Closed: Disney in December?

[plasfam04]

Hi
I'm new to the boards and was hoping to get some helpful info from everyone. We are planning a trip the beginning of December and this is the first time we are going this time of the year... we've been to WDW in May, June, September and October- but never in December yet. How is the weather usually at this time and what about the crowds? Any help would be greatly appeciated!!

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Early December crowds are manageable.

As for the weather...winter in Orlando is completely unpredictable. You could have warm days (80s) with cool mornings. Or you could have mornings near freezing with afternoons in the 40s or 50s. Or you could have a little of both. Or you could have something in between.

My advice is..pack a little of everything and layer!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Our trip in December was 82 on Saturday when we arrived, Sun was upper 70's, but very windy and the temp dropped in the afternoon evening. Monday morning was 32 temps warmed up to the 50's in the afternoon but still windy, so it felt colder. Gradually warmed each day and was back to the 70's by the end of the week.

Bring bathing suits, shorts, wind breakers, sweatshirts & scarf & gloves You just never know what you'll need

Crowds are fine until you get right before Christmas. I try to leave by the 21st, 22nd at the latest as that when it starts to get crazy

Enjoy your trip, Christmas at the World is wonderful

 

[t_catt11]

Early December is our favorite time to go. The crowds are quite light (for Disney), the weather is USUALLY great.

During the day, we found that jeans and short sleeves were fine... myself and my daughter were fine in shorts and short sleeves on most days. In the evenings, a light jacket is often (not always) in order.

But yes, the weather can be unpredictable; we've seen it warm enough to swim, and we've seen it cold enough to freeze.

 

[texusc]

Yes!!!!! Disney in December is fabulous!!! We usually go around the 15th, not too close to Christmas. There is absolutely no one there!!!! We waited 5 minutes for tower of terror and expedition everest. I think the only thing we had to fastpass the whole time was rockin rollar coaster and test track. It was great. The weather is unpredictable though. We were able to wear short sleeves and capris but you just never know. Pack a little of everything. I would also recommend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It was awesome!!!! We got to stay until midnight and ride any ride we wanted. Not to mention, dance with the characters, enjoy great fireworks, see the Christmas parade, and many shows and lights. It was worth the extra money.

 

[misricsmith]

WE TO ARE GOING IN DEC
cant wait
but the weather has to be better than in PA

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

You're going to have a blast! We absolutely love WDW in December. We were there from 12/12-19 and the crowds were fine up to 12/19 (Christmas crowds were rolling in). I think our longest wait w/o a fastpass was 20 minutes. I must've been there the exact same time as ChelleinNC b/c I experienced the nice weather during the weekend and then the extremely COLD weather on Monday as well. I'd bring clothes that are easy to layer and a jacket. Gloves wouldn't be bad either, just in case.

Have a great trip!

 

[Chellymouse]

December is our favorite time to go also. Knock on wood....we've never had cool weather in Dec. and have even been in the pools and gone to the waterparks. Our last trip we had one day that was rainy and 60, but the rest of the week was 70's-80's. Keep in mind that WDW goes all out for the holidays. Be sure to purchase the Candlelight Processional dinner package (on sale in early June) if you want to see the processional. You will wait in line for hours and probably not get in if you don't do the dinner package. Also, don't miss MVMCP at MK. It's amazing and we are actually going to go 2 nights this year. The worldshowcase at Epcot is done up with the traditions of each country. Also, you may want to take a stroll over to the Boardwalk Resort, Yacht and Beach Club, Poly and GF and AKL to see all of the wonderful food displays. The gingerbread house is at the GF and is amazing!! Don't forget the Osbourne Family lights at HS (if you are hanging around early, you may get to flip the switch!) as well as the tree lighting at Epcot. We are going "home" Dec. 12-20 (just found out we get to add an extra day!! Yea DH's boss!!) so we're very excited about having 9 days!

 

[foxfire]

It's a great time to go but it does require packing for both cold and warm temps. I never go without packing a coat, hats, gloves, and warm clothing that can be layered....along with short sleeve tees, shorts, jeans. A couple of years ago, it was cold one day plus the wind blew all day long. We wore as much as we could put on and we were still cold! One year at Epcot it was so cold that my dad wound up putting on a hot pink hooded scarf thing while we were waiting for Illuminations! The next day, we wore only long sleeve tees, jeans, and light jackets.

It's a bit of a hassle to pack extra but it's better than being caught unprepared and wind up having to buy cold weather gear you weren't planning to purchase 'cause those Disney prices can make it expensive.

 

[plasfam04]

Thank you SO much everyone for your helpful posts. It sounds like it is quite unpredictable and we will definitely have to pack a variety of things... and layers, layers, layers!! I wouldn't have thought we needed to bring heavier clothes- I was definitely thinking sweatshirts were in order but never thought about gloves or winter type clothes though. Glad I asked all you experts!! Thanks again!!