artistic paradise with beautiful art everywhere with delicious and colorful food. I love all of the actual artwork that can be purchased and you could have a chance to meet the artists as well! (Time to buy that mahogany statue of Mickey Mouse you have been eyeing!)
If you wish to purchase day-of tickets to Magic Kingdom Park by visiting the ticket booths right in front know that you can do that
if they are available. Most days this will be not an issue but on some busy days you may find that certain Parks "sell out." For example, Magic Kingdom Park is currently showing as "unavailable" when I
try to purchase a one-day ticket online for December 25, 2024. This is the Park to visit on Christmas Day so it makes sense that many people are trying to get tickets to enjoy all of the festivities. I don't know if January 22 is going to be as competitive but I already took a glance and found that it currently still has availability for Magic Kingdom Park on that day. If you arrive and find that Magic Kingdom Park is sold out I suggest purchasing a one-day ticket with the Park Hopper Option. Visit any other Park, like EPCOT, and then "hop" over to Magic Kingdom Park. You can hop at any time and both Parks are connected via the Monorail so it is a pretty easy trip.
Now, I strongly suggest purchasing your tickets even a few days before so that you are guaranteed entry. If you are staying off-site and not at an eligible Walt Disney World Resort Hotel you can purchase and start booking
Lightning Lane reservations
three days before you arrive. This is an additional cost but many people choose to try this option to minimize wait times when in the Parks. I also suggest downloading the
My Disney Experience Mobile App. Since you are planning only one day you can use the Map and Wait time feature on the app to navigate your day. The app also lets you order food at certain locations through
Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering. I prefer getting my food this way as I can submit my order while waiting in line and then pick it up when my selected time comes up. When ordering for some picky eaters (my kids) it is a great way to just calmly look through the options and set up meals to keep the "hanger" at a minimum.
I hope this helps and you have a fabulous time!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy