December weather in the parks at night

[Q-man]

Bring everything from shorts to coats. It is completely dependent on when cold fronts roll through. I've frozen in WDW over Thanksgiving week and other times never needed more than a windbreaker for early morning over x-mas week. Layers are a very good idea for a WDW trip that time of year. You can start the morning in the upper 40s and be over 75 by mid afternoon.

 

[Suellen]

We have were there in 2010 and it was about 30 ...brrrr! We got there and the park was empty. My DD promptly lost a mitten and a nice CM gave us a voucher for a new one. Otherwise we would have had to leave. We came from Maine and it was the same temp!

Last year we swam on Christmas day! You just never know until it gets closer.

 

[jdcthree]

On one of our December trips temps were in the 80s for the first few days and we ended the trip in the 40s. When the temps hit the 50s and I wasn't wearing a coat, the CMs kept asking me if I was from up north, lol.

 

[Liz]

Thank you! We will prepare well!

 

[lurkernj]

December is one of those months I wouldn't worry about over packing. You will most likely be glad you did. When I was there in 2010 we got quite the cold snap for a couple of nights. I was wearing literally everything I had, a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, and two sweatshirts and I was freezing! I am from Maine too by the way and no stranger to cold! My Mom and I had to buy hats and mittens from the Emporium, talk about expensive. BUT on the other hand we also had most of the Magic Kingdom to ourselves that night, come prepared and you could have some quiet nights to yourself. Just remember at night you won't be running from ride to ride, at least we don't, but talking in the fireworks, MSEP, Osborne lights, CP, etc, dress accordingly so it doesn't put a damper on your fun!

I will also say that our first December visit in 2001 we got quite spoiled and did a waterpark 2 afternoons of that trip. It was in the low 80's and beautiful. We were some shocked when we went back the next year and it was freezing

Quite certain I was there that same time in 2010, Dec 10-15. I think it was the 13th we went to the xmas party in our jeans, coats, sweatshirts, longsleeve shirts and tshirts, scarf and hat, and still had to buy gloves. I couldn't feel my legs by the time we left. I was colder in florida than the rest of my family in NJ.

 

[cgattis]

To echo all PPs, pack some of everything! That includes gloves and hats. While I never mind a new Disney hoodie, I really don't need a $25 pair of Mickey mittens

We were there the week after Thanksgiving last year, and there were days we could've worn shorts, but on our party night, we ended up in down vests, and the kids even broke out their hats and gloves. Perfect weather for a Christmas party, IMO. Had a blast.

 

[mom2rtk]

While I never mind a new Disney hoodie, I really don't need a $25 pair of Mickey mittens

Yep. Or even worse..... $25 Mickey mittens times however many people are in your family.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

You should still pack pants when vacationing to the sun..

It's amazing how many people, myself included, hear "Disney" and "Florida" and just expect amazing warm weather year-round. That was the case three years back when we made our first trip down to Disney for Christmas.

Having only gone during warmer months, my mind tricked me into believing that we were actually escaping the cold New York weather and moving toward warmer climates. The only thing we actually escaped was the snow. And what a tease it was when we arrived the first day and it was sunny and 70 degrees. It got cloudy around 4pm and didn't warm up again. (09-10)

One year later (10-11), I broke my foot. Being in an EMV KILLED me. Not being able to walk and get the blood flowing, I was a sitting duck. I packed on the layers, including gloves, scarf, hat, and even my NY Giants snuggie to stay warm.

Didn't go last year, and of course it was milder (at least up in NY). Returning this year and going prepared. I saw someone recommend hand warmers, and that's GENIUS! I will certainly be doing that and looking like the genius of the family. I also bought a nice pair of Ugg clogs I'll be wearing. My biggest problem is my feet get cold so those will help and keep me comfortable as long as it's not raining. I also will be investing in a few long sleeve t-shirts, a flannel or two, and a few hoodies.

So basically here's the plan..
- A few t-shirts
- If it's a little nippy out, a few long sleeve shirts to go over the t-shirts
- If it's cold, a hoodie to go over the t-shirt and long sleeve shirt

If you're from the north, you'll understand this.. Disney in December is NY or the north in early April. It could be gorgeous and 60-70 degrees, or it could be bitter cold. When you pack for Christmas, you're packing for Spring, Fall, and Winter.

By the way, I'm editing because I forgot probably one of the most important! A small pack of tissues!
Yes, the dampness and wind will make your nose run! You want some quality tissues to wipe that nose or it will become raw. While you're at it, some chapstik! Trust me, it will make the trip much more enjoyable!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

I saw someone recommend hand warmers, and that's GENIUS!

I kept joking with my daughter that I was shocked Disney wasn't selling Mickey shaped handarmers for like $10 each! We were there in 2010 and used 1 in each shoe and 1 in each glove. They really saw us through a couple of the coldest nights in the parks. A couple REALLY cold rope drops too. I brought some last year but didn't need them (thankfully!). I have a pile laying here again to pack for this year!

This year I'm thinkging of branching out and buying a package of Thermcare patches for back pain. We got some for my son when he pulled something in his back this summer. Those things are awesome!

 

[Jakesmom504]

I kept joking with my daughter that I was shocked Disney wasn't selling Mickey shaped handarmers for like $10 each! We were there in 2010 and used 1 in each shoe and 1 in each glove. They really saw us through a couple of the coldest nights in the parks. A couple REALLY cold rope drops too. I brought some last year but didn't need them (thankfully!). I have a pile laying here again to pack for this year!

This year I'm thinkging of branching out and buying a package of Thermcare patches for back pain. We got some for my son when he pulled something in his back this summer. Those things are awesome!

Haha! I like that Thermacare idea!!

 

[nanalisa]

Last year we were there from Dec 15-23 and wore short the whole time. One evening it did get down in the 60's but during the day it was around 80. You just never can tell. Those that said to layer had the right idea.