What do you do with your jackets?

[lelder]

My kids will be 9 and 7 when we go in December. I'd prefer to not carry a bag at all, but I'm prepared to have to carry something. I REALLY do not want to lug a backpack around all day though (I also know this is really impractical for our Universal day). I have a feeling there will be times (morning and night) when we'll need a jacket. What have you done?

 

[2009CAN]

I've put my backpack in the lockers up front, which wasn't too horrible. But carrying a backpack, to me, isn't that bad either.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

Definately a locker. i can't stand carrying stuff around with me except a drink bottle.
I almost always get a locker.

 

[SaintsManiac]

What part of December? You may not need them at all.

 

[lelder]

What part of December? You may not need them at all.

We'll be there 12/13-12/20 - Coming from Portland, OR (cooler/moderate winters)

 

[DebbieB]

What part of December? You may not need them at all.

It really doesn't matter, I've been there in early December with high temps between high 40s and low 80s. If the sun isn't out or after dark, it can be cold if the high is below 70. I've even brought a light winter coat for evenings.

 

[Boski]

We'll be there 12/13-12/20 - Coming from Portland, OR (cooler/moderate winters)

Heck if thats where you've lived for a while you might be in shorts.

 

[SaintsManiac]

It really doesn't matter, I've been there in early December with high temps between high 40s and low 80s. If the sun isn't out or after dark, it can be cold if the high is below 70. I've even brought a light winter coat for evenings.

I get what you're saying, but it does. I'm from South Louisiana. I know all about the crazy December temps. It rarely gets in the 40s in early December. We were there 12/7-12/14 last year. We used sweaters/sweatshirts only one night in the parks. We actually found a couple of the mornings to be chilly, but we had a backpack with us.

OP: You may just have to bite the bullet and carry a backpack. Like PPs have said, the lockers may be useful for you.

 

[jrt1176]

I just went in late January...

I expected to get a locker because I did on our May trip in 2012. But, I either wore the jacket/pullover or tied it around my waist for a bit until it got cooler.

If you check the weather each day and bring some options to wear(jackets, pullover tops, etc.) you may be able to avoid a locker and a backpack!

 

[SaintsManiac]

Yep, just check the forecast until the last minute. It's very unpredictable that time of year.

 

[scrapquitler]

My kids will be 9 and 7 when we go in December. I'd prefer to not carry a bag at all, but I'm prepared to have to carry something. I REALLY do not want to lug a backpack around all day though (I also know this is really impractical for our Universal day). I have a feeling there will be times (morning and night) when we'll need a jacket. What have you done?

Our rule is: if you need a jacket, wear it or carry it. Mom is not a pack mule. They can wear it and be warm and if they get too hot, tie it around your waist or your shoulders.

That said: we never wear jackets, just a hoodie or a fleece. I was very surprised at how many people I saw in January with Parkas on (it was 55 degrees, the parkas were really overkill). Of course we are from New England....50 or 55 in January meant shorts for my DH and DS.

 

[Taylor Nicole]

We'll be there 12/13-12/20 - Coming from Portland, OR (cooler/moderate winters)

Sorry this doesn't answer your question, but I just wanted to say hi to a fellow Oregonian!

 

[cluvsdisney]

i can't stand lugging around an unneeded jacket so we get a locker.

 

[CAS239]

For your dates, odds are definitely in your favor that you won't need jackets at all. Last year on Christmas it was in the high 80's. Usually doesn't get cold until Jan/Feb

However if it is cold..we keep the jackets in the car. If you won't have a car at the park and don't want a backpack, then definitely a locker

 

[Dismama2boys]

I wear a sweater and then tie it around my waist when it's not needed. Otherwise I would get a locker, I guess.

 

[BlueFairy]

My kids started carrying their own stuff by that age. If they need anything, it will be a light hoodie or pullover. Each kid carries a small (tiny!) backpack with their water bottle, poncho or jacket, hat or sunglasses, autograph book and any souvenirs they deem important enough to lug around all day. I only carry sunscreen and maybe snacks for them. Everything else is up to them. Like the PP said, I am not a pack mule.

 

[sharonabe]

If your goal is to go bagless, wear or carry your jacket/hoodie in and put one of these...http://www.amazon.com/Mato-Hash-Pro...id=1464705904&sr=8-6&keywords=string+backpack.... in everyone's pocket. Everyone carries their own backpack and has the jacket/hoodie with them when they need it.

I know others use the lockers and it seems to work for them, but the lockers are at the ENTRANCE to the park. That's a long walk back to the locker just to grab a jacket. We thought about getting a locker when we went in December, but the logistics just didn't work for us.

As to the temps, no matter what anyone's experience was in previous years, there really is no way to know. You could have a week of all 80s with lows in the 70s. You could have a week of 50s with the lows in the 30s. And you can have a mixture of anything. You'll know what to expect as the date gets within a week or two and you can pack/plan accordingly.

 

[PHXscuba]

If it's warm, of course you might not need the jackets on some days, or if you're not staying through closing. But on days you do take them to the park, get a locker!! A locker for less than $10, even for multiple days, is still simpler than carrying them around, One person can go back for them at nightfall. Do the math -- it's definitely CHEAPER than buying one $50-60 sweatshirt because a child set one down just for a moment in a restroom or store, or the whole family is freezing at MK at night to stay through the fireworks. It's a tiny expense for a lot of comfort overall.

PHXscuba

 

[bigbabyblues]

My kids have carried their own stuff since they were old enough to take things. That said, we got lockers on the two trips we took that we needed jackets for mornings/evenings.

 

[Farps]

We are in the Northeast, and usually can get away with a good sweatshirt or hoodie at the most. Usually we just tie them around our waist when not in use but a locker is a good option.