Considering Dec 3-12 2009.. need help? About This Page:

[bpaniagua75]

When my daughter's each turn 10 yrs old, they get a trip to WDW with me. This way I can share my love of Disney and wealth of knowledge with them without younger siblings or a nagging husband..LOL... not to mention that's 3 more trips for me that my husband would never take. My oldest turned 10 in Jun 2006 and we had a fabulous time. I have been there many times before, so I knew where I wanted to take her and what I wanted to do. I have always traveled there in Jun or Jul. My next daughter turns 10 in Dec 2009. I gave her the option of going earlier in the year, but she would like to go during her birthday. So I have a few questions...

*Is it warm to most people? I read normal is mid 70's, so is that short and tshirt weather?
*We definitely want to hit the waterparks - will it be warm enough to do that?
*Do certain things close at that time of year? Basically, will we miss out on anything?
*Does anyone know if Pop Warner causes a big issue and how to find out there dates of travel?

TIA for your help, BonniJean

[Colexis Mom]

December weather can be challenging We've been in December twice, and wore hats and mittens, and short and t-shirts all in the same trip You really need to plan for anything! This past year, though, I think was unseasonably warm! I didn't swim, but I need it to be 85 and sunny! Only one of the water parks will be open and the other one will be down for rehab!

Most stuff should be open, and better yet, you'll get to immerse yourself in the Christmas decorations and shows!! MVMCP, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and Osborne Lights at DHS!! You won't miss out on anything

Pop Warner will be there the same time as you, I believe, but I don't think they impact the parks too much. More the value resorts (I'd pick another resort)!

Have fun planning

[jenifermg0]

First of all keep in mind, we are from Alaska and while I can't see the need for wearing hats and mittens, we did need our light coats a couple of nights on our two December trips. We also needed rain ponchos a couple of times. We also went swimming and sunning during the same trips so the weather can vary greatly. Just go prepared for different kinds of weather and you will be fine. We found that mostly the weather was pleasant and we really didn't need extra clothing for the trip.
DH and DS went to BB and had a blast, except when DH slammed his foot into the curb and ended up dislocating his toe and then had to relocate it so he could put his shoe back on!!!
Things do close a bit earlier, but with the EMHs we were usually able to find something to do, whether it was at the parks, DTD or the resort.
I've heard that Pop Warner isn't a real big deal unless you are staying at Pop. While we went about a week earlier than you are planning, we liked that time of year because it was slower and the crowds weren't overwhelming!!!
Good luck and to your DD!!!!!

[janicelovesmickey]

I went the end of this past december, we started out at a nice balmy 85 degrees and the last 2 days were freezing in the 40's and windy and very very cold.
good thing I had my winter coat and gloves and ugg boots but I was still freezing.

[lynniethepooh]

We were just there this past Dec 15-23, 2007 :-) The week started out fine but then one night it got downright frigid! It stayed pretty warm during the day but was very cold in the evening. We didn't mind though. We bought some mittens and a blanket and I bought myself a hoodie, lol...We still went to Blizzard Beach one day and had a blast! The festivities are amazing during that time. We did MVMCP and the Osbourne Family of Lights and saw the Processional. I am planning on going back @ the dates in 2009 :-) We can't wait! We did stay @ ASMo...Can't say I would stay there again - bus service was HORRIBLE....That is the only thing I can complain about for the whole trip....Crowds were not large and lines were not terribly long....Hope the info helps :-)

[chezp]

December can bring any type of weather, but usually in our experience, there are warm enough days for water parks and yes, if it's in the 70's, it's T-shirt and shorts weather for most people. Last December, it was exceptionally hot and humid for a good week or so we were there, then it dropped unexpectedly and we had one very cold day (high of 50's) before the temperatures recovered to a more reasonable high of low 70's and less humid.

[wishes]

I was there WITH pop warner a couple of years ago. We wore shorts and tees during the day and jeans and a light fleece jacket or sweatshirts at night. The girls actually swam at night, but not the adults! The only long lines were for Soarin' and Peter Pan. The rest were either not long at all, or could be taken care of with Fastpass. Our team stayed at POR. Most teams stay at ASSports and I think POP, so I would stay out of the Values if you could. Go to PW's website to find out the exact dates. Pop Warner - the Nation's Largest and Oldest Youth Football and Youth Cheerleading Organization

Have fun! What a wonderful birthday present for your DD!

[IdahoDisneyMom]

Originally Posted by bpaniagua75

*Is it warm to most people? I read normal is mid 70's, so is that short and tshirt weather?

That all depends on where you live. When we lived in CA, and went to WDW in Dec, we were bundled up pretty good. Now that we live in Idaho, I'd be wearing short sleeve shirts and capris!

Originally Posted by bpaniagua75

*We definitely want to hit the waterparks - will it be warm enough to do that?

While I'd wear my capris, I don't think you'd see me at the water park. Then again...I took DD to our local water park today and my car read 74 as we drove up at 11am.

Originally Posted by bpaniagua75

*Do certain things close at that time of year? Basically, will we miss out on anything?

Only if it rains, otherwise you should be able to go on just about everything. And...there are so many WONDERFUL advantages to going during the holidays! The decorations alone give me goosebumps!

Originally Posted by bpaniagua75

*Does anyone know if Pop Warner causes a big issue and how to find out there dates of travel?

Sorry, no idea what you're talking about!



We went Dec 2004, and then again Sept/Oct 2007. We had a great time on both trips, but decided that Dec is our preferred time. We're planning on going again Dec 2009 too, but closer to Christmas. Have fun planning, and have a special trip with your kiddo!!

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[Joanne929]

We went 11/30/12/5/2006 - the weather for 5 of the days was gorgeous! Blue skies, no humidity, 80's all day into the evening maybe mid-70's. My kids were comfortable in shorts and t-shirts all day (the adults wore shorts or jeans and t-shirts all day too). One day was cool and overcast, but I'll take that in WDW! I'm not sure where you live, so that may affect your opinion on 'nice' weather.

I was concerned the park hours would be shorter, but they weren't and the parks will be all decked out for Christmas - just beautiful! There is a lot to experience during that time of year - the storytellers in Epcot, the Osborne Lights in DHS, MVMCP in MK (additional cost) and my favorite Christmas parade in AK (MJJJP!)

We didn't do the water parks, but the kids and DH did swim 2 or 3 evenings - the pools are heated.

Pop Warner will probably be there at some point during your stay, but they usually affect the resorts, primarily the values, BUT we were at POR-AB and the food court was crowded in the mornings once they arrived. Usually on a Friday until Monday or Tuesday. I didn't think it affected the parks in that respect. My friend that was with us did though - same vacation, different opinions!

I think it will be great fun for both of you!