Parks and the Cold Weather

[HalfGlass]

Heading to Orlando this weekend to do Magic Kingdom and Epcot. I just looked at the weather and man it’s going to be frigid with a windchill down to 15 at night.

It got me realizing I’ve never been to the parks when it was below 60 as a high. What should I expect? Do locals tend to avoid all together when it gets this unusually cold? I’d even imagine families with young kids must be hightailing back to the hotel rooms once the real feel hits 30.

Touring Plans has MK at a 7 on Saturday but I’m finding it hard to believe it’ll be even close to that bad.

Any experiences from you local folk?

 

[GAcoaster]

Layers! It will be cold, but the sun will make you sweat during the day. They're saying we're getting the coldest weather in 16 years (longer than I've lived here), and I'm from NJ, I know real cold, but here when it gets cold it's also usually windy. Lot's of chapstick and gloves are a necessity.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Heading to Orlando this weekend to do Magic Kingdom and Epcot. I just looked at the weather and man it’s going to be frigid with a windchill of down to 15 at night.

It got me realizing I’ve never been to the parks when it was below 60 as a high. What should I expect? Do locals tend to avoid all together when it gets this unusually cold? I’d even imagine families with young kids must be hightailing back to the hotel rooms once the real feel hits 30.

Touring Plans has MK at a 7 on Saturday but I’m just finding it hard to believe it’ll be even close to that bad.

Any experiences from you local folk?

The parks will be devoid of locals once it gets chilly. Some tourists also don't plan on such a temperate drop so they either skip out on the parks that day or leave early.

It's weird since the middle of the day can be hot, so you should bring a bag (or go to your hotel room) to change into a lighter outfit before returning with good layers in the evening.

At MK, definitely hit up the theater shows at night for some warth, same at Epcot.

 

[Mad Dog]

We've been to Universal and WDW in late November and early December and experienced some pretty chilly days
when the highs only made it into the 50's. We live in western Pennsylvania and are used to chilly and very cold
weather. That said, even with layers and leather coats on, we found the parks to be as uncomfortable as when the
temperatures are in the hot mid 90's. On those chilly days we spent most of the day at the hotels. I wish I could say
something positive, but it's certainly far from an optimal time to visit the parks. If the highs make it into the 60's, and
it's sunny, it's bearable. Nights are too cold though, for sure. .......Just my personal take.....Also, wear gloves and a hat for
the 50's days.That helps a 'lot'.

 

[Skold]

When it gets too cold, go on Mummy - the flames are a nice reprieve from the cold.

 

[Mad Dog]

When it gets too cold, go on Mummy - the flames are a nice reprieve from the cold.

and...once the Mummy takes your soul....you won't feel anything.

 

[lowbudget]

Wise man once told me "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad wardrobe choices". That being said, I've got no experience with the parks in cold weather, but I'd imagine it will clear out the crowds. So dress appropriately and enjoy some walk-on rides.

 

[Frogki]

It's a great time to layer up with Hogwarts robes if you're so inclined
Possibly the only time of year they are actually comfortable to wear!

 

[DOOMBOT]

Wise man once told me "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad wardrobe choices". That being said, I've got no experience with the parks in cold weather, but I'd imagine it will clear out the crowds. So dress appropriately and enjoy some walk-on rides.

The truth. Learned from very recent experience.

Source: Went to DHS yesterday in a long-sleeve shirt and enjoyed a nice warm sunny day, then practically froze into a popsicle attempting to watch Fantasmic haha The windchill right now is such a killer.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Heading to Orlando this weekend to do Magic Kingdom and Epcot. I just looked at the weather and man it’s going to be frigid with a windchill down to 15 at night.

It got me realizing I’ve never been to the parks when it was below 60 as a high. What should I expect? Do locals tend to avoid all together when it gets this unusually cold? I’d even imagine families with young kids must be hightailing back to the hotel rooms once the real feel hits 30.

Touring Plans has MK at a 7 on Saturday but I’m finding it hard to believe it’ll be even close to that bad.

Any experiences from you local folk?

I don't think the only ride you have to worry about shutting down due to old is Tron, but I'm not 100% on that.

Layers - don't forget to bring leggings or other things! Double up on socks is good too.
Hats - heat leaves the head so bring a good hat.

I've found that the humidity and wind cause the most issues in Orlando when it gets chilly.

 

[Journey_On]

As others have said, layers will be good. Many non-Floridians underestimate FL cold. It's different. 40 in FL isn't like 40 in New England (due to the humidity, I guess, is what people say). It's uncomfortable, it's not that crisp cold feeling.

But if you are dressed right, you should be okay. If I were a local, and I had plans to play at the parks this weekend, I would be tempted to stay home. I'm working both days, sort of dreading the parts where I'll be outside and the walk into work.

 

[GAcoaster]

If it’s cold and windy (like today) a beanie or something to cover your ears will REALLY help. Nothing worse than when your ears hurt from the cold…

 

[GAcoaster]

Central Florida's theme parks prep for freezing temperatures

Believe it or not, the frigid air can impact the thrills.

www.wesh.com

 

[kristenabelle]

As others have said, layers will be good. Many non-Floridians underestimate FL cold. It's different. 40 in FL isn't like 40 in New England (due to the humidity, I guess, is what people say). It's uncomfortable, it's not that crisp cold feeling.

But if you are dressed right, you should be okay. If I were a local, and I had plans to play at the parks this weekend, I would be tempted to stay home. I'm working both days, sort of dreading the parts where I'll be outside and the walk into work.

50-60 in NJ is glorious t-shirt weather. It was 50 at one point in FL and my fingers and ears were screaming.

Humidity definitely impacts the temp feel more. Layer up (light so when you hit the noon temps you can offload some in a backpack), and light gloves/hats are a must! I like using my running gloves; they're nice and thin but still keep your fingers warm

 

[Jake S]

Yeah, you hear a lot about a "dry heat" but less is said about a "wet cold." The dampness can have a huge impact on how cold it feels.