Best late Nov/early Dec. tips?

[WendyMichaelJohn]

Any thoughts? We're heading into the home stretch now, and I feel like I've learned everything I can, but I still can't compose an itinerary. I'm beginning to believe that with the needs and temperament of our family, we need to play it by educated ear. I've been getting too stressed thinking about naps, parade times, etc. It's hard to build a solid itinerary (even considering what parks to go to on what days) when you have so many human variables in your own group.
For my own sanity's sake, I'm going to have to just "let go" and relax. (The whole point of this trip in the first place, lol!)

So....

if there are any tips you have that you'd like to share? Things I can keep in mind when human nature throws us a curve ball and I have to make choices on the spot?

Anything you wish you had known?

Thanks

Shel

 

[Robo]

Daytime temps can go into the 80's.
Nights can fall into the lower 30's and sport howling winds.

We pack everything from shorts and tee's to thermal underwear and zip-on nylon warm-up suits.

NOTE:
Bring EAR-MUFFS for everybody (and a couple of extra pair in case of loss).
FROSTY ears can ruin your good time.
TOASTY ears can soothe the soul!
WalMart sells comfy 'muffs cheap.

We don't let the weather stop us because... we are prepared.

We wear some (and bring along the heaviest in a backpack) of the warm clothing with us in the morning. As the day heats up, we put most of it in a locker (rent one on first-entry to the park).

As the evening falls, we pick up the backpack and add "layers" according to the need.

I'd hate to miss MVMCP, Wishes, SpectroMagic, IllumiNations, or Fantasmic because of a case of the "shivers".

BIG TIP:
If you are still chilled by the wind, you can fight it off by just donning an inexpensive rain poncho ("Mickey" or otherwise).
The wind just flies AROUND you (put up the hood) and you can keep on grinnin'.

 

[JenniferW]

I'd buy the cheap ponchos just because I like to ride Splash and a few other things but don't want to get wet. What are your exact dates? What are your naptime constrictions? What are the ages of the people in your group?

Jenn

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Ear muffs? With all due respect, I don't wear them in the winter in New England. I do, however, as any good New Englander does, dress in layers. The top layer is usually something with a hood (Handy for rain and cold) in black or grey (don't show the dirt, black looks formal in a pinch) You can last quite a while in a quality Champion sweatshirt. It is good if you can tie this top layer around your waste, or you have a bag large enough for carrying said cover-up. If it isn't too cold, you could probably hit the lighter water rides with your top layer on, if you hit them in the middle of the day. If the weather is cool, avoid the Kali River Rapids, and the front seat of Splash Mtn. Save the heavy water exposure for the hot tub at your resort. Hot tubs are great even on a relatively cool night.
You can always take a trip back to your hotel room/car for extra clothes if needed (another plus of staying on-property.) Once, the temp dropped very dramatically just before Illuminations. Instead of leaving, we bought a banket in the Mexico area for like ten $. It was the best ten dollars I ever spent. We all huddled under it together for the fireworks. I brought home a unique souvineer with a fun memory, but that was in Feb. I should admit that I've never been in December before myself. I'll bring a light winter coat with me (wear it on the plane, don't pack it in your suitcase as it takes up too much room)
DO check out the accuweather predictions before you go. They are the most reliable ones I've ever seen (not that I trust any weather report completely). You can access them through Allearsnet.com (under the planning page).
Another travel favorite of mine is silk. I can wash it in the sink in under five minues, and dry it with a hair dryer in less than ten minutes (or hang to dry overnight). As a shirt layer, it works very well next to your skin, and if it gets hot, you can strip down to your silk shirt to cool off, AND it looks formal/casual in a pinch. They also make silk boxers for men...very nice to have on travel! and not very expensive. Again, if you have to wash them, it is very easy.