Hi Maureen!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Even though we all understand the priority placed on our health and safety, I know how heartbreaking it may have been for you to have those plans cancelled. Under normal circumstances, I would consider the weather - August is HOT but January could be
Frozen. One year I visited during the first week of January and the temperatures were literally below freezing. Even if the temperature is bearable for you in January, consider also that the sun sets earlier. When we visit during the winter, we tend to cut our park time shorter and head back to the resort hotel after dinner.
Given the current situation, however, there are a few other considerations. Check the
operational updates to review the
phased reopening plans,
details on resort hotels, and the
Know Before You Go information. My first concern is whether or not you have existing park tickets,
Annual Passes, or an existing
resort hotel reservation. New ticket sales and resort hotel reservations are temporarily paused at the moment. Current guidance says, "guests with existing tickets or Annual Passes will be allowed to make reservations in phases before new tickets are sold." Given that August is right around the corner, your timeline might be better if you rescheduled your trip for January.
As you make your decision, I also suggest that you take a look at the
runDisney events calendar since Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is currently scheduled for January 6-10, 2021. When the theme parks reopen, some rides, attractions, dining, and experiences may be modified, limited, or cancelled. Keep that in mind as you make your decision. If you plan for January, we should have a better sense of operations prior to your trip.
Maureen, I would also consider your transportation plans. Since we normally fly, I must keep in mind airfare costs and flight availability. And, since we like to limit the number of days our girls miss school, we prefer to travel during school break periods.
Sending some travel planning pixie dust your way trusting that you will make the best decision for your family!
Magic and memories,
Donyell