Has any one out there been to Disney World in December?

Question

Hello, We are planning a trip to Disney World vacation for Christmas December 2008. We plan on going with our three children, we have been multiple times to Disney World but its been in the summer. Do you know what the weather is like is it possible to get in the swimming pool. Are the parks too crowded? I basically need some advice before we invest so much money and wont be able to fully enjoy it. Serious responses only. Thank you.

Answer 1

Winter can be pretty cold in Florida, believe it or not! And it gets very windy, so the sensation is lower than the actual temperature. I don´t think you will like swimming in this weather.

Parks are VERY crowded, last 2 weeks of December are the busiest time of year!

You will definitely enjoy it, all the Christmas decorations, parades and special events (like Mickey´s very Merry Christmas and the Osbourne light show at the Studios) are just amazing!

Answer 2

Definitely take a swimsuit.  We live 1.5 hrs. north of WDW and have learned to always take our swimsuits.  In December you need clothes for cold and hot weather.  It's the month of all kinds of weather.  You don't know what you're going to get, except it's not a rainy month.  I've been down there in shorts during the day (not usually the case in Dec) and then bundled up with a coat and sweatshirts at night.  Even our family from MN was cold when they met us at WDW for Thanksgiving.  That time of year you need to dress in layers.  You might start off with capri pants or shorts during the day and have to change into jeans and add jackets after dusk.  Then again, you could start off in jeans and sweatshirts and add light stretch gloves.  For the kids think layers that are easy to add over shorts or change into in a restroom stall like yoga/jogging suits.  

Yes, it's a busy, peak time, but if you've only been during the summer (i.e. worst) time, you'll really enjoy this.  It is not more crowded than summer, you won't be dealing with the heat, and the parks will be festive.  If you can add it, I suggest going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  We go to WDW in December and love it.  Last December my son sang in the Candlelight Processional when Andie McDowell was the narrator.  We watched the 2nd of 3 performances (so definitely after dark) , and it was the middle of December.  I was wearing shorts and a short sleeved shirt and was very comfortable, and I'm cold when everyone is comfortable.  I was there another weekend for the Christmas party, and I wore jeans and a light jacket or hoodie.  I've done NYE, the week right before Christmas up to the 23rd - you get the idea.    

I'm a Disney freak, but I'm done going June - Aug.  I still absolutely LOVE Disney in December, though.  This is not just a good idea going in Dec. rather than summer, it's a great one.    

Here are sites to help you plan:

Answer 3

I went for Thanksgiving. It was nice out, but I did put my sweatshirt on most nights.  I think Kids would go swimming most afternoons in a heated pool.  It was in the 70's at the peak of day and was too cool for me to go swimming, but that is not my thing. I wore Jeans/Capris and Tee Shirts or thin 3/4 sleves and was fine.  Note: I am generally not a "cold" person  

Answer 4

Take it from me- You will LOVE it! I highly suggest going right after thanksgiving and the first two weeks of december! December is the perfect time to go- the prices aren't too high, crowds are reasonable, every park, restaurant, hotel, and character are decorated with Holiday Themes. The Holiday parades are wonderful! It's like christmas in a whole month with wonderful weather! The weather is beautiful it's normally around mid 70's- occasionally it's will get higher- and it doesn't normally rain. It is very possible to go swimming- this is probably the best time to go!

If you want to splurge on some extra money- there is an event called Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party- the whole deal is you purchase these tickets on whenever you would like to attend the party and they will give you a "room key" type key- and it's only good for that night. You get free unlimited hot chocolate and cookies. The park stays open til 12 but ONLY for the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Guests (MVMCP). Also- select attractions stay open- and I'm pretty sure most of them are. The line is practically little to no wait! They have a fireworks show (I'm pretty sure it's just wishes) and they have two showings of MVMCP parade! It's a MUST SEE! It's so exciting there are certain floats  that smell like apple pies and other desserts- also the dancing is spectacular as always- it's just a really wonderful extra thing to do with the family. You can pre-order the tickets or buy them when you get to the park. People claim that "they run out so fast so you should pre-order them" but we always get ours at the park and we never had a problem.

Also, another MUST SEE is the Osborne Family Light Show in MGM (Hollywodd Studios) It is amazing you really can't miss it!

It's such a nice time to go- with holiday in the air and beautiful weather. I would suggest bringing a light sweater/jacket for the evenings. To pack you should just pack shorts t's and sneaks.

I hope you choose to go- you won't regret it!

Have a Magical Vacation!

Answer 5

Weather wise USUALLY you are able to swim.  It just depends, of course.

Crowds are very crowded, yes.  Typically the first two weeks of December are actually very nice.  Then until after New Year's it is pandemonium.  On Christmas Day itself, it is just wall-to-wall people and some parks get to capacity and won't let anyone else in.  Magic Kingdom always gets to capacity.

If you are used to going in the middle of summer, it's not that much different, though.

Answer 6

It actually depends on what days you will be in the parks. The weather varies but routinely expect 50-75 degrees. Many hotel pools are heated, but ask first. Sometimes Christmas shows are broadcast from Disney at the holiday time, but you can ask many of these questions in the Disney web site. With the economy, I don't think the crowds would be too bad for now. Purchase your tickets before you arrive and you can pay for the speed passes too to not wait in line so much. All in all you should enjoy it all the more with cooler temperatures, Say hi to "the rat" for me..