For all you frequent WDW visitors.. Help me out here?

[C.Ann]

Dates are: Dec. 2 - 7th - Pop Century. Will be doing MVMCP on the 2nd, hopefully..

I need pointers on packing.. What kind of attire do I bring for that time of year?

And most importantly, how do I cut down on the AMOUNT of items I pack?

I have one of those 3 pc. luggage sets - large, medium and carry-on.. I'd like to be able to pack all of my clothes in the medium bag and then nestle that in the large bag so I will have an empty suitcase to bring back Christmas gifts..

I know that some of you have this down to a science - only bringing the absolutely necessary items - and I would like to hear what those items are..

Also - I want to make getting through security really easy, so what all do you suggest?

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I know - I know.. I'm going to drive you all nuts but I'm just SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited about this upcoming trip!

 

[PamOKW]

Early in December chances are you'll have mostly warmer weather. It's closer to Christmas when the actual "cold" weather tends to come. The key will still be layers. You might consider wearing some layers when you leave home and then you'll have them if necessary at WDW. Polartec/Fleece is great to have since it's warm but light. Throw in a pair of gloves and a hat. These can be especially useful at night when you are enjoying the lights and shows. Bring a pair or two of shorts but then make the rest pants. Don't forget the bathing suit. It's possible to use all of the above in one trip. Bring along some things for if it turns cold -- helps to keep the warm weather sticking around.

 

[legs22]

The weather shouldn't be cold then but take layers like the other poster suggested just in case. This past Dec. I went to MVMCP on Dec. 19 and it was a record breaker with the cold weather. It was freezing that night! Ice was on the windshield when we got back to our cars!

I can't help with the efficient packing because I always take my whole closet with me

 

[pumba]

we were very happy people to have come from Maine......we had our LL BEAN coats and I some how lucked out and had a pair of mittens in the pocket......it was in the low 40s

 

[LScot]

After being there last year, I agree with whoever talked about layers. And we needed mittens one day in AK too--it was so cold and windy there. FL's cold weather is different for sure. I watched the weather on the Weather channel's website and it was right on target. I packed accordingly. MVMCP was really a lot of fun!!

 

[disneysteve]

Weather in Central Florida can be quite variable in December. Not to scare you, but the one year we went the first week of Dec. it rained every day. Temp was in the 70's as I recall. We've been to Disney when it was pushing 100 and we've been there when it was in the 30's (neither of those in December, of course).

I would pack long pants but relatively lightweight. Short sleeve tops and a couple of lightweight long sleeves (long sleeve T's or such). And bring along a sweatshirt or light jacket. You really shouldn't anticipate any really cold weather that time.

My best advice for any trip is to go to weather.com a couple of days before you leave and check the extended forecast. Weather reports may not be real accurate where precipitation is concerned, but they are usually pretty accurate regarding temperatures.

As for packing light, bring less then you need for the week and pack a roll of quarters and a small container of laundry detergent. Mid-week, do a load or 2 of laundry and you'll be all set. No one will care if you wear the same shirt on Monday that you wore on Thursday. Also, do your best to pack mix and match types of things so that you can get multiple outfits out of the fewest number of items.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

As far as getting through security easily at the airport, just make sure that you don't have anything suspicious in your bags. The Transportation Security Administration has decided that all pointy objects (including but not limited to pocket knives, scissors, fingernail clippers, knitting needles, screwdrivers, overly sharp pencils, etc) are potentially hazardous, and if any are found in your carry-on luggage, it could cause an additional screening. Best to leave these things in your checked luggage. Also, don't put valuables (cameras, computers, etc) in your checked luggage, make sure that stays in your carry on.

Last piece of advice, wear comfortable clothes with little or no metal to the airport. Wear tennis shoes if possible, as some other styles of shoes have metal shanks in them which will set off the metal detector.

 

[browneyes]

Bring a roll or 2 of quarters to do laundry with and you won't have to pack as many clothes as you think you'd need.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Layers. It can be from upper 70's to upper 30's. Watch the www.weather.com as time gets close, see the pattern. It will be pretty close. I go every Dec and am prepared. Nights can be cold, MVMCP, Illum cruises, Kiss goodnights.

 

[Figment22]

I'm going back about 10 years now, but we went to MVMCP probably around Dec. 6th and it was 33 degrees with a wind chill that made it feel even colder! Brrrrrr! I was SO glad I had packed clothing that could be layered. A long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt and a mid-weight jacket helped a lot and I was glad my jacket had a hood and I had gloves in my pocket! A lot more people were drinking hot chocolate than juice that night!

Even though that night was freezing, we still did get the chance to swim that trip because we had a few days where the temps were around 73 degrees. So, you still need to pack bathing suits and even shorts although you may be wearing the sweatshirt over them to the parks in the a.m.

All in all, it's still a very nice time of year to hit the parks.