What to Pack???

[TinkerbellWDW]

Going to WDW 12/30 - 1/6 my kids are 7 & 14. Should I pack both shorts and sweats? Footwear: tennis & flip flops?? Not sure and I hate to overpack.

 

[ABQ]

Mother Nature can never been counted on to be consistent. However, I've been down in mid to late December every year for the past 10 and always find it chilly at night. Be that as it may, I'm not a 7 year old, or a teen, who seem to be able to withstand the cold more than I can these days. It can be warm, 70's during the day, maybe even 80's, but I'd err on the side of caution and plan on cooler rather than warmer. Bring sweatshirts or jackets, rent a locker at the parks and stuff the cool weather clothing in there till you need it later. Or pack mule your way around all day.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

There is no telling. In the span of a week you could easily see extremes in both directions on the thermometer. I speak from experience. I grew up in Central Florida + did 6 trips in January with my family. Bring layers. That's my best recommendation. I know it's not easy on the checked bag fees but it's the tradeoff for January trips.

 

[disneygirl1]

This time of year is so unpredictable! I been in Dec and Jan a few times and have had times where its been in the 80's and other times its been in the 30's. After our visit in 2010 when the unexpected cold snap came thru FL and we froze our butts off, I pack for every season! Better safe then sorry IMO

 

[Nemo14]

There is no telling. In the span of a week you could easily see extremes in both directions on the thermometer. I speak from experience. I grew up in Central Florida + did 6 trips in January with my family. Bring layers. That's my best recommendation. I know it's not easy on the checked bag fees but it's the tradeoff for January trips.

exactly! I pack layers, and a jacket for nighttime. We don't always need them, but glad to have them when we do.

 

[Weather_Lady]

This site can be helpful in deciding what to pack: http://www.vacationpacker.com/ Keep an eye on the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your visit. My sister did that for her trip in February last year, and recognizing that it was unseasonably cold, packed only cold-weather items, which were just what they all needed.

Of course, you have to modify it a little depending on where you're from. As Upstate New Yorkers used to harsh winters, we tend to be comfortable in one item/layer less than what is recommended. We're happy in shorts and T-shirts in any weather over 60 degrees.

If you are flying and you opt to bring both short/tee/sandal outfits AND long pants/long sleeved tops/sneaker/hoodie outfits, AND you're not traveling with an airline that permits a free checked bag or two, I recommend bringing half the clothes you need and laundering them midway through the week. You'll spend a lot less on the laundry machines than you'd pay to check a bag.! Also, wear all of your bulkiest items (sneakers, pants, sweatshirt or jacket) on the plane so you don't have to pack them. Even if it was going to be chilly, we'd bring no more than 2 pairs of pants and 1 hoodie or fleece jacket for layering for the week.

 

[TinkerbellWDW]

Were from Houston!!!

 

[sproutsmama]

This site is super helpful, thanks! Though as we're from the Seattle area, 68 degrees at night will feel balmy to us.

 

[HollyAD]

You just never know what you are going to get! We visit Florida frequently.Not just for WDW but to see family as well. We sailed out of Miami in March and it was 59 degrees! I was so cold the whole time. The last trip I did to WDW in Dec was cold and wished I had brought more sweatshirts. Our last day it was 75 and I didn't want to leave! Unfortunately it is just much safer to over pack than rely on a forecast.

 

[KLeigh]

Layers are definitely the way to go, and great tip for renting a locker to store the sweatshirts during the day.

To help keep the suitcase weight down, try packing pieces that can be worn more than one day. You will only need one sweatshirt, and most likely can wear tops and bottoms more than once. Be sure to bring febreeze to keep your clothes smelling fresh!

 

[rob45]

Weather. Com. Check out the 10 day forecast before you leave home

 

[Gabe1]

Jeans and shorts. Layers for upper body. It gets cool in evening. We did two weeks last week of December and first week of January. It was in the 40's the day we arrived. High sixties the next few days and in the upper 70s for the last week. We needed both. We even eeked in the water park.

 

[sxeensweet]

Weather. Com. Check out the 10 day forecast before you leave home

Only bad thing about that as we go in Dec usually is that even if you look at the 10 day forecast , that 10 day forecast can change drastically in an instant in Florida and change numerous times!! We know from experience you cannot rely on the 10 day forecast. I check it every trip and while there it always changes a few times. It's a nice guide but you definitely cant rely on that to decide what to pack. We pack for EVERY kind of weather and usually use most of it while there in December. We have had warm/hot, rainy, cold and windy, warm again all in one trip.

 

[MadMax11]

Were from Houston!!!

Then pack like you're at home. I'm from Houston, too. The weather in Orlando and Houston is nearly identical. Check out monthly average highs/lows there and here, and you'll be amazed...no noticeable difference.

And so knowing that, you'll know it's entirely unpredictable. It can be super cold (as defined by us Houstonians! ) or it can be 85 degrees and humid. Just depends on what's moving through at the time...I'd just check a 10 day forecast before you leave.

 

[minniemickeyfan]

So unpredictable this time of year but like most have said bring the layers. We drove 2 years ago and we needed the ice scrapper for frost one morning!

 

[jencor]

If you have the space, be prepared for everything. If you are limited be ready for cooler weather. Easier to take off a coat then not have one. You can live without shorts in high 70's, but can you live with shorts in 40 degree weather. I drive so I bring layers at this time of year. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Duckberg]

Bring a WARM jacket + layers for a possible chilly December night @ WDW.

 

[Santa Raccoon 77]

Kinda depends on what you are used to . I could never imagine wearing trousers in Florida as my default setting at home is shorts unless it is literally snowing.

 

[dreamfinder]

Prep for everything, and then try to pare it down a bit as you get closer. You could see temps right around freezing, or you could see temps in the 80s. And even if it's somewhat temperate, in say the high 60s, it could easily be in the low 50s in the early AM/late PM. I strongly echo the suggestions on layers. A good vest, long sleeve mid layer, and a rain jacket can be mixed for almost any temps. Long sleeve/short sleeve and shorts/jeans will be up to you, but layering is the best thing you can do.

 

[luv]

As mentioned, the temps can be all over the place. You could be walking around in temps tht are forty degrees or seventies. You have to pack some of everything.

They recommendations for layers are good ones!