Ultimate Packing Guide: Essentials for Cold Days at Disney Parks

When most of us think about a trip to Disney World, we’re thinking tank tops, shorts and sandals. But the truth is Disney World has some cold days. I’m not talking about “cold for Disney,” like in the low 70s. I’m talking about “legit cold,” like in the low 40s.

Unless you don’t mind spending hundreds of dollars in the park gift shops grabbing all the Disney sweatshirts and pants you can find for your family, you want to prepare for these cold days.

So here are my tips to help prepare you for cold weather at Disney World.

Check the weather

This is most likely a no brainer for you because you’re smart. However, there are plenty of times I visited or worked at Disney in the winter months and assumed I’d be warm since I was in Florida.

However, I vividly remember freezing at Disney multiple times – while I worked there, with friends in college and during trips with my husband.

Thankfully I’ve learned to start checking the forecast as soon as possible, usually 10-14 days in advance. And I continue to check it daily for any changes, and I don’t ever neglect to look at the low for the day!

Pack layers

Obviously you’re not going to need your snow suit during your Florida vacation, but in the picture below, I’m actually wearing my ski jacket. I love bringing this jacket because it has an inside layer that I can remove if needed. I can use the outer shell as a lighter rain jacket, or I can use the inside lining as a lightweight jacket. Here’s another one I love on Amazon.

If it’s really cold, consider wearing leggings under your jeans that you can take off mid-day and throw in your bag. Here are some of our beloved 32 Degrees brand on Amazon. In case you’re wondering, I think fleece leggings would be too hot.

Or you may want a long-sleeve thermal under your cute Disney tee from Etsy.

Side note on the cute Etsy tees – you’re not alone. I love them too! Bring a zip up jacket instead of an over-the-head sweatshirt or pullover so you can still show off that adorable custom tee!

There are many days where the weather starts in the 50s, but the high is in the low 80s. This is a perfect “layering day.”

Don’t forget a beanie and gloves

No matter what you call it – beanie, toboggan or winter hat – consider packing it for those cold months.

I’m cold natured, so I need the hat and gloves before the average person, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you needed them too.

When you’re checking the weather, be sure to check all the way into the evening. Remember, this is usually the time you are just sitting and waiting to watch the evening show. If I’m going to freeze, it’s usually at this time of day.

Here is the beanie I have and love. There are so many more options available on Amazon!

And here are some of the fingerless mittens I love. I have not personally tried these. Mine are over 10 years old and from Gap, but these are cute too and look like they get the job done. I prefer fingerless mittens so can easily use my phone and hold my Starbucks in the morning 😉

Pocket Warmers

I remember stuffing my mittens with pocket warmers back when I went skiing out west. I never thought I’d need them in Florida, and you may think that too. That’s why I’m warning you now. They come in handy on those cold nights waiting for a show to start.

Have a place to put your layers once it warms up

You already know that I’m a huge advocate for leaving your backpack in the resort room to keep things simple at the parks. However, on the days you are bringing a coat, you may want to bring your backpack, even if it’s empty, so you can toss your top layers in there once it warms up.

And here is an adorable Minnie Mouse drawstring bag you could use.

Prepare for Cold Rain

Thankfully daily afternoon showers aren’t as common in the winter, but the winter still brings rain!

I remember planning for my first January trip with my husband. The temperatures were going to be in the low 40s some days, plus rain. Eek!

I’ve always known how to do Disney in summer rains, but what about cold winter rains?

In Florida rain, I normally wear Chacos, shorts, and a rain jacket or poncho. I usually let the sun dry me off or use a hand towel.

But in the colder weather, I’m usually wearing jeans. My husband and I eventually decided to splurge a little on these rain pants to ensure we’d stay dry. These pants are a game changer regardless of your other rain gear.

I understand that this may not be a justifiable purchase for some, but if it rains even just once, and you get to comfortably continue playing in the parks, I think it’s 100% worth the cost.

Rain Shoes

As for my shoes, I’m definitely not wearing sandals in 40 degree weather, but I also don’t want to walk around the parks in clunky rain boots.

I finally landed on these rain booties that are super comfortable, easy to walk in and have lasted me for years.

For more rain gear, be sure to check out our “Ultimate Packing Guide: Essentials for a Day at Disney Parks” post.

That’s it for now! If you want to bring a thin blanket, that’s not a bad idea. It can fold up in your backpack, and you can use it to stay warm or just to sit on during the parades, shows, and fireworks.

What else do you pack to prepare for the cold weather at Disney World?

Don’t forget anything for your Disney park bag. Check out this post.

Want to know what to pack for kids and babies? Check out this post.