Is the risk of cold weather worth it?

[Sammy]

Trying to decide on a Thanksgiving to early December trip this year but am reading about "iffy" weather this time of year: cold temps, rain, etc. Part of going on vacation (to us anyway) is being able to use the hotel pools at least some of the time. But, we'd love to see the holiday decorations as well. Are the holiday decorations/atmosphere worth the risk of cold temps and extra packing (ie: pants, sweatshirts, etc)? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Sammy

 

[Demosthenes]

Definately. We go this time every year, and without fail, we;ve had a least a couple of days to swim, if not our entire stay. But even if we didn't, and that would be a big loss to us, it would be worth it to see Disney at its absolute best--during the holiday season.

 

[helenabear]

I went the 1st week of December last year and yes, the temps varied a lot. We had one cold day where I had to wear sweatshirt and jeans. We also had a day in the mid to upper 80s. The rest of the days were comfortable enough for me to decide between shorts & jeans (I can wear jeans as easily as shorts in 75 degree weather). The weather was almost as iffy as it was when I went the 1st week of October (we had 'winter weather' several of our days there) a few years ago. My sister on the other hand went a few years ago in mid-December and she had wonderful weather of 85 all the time and no rain. So you don't know what you can get but the decorations and all that are definitely worth it to me. As a matter of fact I will be back the 1st week of December again this year. And remember, the pools are heated too so you can use them then as well

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone the past 5 years at the beginning of December. The rain last year was a rare occurrence, the way the weather fronts pattern was going. 3 of the 5 years we had temps around 80. 2000 was only in the low 60's, last year was mixed. It's definitely worth it. I remember the first year in 1998 it was around 80 and we were walking around in shorts, it seemed so weird to be hearing Christmas music!

 

[dbond]

It's worth it to go that time of year. It really puts you in the Christmas mood. Plan for both kinds of weather though and there are so many extra holiday things to do, you may not find time to swim. The pools are heated and if you're brave enough, you can swim no matter what the outside temps. My DH had to endure swimming in 50 degree weather last year during our New Year's visit. We were at the YC and the kids just couldn't resist SAB. They had the pool all to themselves!

 

[snuggles]

I think seeing the decorations and enjoying the cooler weather is worth it.

 

[disneyterri]

I would definitely go in early December. We were there last year, and although it did rain alot (very unusual for December in Florida) we had a wonderful time. Temps mostly in the 70's, so you could still swim if you wanted to. It's a really magical time to go. Low crowds, holiday decorations and not too hot to walk around all day.

 

[babyblue61]

It is definitely worth it to see the decorations. Besides, I cannot help but notice you are also from NE (born in CT, college in ME, now living in MA). You will love the weather this time of year and have no problem swimming in the pools (which others have already pointed out are heated). It is so cool to see X-Mas decorations, but no snow. I think you will be pleased to experience the Disney magic at this time of year.

 

[swilphil]

We went in December a few years ago and it will seem warm coming from cold weather. We would have gone swimming if we had had a heated pool, but we were staying off site.

The only time it gets a little chilly is at night and in the early morning. You should be fine during the day. We wore shorts. We had much more rain when we were there in July.

 

[Eljay]

Just one word...GO!

 

[Selket]

I've been there in early January when the weather, if anything, is only worse and sometimes it would be cold and sometimes sunny and warm. You never know what you'll get. Once it was cold AND rainy! That was probably one of the most fun days we had in the MK. We did not have kids then so the pool was less of an issue for us but we did use the hot tub a lot! I did see kids swimming regardless. I think the low crowds for that time of year are worth it regardless of the weather. Enjoy!

 

[helenm29]

Hello there! I have been to DisneyLAND in December and the decorations were BEAUTIFUL! being that disneyWORLD is a bit bigger..the decorations should be a sight to see! I am going the first week of December and have heard the same things about the weather being "iffy" but I'm not worried. Even if it's "cold" I am from Michigan and "cold" runs from 10 degrees below zero to as bad as 40 degrees below zero wind chill so.....cold is a relative term. I think the weather will be just perfect. I've heard also that just about all of the water parks etc. are heated just in case you were wondering about that. If you decide to go...see you there!

 

[DelitefulDory]

I wouldn't worry too much about rain, and you should be ok with the temps. It can get cool, but it can be warm too. January and February are when you might not be able to use the pools too much.
Have fun!

 

[Sammy]

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. You all have really helped to ease my mind about going in late Nov/early Dec. I really am looking forward to seeing all the holiday decorations!! Hopefully, we'll be there from Nov. 25th through Dec. 6th. Now if we could only get some "room only" codes!!!

Thanks again everyone!!
Sammy