December weather and what to pack?

[Amelia]

We'll be on the 11/30 cruise with a stay at WDW afterwards. Right now I'm planning on packing long pants and shorts at about a 50/50 percent. Is that about right? All our previous trips have been in the summer with the exception of one short trip in October and the weather for each of those trips was HOT!

For those who've vacationed in the month of December could you help me out here? Is the weather in the Bahamas and in Florida about the same?

 

[BethC1952]

Last year the weather in the Bahamas was very different from the weather in Florida. In Florida it was cold and rainy, and in Nassau it was hot and sunny. Castway Cay was warm, but the water was a little chilly.

I never wore shorts during my whole stay at WDW, and one night I had my winter coat on! We wore our bright yellow rain ponchos a lot, and one night the water was so deep from rain that we took our shoes and socks off and rolled up our pants legs to get through the puddles. With all of that said, we had a great time! The cool, wet weather and the early December dates kept the crowds down, and the cruise itself was wonderful!

Beth

 

[Amelia]

Thanks Beth.

It looks like maybe three or four pair of shorts will be plenty. I'll try to pack shirts that will match both my shorts and my long pants, that will make for more outfits if I need them. I should probably pack jackets for everybody too. The yellow rain ponchos are already in the suit case so that's covered.

It's easy to pack for a summer vacation in Florida. Shorts, tops, and a bathing suit!! This is a new experience for me! Any other sugestions you have would be more than welcome.

 

[disneyfan551]

I've been wondering the same thing! I know I'll end up packing way too much junk...

 

[Amelia]

I know what you mean Tiffany. At first I was planning on all shorts but as you can see from Beth's story, that wouldn't be a very good idea. Also after reading what Beth had to say I've decided to forget about taking sandles and stick with my tennis shoes, dress shoes for cruise and now I'm considering taking my black lug ankle boots. They look good with jeans and would be great on a rainy day.

I think I'm going to plan on outfits that I can layer if I need to and still be able to remove layers if the day warms up.

That's the good news, the bad new is now I have to go shopping and see if I can find some outfits that will work like that!! LOL!! It's not easy buying warm weather wear in the month of October here in Indiana!

 

[glindamood]

I have cruised twice in December and worn summerwear on both trips. I think the trick is WDW. I have been there and wished I had my winter coat (wind chill was zero!) one December and another I wore shorts. My suggestion is to watch the weather channel for updates while you are packing or visit their website. Mix and match with shorts and slacks and layering are excellant suggestions - and you can always purchase the souvenir sweatshirt or t-shirt as the occasion/weather calls for.

 

[Angel51201]

Hi Amelia,
My 2 yr old DD & I will be there with you too, as well as Tiffany (my DSIL, DB & their 2 yr old DD) and another of their couple friends and their 3 yr old DS. Thanks for getting this info for us.

I'm getting so excited - only 5 weeks to go - it's seeming "real" now.

 

[disneyfan551]

I think I'm in shock...my DSIL is posting on the disboards! Don't remind me it's only 5 wks away, I've still got way too much to do between now and then!

Welcome to the DIS Diane!

 

[Amelia]

As I've been reading the responces to my post I can feel the excitement building! It won't be long until cruise time and I just can't wait! I've been trying to decided what exactly I need to pack in the way of clothes and have found myself trying things on almost daily!! LOL!

Does anyone else do this kind of obsessive pre-packing!?!

 

[Angel51201]

Thanks Tiff
(and btw, it's my 2nd post, ha). You'll get it all done, you always do.

 

[BAKAROMA]

I know this may be aa stupid question, but.... If it is cool enough to wear pants most of the time how is it warm enough to swim and do beach/water activities? We are cruising 1/17 and I still am trying to figure out what it will feel like. I am more concerned with Castaway Cay, bu the other western ports as well.

 

[DumboFan]

I was going off the weather from our trip in Decembr 2001 - shorts & tshirts during the day & jeans at night. Now I don't know what to pack!! We're doing 3nt Wonder & 3nt at WDW & I'm sooooo confused! Guess I can't pack yet!

 

[Regina]

It's sooooo unpredictable.

Our first cruise was in early December on the Wonder. The night before, we froze at WDW. I think the temps dipped to the low 40's. We had gorgeous weather on the cruise, and expected to break out the sweatshirts when we got back.

In all of 3 days, the weather in WDW changed drastically and it was back to shorts and T-shirts.