Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and it attracts winter vacationers because it's much more temperature than many other parts of the United States. While the norm is daytime temperatures in the 70s, the thermometer in Central Florida can rise and fall rapidly in the winter. For example, this year has had some very chilly days and also unseasonable heat in the 80s.
Here's how to prepare if you're visiting Walt Disney World this winter:
1) Pack layers. Florida temperatures can vary quite a bit, feeling comfortable in the day and cold once the sun goes down. Wear a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt to tie around your waist, stuff in a bag, or store in a locker when you visit the Disney parks. Put it on when you start to feel chilly. Add a light jacket if you happen to visit during an unseasonable cold spell.
2) Watch the daily forecast. It can easily be relatively hot one day and cold the next, so you can't count on the same type of weather throughout your visit. Watch the forecast for guidance on what to wear to the parks each day.
3) Always bring a swimsuit. Winter is a great time to visit the Walt Disney World water parks because the locals are usually much too chilly to venture out. It might not be warm enough during your trip, but if it is, you want to be prepared. Your hotel is likely to have a heated swimming pool anyway (it definitely will if you stay at a Disney resort), so that ensures you can go for a dip.
4) Bring rain gear. Winter is normally a dry time in Florida, but it can still rain. Grab some cheap rain ponchos at your local Wal-Mart or Target before your Walt Disney World trip. You might not end up needing them, but it's best to be prepared.
5) Visit parks based on the weather. For example, cool days are a great time to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom, a park that involves a lot of walking around outdoor areas. It's sweaty and exhausting on hot days, but the walk feels good on a brisk day and the animals are more active. Cool days are nice for walking around World Showcase at Epcot, too, but bring enough layers to keep you warm if you stay until nightfall to see Illuminations.
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