What shall we wear??!!!!!

[cstraub]

We area family of five from Ohio. It's not unusuall for it to be snowing here at Christmas. I haved looked at temp averages for late Dec early Jan but would like to hear what real life weather we can expect and what are others packing clothes wise. I'm thinking layers but what about a winter coat? Will we be able to swim? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the normal hussle and bustle of the holidays upon us and then dealing with having to pack for five. Don't get me wrong I'm excited but I'm also a planner and like to be prepared. I don't want to get down there and have to buy coats or swimsuits. On the other hand I don't want to bring any more than I have to. We are flying so I like to try to go as light as possible. Again, please any input would be appreciated!!!!
THANKS!!!!!

 

[swilshire]

Forget going light. Bring clothes for any possibility. We were there a few years ago for New Years and almost FROZE. Record setting cold all week. I had packed one pair of longjohns for each of us thinking they might feel good on NY Eve. We wore them all day, every single day and had to wash them every night. We went to Walmart one day and gloves, hats, and jackets will filling the buggies of all the shoppers. It was just PLAIN COLD. I was very glad we had our heavy winter coats along.

On the other hand, we went the same week last year and it was pretty pleasant most of the week. We never got out the longjohns I packed. I think one kid wore gloves one day, but it really wasn't necessary. We brought our Columbia jackets with the zipout insert, and the fleece part was plenty warm enough.

It will be well worth packing a suitcase with warm weather gear to avoid being uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you're a gambler, check the extended weather forecast just before you leave and pack accordingly. Maybe it won't change during the week, but I never count on that.

We'll be there with you this year, so let's hope for nice weather.

Sheila

 

[Misty89]

 

[BevS97]

we were there early last december and we needed everything - it was warm to hot during the day and we wore shorts, and went swimming, but in the evenings and on a couple of afternoons it was quite cold and we needed long trousers, sweatshirts/fleeces and gloves and hats. we didn't have coats with us, and we were ok with layers, turtleneck, sweatshirt and fleece with hat and gloves.
We carried a backpack with loads of extra clothes in it while we were in the parks, which was a hassle but definitely needed.
Alternatively carry a credit card, you can buy anything you may need - but at a price!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

We have found that for that time of year, layering is ideal. Take things that you can put on in the AM and peal as the day warms. We are from NC and have never taken our "heaviest" coats but last year took a med weight coat that we needed once. Two year ago we never put a jacket on though it was quite cool morning and ewvening. Take the swim suit for sure. Pools are heated and the afternoon sun makes it doable at least for the kids!

I took t-shirts, turtle necks and sweat shirts, along with mostly jeans. A pair or two of shorts, a mid weight jacket and gloves. I would take a hat for a small child.

A few mornings it was cool, rainy and we over dressed and so we rented a locker in the park and stored everything the rest of the day.

We love this time of year!!!!

Have a blast.


Jordan's mom

 

[cstraub]

Wow! I had no idea it could get so cold! Sounds like the weather may be similiar to that of San Diego's on a normal day. Warm durning the day and cool at night. I will totally have to re think my packing. Thank you so much for the replys!!

 

[funhouse8]

Don't forget the shorts. ( Last year friends of ours were there the week before us and told us how cold it was) I didn't think we would need them but they did. Had to hit the outlets one day so the kids & hubby could buy shorts. Pack something for every type of weather. It changes day to day. Gina

 

[dzneelvr]

Yep--pack for cold weather even though it's Florida. To save suitcase room, wear the heaviest items if you are flying. We used to go in January every year and it does get mighty chilly.

Of course, being from Northern Illinois meant we were sometimes the only family in the resort pools on those occasions, but hey--it was still 40 degrees warmer than normal for us.
Have a wonderful time.

 

[fizz13]

I can see that our family of 5 is just not going to make baggage allowance, never mind all those great shopping goodies we wanted to fit in. Oh well, back to the drawing board....
Claire

 

[kelscross]

I'm right there with ya. I usually begin packing about now, but I'm waiting to see what the weather forcast is predicting the night before we leave. Of course with the Ohio weather unseasonable cold in Florida is usually still warm to us.

I remember going to FL in January to visit my great grandma one year, while the locals were going around in coats and freezing to death I was in my bathing suit on the beach!

I was hoping to get away with packing less since we are only going for 5 nights, but looks like I will have to pack more than our 10 day trip this September!

Good luck!

 

[cstraub]

I want to start packing but I'm not sure which way to go. I guess we will wear our winter coats and jeans down on the plane as someone suggested and pack the lighter stuff. I think I will pack as if it is fall at this point. Capri pants, t's, sweater's or sweatshirt's and jackets. I'll throw in a bathing suit for each of us, a pair of shorts and sandals. I'll also be tossing in some gloves and hats. I'll be sure to check the forecast before we go but regardless I think we will need both clothes for warm and cool. We like to hit the parks early and stay until close. It will be chilly in the mornings and evenings I'm sure. Sounds better than the scorching heat of June!! I hate sweating when all I'm doing is standing there!!LOL
Thanks for all the advice!