Water parks over christmas??

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi,

For those of you who have been to Florida at Christmas time, do you go to a water park??

I haven't actually allowed any time for a water park next xmas, as I assumed it would be too cold - but my son LOVED the water parks last year, and I am just wondering whether I should try and 'squeeze' one in??

Is it a case, of changing plans around to fit one in on a warm day, or do you just plan it for a particular day and go regardless of the weather ( I guess I am asking whether you ever get days that are too cold for you in the water parks?)

many thanks!!

 

[wicket2005]

Hi Amy

We didn't go over Xmas last year but near enough - 10th to 21st December. Apart from about 3 days that were quite chilly we experienced warmer temperatures than normal, still teeshirts/shorts weather but not as humid as in July when we go.

We stayed at the Hard Rock and the difference between July and December was incredible. In the summer the pool was choc a block but in December the whole area was deserted.

We did try the pool one day for a while and it was okay on a warm day but the only ones in the pool, however, it was still a little bit cooler than we would have liked.

Personally I wouldn't plan a water park day but would just go with the flow and if you find the weather is exceptionally warm try a water park if your ticket covers entry.

When we have been in February, though still warm to our standards, we found the water parks fine when you were in the water but quite chilly once you were out of the water. I think this would be the case in December.

We also tried doing some of the water rides at Islands on a very warm day and we froze. The water was like ice and I wouldn't recommend doing any water rides at this time of the year. I think in the summer because of the heat through the day and night the water is kept at a decent temperature but in the winter the water doesn't get enough heat to warm it up. We would save the water rides for the summer.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi Amy

We didn't go over Xmas last year but near enough - 10th to 21st December. Apart from about 3 days that were quite chilly we experienced warmer temperatures than normal, still teeshirts/shorts weather but not as humid as in July when we go.

We stayed at the Hard Rock and the difference between July and December was incredible. In the summer the pool was choc a block but in December the whole area was deserted.

We did try the pool one day for a while and it was okay on a warm day but the only ones in the pool, however, it was still a little bit cooler than we would have liked.

Personally I wouldn't plan a water park day but would just go with the flow and if you find the weather is exceptionally warm try a water park if your ticket covers entry.

When we have been in February, though still warm to our standards, we found the water parks fine when you were in the water but quite chilly once you were out of the water. I think this would be the case in December.

We also tried doing some of the water rides at Islands on a very warm day and we froze. The water was like ice and I wouldn't recommend doing any water rides at this time of the year. I think in the summer because of the heat through the day and night the water is kept at a decent temperature but in the winter the water doesn't get enough heat to warm it up. We would save the water rides for the summer.

thanks ever so much Wicket!! We will leave things as they are and then (as you say) try one if we are lucky to have good weather.

We will be staying at HRH for a week over New Years, and was hoping to spend a few hours each day in the pool - perhaps this might not pan out either then (I am not a lover of the cold, especially when it comes to swimming, so I might just send Steve in with the two boys!!)

 

[Portugal1000]

We have been there for the last 3 Christmas' and we have been to the water parks at least 4 times each visit. The weather just seems to get better everytime we go. We were there in August this year and it was nice to be warmer at the water parks but the place was packed. No queues atall in December. We think it's plenty warm enough. We go again next Saturday and have Sunday planned at Blizzard Beach.

 

[Jets fan]

I have been a few times over Christmas and New Year and the weather is very changeable. One day it can be warm and sunny and the next, fog in the morning and freezing cold. About 6 years ago, it was colder than the UK on that particular day! You never can tell ,but I think we've managed to go to a water park at least once on every vacation.

Tina

 

[Boodle]

Hi,

For those of you who have been to Florida at Christmas time, do you go to a water park??

I haven't actually allowed any time for a water park next xmas, as I assumed it would be too cold - but my son LOVED the water parks last year, and I am just wondering whether I should try and 'squeeze' one in??

Is it a case, of changing plans around to fit one in on a warm day, or do you just plan it for a particular day and go regardless of the weather ( I guess I am asking whether you ever get days that are too cold for you in the water parks?)

many thanks!!

Check which water parks may be closed for maintenance over the winter months - just to be on the safe side!

 

[wicket2005]

I think it just boils down to how you feel the cold so everyone will be different.

I prefer going in the water when it is that hot and humid you feel like jumping in to any pool of water.

 

[mackay_j]

I always schedule them in with an alternative planed if cold, and I am willing to juggle depending on the forcasts. We have not been to lucky with Xmas weather going on two of the years when orlando weather hit record lows (xmas-new year 2000/2001) we did DC below zero for most of the day- lasted 3.5 hrs (toddler was turning blue) brrrrrr that year it stayed below 6 oc for several days, with an even colder wind chill! Then again about 6 years ago and then the last time in 2007. 2007 was better but the weather changed on dec 31st the day we were at DC again - Aghhhhh. this time it just rained (buckets) all day - did I say all day!!!! but at least it was about 58-65oc that day. The following days turned colder -frosty in the mornings/ late evenings, so we scrubbed the water parks. But every cloud has a silver lining- the locals run for cover when the mecury get below about 10oc and us mad brits (along with a few canadians) get the parks to ourselves-we have even got to stayand ride again on rides (esp any water ones). Just make sure you bring gloves, coats and scarfs, you may need them. Oh by the way we are going again this Xmas- so beware will are doing DC on Jan 4th - so thats going to be a cold one!!! We hope to fit in Aquatica this time- but I am looking into bringing our wet suits. With them on its got to seem warmer than windsurfing in the clyde!!

 

[wayneg]

I might do a quick dip in a pool but wouldn't do a water park in Dec. If you really enjoy water parks wait and see what its like, it could be possible but it might not.
Once stayed at the Hilton opp DTD for Xmas, went for a swim one evening in the pool with steam coming off it and frost on the ground. Great underwater but once out it was soooo cold, eventually we got out to discover NO towels had to get back to room dripping wet with temps around zero.
Always check for towels 1st now
The following day we were in shorts and Tshirts right thru til midnight, the temps can change so much in Florida overnight.

 

[disneyholic family]

as everyone said, it depends..
we've been there in decembers that were lovely - in the low 80's...

but we've also been there in decembers that were so cold, the kids had to wear their snowsuits, mittens and balaclavas..

so you really never know..

DD and i were there last november and it was very chilly for the 2 weeks we were there......not snowsuit weather, but we had on light jackets during the day and warmer jackets at night.....
although there were a few Brits in the pool....but only Brits, no one else...

 

[penlanspice]

I thought last year in December was unusually warm, we stayed in a villa and also a time share resort and apart from around 3 days we used the pool every day and also visited the water park twice.
Also last January we went to the water park a few times.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thanks everyone!!! So I guess the plan for water parks (and indeed december swimming in general), is to have NO plan - and go with the flow depending on the weather.

Now if some of you non planners out there could teach me how to 'go with the flow', I will build that into my detailed hourly holiday planner!! - only kidding (well sort of!)

 

[xenole]

I was hoping to spend a bit of time at Typhoon Lagoon at the start of Jan but unfortunately that's closed at that time, and then Blizzard Beach is closed as soon as that re-opens.
Either way, there's hopefully Aquatica to fall back on, although if it's too cold, more time on the rides at Disney etc!

 

[strawberry blonde]

Friends always go at Xmas and love Aquatica. They say it's like getting into a warm bath but can be a bit chilly when you get out. Saying that, they usually stay until the park closes as they love the water parks best.

 

[T16GEM]

We have been to the water parks in the last two Dec / January trips and I can't imagine this year being any different, we usually have them included in our tickets so don't tend to plan a specific day but just go it we feel it's warm enough in the morning when we get up.
The kids both LOVED them! We have Aquatica tickets this year so can't wait to try it!