During the winter months people plan getaways to Walt Disney World to escape the cold in other parts of the country. That doesn’t mean it will be sunny and 75 degrees while you’re here. So how do you prepare?
Always check the forecast before you leave home. It amazes me how many people have no idea that Florida can and does have cold spells! Pack layers. Walking around all day under the Florida sun can heat you up, even if the air temperature says otherwise. Consider renting a locker if carrying around those layers gets to be too much.
Evenings especially will be chilly if a cold front has arrived. The air in Florida is never truly dry, and that moisture will cling to your skin. It’s the opposite of the summer’s humidity, it will make it feel cooler than the air temperature. The coldest person I have met at Walt Disney World is a Cast Member who had just moved here from New Hampshire. She couldn’t stop shivering, even though she wore a warm coat. I went to college in New Hampshire and know how cold it gets there during the winter. Florida Cold is a real thing.
If the temperature isn’t forecast to hit 70 degrees, there’s a good chance that the Disney Water Parks will be closed. This has nothing to do with water temperature. It’s more to keep you from freezing (not literally) when you get out of the water. Plus the water parks are empty on cooler days, making it not cost efficient to keep one open. I was once at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on a cool day and there were more Cast Members than guests.
Hotel pools are heated and will most likely be open. Just be extra careful. The lifeguards will be wearing jackets and long pants, and they’re not going to want to jump in the water. They will if necessary, of course.
Every time a cold front hits Central Florida there are people who will make fun of those who live here. There will be comments such as “We have two feet of snow and people at Disney are complaining about 40 degrees?” The difference is that most people don’t save for years and then spend all day and evening outside in two feet of snow. People come to Florida to escape it.
What do you do if you didn’t realize that it would be cold, and you’re already at Walt Disney World? Don’t worry, Disney has you covered. Gift shops will have racks of warmer coats for sale, often when you first walk into the store. They won’t be cheap, but they make a great souvenir!
The good news is that winter in Florida won’t last for three months. It could be cool for a few days, but then the temperatures will rise. There are weeks with both 30s and 80s. Plus you’re at Walt Disney World. Dine inside, watch an indoor show, and do some extra shopping if you need a break from the cold. And don’t forget the sunscreen! The temperature might be low, but the sun’s rays are as strong as ever.