How do I pack for my trip? Help!

[Beetuna]

Hi!
We are getting ready to go to Disney World here shortly, but we are struggling with how to pack!
We have only ever been when it is considerably warmer outside, and now associate walking around the parks with getting mighty grubby. :O
Well, now the weather is showing that it gets down to the mid 50s at night, but into the 70s during the day. Sheesh. How do you guys suggest packing for a trip in December? Is it uncomfortable to wear long pants during the day there? I simply can't imagine it. And do people carry sweat shirts all day or something? Or do they get lockers? I can't imagine lugging a sweatshirt around all day either...
Any tips would be much appreciated!

 

[networkpro]

Light weight windbreakers. We are at Disney frequently during the first two weeks and the weather can change at the drop of a hat from nice and warm to overcast and chilly. We've got a collection of character jackets that we rotate though and a front gate locker isnt anything to scoff at unless you like the misery of maneuvering an over stuffed backpack all day.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Lockers and layers of clothing.

 

[Beetuna]

How does the locker situation work? The thought of lugging around a backpack makes me sad inside.

 

[DisneyJoe]

How does the locker situation work? The thought of lugging around a backpack makes me sad inside.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/locker-rental.htm


https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/locker-rentals/

 

[JohnD]

Pack both shorts and jeans. I also suggest short sleeve shirts and windbreakers. Remember, you'll be walking around the parks a lot. Your moving around will keep you warmed up. A lightweight windbreaker can be rolled up and not take up much room in a backpack. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to determine whether shorts or long pants at the parks. Shorts in Florida in December is definitely not unheard of. But if you go to the parks and wear shorts during the day and have dinner reservations in the evening with a break at the hotel in-between, then I suggest switching to long pants/long sleeve shirts because of dropping temps in the evening.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I find this site to be helpful. It takes account of the upcoming weather forecast for the area you type in (just put "Orlando, FL") and recommends what you should bring. http://www.vacationpacker.com/

I don't know where you're from, but it may be necessary to adjust upward or downward from the recommendation. (For example, we're from Upstate NY and used to frigid weather, so we tend to wear one less item than the website recommends. Someone from the deep South would want to wear one more item than it recommends...)

Also, you need not feel like you're "lugging" your layers around. If you don't want to rent a locker, take lightweight thermal jackets instead of heavy sweatshirts, and have one person carry a light backpack that everyone's outerwear fits into when they don't want to wear it. If and when that person tires of the backpack, they pass it to the next person in the group. My DH wears the backpack in our family (and I wear the pants, tee hee! which holds all of our layers and sundries), and he always swears it's so unobtrusive that he barely remembers he's got it on.

 

[rt06]

Comfort? Weight? Climate? These are the concerns of runners and hikers, so consider a long sleeve synthetic top. Lightweight, no chafing, they breathe easy when hot, keep you warm in cold, and dry quickly.

 

[Susan Savia]

We've found that the early mornings in the parks can be cool, then it warms up nicely. Carrying a light jacket can come in handy and again in the evenings once the sun goes down.

 

[luv]

60 degrees here will be the same as 60 degrees wherever you are, so pack whatever you would wear at home and you should be all set. Since the forecast may be a little different than what you actually encounter, you might want to pack a little of everything...and pack things you can wear n layers.

 

[Mukta]

This is what I take with me on my December trips.

Jeans and light weight pants.

T-shirts and thicker long sleeve shirts.

Sweatshirt, gloves and hat.

I was in WDW in 2010 when it dropped to 20 degrees F and last year when it was in the 80s every day.
Each morning, I check the weather for the day and dress accordingly. If the night will be chilly, i tie the sweatshirt around my waist so I have it with me.