What to wear in December?

[tinkerbelle_rox325]

This year we will be going on our first ever trip during a time other than summer and we have no idea what it's like! Being from Houston (which we are hoping will be similar to Orlando in terms of weather), we have a slight idea of what to expect but we aren't 100% sure. Does it ever get really cold or does it remain fairly mild? We just have no idea what clothes we are going to pack and we need some help from my fellow DISers!

 

[TLinden16]

I go to Disney World every December, and I pack a little bit of everything. One day highs can be in the 50's (or even the 40's), and the next day it can be in the 80's. A sweatshirt or jacket is almost always necessary in the mornings and evenings in December.

Also, bring lots of layers. I usually bring a hooded sweatshirt or polar fleece that I can wear under my spring jacket for the nights when the temps dip into the low 40's or 30's.

 

[Katie & Glen]

Take it from someone who froze at WDW this past December, pack long johns and full winter gear along with lighter items.

 

[kaybird]

Take it from someone who froze at WDW this past December, pack long johns and full winter gear along with lighter items.

Us Too! We have been many times in Dec and done fine with long sleeves and hoodies. 2010 was three days of 24 degree highs. We froze even with layers and gloves. While it is certainly not the norm, you must be prepared for extreme cold, mild, and hot.

 

[wdwislife]

Us Too! We have been many times in Dec and done fine with long sleeves and hoodies. 2010 was three days of 24 degree highs. We froze even with layers and gloves. While it is certainly not the norm, you must be prepared for extreme cold, mild, and hot.

Yes! Last year was absolutely frigid. Definitely be prepared for anthing. Wear layers!

 

[Survivor:Disney]

You are prepared! We are from the Houston area too and have been to WDW twice at Christmas.

The weather is exactly like Houston!

It may be warm or very cold. Our first trip had highs in the low 60's with a cold wind. It warmed up to the 70's on our last day. The second trip was much nicer with highs in the mid 70's.

It's just like Houston. You can freeze in the morning and be sweating in the afternoon! It's a great time to go though!

 

[hookedonears]

If you're planning what to wear now, you'll need to pack 2 suit cases per person. The hi temps. in December can range from 40's to 80's. You're going to need 2 wardrobes ready to go. I'd watch the weather closely and not pack until the last minute. Winter travel in Florida is always an ify thing and you will always have to take more clothes than you would if travelling during the summer.

 

[carrie6466]

Take it from someone who froze at WDW this past December, pack long johns and full winter gear along with lighter items.

We were there from Dec 12th through the 19th. I didn't know Florida got that cold. I agree with the full winter gear!!

 

[Ramsfan28]

Pack the basics well before you leave then I would check the weather forecast about 24-48 hours prior to depature to see how the weather will actually play out during your trip. The weather forecast changed dramatically right before we left and went from warm to freezing.

As many have indicated, last December there was record cold at WDW and at the last minute after checking the forecast, I packed gloves, winter hat, a heavier jacket, and long johns.

Just be prepared for anything as I have experienced temps in the 80's during December as well.

 

[mom2rtk]

We were there 12/11 to 12/19 last year for the record cold. My trip report is linked below if you'd like to see what it felt like and how we handled it.

Bottom line.......... watch the forecast and as it gets closer be prepared to make last minute adjustments to what you pack. Don't plan to get stuff there unless a) you have a car and want to spend your vacation going to Wal-mart or b) you are independently wealthy and plan to buy it all in the parks!

A few days before leaving I picked up thermal underwear and chemical handwarmers. BOTH were lifesavers. I wouldn't have made it without both along! Of course, we already had scarves and gloves packed.

I did throw in our winter coats at the last minute, but could never bring myself to actually wear them. Just too depressing to think our photos would have the same winter coat I wear back home to do grocery shopping and running kids all over creation. We went with LOTS of layers, topped off by a fleece Disney themed jacket, and did just fine.

We went the same week in 08 and barely even needed a jacket. Did MVMCP in shorts and a T-shirt.

My best tip? Those Mouse ear Santa hats they sell are WAY HOT! I hated that in 08 when I couldn't get myself to leave it on. I brought it back last year...... and it was perfect!

 

[stargazertechie]

Invest in some under-armor or other such base layer (like one would wear for skiing). I have been in January the last two years, and we go from Rope Drop to close without heading back to the hotel. This is what I normally wear

1) Underarmor base layer shirt
2) Jeans
3) Fleece-lined weatherproof jacket
4) T-shirt
5) polar fleece vest
6) Fleece gloves
7) Tennis Shoes with socks

I also pack a pair of shorts in my park bag in case it gets warm

By noon I normally strip off everything except the base layer and the t-shirt, and occasionally I can change to shorts.


I just carry all the layers with me so I can put them back on at my convenience.


And I'm from Michigan.

 

[RMulieri]

Pack for ALL weather contingenicies. I swear this December it was colder in Florida than it was in PA

 

[amym2]

Christmas 2006 was absolutely beautiful- jeans, short sleeves, and a sweatshirt only for very early and very late.

Christmas 2010 was downright frigid- jeans, long sleeves, heavy sweatshirts, hats, gloves, scarves- and we still froze (and we live in IN).

You just never know. Check the weather the day before you go.

 

[Cindyrellablue]

I froze when we were there in Dec 2010.

I spent most of the trip in a wool coat, scarf, gloves and fur boots!

Only one day while I was there was I able to tour wearing only a zip up instead of a jacket.

 

[ktlm]

Do not trust the weather forecast, even the day before you go. It changes quickly. In 2008, the night before we went the forcast said the highs were low 70s the entire week. We believed it. The day after our arrival there was a heat wave and the highs were actually between 82 and 86 degrees the entire week. We had brought jeans instead of shorts and we were sweating the whole week. Last December we started out the week in shorts morning, day and night the first couple of days as the weather was warm, but we wound up in coats and sweaters by the end of the week. You just never know! Be prepared for anything!

 

[Luv4Disney]

You just never know. The first day we were there we wore shorts and tshirts. The rest of the trip we were in jeans and sweatshirts and we were still cold! Pack everything!

 

[willowsnn3]

Take it from someone who froze at WDW this past December, pack long johns and full winter gear along with lighter items.

Absolutely true!!! We were there Christmas week & I swore I would not go in Dec again, lol. Altho we did get 1 day in the pool, but that wet walk back to the room We went same week in 2009 only for 2 days, warmer temps but still was comfy in my hooded sweatshirt & leggings under my jeans. I used to live in Houston & I can't remember it ever being that cold in Dec as last Dec at WDW.

 

[mom2rtk]

Here's my advice. Watch my signature. Once I post my ticker, thereby showing a commitment to dates for my next trip..........

PICK ANOTHER WEEK!!!!!!!!

We hit record highs in late Sept 09, then record cold in Dec 10. Just avoid my dates, and you stand a way better shot at reasonable weather..........

 

[heidia]

I am from Canada and I was fully prepared for cold weather and still couldn't believe how cold it was last December during the first half of our trip. I only got warm once we got back to the room every night and had a hot shower. Then the last few days we wore shorts!

Even after reading about how dramatically different the temps can be from one day to the next, I wasn't mentally prepared. But at least I packed for every possibility, unlike some people we encountered who had made makeshift robes from fleece blankets, hotel bedspreads, etc.

Loved the Christmas decor and activities, but I will never go in December again.

 

[red712371]

I always bring a little of everything, but the one thing that I was very happy that I brought last year was earmuffs! I acutally used them a couple of nights. Last year, I didn't bring a light scarf, but I wish I had so I am prepared for my next trip. I'm always chilly, so I was happy that I dressed in layers.