Your must have gear for cold days in WDW

[robndani]

Hi all! We will be in WDW for a week in Jan/Feb and wanted to know how you keep warm on those cold days.

We were there for 4 days in Feb last year. Two of those days were t-shirts midday and sweatshirts in the morning and night, but two were cold, rainy and miserable (although we were in Disney so of course it's not THAT bad). I wasn't prepared enough for that trip.

My DH and I will be traveling with our 5 year olds and don't plan on bringing strollers (for the first time). Is that a mistake during the colder months?

Any advice would help a lot! Thanks!

 

[NYCMom21]

we are taking my dd for her 5th birthday and I plan on bringing an umbrella stroller. She could probably be fine without it, but those are long days and I'm not carrying her 40 pounds around when she start whining she's tired

I bet she could do it though, she walked nearly 2 miles in the city yesterday without complaining, but I think it's more like a better to have it and not need it than don't have it and need it. I think we will mostly need it for the night, it's a long walk from the world showcase in Epcot to the monorail after dinner.

 

[goofy4tink]

When I head to WDW from late Nov thru March, I always travel in layers. I fly in jeans, knee socks, a turtleneck, sweater (or fleece top), a windbreaker. I pack those little one size fits all gloves in my bag as well. In my carry on bag, I put a tee shirt, in case it's really warm when I arrive in Orlando. That way, I can head to the ladies room, and change into the tee shirt, and pack the other stuff in my bag.
This way, I have warm clothes with me. I find that it is chilly in the morning, then it warms up nicely, but turns cold at night! So hard to know how to dress in the morning. This time of year really means a backpack or tote bag to stow the heavier tops you wore in the morning, or will need at night.

 

[hsmamato2]

When I head to WDW from late Nov thru March, I always travel in layers. I fly in jeans, knee socks, a turtleneck, sweater (or fleece top), a windbreaker. I pack those little one size fits all gloves in my bag as well. In my carry on bag, I put a tee shirt, in case it's really warm when I arrive in Orlando. That way, I can head to the ladies room, and change into the tee shirt, and pack the other stuff in my bag.
This way, I have warm clothes with me. I find that it is chilly in the morning, then it warms up nicely, but turns cold at night! So hard to know how to dress in the morning. This time of year really means a backpack or tote bag to stow the heavier tops you wore in the morning, or will need at night.

This. I like my triple thick/furry inside/WDWMickey fleece jacket plus my smartwool thin gloves in winter, b/c I get cold easily. Plus I wear a s/l tee,and a l/s sleeve tee with my jeans, so I'm good for whatever.... I also hate winter coats while there, but I find that layering shirts,sweatshirts and a light wind jacket work well- with 2 5 year olds I'd bring at least one umbrella stroller to store their unwanted jackets,etc for the day....

 

[Luvchefmic]

Throw a knit hat, or earmuffs, and a scarf in there too in addition to the gloves, just in case it's windy. It will make a big difference.

 

[BeerMe]

Light gloves....

 

[Dan Murphy]

A rental stroller from offsite vendor is great!!!

And yes, cold weather gear definitely in order. When it is below 50 at night, no sun, cold breezes coming off the many bodies of water and extended lengths of time outside while walking or standing, can make for bone chilling times. Many of us recall early Dec in 2010.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

A rental stroller from offsite vendor is great!!!

And yes, cold weather gear definitely in order. When it is below 50 at night, no sun, cold breezes coming off the many bodies of water and extended lengths of time outside while walking or standing, can make for bone chilling times. Many of us recall early Dec in 2010.

I was there that timeframe in December and so thrilled I had my hat, gloves, scarf, fleece jacket and hoodie.
I think I was the only warm person walking around Epcot World Showcase one night - alot of people left because they were cold.

All I can say is be prepared to layer clothes and I'd also rent a stroller at Epcot for the 5 year olds. The rest of the parks they'll probably be ok but Epcot is a tough one for that age.

 

[kaybird]

Like everyone has said, layers! When we go in winter, we always have a stocking cap, gloves and a hoodie. These even got us through the 24 degree trip!

 

[G'sMaman]

A couple packs of instant heat hand warmers might come in handy for those really cold late nights. After they're activated, if you store them in a ziplock bag, they last for days so you really don't need many of them.

 

[JennyDrake]

Yep. Just like others have said! I get cold very easily and HATE to be cold... I bring jeans, silk long underwear, turtlenecks, a fleece jacket, wool socks and even a wool sweater as an option. The wind is a miserable, damp, cold. Gloves and earmuffs are a must for me.

I often rent a locker and stash my layers in there and once the sun goes down, make a quick locker run to install warmers clothing.

 

[disnut8]

Light gloves....

Oh yes. I am a person who, if my hands get cold, I'm lost for the rest of the day. I have several very light woolen (?) gloves that I got at the dollar store so no big deal for the cost. I just throw a pair into my pocket or bag and use even first thing in the morning. My husband laughs (he wears shorts in 60 degree weather so I ignore) but I'm happy all day long.

Also - tights or nylons under long pants. Layers - I do a T shirt, then a long sleeve shirt, then a sweatshirt and a jacket if necessary.

 

[courtneybeth]

We made the mistake our first year of not packing for contingencies - the night we saw the Candlelight Processional it was 32 degrees. EPCOT ran out of sweatshirts in the first couple hours of park opening (unless you were an XXS or XXL).

Suffice to say, no amount of hot chocolate or gift with purchase blankets could keep us warm enough. We loved Illuminations because of the fire.

But yeah. We've learned to overpack for all weather conditions -- hats, gloves, jackets, etc and bring with us what we'll need in a backpack.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We've been to WDW in Dec, Jan and Feb many times and if the weather forecasts predict anything colder than the high 50's we bring our winter coats, jeans, fleece or light wool, long sleeved shirts, gloves and hats. Last January the highs were in the low fifties and two nights were in the thirties. One Friday night the wind was so cold that we spent most of our time in the Land. It was too cold to hit the World Showcase.

We have also had great weather and have worn shorts. So watch the weather forecasts and pack for weather that is at least ten degrees colder. You need to dress warmly when it is cold in WDW because they don't have central heat, most rides aren't heated, and they leave the shop doors open so that the cold wind blows in.

 

[csm101]

From the Great White North we wear the same as July, T-Shirt and Shorts.

 

[Princess Mulan]

I suggest a thin jacket that is windproof and waterproof. Jackets that are labeled as wind- and water-resistant will let in the breeze and rain. But a truly windproof and waterproof jacket is worth every penny. Most of them are thin, so they don't take up much room in luggage. Worn over layers, they can be as warm as parkas.

Several "outdoor" brands make them, but a popular style is The North Face "venture" jacket.

I also usually pack the matching windproof and waterproof pants that are meant to be layered over shorts or pants.

 

[ZoZo]

As another poster said, I now always bring at least one pair of knee socks regardless of time of year.

One trip in early October (needless to say, usually a very warm time of year!), I looked at the forecast before leaving home, saw it was supposed to be mid-90s and very humid, and packed mostly sleeveless tops, shorts, and sandals.

Well, on Day 8 of my trip, the temps dropped 30 degrees ovenight. I tried to layer the best that I could, but was pretty miserable. The hardest thing was that it was very windy. My legs were bare underneath my loose-legged yoga pants (no warm socks) and that cold breeze kept whipping up my calves. And do you think I could find any warm socks anywhere I went? No car, so I was stuck with what I could find at Epcot. Finally found some socks at the Japan pavilion - you know those socks with the split-toe that are made to be worn with traditional Japanese (flip-flop type) shoes? I was desperate, and paid $12 for a pair of socks I would never wear again. But boy, was I glad to find socks that covered my calves!

So, my advice is to pack gloves, earmuffs/hat, scarves, and warm socks for everyone, in addition to layering pieces and (as another poster suggests), a waterproof/windproof outer layer. You may not need this stuff, but it you do, you won't regret packing it!

 

[robndani]

Thanks for the tips. I def. think I want to buy a water/wind proof jacket. I'm from NJ so by the time Feb comes we are sick of the cold and will wear shorts even it's a little cool.

 

[Crl1817]

My kids have fleece lined rain jackets from llbean: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/82019?feat=512115-GN1&page=trail-model-rain-jacket. Water proof and warm. They are excellent for layering-- we use them down to about the 30s. (Don't get the cheaper llbean kids jackets, the zipper is junk.)

 

[LWILDP]

I too echo the fleece lined rain jackets (we bought ours at Mountain Equipment Co-op). Another tip - based on our experience last January where it rained and was cold three days straight! - pack rain pants for the little ones. They pack easily, act like a wind breaker for when it's cold, and allowed them to go on all the rides even with all the rain. We found the ponchos didn't properly cover wet seats for butts and legs and the rain pants were perfect!