Disney weather/packing

[futuremommy]

We leave in three days for our first Disney trip. Staying 10 days. Myself, husband and three kids, ages 9, 5, 18 months.

I'm a bit lost with packing. Mainly cooler weather clothing. The temps seem to be hot to me. I'm from eastern Canada where we still have 10 feet snow piles everywhere! Lol.

Will we wear shorts, tshirts, and sundresses the whole time. From morning til bedtime? Does it get cold in the evening? Should I bring a bunch of sweaters and long pants for each of us? If we need them consistently I'll have to pack enough so we have clean items. But maybe we might only wear a sweater once or twice.

Please help

 

[LaurEm378]

I've been talking weather with my FL relatives, and visited in early May last year, so maybe I can help a little.

Some lightweight layers can't hurt. Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially if you're on/near the water. Midday, from 10-5 or so will be hot enough for shorts and tees. I'd bring some lightweight sweatshirts or fleeces that you can shed as it gets hotter.

Last year I was alright in a sundress for evenings but almost always needed a cardigan too. The A/C in rides and hotels and restaurants is freezing, to me, and still pumping like crazy once the sun goes down.

I wouldn't bring a ton of long pants--a couple pairs, sure, but definitely not enough for every day. An extra layer on top would probably be enough to keep you warm.

A few blankets for the baby would help, to be able to pop one over him/her in the stroller if it gets cool.

Good luck and have a blast!!!

 

[Bluegrrl]

OK, here's the deal from a local: Right now, it's hot and humid - May will not be any different. When it's overcast, it's not so bad, but definitely not sweater weather (or even jeans!) When the sun is out, it's downright painful.

My advice: pack a light item to wear indoors. Right now our AC is cool, so I might wear a tee and jeans or sweats inside. Disney's AC in the hotel rooms tends towards the muggy if cool side of hotel ac.
For outdoors/parks stuff, pack your normal summer gear cause it's hot down here! And not Canada wimp hot - this is the real thing, hot and humid. (Or course, I don't own anymore close-toed shoes and barely any sweaters anymore, so I'm one to talk!)
Jeans, sundresses, shorts, tees and good broad-billed hats will you suit you fine and there really isn't any need to bring anything warm.

In the evening and morning it is a little (A LITTLE cooler.) Consider this: Usually, in the morning you are heading toward the parks, where it will eventually warm up, no? So don't bother bringing anything warm like. If you are eating/riding rides in the parks, the a/c will be a great break from the heat. In the evening, if you are going to a nice sit-down, you may want to change into some more respectable clothing, so maybe pack a few khakis /polos/cargos/"resort casual" for the boys and sundresses/maxi dresses (I live in those!)/cardigans/khakis for the girls.

And DON'T forget your sunscreen. I know I always say that, but in the parks, I constantly see Northern "lobsters" because people from up north forget their sunscreen and to apply it. If it's sunny out, put it on before you leave, and apply it liberally. If it is NOT sunny out, apply it before for you leave for the parks as well. Not putting it on when it's overcast is one of the main mistakes people make, and they pay for it. And don't forget your shins, top of your feet, hands, and other crevices that you don't think the sun while shine in cause it will get in there! So get yourself a lot of plant-based sunscreen (Badger is pretty good) and dip everyone in you group in it, OK? And re-apply. Then apply some more.

One very last thing - consider buying runners glide. I'm not fat, but since I wear skirts a lot, I tend to get friction burns from the heat (walk + sweat = ouch.). The runners glide is great for helping stop those burns. It comes in a deodorant like container and it's a great purchase for the parks. Clear, non-sticky, and no smell.

Hope all that helps!

 

[futuremommy]

@Bluegrrl Thank you so much!!!! That is exactly what I wanted to know. I'm not going to waste luggage space with pants and sweaters. You've put an end to my second guessing lol

 

[Bluegrrl]

Thanks - that's good to know!