Ever Been To A Theme Park On A Cold Day? What Was It Like?

[Sarahslay]

I was there in January 2015 and a front had gone through (causing a blizzard at home in NJ) and it was about 30-40 degrees there. Very unexpected, even the princesses were in fleece shawls and extra layers. But the perk was that that time of year was dead and lines were so short!

I was in Orlando when that happened, it was REALLY chilly! I wasn't prepared, and just had a light sweater jacket. Thankfully I found over priced sweatshirts in the stores at the parks, those saved me. Usually Florida winters don't bother me in the slightest, but it is a different kind of cold when it gets in the 50's and below. The key is layering. Some times I've been there when its been in the 30's-40's in the morning, but rises to the 70's by the afternoon.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

I'll be there first week of December and, maybe, for the first time in my life, might experience a "cold" day at a WDW theme park. Now, my definition of "cold" is probably different from yours (I don't generally break out my jacket until it gets below about 30), but, using whatever definition of "cold" you prefer, what's it like being at a theme park on a cold day? Was it brutal? Or were you still able to have a good time?

Weather at wdw in November through Feburary can be a crapshoot.

The first time we stayed at the Contemporary for Christmas the day we arrived the windchill was 29 degrees (back in the 80s). I have video of us riding the monorail with winter coats, hats and gloves on, freeezing.

You should be fine the first week of December. You might need a jacket at night.

We love going to wdw when it's cooler. The only thing I don't enjoy is packing an assortment of clothing. We've been there some years for Christmas when it starts out cold (40s) and ends up hot (low 80s) all in the same week.

Epcot can get chilly at night due to the large lagoon. So if you're watching a show in the American pavilion it can feel damp and chilly.

Bring a little of everything so you can dress in layers if need be and you'll be fine.

 

[KimBean]

It would be a very rare day at WDW where you would have to wear your jacket between 7:00 am and midnight.

It's rare but it seems like Fantasmic feels pretty chilly in December. I usually have a jacket with me but that's more in case I get in a place too air conditioned. But I have used it very early in morning or late. But light jacket over a tshirt will do.

 

[LSUfan4444]

I'll be there first week of December and, maybe, for the first time in my life, might experience a "cold" day at a WDW theme park. Now, my definition of "cold" is probably different from yours (I don't generally break out my jacket until it gets below about 30), but, using whatever definition of "cold" you prefer, what's it like being at a theme park on a cold day? Was it brutal? Or were you still able to have a good time?

Pack and dress in layers. Nothing more to it.

 

[pmaurer74]

I was specifically responding to OP who said "I don't generally break out my jacket until it gets below about 30"

ok

 

[Hisgirl]

I was there on Jan. 7 2014 when the high that day was 46 and the low was 34. I had brought a jacket, hat, gloves and was very comfortable. I saw people there in shorts and sandels and they were obviously uncomfortable. The crowd was the same as the day before.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I just booked the MLK weekend at POP and it will be our first January trip. As a New Orleans native I HATE the cold, so here's hoping it's not one of our weird southern freezes

 

[DemonLlama]

I was there on Jan. 7 2014 when the high that day was 46 and the low was 34. I had brought a jacket, hat, gloves and was very comfortable. I saw people there in shorts and sandels and they were obviously uncomfortable. The crowd was the same as the day before.

In our 17 years of park trips (usually Decembers) that night of January 6 to the morning January 7, 2014 holds our record for coldest park day we've ever experienced.

It.was.FABULOUS.

We specifically go at this time to avoid the infernal humid heat but very often are still sweating in our t-shirts. But that night when the cold front moved through, these Coloradoans were so thrilled to be running around the Magic Kingdom in our hats and gloves.

Daughter enjoying hot chocolate at Gaston's Tavern that night. It's not like we needed parkas, just good layers.

Next morning, our crew at MK morning opening when it was in the 30°s

 

[captaindavidhook]

I was there in February when it was very cold. It was very miserable. I remember going back to the hotel and warming up at night. Yeah, not a lot of fun.

 

[stinkpickle]

The temps dipped down into the 30's during our last two November trips. It was a miserable damp cold. As long as there's sunlight, it's not so bad, but I'm from Iowa, and 40 degrees in Florida feels different than 40 degrees in Iowa. I kept wearing shorts out of spite (my legs don't have much hot/cold sensation, anyway), but I wore multiple layers with a hoodie on my top half. It's a good thing we had a rental car for the first trip, because we ended up at the under armor outlet store.

 

[LVSWL]

Layers will be your friend. Gloves go a long way to warm you up. We went to WDW the first week on December for years. Most years the weather was mild 70s in the day low 60s high 50s at night. One trip rained non stop for days and one other was chilly~enough for a fleece jacket at night, sunny during the day. Have fun!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

If y'all are talking Fahrenheit then I am laughing hysterically.

 

[North of Mouse]

I'll be there first week of December and, maybe, for the first time in my life, might experience a "cold" day at a WDW theme park. Now, my definition of "cold" is probably different from yours (I don't generally break out my jacket until it gets below about 30), but, using whatever definition of "cold" you prefer, what's it like being at a theme park on a cold day? Was it brutal? Or were you still able to have a good time?

It would be a very rare day at WDW where you would have to wear your jacket between 7:00 am and midnight.

We have been twice in Dec. One time the temps were great, the next - brutal!! Were there Dec. '10 and for a few days the temps were in mid 40's with wind (days) and high 20's at night. Froze a lot of plants, and they covered lots more. There was ICE on the MK dock when we got off the boat from FW!!

We wore coats, scarves, hats and gloves. Was miserably cold. Was no fun for us, I can tell you! We left two days early - the 'fun' for us was so over!

Weather in the south is always unpredictable, and winter is no exception - I'm deep south, I experience it (just have no desire to stay out in it and try to have fun).

 

[amberpi]

I've never been in Dec. - no desire, ever.

I have been in January loads - probably 10+ times due to a conference around that time/area. I take a coat because I'm usually coming from or to someplace cold and layers, layers, layers. Throwing gloves and a scarf in your bag is easy/small in terms of space. I've been in January when its warmish and cold...as a PP said - total crapshoot.

I do hope you and Mrs. Homie have a lovely time and you come back with a whole TR!

 

[nicolej92]

We were there in December last year, and our last day was a bit on the chilly side! We threw on hoodies and jeans and went for it. I did see people in gloves and hats, but we didn't feel they were necessary.

 

[rangerxenos]

I've been in December a few times, and for the most part the weather has been perfect, in fact it's been pretty warm. Except for one year (can't remember which), when it was colder down in FL than it was at home in CT. The poinsettias that they plant outside at Christmas were actually dying because it was too cold, and we were FREEZING for the first couple of days, it wasn't very pleasant.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

we were there last year first week of December and one morning it was my definition cold and raining. I wore a long sleeve shirt, a fleece hoodie and rain jacket. as the day went on rain jacket and fleece came off. My son was comfy in a cotton hoodie.

 

[lroger01]

I didn't read all of the responses, so not sure if this was mentioned.

The thing that got me the most on a coldish day at Disney was all the cast members in themed coats! They just didn't look like they did on past summer visits. I still had fun though. Stayed in the park all day for the first time.

 

[maxiesmom]

I believe it was December 2010 when it was colder than normal. And me and my dad were at WDW. I was very thankful I had my winter coat along, I was going to leave it in the car at the airport, but forgot to. Best mistake I ever made, I wore it every day, except between around noon and 3. I had gloves that were shoved in the pocket and I wore those a lot too.

I live in Michigan and am used to some very cold weather. However, here it is not a damp cold as it can be in Florida. And here I am not outside in it day after day for hours on end. I remember waiting for the parade and going into the stores to warm up, and going back outside for a while. Then I'd go back into the stores, and back outside.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Ive been to Disneyland Paris in December and February. Winter temperatures are 35 F and under and its a damp windy rainy grey cold which chills you to the bone. On my February trip when I was in the park at 8am, there was a layer of frost on everything, the benches and grass areas were crispy. I still did open close in the parks though, just wrapped up well, big thick coat, 2 pairs of socks, leggings under jeans, hat and gloves. For the night time fireworks many people bring blankets and handwarmers to keep warm. One of the days it rained continuously for about 8 hours. I just put a poncho over my coat and continued on as normal.