If you’re trying to figure out what to wear in Disney World in winter, then you’ve come to the right place! Weather in Orlando can greatly vary season to season and even day to day, so you need to be prepared for a winter trip. Packing can be a little tricky, and we want you to be ready for whatever Florida winter weather throws your way.
We have some great tips for how to dress for the weather, the season, and even some essentials you don’t want to forget! Keep reading to help prepare your family to visit the most magical place on earth during one of the most magical times of the year!
What to Wear to Disney in Winter
Layering is Essential
Weather in Orlando can vary greatly during the winter months – December, January, and February – and it can get as warm as 75°F/23°C or as chilly as 50°F/10°C. Because of this, layering is essential for Disney World winter clothes. You want to be able to have lightweight layers on, and have a jacket with you for the colder mornings and nights.
Pro tip: have a crossbody bag or mini backpack that will fit your lightweight jacket, or even get one of those packable puffer jackets! It will help so that you aren’t lugging around a heavy jacket and bag all day. If you don’t want to carry your jacket, you can always use on of the Disney lockers that are available at all the parks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
If you’re wondering what shoes to wear for Disney in winter, we got you! Wearing comfortable shoes is always great advice for a Disney World trip, but during the winter months it’s even more important. Because of the chillier mornings and nights, we do recommend closed-toe shoes for colder days. Bring your favorite, broken-in sneakers for your most reliable shoes.
We also recommend waterproof boots and slip-on style sneakers/shoes as well. It wouldn’t hurt to bring an extra pair of socks for rainy days either! You never know when you might need them. You can still bring comfortable and supportive sandals for warm days as well. We have an entire post on the best shoes for Disney World if you want to see some of our favorites too!
Disney Outfit Ideas for Winter
What to wear in Disney in winter will be a combination of layering, waterproof, and Disney festive magic! For December, feel free to add in some Holiday touches and magic, and if you’re going to EPCOT in January or February, add in bright colors and art inspired touches for the International Festival of the Arts. This is also a great time to do a little Disneybounding with your winter outfits!
Disney Outfit Ideas for December
For what to wear in Disney in December, you want lightweight layers, festive pieces, and jackets! You can add a Disney hat or ears to any of these outfits to put your own spin on them! We also have some more detailed ideas in our article on Disney in December too!
Use our December outfit ideas in Disney World as starting places for your own:
- Holiday Spirit Jersey + lightweight tee + festive leggings + slouchy socks + sneakers
- festive green sweater + fleece-lined jacket + skinny jeans + waterproof ankle boots
- Disney graphic tee + oversized cardigan + jeans + slip on sneakers
Disney Outfit Ideas for January
January is the coldest of the winter months in Florida, so our January outfit ideas for Disney World prepare you for this! When you’re trying to decide what to wear in Disney in January, I recommend having fun with New Year’s/year themed items and Festival of the Arts/art theming!
- Puffer jacket + tie-dyed sweatshirt + dark denim + beanie + waterproof boots
- Sherpa jacket + Disney graphic tee + fleece-lined leggings + chunky sneakers
- long-sleeved Star Wars tee + black puffer vest + black faux leather leggings + combat boots
Disney Outfit Ideas for February
February will be a tiny bit warmer than December and January but these February outfit ideas for Disney World will keep you toasty on those cold mornings and chilly nights. If you’re wondering what to wear in Disney World in February, I recommend having fun with pink and red – take advantage of some Valentine’s Day theming!
- red fleece pullover + red beanie + dark jeans + white sneakers
- Puffer vest + Minnie sweatshirt + red leggings + Minnie ears + black rain boots
- ivory sweater + pink scarf + pink skirt + nude tights + ankle boots
Kids Outfit Ideas for Disney in Winter
Choosing winter outfit ideas for Disney World for kids will be very similar to adults – think comfy shoes, lightweight layers, and keeping the Disney magic in all of the outfits! Planning these Disney World outfits for winter shouldn’t be hard. Just know the kids outfits should be practical and warm for this time of year, and make sure they are wearing broken-in shoes too!
I also love a matching moment! When it comes to figuring out what to wear in Disney in winter, make the kids match the parents! Everyone can wear the same character, or the same color, or even the same jackets/vests.
- character hoodie + jeans + sneakers
- long-sleeved Disney tee + puffy vest + leggings + waterproof boots
Disney Packing List by Weather
Because the weather can vary so much in Florida, knowing what to pack for Disney World in winter can take a little planning. Knowing how to pack for each type of weather will ensure that you’re prepared for anything Florida winter throws your way. Here’s how to adjust your outfits based on the weather for Disney in winter:
If it is Rainy…
Make sure you have a rain jacket to throw over your sweater or sweatshirt. If you prefer a poncho, those will always fit right over top of your jackets too! Make sure you have waterproof shoes, like rain boots or all weather boots. It’s a great idea to have an extra pair of dry socks, and maybe even a mini umbrella in your bag.
If it is Unseasonably Warm…
Just because I am telling you to be prepared for chilly weather doesn’t mean it will be like that every day. You can go to Disney World in winter and it could be close to 80°F/26°C. This is why you want lightweight layers. Those warmer days call for Disney graphic tees, leggings, and comfy sneakers. Have your sunglasses ready and keep your jacket in your bag just in case.
You can also still wear your shorts and sandals, and even throw on a Spirit Jersey or sweatshirt with these. You don’t want to be too hot on a sunny, warm day, and those light layers definitely come in handy!
If it is Cold at Night…
I’ve had to wear pants and a jacket during April nighttime fireworks, so you can imagine that you will definitely need those for nights during winter! Having a pair of jeans or leggings ready to go, plus some lightweight layering pieces will be great for those chilly nights. Throw a sweater or sweatshirt around your waist or in a bag, and you’ll be prepared for nighttime shows and shutting down the parks.
Essential Extras for Your Disney Packing for Winter
There are a few more things you might want to consider adding to your Disney World packing list for winter. Because of the varied weather, the threat of rain, and long days, we want you to be ready for anything. Some of these I’ve already mentioned but they are worth reiterating! We also have a more intensive packing list for those of you who want to dig a little deeper!
- Rain jacket/poncho: these are great to have for wet days and can easily be packed away in a bag when you don’t need them. They will also help being light layers in combination with your sweaters and sweatshirts.
- Portable phone charger: we recommend these regardless of what season you visit Disney, but when it’s chilly outside, it might be harder to find a place to sit and plug in at an indoor restaurant. It’ll be easier to have a battery pack/charger in your bag for when you need it.
- Sunglasses: it might be cold some days, but it will still be sunny Florida! Have your sunglasses on hand and ready to go for these days, and to make sure your protect your eyes while there.
- Hats/scarves: having a hat or lightweight scarf in your park bag will help on chilly mornings, nights, and breezy days. You can also have Disney hats and scarves that help keep you themed and festive as well as warm!
- Sunscreen: whether it’s winter or not, Florida is pretty sunny and much closer to the equator. Make sure you still wear your sunscreen to prevent burning and dangerous rays from harming your skin.
- Hand warmers/lightweight gloves: for the really chilly weather days, having little hand warmers or even lightweight gloves in your bag will be a great help. These can keep your hands toasty while you rush from ride to ride or if you are eating at an outdoor table.
- Disney merchandise: don’t forget your ears, tees, sweatshirts, and anything else Disney themed you may have. When it comes to what to wear in Disney in winter, wearing Disney and character items are always going to be the answer!
- Sandals, shorts, and bathing suits: while this might seem odd to add for what to wear in Disney in winter, it actually isn’t. A lot of the pools are heated at Disney and they have hot tubs. It can be nice to take a dip after a long day or on rest days. And for warmer days, it can be nice to have shorts and sandals.
We hope that our tips, tricks, and outfit ideas have better prepared you for a trip to Disney in winter. Being ready for any type of weather, and varied daily temperatures will help make sure that you enjoy your trip no matter what.
There’s also so many fun festive ways to dress up, and great opportunities to have fun with your winter outfits! You can take advantage by adding holiday twists to those outfits, and even doing a little Disney bounding with your family! Figuring out what to wear for Disney in winter can be just as fun as the warmer months.
Do you love going to Disney World for the holidays or during winter? Let us know in the comments!
What to Wear To Disney World: Packing List + Disney Outfit Ideas for Every Season