December Clothes

[c4241]

Not having been to Disney in December before, I'm wondering just what are you wearing. I would imagine it gets a little chilly at night....but if you want to be in the park all day do you need to chug along a jacket? <p>So can those of you who have been there in December before please clue me in. Thanks.<p>Also, how dressy are they in the evening at Bomas or Calif. Grill?

 

[mitymott]

We've been to disney several times in dec. and found the weather to be wonderful. We've only needed a jacket or sweatshirt a few times (very early and lery late). Go with something light, you can always tie it around your waist.

 

[tjkraz]

Yes, you do need to bring a little bit of everything and dressing in layers can be important. We visited last January and were fortunate to have days in which the temps hit the low 70s every day. But it was always chilly in the morning. Most days I would start out with shorts, a t-shirt and a sweat shirt. By mid-morning the sweatshirt was gone and I was comfortable all day.

By the time the sun went down it would get quite chilly. Jeans and jackets were definitely in order.

If you want to get a look at historical weather data, try accuweather.com. Search the current Orlando forecast, and you should see a link that says "Averages & Records". Via that link, you can pull up the historical data for the entire month of December '02. Seeing how the temps fluctuated from one day to the next should give you an idea of what to expect.

 

[Pooh67_68]

We love going in Dec. not real hot, but not real cold either.
Last year I only had jeans and wished I had brought shorts along. So i would say that during the day you don't need to carry a jacket along. During the nights it may be a little different, if you tend to be the cold type. Also always prepare for rain, if you don't want to carry an umbrella (and who does) then just head to the nearest shop for a rain poncho if it starts to rain.

 

[TLinden16]

Dressing for the weather in December can be a bit tricky sometimes. I've gone three times in December, most recently last year. Make sure you bring jeans, pants, and sweatshirts. Last year while we were there, it was very cold, and I only put shorts on twice during my entire eight day trip. In the evening, it was below 40 a few nights.

On my previous trips in December, I remember wearing shorts during the day, and changing to jeans in the evening. It was chilly in the mornings, and I could have used a sweatshirt, but I just coped with the chilliness so I wouldn't have to carry it the rest of the day.

Karen

 

[DebbieB]

We've gone the first or second week of December the past 5 years. The weather can vary widely. In 1998, 1999 & 2001, it was beautiful, around 80 during the day, just a little chilly at night. In 2000, it was only in the low 60's during the day and into the 40's at night. Last year was a mix, some cool days, some warm. We were at the Candlelight Processional one night last year, I wish I would have brought a light winter coat it was so cold. I was glad I brought gloves. Then another night it was too warm in just a long sleeve shirt. Check the weather forecast before you leave and pack accordingly.

 

[songbert]

For either restaurant you mentioned, casual dress is the norm.

 

[arminnie]

I've been in December several times - my favorite time to go.
You all know what to wear if it's hot - shorts and tshirts are easy to pack.

Here's what I do to handle the variable cooler weather.
Everyone says layer but here are my specifics:

turtleneck or longsleeve tshirt - if not too warm just wear this.

corduroy or flannel shirt - makes a good lightweight jacket and is easy to take on and off if needed.

sweatshirt - this is harder to take off than the shirt but comes in very handy if it is cold. One day I found myself pulling this on and off over my head a million times.

fleece jacket - put this on top of the other stuff and you can handle the coldest Disney weather - believe me I've been there when it was freezing.

Don't forget gloves (those $1 stretchy ones are great) and a hat and/or scarf.

I like the fleece jacket because it is very lightweight and easy to tie around your waist unlike a regular coat.

I usually check the weather forecast before I leave just to check if the trend is toward hot or cold, but it can change in an instant. One year at the last minute I threw in a pair of dirty stretch gloves that I found in a coat pocket and a motheaten scarf (I'd just moved and the boxes were not unpacked). I was SO happy to have those with me when it turned cold.

Of course you can buy gloves and hats at the parks, but they cost a lot more, and I really liked having that scarf on the tram ride in when it was so cold.

In re-reading this I realized that it kind of come across with the idea that it gets really cold a lot more often than it does! I don't take all of that stuff to the parks everyday but it is nice to have a couple of things in your suitcase in case it does get cold. I would not recommend taking your winter sweaters and wool clothing.

This is Florida and you are more likely to need lightweight clothes even in December. Long pants and a long sleeve top in a lightweight fabric will get you a lot of mileage at this time of year. If the fabric is pretty light it shouldn't be too hot but having some long sleeves and long pants will provide some protection at night.

 

[c4241]

Thanks for all the tips. I'm sure there will be others wondering the same question. As always, this site has the nicest most informed people. Big Smile!