Dec/Jan packing question

[aubriee]

I took my eldest son and GD to WDW last January. Not knowing what to pack I had two full suitcases and was almost over the airline's weight limit with each. I goofed though. It was very warm that week and I had packed only two pair of shorts. I had LOTS of sweats, sweaters, fleece, etc that I never wore. Then the last 1 1/2 days it rained and turned off cold so we wore sweats.

I am taking my mom down there Dec 9th-18th and my GD Jan 2nd-8th. I would like to pack as light as possible, but also want to be prepared. What is the least you would pack? I really don't like capris, by the way. I have lots of shorts, Disney t-shirts, sweats, windpants, fleece, and denim. I plan to carry gloves, tobaggans, and a scarf, as I am very cold natured. I just can't seem to decide exactly what and how many of each to carry for a ten day trip in Dec (or 7 day trip in Jan). I don't mind washing clothes for the Dec trip, but probably won't for the Jan trip since I'll have my GD. I don't like WDW toiletries so will carry travel sizes of my shower gel, bubble bath, lotions, body spray, shampoo, conditioner, etc. I was thinking about a pair of thermal underwear for the nights. I've read where people said layering was the way to go, but I live in east Texas. We don't have to layer here, as we seldom even see cold weather. I just bought two pair of the Aspen Crocs for the trip, have two pair of the Nile Crocs, two pairs of the Beach Crocs, a pair of Teva mush flip flops I'll definitely wear if the weather is warm, and a pair of Teva Pretty Rugged Leather sandals. Oops! too many shoes ain't it? Help! Will someone come up with a packing list for me? Again what is the least you would carry?

 

[got2lovedisney]

I can't really give a list since I've never had to pack for a flight (I drive so bring everything I want).

I DO agree...layering is the way to go...it could be 70's-80's during the day and drop 10-20 maybe even 30 degrees at night. For your Dec trip, I would maybe start the day in shorts, a t-shirt and a light jacket. Take the jacket off when the sun warms up. Maybe about 5-ish, go back to your room and change into some light pants, a long sleeved shirt and your jacket. If you're cold, you can also put on a tank/tee under the long sleeved shirt. THAT'S JUST ME!! I don't like the heat and prefer to be a little cold than to look like a polar bear.

For January...I'd probably skip the shorts entirely. Wear pants, peel off layers during the day and pile on the layers and night. It does get colder in January.

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[DCDisney]

We have only gone at the end of January (going again this Jan) so I'm used to the unpredictable weather. We tried to use short sleeve t-shirts under some type of light jacket/shirt/sweater during the day. Most days we ended up needing just the t-shirt from about 11-4 but for early monring and early evening we needed the top over it. For the night time and our 1 very cool day we each brought a sweatshirt and we all had a medium weight jacket with us. We never felt so hot that we really needed shorts and we were never freezing either. We brought 1 outfit for each day and then also had an extra few outfits to wear in the evenings if we felt like changing. So for 5 days we brought about 8 full outfits of long pants, tee, some type of long sleeved cover up. We each brought 1 sweatshirt and jacket. Lots of extra socks as we changed those whenever we went back to the hotel. 1 pair of sneakers and 1 nicer pair of shoes that was still comfy. We ended up only needing light pjs because the rooms got hot at night. We used everything we brought but I also figured if we got sweatshirts dirty and didn't feel like washing them it would be easy to buy another
Yvonne

 

[KeepSwimming]

I agree...ditch the shorts and capris. Bring lots of jeans and t shirts. We also brought two sweatshirts each and my DH likes to wear long sleeve t shirts.

Also, don't forget to pack hats, and gloves for the kids. It does get cold at night and my kids have used their hats and gloves several times during our last few winter trips ( it gets down in the 40's or lower some nights).

 

[Eeyore_lives]

I travel only in the off-season so have been in both December and January... January seems to be the trickier time! The weather "swings" in December seem to be much milder compared to what could happen in January. But - I come prepared, no matter what! You may get warmer, sunny days during these times, but I've found it can still get a little nippy (for Florida!) when the sun goes down. I usually stick with jeans and t-shirts or a tank top underneath a button-up shirt, then if it's particularly nippy I will add on top of that a vest of some sort (I have both a fleece vest and a down vest - not big and bulky, though!) and wear a fleece jacket over all. The fleece jacket will easily tie around my waist as the day warms up and if it gets too warm for my vest it easily tucks into the bag I carry with me. If it is REALLY cold - and I've been there when it's like 30 degrees! - I also bring a knit cap, a fleece scarf, and some of those cool inexpensive little stretchy knit gloves (from Target) I can add to my attire to truly be toasty - and, again, these smaller items will tuck into my bag as the day warms up! Fleece seems to be the key - it is a miracle fabric! It is quite warm, keeps the wind out, and is lightweight. Be prepared! The best thing about the cold weather is it will keep the crowds away - woohoo! - always worth it!!!!!