So you’re visiting Disney World in December- what do you pack? Check out this complete guide to packing for Disney World in December!
Visiting Disney World in December means extra pixie dust! Why? The Holiday Decorations, special events, delicious Holiday snacks, and, if you plan it right low crowds! But a special Holiday trip can require a different style of packing- not only for Disney World in December weather that can be unpredictable but also to add a special Holiday touch to your trip.
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This blog is all about What to Pack for Disney World in December.
What to Pack for Disney World in December
Weather in Disney World in December
Before we talk about what to pack let’s talk about the weather in Disney World in December.
There’s one word for it- Unpredictable! We may say that for other seasons in Central Florida but it’s particularly true in winter.
In 2022 they had a freeze in Central Florida with the temperatures dropping into the 30s (Fahrenheit) overnight! This might not be cold where you come from, but with the humidity in Florida, it can make it feel even colder.
So layers will be your best friend! For a complete cheat sheet check out my Ultimate Disney Packing list, but see the key points for Disney in December here:
Layers
I generally recommend a light hoodie, short-sleeved Disney-themed shirts, and long-sleeved Disney shirts. A tank top always comes in handy for those who are tank-top wearers, or some kind of light underlayer you can wear- just in case that sun starts blazing!
Bottoms
It’s good to bring a couple of pairs of shorts or a skirt in case it’s warm, and also a pair or two of jeans, as well as some comfy travel pants that you can work out in or sleep in so they can serve double duty (and these packing cube ideas can help you pack light).
Bathing suit
Bathing suit
Should you pack one? Yes- you may not use it but you wouldn’t want to miss out on a sunny pool day! Also, the Disney waterparks are open in winter (unless there is a freeze). It’s possible you could get lucky and have a warm, and mostly low-crowd day, at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. And don’t forget how nice a hot tub can feel after a long day at the Disney Parks!
Socks
Here’s your chance to rock those Mickey Christmas socks you never get to wear at Disney World! It should be cold enough to wear longer socks, at least at night. I couldn’t resist showing you the multiple options of the Rock Em socks on Amazon. They have so many Disney-themed socks to choose from!
Inclement Weather Wear
Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go but you can rest assured you will need some rain protection! A raincoat can serve as protection against the rain and as an extra layer on mildly cool days. And chances are you are coming from a colder climate than Florida so wear a light jacket on the plane (we all know it can be frigid on those airplanes) and then you can use it if the temperature drops.
Festive additions- What to Wear in Disney World in December
Because the Holidays at Disney World can be so much fun packing festive wear can make it even more magical!
Here are some ideas for Holiday additions to your packing list-
Ugly (or cute) Disney-themed Christmas Sweaters
There are so many fun and festive Holiday sweaters you can sport at Disney in December! These are especially important if you are going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as they help you get into the vibe at this special (paid) event.
Holiday Minnie Ears, Scarves or Hats
The choices abound for seasonal Minnie Ears, here are a few fun examples but trust me- you won’t be suffering from too little choices in this category!
Matching Disney Onesie PJ’s
This is a newer (adorable) trend for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You will see many a cute family or friend group dressed up in matching Holiday Onesie PJ’s. Talk about the ultimate comfort (as long as it’s not 80 degrees outside)! If wearing matching onesie’s is outside at a Disney park is outside of your comfort zone you can pack them anyway for some cute Holiday photos in your Disney resort hotel room or in front of the Christmas tree in the lobby!
Seasonal Disney T-shirts
The Holiday Disney T-shirts abound online so dig in before you start packing and choose some fun T’s for you and your family or friends!
Here are some fun options to check out for your Disney World in December trip!
Disney World in December Tips
Now that we have the packing all wrapped up, let’s cover some helpful tips for Disney World in December.
If you want to see a full blog about planning a Holiday trip to Disney World in December read this.
But here are some basics:
If you plan a trip in mid to late December it will likely be very busy so arrive early and stay late, taking breaks mid-day if you need them.
Book your reservations as soon as possible because the parks can sell out during the Holiday season.
Keep an eye on park hours! The Magic Kingdom will close early on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights, but if you plan appropriately (arriving at least 45 minutes before park opening) you may see low(er) crowds on those party days. And if you are lucky enough to be going to the special event you can get in early those days anyway.
If you are going during the high crowd times, it is highly recommended that you purchase Disney Genie + if you are able to. This will save you time and headaches!
And speaking of crowds:
Disney World in December Crowds
Disney World in December can bring crowds, but not during the first week. This really is the best time to go because you will get that Holiday spirit with the decorations, special snacks, and the cooler weather BUT also because this is one of the lowest crowd times of the year. Yes, you heard that right! Most people plan their Holiday trips to Disney World in December the later part of the month, closer to Christmas. In my opinion, avoid this time as much as you can! It is unbearably busy and the Parks are often sold out meaning extremely long queues (lines), and grumpy park-goers who may have lost that Holiday spirit the moment they entered the fray!
It’s not that you can’t have fun when you go for Christmas week, you just have to be prepared to hurry up and wait, and to get really close to a lot of strangers! But many families come back year after year for their Holiday vacations, finding it full of spirit and a special spark you don’t find at other times of the year.
Disney World in December can be so much fun! Be sure to pack everything you might need, for weather and for Holiday cheer.
This blog was all about what to pack for Disney World in December
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Disney in December Holiday Tips 2022
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Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
I’m happy to answer any questions or comments here!