Remember that COLD December??

[rkmassa]

My DH did not pack a single pair of shorts on our last family trip. Thought it would be cold. He had to buy a pair--very expensive in the parks. We went last year and found that the 70 degree weather was perfect during the day and the nights were very chilly. I broke out my winter coat one night--brought it from Kansas. The forecast we checked before we left was extremely accurate. We had packed everything from sweats to shorts. We needed both.

 

[Kay1]

IMO, it gets cold every year. I'm a native but I've lived as far north as New Hampshire and when you're outside walking around a theme park, it's just plain uncomfortable when the temps dip. There's no way around it, you need to pack for anything when you visit in the winter. It's a drag to haul extra stuff but better safe than chilly.

 

[dgaston]

We were there 2001, and froze Christmas day in the rain. Then in 2003 we were treated to above average temps and were able to swim every day at our Windsor Palms pool home. Now I just hope temps are great Christmas week this year.

 

[Hugpug]

Well I was just pondering that question and have decided to pack so I can put on layers. Putting a pair of gloves and hat just in case. Since I am from the north I will be wearing a heavy coat to start with so don't have to pack that. Will pack a pair of shorts and my swim suit hoping the weather will be warm enough.I can do laundry if necessary.Will be checking the local6 weather the day before I pack,

 

[DepCor0311]

I have gone in a few Decembers and I think (for me) late Nov./early Dec. 2003 was the coldest I have ever been. We were taken by suprise, and did not expect it to be that cold. By contrast, late Nov./early Dec. 2004 was some of the nicest weather I have experienced. In other words...its totally random...Pack for both kinds of weather!

 

[ms.ojo]

well, it sounds like most of the time, the weather men were right in predicting cold weather. Also sounds like 50's at night may be more uncomfortable than I was originally thinking.

Thanks for all these great posts! I have settled on our layers and think we'll be well protected. I'll keep an eye on the forecast right up to the day before we leave and adjust for a real heavy coat for everyone if need be. But right now, I'm just planning a sweatshirt and a jacket over that for cold nights. Pants too of course!

 

[GalDisney]

I was born and raised in Southen Calif. I have lived in Central FL now for 2 yrs and the two Christmases I have had here were colder than ANY i exeprienced living 40 yrs in Southern Calif. Contrary to popular belief, FL is not sun and heat all yr, it DOES get cold in winter .

 

[LoveWDW]

I have the same question. I've been thinking of a long sleeve pullover shirt, a long sleeve flannel button down shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, and an unlined rain jacket. Also mittens and a scarf. I think it should be enough. Now I am wondering if I should pack a small light blanket too that I can put in a backpack and use for the CP. I also wonder if I should take a pair of silk longjohns that I have.

 

[jcriket]

January is usually colder than December, it can get cold here, But remember, all that cold weather comes from the north ( I think you all bring it with you when you come visit us) So if that cold front is coming for you. It will be a few days more before we get it. And it won't bring us snow.

 

[LiteBrite]

I have the same question. I've been thinking of a long sleeve pullover shirt, a long sleeve flannel button down shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, and an unlined rain jacket. Also mittens and a scarf. I think it should be enough. Now I am wondering if I should pack a small light blanket too that I can put in a backpack and use for the CP. I also wonder if I should take a pair of silk longjohns that I have.

Bring the silk longjohns - they hardly take up any space in the suitcase, and if it should happen to get really cold, you'll be so glad you have them!

 

[CheshireVal]

It's hard to find a really reliable weather forecast for more than a few days out. So you can expect temps in the 60s or 70s for the first few days if that's what's forecasted.... but after that it's all subject to change.

I've been every December (mid to alte December) for the past 5 years, and yes I do remember in 2000 when it was absolutely FREEZING. Literally. Usually it's kind of moderate, but there are usually one or two really cold days when you need hats, gloves, coats, scarves, etc. Prepare for anything.

The one thing I usually DON'T bring in December is shorts.... I've never experienced it being that warm.

 

[goofie4goofy]

We are also going mid december and I am packing for layers. I am going to pack shorts each, jeans, long sleeve cotton shirts, long sleeve tee shirts, regular tee shirts, cotton turtle necks, zippered sweat shirts, lightweight gloves, cashmere scarfs, a lightweight burburry jacket (its waterproof too)...I think it could be shorts and long sleeves during the day and layers and gloves at night. I have heard that the wind whips around Epcot at night, so gloves sound like a must.

Here is a local and accurate weather link www.wesh.com/weather/index.html

Weather cannot be accurately predicted until 3 days out. I have found the above link to be most accurate for Orlando.

 

[cobbler]

I remember Dec 03 was chilly. The hot cocoa at MVMCP was great! Last year we were very warm at MVMCP. Pants were needed at night but short sleeves did fine.

I noticed the weather being in the lower 70's with 50's at night so I am packing a variety knowing I will need pants at night.

Hay, its still better than 20's and snow here in MI.

 

[funhouse8]

Went went the end of 2003 and you wouldn't believe it but we had to go to the outlets to buy shorts. It was in the 80's. Right before we arrived it was so cold that I was worried about campimg and changed our ressies to the allstars. (That is proably why the temp rose.) LOL

 

[LiteBrite]

I don't remember what year it was - sometime late in the 90's, but we were camping at Fort Wilderness in January in a pop-up camper with no heat (sleeping in it was just like being in a tent, since there's only canvas between you and the elements). It got down into the 20s! I came down with a cold and was so miserable, I whined until hubby agreed to just leave the camper and get a hotel room just for one night. We were on a really tight budget in those days, so that was a big deal. We went to the Days Inn in Lake Buena Vista. We turned the heat up really high, and we all took super hot baths till our skin was red! I never appreciated being warm so much in my life.