How is it in December?

[marynorth]

I may have to postpone my 9/04 reservation until late October or December due to a job conflict. If I had my choice, I would go in December b/c I've never seen the Christmas decorations and the attendance is low. However, my husband loves the water parks and the kids really love the WL pool. Is December too cold for water activities?

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Whether or not you think it is cold depends on your preferences. The pools are all heated to a nice temperature, so getting in shouldn't be a problem. Getting out can be a little cold. I think that if you want to swim there should be no problem from the temperature.

 

[Feta]

I agree with you about trying to hit the parks in December - especially in the first two weeks. The parks are all but empty, and it's so great seeing all the decorations. It's my favorite time to park hop. I did go to Blizzard Beach right after New Year's this year. The water is great. I think it really boils down to the air temperature. Even with heated water, I can't imagine having a good time if it's 50-60 degrees when you get out of the water. It was perfect this year - around 80 - and not too crowded even with the holidays.

 

[MichRX7]

We always go the first or second week of December and it is perfect especially if you have little ones. The temperature has always been in the lower 70's for highs and yes, coming from Michigan we go swimming.

The parks close early, but not so early it isn't dark out so you can see the lights and the crowds are very very very small. It's nice to walk through fantasyland and not be wheel to wheel in strollers. Plus, with the small crowds and early closing times the kids go to bed early and are ready for the next day (not cranky).

I have noticed that usually that early in December Blizzard Beach is usually closed for refurbs, but Typhoon Lagoon is open. Last December it was the 2nd week and my son had a great time swimming with the sharks, and the little ones really enjoyed the evening pool time before bed. As the Christmas holiday grows closer the crowds grow too. :xmas:

 

[Lauriebar]

We have gone the first week in Dec. for the past two years and the weather changes daily. One day would be sunny and 70 the next cloudy, windy and 60.

The nights can be especially cold,so bring a jacket and long pants.

The resorts heated pools are great, but be careful in scheduling a water park visit as you get in and out of the water so often there.

That all being said...being at DW during the Christmas season is WONDERFUL!! Nothing compares to snow on Main St. or the Osborne Lights.

 

[Debbie]

I just went this past December to celebrate my 40th b-day and I took along two first timers. They absolutely loved WDW and the Christmas decorations. It was my 4th or 5th time going in this time frame (December 2 thru 15) and I can't fathom going any other time of year. In fact, this December, we're hoping to take the boys out of school and enjoy ourselves without having to deal with heat, crowds, strollers, and everything else that one has to deal with in the summer months and holidays.

 

[The Mom]

As others have mentioned, it depends upon where you live. Living in Florida, I wouldn't even think about going to a waterpark unless the temperature was over 90; if I lived in Maine, I might have a different opinion. :animwink:

I when I lived in New England I thought nothing of going in the ocean when the temps were only in the 70s and low 80s, and water temps were in the 60s.

My advice is to play it by ear. I suspect that in December you'll have at least a day or two when you'll feel comfortable going in the pool. In October, it will definitely be warm enough every day.

 

[bgraham34]

I have gone swimming when it was 50 out. But the water was still 70 so it was not bad. I have been to Florida in Dec. and it was 80 a couple of days when i hit Naples

 

[captainbuzzy]

I would go in October if you can swing it. We have been to WDW quite a few times during October - December time frame and the weather gets worse (colder and more unpredictable) as the year grows old. Our weather experience in December has ranged from 80's to low 30's (at this temp Blizzard Beach looses it's irony). I would say that the crowds are light throught this time except for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Hope it works out for you...

 

[GoofyFan1]

Although the crowds pick up right at Christmas, we love going then. My family found that even with the biggest crowds people have the Christmas spirit and are nicer. Even the CMs are nicer, if that's possible. The decorations are beautiful, and at the CBR there were little gifts left on the door for our kids on Christmas day.

Being from Plattsburgh, NY, which is just 18 miles from the Canadian border, any temperature above freezing is welcomed. No problem swimming for us.

Whenever you decide to go, I hope you enjoy your trip.