Best Clothes to Wear to Disney World in the Winter
With winter comes a whole new vibe at Disney World in Florida—think cooler weather, festive decor, and tons of magical holiday fun! But with the weather swinging from mild to chilly, what should you wear to Disney World in December through February? This article tells you all the clothes and items you need to pack to ensure you have a good time in these cooler months.
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Table of Contents
- Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Disney?
- What to Expect from Winter Weather at Disney World
- What to Wear at Disney World in the Winter: Layering Essentials
- Tips for What to Wear on Rainy Days
- Bags and Backpacks (Not Purses!)
- Walking Comfort: The Right Shoes Matter!
- What to Wear for Dining
- Disney Dress Codes: Costumes and More
- Final Thoughts
- Read More
Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Disney?
Winter might just become your favorite time to visit Disney World. Not only do you skip the Florida heat and humidity that is common to the rest of the year, the parks are decked out for the holidays with decorations, special events, and holiday cheer. December through February is a magical time that you shouldn’t miss, and it’s one of my personal favorite times to visit the parks!
What to Expect from Winter Weather at Disney World
December through February weather in Florida can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from around 74°F to 55°F (23°C to 13°C) and some days dropping as low as the 40s (4°C). That means you might be warm one moment and chilly the next! For the smoothest trip, plan on packing layers and checking the forecast right before you go.
What to Wear at Disney World in the Winter: Layering Essentials
Winter in Orlando, which is between the months of December and February, calls for versatility! Bring along t-shirts or tank tops for warmer parts of the day and jackets or even a coat for cooler mornings and evenings. Don’t forget a lightweight scarf and gloves if the forecast shows a cold snap. Layers let you adjust as needed and enjoy the parks without a shiver or a sweat.
Packing layers is the key to knowing what to wear and be comfortable in Disney World in December to February.
Tips for What to Wear on Rainy Days
Winter also has its share of rainy days, especially in February, so pack ponchos or a compact umbrella just in case. Ponchos are also extra handy for water rides like Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom!
Always keep a small bag with waterproof essentials to avoid soggy souvenirs and a damp day (my personal tactic is either pack a poncho or pack a plastic bag plus a spare change of clothes). Trudging around in wet clothes is not fun or recommended.
Bags and Backpacks (Not Purses!)
You’ll spot thousands of Disney-themed backpacks that people buy at the parks (possibly because they didn’t think to bring a good travel bag beforehand and then realized they need it). Purses are a no-go, you’ll quickly regret lugging something around on one shoulder. Bags are helpful to carry your layers, umbrellas, ponchos, maps, water bottles, kids’ supplies, and more. Oh and that reminds me, reusable water bottles are allowed in the parks, too. But bring one that’s leak-proof!
Walking Comfort: The Right Shoes Matter!
Disney World is a walker’s paradise, which means good walking shoes are a must. Even in the winter, you could easily hit 20,000+ steps in a day! Go for supportive, comfortable shoes, and consider moisture-wicking socks for extra comfort—you’ll thank yourself later. Comfortable footwear is crucial at Disney World at any time of year.
These Minnie Mouse slippers really are for sale at the parks!
What to Wear for Dining
Good news, no need to worry about changing clothes before meals! Disney restaurants allow casual dress, so whatever you’re wearing to explore to the parks is perfect for dining too. Comfort and casual are the name of the game at Disney, so no matter what your plans are, focus on wearing practical, comfortable attire.
Disney Dress Codes: Costumes and More
If you’re dreaming of dressing up, keep in mind that Disney has a no-costume rule for anyone over the age of 14. This helps keep the magic (and the cast members) clear for everyone!
But don’t worry, you can still embrace the Disney spirit with fun-themed attire or accessories to bring the extra magic to your outfit. You’ll see families with coordinated outfits, commemorative t-shirts, and Mickey ears all day!
Final Thoughts
Disney World in the winter is the perfect mix of magic and cool weather! While you’ll see a whole variety of outfits, the most important things to pack are layers, good walking shoes, and sun protection like sunglasses (like these Disney-themed ones I saw someone wearing) and sunscreen—even in the winter! Get ready to explore, stay cozy, and enjoy the magic at every turn.