First time going in winter

[tinklover74]

I booked the trip! 2nd with the 2 kids, but we have never gone in the winter. December to be exact...how is the weather?
Already have tix to mvmcp...any other suggestions on must sees??
Thx

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

I have been on previous trips in both late November (Thanksgiving on) and also in January - unfortunately not in December, but we had wonderful weather both times. It was cool, but not too cold. We brought jeans and lighter jackets and the second half of our January trip we started sweating and pulling out the shorts we packed "Just in case". Hopefully this will bump up your post and someone who has been in Dec. can help you more!

 

[LadyShea]

Unfortunately our weather in this region is terribly unpredictable. We can have very cold days in the winter (for us anyway) approaching freezing, or springlike in the 70's. Average in December in Orlando is in the 60's though, with little precipitation.

I have seen a link posted here where you can enter the week and the city to find historic temps, but I don't know it and can't seem to find it via Google.

 

[SplashMountainMama]

We went at the end of January this year, after only summer trips, and I have to say that packing was the most stressful part of the trip. From what I've heard, it's similar to December. I packed everything under the sun because everyone said the weather was so unpredictable. I had t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece, shorts, pants, sun hats, winter hats, mitts , shoes, flip flops, ponchos,bathing suits and some winter coats. Now, multiply that by the 2 adults and 6 kids in our family and you'll get my frustration. It was ridiculous how much stuff we had. As it turned out, it was an unusually warm week with temps in the high 80's all week so 3/4 of the stuff we didn't need. My cousin went 2x in Dec. and on one trip had to break out the winter coats, hats and mitts. Unfortunately, I think at that time of year there's no telling what the weather will be like exactly. At least summer you know...hot,hot and more hot.

 

[mickeymousemom]

Very unpredictable weather. The best I can tell you is to watch the 10 day forecast on weather.com or accuweather.com and at least you'll have a bit of an idea. We were there the week before Christmas in 04 and I don't think I was able to go without at least a jacket any time we were there. One night we had to leave the MK b/c, even with coats on, it was just too cold and uncomfortable to be there. The park was packed(about 4-5 days before Christmas) and there was not a cup of hot chocolate to be found.
I've talked to others who were there the same time of year and the temps were in the 60's/70's the whole week.

 

[mom2aredhead]

Ditto to all above

We were there this past December. The beginning of the week it was in the 80's and we were swimming. A few days later we had on our hats, gloves and jackets on in the morning because it was in the 30's. The Emporium on Main St. actually sold out of Mickey gloves one day because it was so cold...especially in the mornings and evenings. During the day was comfortable. It certainly didn't dampen the trip though. The lines were short, MVMCP was great, and we had a blast...although I have to say October is still my favorite time of year to go.

Just remember when people respond.."cold" is relative. People from Minnesota will tell you it's warm out when it's 40. People from Georgia will have on hats, gloves and scarves if it's below 60.

Like someone said, check the 10 day forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Have fun!

 

[Momvic5]

You will love December! We went in 2005, and the weather was gorgeous! Blue skies with highs in the mid 50s to low 60s, and low's were in the upper 40s. One night it did get down into the 30s. The only time we really felt the cold was in the evenings, and we just sipped on hot chocolate and enjoyed the Christmas decorations. We loved the weather!

We went again in December 2007, and the weather was still gorgeous with blue skies; however, it was much warmer. The highs were in the low 80s and the lows were in the upper 60s. We were able to enjoy the pools!

Both trips were great for weather! We love December and will be going back this coming December. I think you and your family will love December too!

 

[F1Julie]

In December, you have to be prepared for anything weather-wise. We've gone twice and both times were lucky enough to have highs in the 70's and 80's. We were able to swim and wore shorts and t-shirts the whole time. It can also be cold that time of year. Check the extended forecast before you go. Even if it looks like it will be warm, I'd still pack at least one pair of jeans and a sweatshirt just in case. Have fun. December is a great time to go.

 

[sbrotherton]

Whichever poster said that cold is relative is right on the money. I remember going once in December, freezing (during the evenings) and commenting about all of the Polar Bears we saw dressed in shorts and T-Shirts. We live in St. Louis and while we run in and out of places without coats when it is 40 degrees outside, remember that you will be outside during the evening for several hours as opposed to a few minutes. Those temps get cold.

The only downside, IMO, to traveling in December is packing. I always overpack when we go in December. That said, the upside far outweighs the packing dilemma. The atmosphere is fabulous in December. We LOVE it.

Definitely check the forecast before you go. If you don't want to pay $14 for a pair of stretchy gloves or $12 for a hat at the parks, pack something and take it just in case. Also, look at things in terms of what you plan to do. If you go to the MVMCP, you will definitely want some warm clothing. Remember that even 60 degrees can be cool without the warmth of the sun. If, however, you don't plan to be anyplace other than inside in the evenings, the extras like hats and gloves aren't as crucial. Just my two cents...

 

[JoJo's Mom]

We went this past Nov/Dec. I did some research and found the same thing the other posters mentioned......unpredictable. However, when we were there is was warm. I think the day we arrived it was 100% humidity!!!!

Everyday we wore shorts/capri's. In the evenings I wore my capri's but I threw on a sweatshirt.

I did LOVE that time of year though. Like others said...days before hand watch the forecast. That is what we did.

 

[tinklover74]

Thank you all so much for the advice. I will definately look at the 10 day forcast when time gets closer....gonna seem like forever.

Any other suggestions on what to do/see at Christmas time??? DS is 8 DD is 6...

Thanks again....

 

[frtchr]

December is my favorite time to go! Don't miss the Osborne family lights at HS. They are incredible! Plus, if you have time, visit some of the resorts to see their holiday decorations. The gingerbread at the Floridian is really neat!

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

we went in Dec 06 and the weather was very warm, high 80s daytime and high 60s night time. We never needed a jacket, kids used sweatshirts in the evening. We are going back again in Dec and I will be watching the 10 day forcast for sure. Have fun.

 

[daisyduck123]

We just Christmas week 2007 in WDW. We had a dinner ADR at WCC followed by a sleigh ride at WL. It was the first time my kids had ever been in a horse-drawn carriage. It was nice to do once, but I'm not sure we'll do it again. If we do, we'll probably try the one they have at Ft. Wilderness (I think that's where it is).

Not sure where you're staying,....we were at AKV. On Christmas Eve, around dinner time (5pm to be exact) we found Mickey & Minnie dressed in their holiday outfits in our hotel lobby. They were posing with guests for pictures & autographs. Santa was there too!

**Make sure you have some warm clothes. We went to MVMCP on Dec. 21 & we were freezing. Even DH was cold!! And that was with our Mickey fleece jackets we were wearing.

 

[mkaanta]

Went over this past New Years. First part of the week nice in the 70's last two days in 50' and 30's at night

 

[mom2aredhead]

Thank you all so much for the advice. I will definately look at the 10 day forcast when time gets closer....gonna seem like forever.

Any other suggestions on what to do/see at Christmas time??? DS is 8 DD is 6...

Thanks again....

Seeing the different holiday traditions in the different countries in Epcot ws interesting - for me anyway. My 4 year old played with the giraffe puppet we bought in China the whole time...at least he was quiet.

MVMCP is lots of fun...especially the parade.

Osborne Lights - spectacular.

Take lots of pics of the decorations and trees. They really are beautiful.

 

[tinkwdw47]

we went around jan 19th and on jan 20th it was so cold there that our bones hurt from the weather.......but we loved it there anyway