When to go? Dec3-10 or Dec11th-18th?

[chrisann]

We were all set to go the 11th-18th, but now I'm wondering if it would be warm enough? Is there a big difference in the temperatures? I know there be no set rules, but an idea of what to expect would be nice? As long as it was warm enough to go to the water park for a day that'd be fine. Any input from Floridians would be great!!

 

[crazee4mickey]

We went from Dec.3-13 and weather was unseasonably high-in the 80s -it was great! We were told that it is usually cooler than this but we got lucky-the weather before we went was cooler than what we had, so I guess it just all depends! The time we chose was pretty good for weather and crowds.
Another thing to consider when picking your dates is that after the middle of December the crowds get heavier, we found them overall to be very good at the beginning.
One last thing is whether you want to be there during Pop/Warner-by the sounds of it, this is early December--there is a thread (which is getting quite heated I might add) in "Theme parks and attractions" where people who were at WDW(us included) talk about their experiences--just something else to factor in.
Good luck with your decision!

 

[ufgator]

The weather can be in the 80s or it can be cold. We were there Dec 13-17 and it was freezing (I'm a native Floridian so my idea of cold is different ). The high was in the 50s and the low was in the 30s and 40s. We stayed at the Poly and it was colder with the wind off the lagoon. Whatever the weather is during the day, it was will be cool or chilly at night. It's not as humid during Dec. It can be warm or cool during the day, but even if it's in the 80s it's not awful at this time of year.

Both water parks are not open at the same time in December. I think Typhoon is closed and Blizzard Beach is open.

 

[FamilyGuy]

I'm certainly no expert but from my experience, the weather seems to be quite unpredictable during December.

I would say to go from the 3rd - 10th, becuase the lines will be (somewhat) shorter, based on my experience. We went from Dec 4th - 13th, 2004, and as silly as it may sound, I felt as though the crowds were seemingly larger towards the last 3 - 4 days of our trip. Most schools let out in mid December. December 16th, 2005 for our school district.

Remember when school lets out crowds swell at WDW. And a few days before and after too. I would definitely say 3rd - 10th.

Have a great time whatever you may decide.

Oh, and the absolute best tip I got here before we went was to pack some hats and gloves for the kids. We did not need them for most of the trip (83 degrees many days). But on the couple of nights when we needed them, we were the envy of many people at the parks. We picked up some really really cool Mickey hats and gloves for all three kids at Wal-Mart and each hat & glove set was less than $6!

 

[disneysnowflake]

I agree about the gloves.
I'd say if you're planning to go in Dec. get to WalMart when they start putting gloves and hats on clearance.

We were there from Dec 11 to Dec 18. I took one pair of those magic stretch gloves per person just in case it was cold. I'm glad I did.

However, DS2 lost his gloves right after we got there. I spent 50 cents per pair for gloves at WalMart at home before we left. Disney charged me $8 plus tax for a replacement pair. Those gloves at WDW are just those cheapy solid black magic stretch gloves. A store in DTD sold ones with Mickey superhero on them, but those cost $10 plus tax. Again, they were the cheapo magic stretch kinds. WDW also sells matching cheap solid black knit hats for either $8 or $10 plus tax. So, it's better to buy them at home and bring extra pair.

You just never know when the weather could change. On the morning we left on Dec 11 I checked Accuweather. All vacation our temps were high near 70/ low in the upper 50s and sunny. After we got there the weather changed. It was always sunny, but 2 of the days the morning temps were in the 30s and highs were in the 50s. Even though we're from PA we were still cold.. especially at Epcot where the wind from the water blew. It was so cold there.

We still had an awesome time, but I'd highly suggest taking extra gloves with you. They don't take up much room, but if it's chilly several days it's better to have an extra pair in your luggage than to shell out $10 for a replacement pair.