Weather wimps now re-thinking Nov./Dec. plan

[Fargoman2]

After spending 5 blazing hot summers at WDW, we vowed to make a change this year. "Let's go right after Thanksgiving," we said. "The weather is cooler, the lines are shorter and everybody raves about Disney's Christmas decorations and atmosphere."

Great plan, right? Well...now I'm/we're getting "cold feet."

After reading various threads relating to the volatile unpredictability of temps during late Nov./early Dec., we're beginning to "cool" on the whole idea. I know it CAN be quite comfortable during that time, but my luck tends to dictate if it CAN be cold, it WILL be cold. The idea of packing a bunch of jeans and jackets, and needing to "bundle up" in the evening gives me the chills just thinking about it.

What fun will Splash Mountain be--our favorite family ride-- if even the light misting you get gives you goose bumps.

I'm a lifelong Minnesotan, so you would think I could handle the "cold" better. My fellow Minnesotans might disagree with me, but that is a myth. Cold is cold. And the last thing I want to do is drop a load of money for a Florida trip and have the weather be a negative factor.

I'm sure my fears are largely unsubstantiated, but I have to tell you I'm now thinking mid-August is just fine. We know how to deal with the heat, the kids won't have to miss school, and I can get a better deal.

Have I talked myself out of WDW in December? Should I? Your wisdom is sought.

Thanks!

 

[HayGan]

We went the first week of December 2005. It was chilly some days, rained others and was absolutely beautiful on others. It didn't bother us one bit (especially since we knew that it was less than 40 degrees back home.) My DH hates the extreme heat and would never agree to go in 90+ degree weather. Sure Splash Montain was a bit chilly at times but the fact that would could ride it 5 times in a row (sometimes without even getting off!) MORE than made up for it! Not waiting in lines and enjoying lower crowds was the BEST part of our trip.

We are going back the same week this year! It will likely be the same week we go most years. Florida in December is better than Pennsylvania in December any day!!!!

 

[DemoBri1]

Fargoman,

I wouldn't try to talk yourself out of going. We have gone the past several years either right before or right after Thanksgiving, and being from Chicago we've had no problems with the temps. In all those years I'd say we had only 2 or 3 days total where the temps were either in low 60s or high 50s.

We have been swimming on each and every trip, as well. Yes...you should pack for some cool days/nights, but you are also going to be able to wear your shorts during many of the days you are there.

You must also experience the Christmas decorations at least once. We love this time of year and will do anything we can to make it down there during Nov/Dec. HAVE FUN

 

[grimley1968]

While it may be a little cool for swimming, late Nov./early Dec. are usually about the best time of year for park-hopping. You can probably count on at least low 60's about every day, and I bet you'll see low 70's at times. To me, that's perfect for park hopping, even for riding Splash.

It's usually not until late December that the weather gets significantly colder in Orlando.

Cold may be cold, but 60's and 70's in Orlando in early December sure as heck isn't as cold as what it can be in Minnesota that time of year.

 

[DepCor0311]

Hey Fargoman2,
My last 4 trips were the week after Thanksgiving (this year DGF and I are going at the end of Sept...). I have experienced some pretty extreme temperature ranges from trip to trip, but on each trip the weather was constant...Does that make sense?...for example if it was cold, it was cold for the whole trip, if it was warm...You get the picture. In the last four trips I only experienced one that was really cold (in the high 50s during the day...30s in the early morning/nights...which is cold for those of us that live in California). The other trips were perfect...high 70s during the day...low 60s at night, and the best part is that during Dec. the crippling humidity (that I'm sure we will experience in Sept) is non-existent. Even on the coldest trip, during the day I was comfortable in shorts and a sweatshirt. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think the weather, at worst will be bearable, and given the other benefits of going that time of year (low crowds, holiday decorations) it shouldn't have you in that big of a worry. Have a great trip...

 

[jann1033]

we went once in July every other trip has been either the first full week in Dec or the first or second week in Jan. while the nights can be cool to cold the days are usually not. not that it's can't be a fluke but truthfully out of 7 winter trips only one trip( mid Jan) did we need to wear jeans/ heavier sweaters, jackets during the day.( even the weather on TV was saying how unusually cold it was then and it had been 85 till a storm came through) our early DEC trips have always been at most the need for a sweatshirt in the early am( we always get to the parks at opening) or maybe like 9 ish at night or on a boat ie to wcc from mkat might if the windows were open. we did skip kali rapids last trip( mid Jan one) but have always gone on all water rides. our other Jan trip we would do the mid afternoon. if it isn't humidity in summer it's variability in winter..no season is perfect

i would liken the weather to a normal late spring, early summer day in Ohio...early early early you need a jacket/ sweatshirt (like if you are camping or something) but once it warms up you are fine. i think your area is pretty similar to us, maybe a little cooler but you can get the idea.

we love that time of yr...i think the weather is better in Dec ( early) than Jan. my kids usually go swimming in pools then. this time we are going in Nov cause they want to go to a water park and with gbaby, i think DEC would be cold for her to run around wet all day.

i think they had a hurricane in Dec last yr so how cold could it really have been

however if you want 90+ degrees every day don't go then.

 

[alicenwonder99]

I've been there 3 times in the winter months. 2 of the times it was warm and sunny and we were shorts in the day and evening (one night we had to put on hoodies in the evening). But this last trip in Dec 2005 was COLD and RAINY. One day of our trip was in the low 70's and sunny but it got cold once the sun went down. And for some reason, the temp seems colder at WDW than at home. Maybe it's because we're outside all day/night, or maybe the higher humidity gives it a chill in the air. Whatever the reason, a 70 degree day at home feels warmer than a 70 degree day at WDW.

After saying all of that, I'd rather spend a cold day at WDW than a hot one. I've been to WDW in August ONCE and that's all it took.

If it's cool at WDW it's still fun, as long as the sun is out. If it's rainy at WDW, it's still fun, as long as the temp is above 70 degrees. It's when it's cold AND rainy. But then you could always concentrate on the indoor activities. Also, if you don't have very young children in your family, then it would be alot easier in the rain and cold.

We're planning our next trip for the end of Sept 2006 and I'm worried it will be too hot.

Mary

 

[AshAlytwins]

We went the first week of December 2005. It was chilly some days, rained others and was absolutely beautiful on others. It didn't bother us one bit (especially since we knew that it was less than 40 degrees back home.) My DH hates the extreme heat and would never agree to go in 90+ degree weather. Sure Splash Montain was a bit chilly at times but the fact that would could ride it 5 times in a row (sometimes without even getting off!) MORE than made up for it! Not waiting in lines and enjoying lower crowds was the BEST part of our trip.

We are going back the same week this year! It will likely be the same week we go most years. Florida in December is better than Pennsylvania in December any day!!!!

I agree and doesn't the first day of Spring in PA s**k today!!!!
We were there the forst week of Dec. too last year and we actually were very warm a couple of days.We were freezing the Tuesday night we went to MVMCP, but we had fun!!!! The shorter lines are such a plus, I would never go in the summer unless it was free. Join us the week after Thanksgiving this year...you won't be dissapointed!!!

 

[DemoBri1]

I agree and doesn't the first day of Spring in PA s**k today!!!!

34 Degrees for a predicted high in Chicago today, and we just missed a dousy of a winter storm about 60 miles to our South. HAPPY SPRING!!

 

[makinorlando]

Living here in Orlando for three winters now, and having been from PA before that (and the fact that I HATE the cold), I can tell you I have never worn more then a denim jacket (I don't own anything heavier then a denim jacket) to a park during the day. Even on one of the coldest evenings in late December, my denim jacket was fine!

My sister has come here on vaction the week after Thanksgiving for 6 of the last seven years (even before I moved here), and only one vacation did they experience cold weather that prompted them to buy warmer jackets.

It is a great time of year to experience at least once!

 

[kellypops]

I had also been a summer vacation veteran, so I was looking very forward to taking a December vacation there. We spent Christmas week there, and there were pros and cons. Yes, we were cold--at night we were wearing sweatshirts and my DH, already sick with a cold, bought a ski cap to keep himself warm--but on the other hand, it was the first trip there where I could style my hair instead of putting it in a ponytail and wear makeup instead of having it drip down my face in a glob of sweat! DH, coughing and feeling awful, said it best--even feeling like this, he'd rather be like that at Disney than like that at home!

 

[figmentfan1]

We went Nov. 12-19 2005 and it was IDEAL!! You can never predict the weather... but I will take the cooler temps any day. It was around 75 the first 3 days and high of 68-70 on the last three. Wonderful, just wonderful!! I love it cause the heat doesn't wear you out... we could tour all day and no one became the "heat Monster", not even my 2 and 4 year olds. We had one quick shower at MGM-- we just ducked into the GMR real fast and it was over when we came out!

JE

 

[wdwlvr629]

To be short and sweet....stick with your plans, a little cool weather is not the end of the world....IT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO, you won't regret it!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We went the second week of December in 2001 and it was in the 70's-80's all week and sunny. It was such a gorgeous week! We went the second week of December in 2005 and it was 50's lower 60's, some sun, and a couple of days of rain, and lower 50's at night. We still had a great time, but the weather did make it a little disappointing. We're going the week after Thanksgiving this year and just crossing our fingers that the weather is nicer. To tell you the truth had I just packed a few more sweaters and a light jacket and/or gloves I would've been fine at night and during the day we were walking around so much that I didn't even notice how much cooler it was. If you want a guarantee of knowing what the weather will be (hot) go during the summer but it is really unpredictable in the winter. But the week we went in 2001 was the BEST trip there we've ever had. Hardly any lines (a couple months after 9/11 so people weren't travelling as much), beautiful weather, and Christmas activities and decorations. Have a great time whatever you choose!

 

[isyne4u]

Another vote for going in late nov. early dec. We went last year from Thanksgiving day to the following sunday. I "forgot" to bring a sweat shirt and I had to practically make up an excuse to buy one b/c I really didn't need it. I brought shorts and jeans and wore both.

We already have our ressies for this thanksgiving!!

Go for it!!

tara

 

[blessedby3]

I would stick with the Nov/Dec. game plan. We tried it for the first time this past year and LOVED it. We swam and wore shorts some days, others we needed jeans and a sweatshirt. Being cool in Disney is much better than having sweat run down your back and being miserable. I went once in July and that was 14 years ago. Never again. We wont go (anymore) before October and we wont go after April because we dont like the heat at all. We rode splash and kali and had no problems being cold. Some days were very warm there. Just stick to those rides during the daytime and stay off of them after the sun goes down. You will love Nov/Dec. It is beautifully decorated and it is fun to be in FL in shorts hearing the Christmas music coming from the hotels and parks.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

We are planning on going the week after Thanksgiving. Originally, I planned late Sept/Oct., but didn't want the heat. I am hoping for slightly cooler weather when we go.

We went in June once and it was HORRID! It was so hot and nasty; never again (unless someone else is paying).

Last year we went in late April and the weather was BEAUTIFUL. I loved it. We would be going in April this year, but I can't handle the Spring Break/Easter crowds.

I say go and have a great time (although, if you decide against going less crowds for me ).

 

[DadofChristaSonofRay]

I think you will be fine. We went one year in the December 15 -20 time frame and except for being a little chilly in the mornings (low 50's a couple
of days) the weather was absolutely perfect.

 

[barbpol]

We went the middle of Dec. one year and it was freezing...literally. It was in the 30's. This was rare for Orlando, though CM's told us it happens for a few days each year. We were the lucky ones The gift stores were selling gloves and scarves like crazy.

 

[vsimeone]

If I were you - I'd go! We were there 12/23/04-1/1/05. On 12/26/04 it was freezing. I mean wind chill warnings for wind chills in the 20s freezing! It was cold - don't get me wrong. We were at MGM that day and spent as much time indoors as possible. But by 12/30/04, my kids were swimming at BB. It was still too cold for me to swim - it was about 70 - but we live in Ohio so it was plenty warm for the kids!

My point to that story is that every time we have ever been to WDW in December, even if it is COLD it doesn't last the whole vacation! Just spend some time doing indoor attractions!