Top Five Questions and Answers: What to Pack for Winter at Disney World

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom in December.

What You Need to Know About Packing for a Disney World in Winter (that you may not have considered)

If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World during the colder winter months, you may be wondering if there are certain things you need to pack for Florida in the winter.

We answer the top five most common questions that we’ve been asked by first time travelers visiting Disney World in the winter.

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Five Questions and Answers About Packing for a Winter Walt Disney World Vacation

The five most common questions that you’re probably asking yourself if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World in winter for the very first time.

1. Will I need a heavy coat at Disney World in the winter?

You won’t need a heavy coat for Walt Disney World in the winter. Can it get cold enough for a ski jacket? Sure, it has happened. But generally, you should be fine with a light jacket or hoodie, particularly if you plan to visit the parks or go out after dark.

The Florida sun brings warmth in the winter during the day, but once the sun goes down you will really feel the cold a lot more. It it’s windy or cloudy, you may even want to wear that jacket in the day. But a ski jacket or parka? You can leave those at home.



2. Should I bring a swim suit for a winter vacation to Disney World?

Wondering if you’ll be swimming at Walt Disney World in December or January?

It’s usually cool in Orlando during the winter months (December and January for example) and the Disney resort hotel pools are not crowded as a result. Do people swim? Yes, some do.

One option if the air isn’t hot enough for you is to hop in the hot tub by the pool. That way you can keep warm and still get that outdoor pool feeling.

So if you don’t mind swimming in cooler temps (or if your kids don’t), then packing a swimsuit is not a bad idea. Just remember you may need a warmer cover up when walking to and from the pool as the air will be cooler than summer months.

3. Will I need a poncho or umbrella at Disney World in the winter?

This is an interesting question because in the past we would have said no. It didn’t used to rain too much in the winter during our Disney World vacations, however, that has changed.

Climate change has led to wetter days throughout the winter months, at least more than we experienced in the past. While we’re not fans of ponchos in the hot summer months, when the air is cooler during the winter, a poncho is not a bad idea. If the weather calls for rain, then a rain jacket (which can double as your cool night jacket), poncho or small travel umbrella are items to consider.



4. Can I still wear shorts in the winter at Walt Disney World?

If you are a shorts person and like the freedom and light packing that come with wearing shorts, then by all means you can get away with wearing shorts on a sunny winter day at Walt Disney World.

Definitely pack shorts if you’re a shorts person. However, you might need something a little more after the sun goes down, which brings us to our next question.

5. Will I need jeans (or long pants or leggings) at Walt Disney World in the winter?

Even in cases where you find that shorts are a great option during the day when it’s warmer and sunny, after sunset at Walt Disney World in the winter months (November, December, January and February), things can cool off quickly.

We find that nighttime temperatures can still be comfortable enough to wear shorts on warmer evenings, but at other times (when it gets even colder — into the 40sF and 50sF), you will likely be more comfortable with your legs covered (especially if it’s a windy night). So, we recommend that you bring at least one pair of leg coverings of your choice to Walt Disney World in the winter. It could be what you wear on travel day if you’re coming from a cooler climate, which will save luggage space (the same goes for your jacket, by the way).



Top Tip: Check the Orlando Weather Before Your Leave

As always, be sure to check to the weather at Walt Disney World on a local Orlando weather app the day before you leave in order to get the best forecast for your vacation period. That may help to tip the scale one way or another if you’re not sure about packing a certain item or two.

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Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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