Packing for December trip

[aprilfoolwed]

Disney in the summer is easy - shorts, t-shirts and swimsuits. But packing for December - not so easy!

We'll be there December 10-18, and extended forecasts aren't available quite yet, so I may alter packing lists a little depending on what those say. But how does this look as a general packing list:

Everyone will wear jeans & long-sleeves down - plus winter coats (coming from PA).

Packing - another pair of jeans, long shorts/capris, 2 long-sleeve shirts, 3 short sleeve shirts, fleece/sweaters/light jacket, lightweight gloves & hats. Plus rain gear (ponchos & umbrellas), swimsuits, and flipflops.

We are staying off-site and have laundry available to us.

Trying to pack as light as possible (flying and taking 2 checked bags and 2 carryons for the 5 of us) but want to be prepared.

Does this look ok?

 

[disney world dreamer]

i'd bring some pants, some capris, and some shorts (even if its warm enough for shorts it won't be overly hot that you get super sweaty like summer which means you don't have to wash the bottoms as much and don't have to bring as many).

i would not bring long sleeves.

just bring short sleeves and a couple hoodies or light jackets.

its unlikely to rain while you are there but it certainly is possible.
i rained all day at epcot last december when i went for a very short trip.
but i would just bring or buy ponchos when you get there.
no need for umbrellas. in my opinion ponchos work so much better anyways.

its good that you are wearing your heavy coats down there cuz if there happens to be a very cold spell you'll be prepared. many times when i go in the winter months i forgo the bulky coat and sometimes have regretted not having it.

and on the other end yep swimsuits are a must.
there's a chance you may not end up swimming but its always better to pack them and not use them rather than not pack them and wish you had.

i recommend bringing a variety no matter what the extended forecast ends up calling for cuz it can always change while you are there.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

I just saw that it was 87 degrees at WDW today! Maybe we do need more short sleeves and less long sleeves. Maybe I'll take one long sleeve shirt that can layer under a short sleeve shirt for more flexibility.

We don't have this issue when we drive - we can pack as much as we want. Much harder when flying!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I just saw that it was 87 degrees at WDW today! Maybe we do need more short sleeves and less long sleeves. Maybe I'll take one long sleeve shirt that can layer under a short sleeve shirt for more flexibility.

We don't have this issue when we drive - we can pack as much as we want. Much harder when flying!

Don't let today dictate how you pack, though. Highs that high are pretty unusual this time of year, and don't last long.

That being said, this is what I'm planning to pack per person: I'm bringing two pairs of shorts/short skirts, three pairs of jeans/pants including the pair we wear on the plane, and then t-shirts and sweaters or hoodies for everyone for layering. We'll have warm coats with us since we're coming from Minnesota and have no desire to freeze on our way to the airport.

We've been to Florida in December several times (but never to Disney) and generally we're comfortable in jeans and short sleeves during the day. The shorts are for just in case there's a warm front that moves in.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

This is helpful - thanks!

 

[North of Mouse]

Disney in the summer is easy - shorts, t-shirts and swimsuits. But packing for December - not so easy!

We'll be there December 10-18, and extended forecasts aren't available quite yet, so I may alter packing lists a little depending on what those say. But how does this look as a general packing list:

Everyone will wear jeans & long-sleeves down - plus winter coats (coming from PA).

Packing - another pair of jeans, long shorts/capris, 2 long-sleeve shirts, 3 short sleeve shirts, fleece/sweaters/light jacket, lightweight gloves & hats. Plus rain gear (ponchos & umbrellas), swimsuits, and flipflops.

We are staying off-site and have laundry available to us.

Trying to pack as light as possible (flying and taking 2 checked bags and 2 carryons for the 5 of us) but want to be prepared.

Does this look ok?

Yes, definitely bring long sleeves - can always push them up if you get warm!

Dec. weather in the south is 'very' unpredictable and can change in a day - the forecasts are wrong more times than not!!

I live in the south, but we were at Disney early Dec. '10 and we nearly froze - nights high 20's, days mid 40's with wind. Be prepared for 'all' weather conditions. This year is starting our much colder early on than is the average, so who knows, but I would be prepared!

 

[Ptarmigan6]

Thanks for posting. We'll be at WDW and staying offsite Dec 4-12th and are struggling with the same packing problems. I'm leaning towards capris and jeans with a few pairs of shorts just in case it's warm enough.

 

[puffkin]

Your list sounds about what we brought down this week. And we have needed every single bit of it! It was hot earlier this week (shorts, t's, flops), then a day of epic rain/storms, then another day of damp chilly rain, downright freezing last night, and more moderate today (jeans, t's, heavier sweatshirts at night). I pack in 2's for winter trips. There are 4 of us and we get it all in two suitcases and a small carry on size for our air bed. We do lots of laundry (stay DVC) and lots of layering. And I agree, summer trips are much easier to pack for!