Swimming in December?

[toystoryduo]

Hello all...
I wasn't really sure where to post this question, but here goes..... We are planning a family vacation (think 14 people) to WDW in December of this year. My nieces and nephews keep asking me if it will be warm enough to swim or not. I told them that I am really not sure. What has been your experience at WDW in December? Did you swim or was it too cold? Also, aren't one of the water parks usually closed for refurbishment at that time? Historically speaking, does anyone know which one has been closed in December the most? Your help is very much appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

As a floridian--too cold for me--but if you swim while it is in the 70s in Ohio--then you will be fine (unless we hit a freaky december cold snap). I would not swim in it personally--but I where jackets when the temp is in the low 70s

Our winter doesn't usually begin until late January--lasts until mid-february and most of the other time is like fall weather up north with an occasional cold snap (note I didn't say freeze

In any case--I believe all pools are heated (but not like a hot tub) probably to about 80 degrees or so.

So pack the swim suits--if the pool is too cold they might enjoy the hot tub--though past experience some of the northerners I have met at the hot tub thougth we were crazy for going all the way in since the water was so hot.

Pack a mixed bag--pants, shorts, short sleeve, long sleeve, cardigan or sweatshirt--and a decent jacket in case we hit those 50s brrrrrrrrr

 

[donnajon]

We went swimming last November on Thanksgiving day and it was cold in the water. We didn't stay in the pool long. They claim the pools are heated but it sure didn't feel like it. I guess I was expecting tub water! The temperature was in the mid to high 70s I believe.

 

[Simba]

It probably depends what pool you are swimming in also. We were at POFQ and went swimming all the time a couple years ago. We were there from December 20th until January 3rd. The water isn't as warm as say April when we normally go, but it sures beats being in Michigan in December. I would say the kids could stand it, I know my cousins swim in Michigan when it's like 60 degrees out. They will be fine

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

heating pools is pricey--large bodies of water....

Our swim instructor has an iddy biddy 10,000 gallon pool...and the power bill in October to heat it so she could continue was a $150+ extra....couldn't imagine what disney would have to spend to keep those pools bathtub warm.

So to heat those large pools--they are heating them basically so you can swim and not get hypothermia. I don't know what that water temp is--but that pretty much is what "heated" is.

The spas are wonderful at that time of year though.

 

[disneymania]

and the water had to be at least 90 degrees. Mind you, it was unseasonable cold. We needed our winter coats at night & we're from the NE. It may have just felt really warm because it was so cold out. My kids insisted on swimming so we went & it was great in the water but dreaded getting out for water slide & walk to room.