What to Pack for Early Jan

[cherokeemamma]

Help!
We are going to WDW the first week in Jan. I know the weather can be erratic and of course, we have no idea of that forecast yet. But...Let's assume it will be chilly...For those of you that have gone in Jan before....What do you take and How to pack all that you may need? What do you typically wear into the parks in Jan?
There are 4 of us...I am worried about how in the world we will fit it in our car.

On top of that a friend is getting married there so we have to pack clothing for the wedding as well!
Thanks!

 

[ktbugsmom]

We have gone every January for the last 5 years.... but are not going this year. But, the weather has varied from sunny and 70s - to last January where we froze! (and we are from Wisconsin). My husband had one every layer one day going to Epcot - undershirt, turtleneck, sweatshirt, fleece and rain jacket! Too funny... Only the "fuzzy" characters were out. No Jasmine that day!

So - bring some layers. If you need to re-wear your turtleneck and sweatshirt - who cares? On the plane, we wear our fleece jackets and bring windbreakers (rain jackets) to go over them if it is really cold. I bring one pair of shorts (tan - they match everything!) and we always bring bathing suits. Even in last January's freezing cold - we still made it to the hot tub!

But - usually it is decent enough for shorts at least a couple days...so enjoy! I love it in January.
Sue

 

[everythingALICE]

I also went early last January and it was freezing! I'm used to that type of weather being from Boston...but certainly wasn't expecting it in Florida!

Anyways, like the PP noted, layering is important. Also, make sure to at least pack hats and gloves, even if you don't need them everyday. You'll pay a lot more for them in the parks than if you pick them up at a Target at home.

Last year I was SO glad that I packed leggings. On days when it was REALLY frigid, I would wear a pair of stretchy black leggings underneath my jeans. It made a HUGE difference.

 

[amy-momofthree]

We are going Jan 1-7 and I bought some of those handwarmer packs that you put in your gloves. If it's cold, we will put them in our gloves, shoes, and hoodies.

Amazon has them. I got a pack of 40 for around $20!

 

[ancestry]

We are going January 8-12. I'm going to wait until closer to the dates to even think about packing. The Florida weather can be very irregular at that time of the year and I would prefer to see a short range weather forecast before packing.

 

[Honeymooners1021]

I suggest lots of layers it is almost always cooler when the sun is not out (I know it sounds like common sense but...).

I always have to start the day with a jacket at least in years past I have worn jean jackets but this year I bought a $15 fleece at Target. It will be a lot lighter to carry when I want to take it off. If you go back to the parks in the evening make sure you grab the jackets. Some of the rides can be downright cold when you are whipping around a track.
I also recomened those cheap stretch gloves you can get for about $1 a piece. They fit well in pockets and it's not a huge deal if someone looses one. Plus they are almost one size fits all.

Keep in mind I am from Iowa and usually leave negative temps 45 degrees is still 45 degrees.

 

[At World's End]

We went last January during the freezing temps, and we're going again this January. Layers are definitely key. I plan to bring jeans, one pair of capris, t shirts, long sleeve shirts, a fleece pullover, a midweight waterproof jacket, two pairs of gloves, a hat, and a pair of thermals. I'm bringing a fleece blanket for my son while he's in the stroller. During the coldest days last year (high in the 40s), I wore jeans, a long sleeve t shirt, fleece pullover, midweight fleece-lined jacket, and gloves. DS4 gets cold easily and had all of his layers on, plus the blanket in the stroller. We're from Oregon, where the high temps are 30-40's from Nov-March, and we were colder in those temps in FL than at home. The humidity makes a big difference.

The nice thing about going in January is that you aren't standing in lines much, so you aren't standing still in the cold. If you are outside, you are generally walking, except while waiting for parades and fireworks. Even then you don't have to get lined up as early. We did bring a blanket from our condo for the wait for Illuminations. We'll probably do the same for Fantasmic. It's worth a trip to the car or locker to be warm.

 

[yarlenna]

If you from the north, think spring. I remember my last New York spring, on Easter we had a snow storm. That is not likely at Disney, but last evening, my roof had frost Some years we have no frost. It looks like this is NOT going to be one of those.

 

[hebbynan]

Like most said....layers! We went this year in January. Our first day there, we got in the pool - it was about 72 out. We were swimming while others had coats on. Could be because we're from Pennsylvania and our winters are usually FREEZING!! We had one other day where we could wear shorts, but after that, we wore jeans and t-shirts. Most days started out and ended with sweatshirts, but during the afternnon it was quite nice. To make packing easier, I planned on doing laundry one day at the resort, so we didn't need quite as many jeans - Just a note - One pair of jeans is a pound in your suitcase!! I didn't know that, but when we checked our luggage to leave, the ME cast member said we were about a pound over wieght and said to just take out 1 pair of jeans. Sure enough - that did it!

Have a good time and I wish you good weather!!

 

[mc-hokie]

Will be our third Jan. Trip in a row...ran half marathon last year in the freezing rain. Have to believe that we will have warmer weather this year.

My advice would be to pack for all possible conditions. We needed our ski jackets last year.

 

[spencerbomar]

Layers.

No heavy bulky coats.

You will need to have a windbreaker more than something "warm".

T, shirt, Sweat and the windbreaker will keep the coldest blooded person warm.

It can warm to the mid 70's during the day and you want to be able to peel off the layers. At night, it can be quite blustery and the wind is the biggest culprit.

 

[LWatson]

We are packing a long sleeve shirt for everyone that can be washed every other day if need be, the regular shirt to go over it, and a hoodie/fleece plus gloves/hats.

 

[rubato]

The extended forecasts are starting to look good for early Jan. Highs in the 70s with lows in the 50s. Perfect shorts weather for us!

 

[LWatson]

Its still early out from Jan so i wouldnt trust the extended forcast because our weather has been chaning frequently in the south.

 

[rubato]

Its still early out from Jan so i wouldnt trust the extended forcast because our weather has been chaning frequently in the south.

Oh, I completely agree. However, a girl can hope, can't she?

 

[LindaBabe]

I take exactly what I wear at home plus a pair of shorts a short sleeved shirt or two and a bathing suit. Last year, in three weeks, I never wore the shorts, shirt OR bathing suit!

 

[LWatson]

Oh, I completely agree. However, a girl can hope, can't she?

LOL. Yeah we can. Last week it was supposed to be 50 and sunny on Christmas but then today I look and we are getting snow...I hoped and its looking like I will get a white christmas (first in a while) and so cant hurt to hope for a Warm Jan!!!!