If you’re planning a winter trip to Disney World, be sure to take note of what to know before you go!
Disney World in winter is just as magical as any other time of year–but there are a few key tips and tricks to keep in mind!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here.
Disney World is a magical place no matter when you visit, but planning a trip during the coldest months of the year makes it even more special for a few reasons.
Visiting Disney World in winter is a great idea, but how do you make the most of your trip?
Our tips will help you get the most out of your winter visit to this magical place. You’ll be able to enjoy everything that makes visiting Disney World special without having to wait in long lines or deal with extreme heat.
We’ve put together 7 tips for visiting Disney World in winter that are sure to make your vacation more enjoyable and less stressful.
We want you to have the best time no matter what, so here’s what we recommend doing before and during your trip!
1. Dress For Temperature Changes
Many people don’t realize that the temperature at Disney World in the winter season can vary quite a bit throughout the day.
For instance, the average high temperature during the day can be in the 70s, but the temperatures may dip into the upper 40s or lower 50s after nightfall. Add the wind chill to that and it’s cold!
It is definitely important to be prepared during your day at the theme parks!
What Should I Wear to Disney World in the Winter?
We recommend that you layer up with a sweater, light jacket, and/or a water-resistant windbreaker for extended time outdoors in the evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of long pants.
While Florida weather is notorious for short bursts of rain, winter can bring longer periods of rain. These showers are also colder than the warm, soothing rain that falls in the summer months.
Although you can definitely still have fun at Disney World in the rain, you’ll want to be prepared for rainy days with a poncho (we have a list of the best ponchos for Disney) or an umbrella.
Be sure to check out our favorite Disney family shirts for fun Christmas-themed options!
And of course, be sure to pack for colder weather in the evening time.
2. Take Advantage of the Winter Weather
Visiting central Florida in the winter is a great way to escape the colder weather experienced in other parts of the country.
Yes, sometimes the water parks close if the weather is too cold, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun!
Although no Walt Disney World Resorts offer indoor pools, the outdoor pools are heated, so you can still enjoy them even in the winter months (however, the pools do sometimes close in very cold weather). The pools will also be less crowded this time of year.
You should also consider a visit to Animal Kingdom during the colder weather, because the animals love it! They tend to be more visible and active on chillier days.
Is it Too Cold to Visit Disney World in the Winter?
In our opinion, it’s never too cold to visit Disney World!
As long as you’re prepared, the cold weather can actually provide a more enjoyable experience for you.
You may be able to experience more in the parks due to fewer crowds, take advantage of seasonal activities offered this time of year, and avoid the heat that can be overpowering in the summer.
3. Plan more Activities in the Daytime
The days are slightly shorter, but once the sun goes down the temperature can drop suddenly, especially with the wind chill factor.
In addition to packing appropriate attire to remain comfortable night or day, you should adjust your plans to favor packing more in during the daylight hours.
How to fit the most into a winter day at Disney World
You’ll want to consider rising early for a day in the park and scheduling your meals earlier.
Booking a hotel room at a Disney Resort will afford you the opportunity for early entry into the parks, which can make a difference on those winter days when Disney parks have shorter hours of operation.
As the sun goes down, you don’t want to feel rushed to do more before you leave a park. So try and ride as many attractions as you can before the afternoon and evening hours, so you can leave the park earlier if you need to.
You may also want to consider planning mostly indoor activities during the cooler, later hours, such as character dining or longer rides and attractions.
If you’re at Magic Kingdom, the evening is a great time to wander through the shops on Main Street, since they are all connected to each other.
4. Enjoy Seasonal Offerings
From special holiday merchandise to limited-edition snacks and beverages, the winter is a great time to enjoy the offerings at Disney World that aren’t available year-round.
You may even find some special-edition Disney Pins for collecting and trading!
Magic Kingdom Winter Activities
Maybe you want to attend the Disney Very Merriest After Hours festivities, which run from early November through early January (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is not happening this year).
If you’re at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to take time to watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (which replaced the Holiday Wishes fireworks show) and see the fun holiday projections on Cinderella’s Castle.
Epcot Winter Activities
Perhaps you want to stroll through World Showcase and experience the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays to be immersed in holiday celebrations from around the world.
The Candlelight Processional is a stunning retelling of the Nativity story, which is on our list of the top things to do at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays.
Hollywood Studios Winter Activities
Sunset Season’s Greetings is a fun light show projected onto the Hollywood Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, which is another fun spectacle.
Gertie, everyone’s favorite dino who lives at Echo Lake, gets decked out with holiday flair, too!
Animal Kingdom Winter Activities
Tree of Life Holiday Awakenings at Animal Kingdom is a beautiful holiday viewing experience not seen at other times of the year.
You’ll also love the Discovery Island luminaries on display.
Activities at Disney World after Christmas
Once the holidays are over, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the following months!
You can head to the popular RunDisney marathon in January, The Epcot International Festival of the Arts (running January into February), then the Flower and Garden Festival begins in early March.
5. Anticipate Holiday Attendance
If you’re visiting Disney World in the winter, you’ll want to consider what the crowds will be like during your visit, particularly if you’re visiting during special events or around the holiday season.
Interestingly, the winter time of year at Disney World has pockets of peak attendance as well as stretches of low attendance.
Is Winter at Disney World Crowded?
It really depends on which week you’re looking at, as well as which parks you’re considering.
For instance, wintertime at Epcot involves Festivals, which means it is a busy park and you might want to schedule extra time there on your winter trip so you can take it all in.
You can enjoy holiday festivities with lower crowds if you pay attention to the park calendar. You can read more in our article about Christmas at Disney World, so you can enjoy the fun activities with less crowding.
However, if you’re visiting after Christmas, the months of January through March typically boast less crowded parks (with the exception of the RunDisney marathon weekend in January). These are also often the cheapest times to go to Disney World!
This gives you the opportunity to enjoy attractions with minimal lines!
6. Schedule Sightseeing Moments
Because of the holidays, there are several sightseeing opportunities beyond those that are common throughout the year.
These include resort hotel decorations, attraction overlays, A Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (formerly known as the Christmas Tree Trail), and other fun atmospheric elements that make winter in Walt Disney World unique.
For evening enjoyment, bundle up and make time for a visit to Disney’s Boardwalk and Disney Springs to view the beautiful scenery.
Visit a Lodge
One thing about a winter Walt Disney World trip is that it’s always nice to settle into a cozy environment.
The Lodges of Disney World are excellent places for a hotel guest or visitor to enjoy some warmth by the fire when it becomes cold and dark outside.
Wilderness Lodge is the perfect winter getaway nestled in the woods of the Bay Lake shoreline near Fort Wilderness.
Animal Kingdom Lodge also has a fireplace to enjoy. Additionally, several Disney resorts have outdoor fire pits where, weather permitting, you can enjoy some warmth outside.
Planning Your Winter Vacation at Disney World
As you plan your winter trip to Disney World, just remember to not let the weather hold you back!
Instead, take advantage of the seasonal offerings, use the weather to your advantage, and enjoy your magical vacation with less crowds and just as much fun!
More Recommended Disney Planning Resources:
- How the Disney Payment Plan Works
- Disney Vacation Coupons for Kids
- How to Prevent Blisters at Disney World
- Best Shoes to Wear to Disney World
- Which Disney Park is Best for Adults?
- Kidani Village vs. Jambo House: Which is Best?
Pin this list to your Disney travel planning board for easy access!
