Last weekend we had the absolute best time celebrating John’s 10th birthday with a trip to Disney World! I feel so blessed to live only a short drive away from Disney and to be able to travel there frequently. It truly is such a magical place, especially after becoming a parent. One of the most commonly asked questions I receive is what to wear to Disney World. The problem is, the weather in Florida can be very unpredictable. In the past, I’ve shared how to dress for Disney in the heat, but today I’m excited to share what a woman should wear to Disney World in the winter! I’m going to provide some tips for packing for Disney in the winter time along with outfit ideas for women. If you have an upcoming Disney World trip in December, January or February, keep reading for inspiration!

Disney World in the Winter

Our Disney World trip to celebrate John’s birthday was absolutely wonderful! Some of our favorite parts of this particular trip included going on Avatar Flight of Passage, getting soaked on Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom, and experiencing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for the first time! The entire trip was magical and I’m so grateful for the memories with all of my boys (JB included).

The weather was beautiful, but it fluctuated from morning to night. In the mornings it was in the 50s and chilly, the afternoons hit the 70s and then back down to the 50s in the evenings. I prefer taking trips to Disney World in the winter when the weather is cooler like this, compared to the scorching hot summer months. I also think that January is a particularly great month to visit Disney because the crowds are typically a little smaller post-Christmas. Nevertheless, packing for these various weather conditions can be a bit tricky! 

Disney World Winter Outfits

If you live somewhere cool, temperatures in the 70s, or even 50s, may not sound very cold. But, keep in mind, the Florida humidity can make you feel damp and chilly. Additionally, you never know when a rain cloud or storm might pop up, leaving you cold and wet. Over the years, I’ve learned some tips for what a woman should wear to Disney World. A few of these packing tips are specific for the winter months. Be sure to also check out my recommendations on what to wear to Disney World in the summertime if you’re traveling when it’s hot outside.

What a Woman Should Wear to Disney World

1. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

This is always my number one tip when choosing Disney World outfits. Well, to an extent. You should probably put a bra on and pass on wearing pajamas, but you do you! Personally, I am comfortable in an outfit that is simple, yet stylish. This could be a pair of comfy jeans and a cardigan, a maxi dress, or a pair of cropped pants and a casual top. I don’t typically feel my best in a plain t-shirt, so matching Disney shirts isn’t my first choice. But, if you love t-shirts and they make you feel comfortable, I say go for it!

2. Pack lots of layers.

If you’re traveling to Disney World in the winter, this is absolutely essential! As I previously shared, the weather from morning to afternoon to nighttime can significantly fluctuate. You don’t want to start the day bundled up in a sweater with nothing underneath, only to be sweating when the temperature peak later in the afternoon. Some wonderful layering pieces for a woman to pack for Disney World include a jacket, a cardigan, short-sleeve tops, long-sleeve tops, a bodysuit or a cami, a vest, and a shawl. 

3. Wear comfortable shoes.

You are going to be walking a lot. We typically walk 20,000 steps per day at Disney World! Obviously, comfortable shoes are a must. My favorite women’s shoes to wear around Disney include On Clouds, New Balance, and J. McLaughlin sneakers. I have also worn very comfortable sandals. I actually walked more daily while visiting Spain than I do at Disney World. So I figure anything I can comfortably wear for a day of sightseeing will also work for a Disney World outfit!

4. Bring a backpack or fanny pack.

I’ve found both of these options to be more comfortable and pragmatic than carrying around a purse. When I was taking toddlers to Disney World, I would always carry a backpack full of supplies. I would also use the stroller for storage. Now that the boys are older, I can get away with a fanny pack to complete my Disney World outfit!

5. Don’t forget to bring your favorite accessories.

My top two recommendations for women are sunglasses and a baseball cap. Even when it’s cloudy outside, I always prefer to wear sunglasses around Disney World. Maybe this stops me from squinting or maybe I’m just crazy? I also think they can elevate a simple outfit! Additionally, I always like to pack a baseball cap for Disney World. It is a great option on days you might not have time to style your hair. It also helps protect your face from the sun, making it a win-win!

6. Pack a coat for Disney World in the wintertime.

This isn’t needed for every winter trip to Disney, so be smart and check the weather before your trip. If it is predicted to be 50 degrees or below and windy, you will want to pack a coat. I prefer bringing one with a hood to keep my ears warm as needed.

7. Be sure to bring a bathing suit.

Now, you’re probably thinking I’m crazy for recommending that women pack a swimsuit for Disney World immediately after stating that they should bring a coat. But, I’m telling you, Florida weather can be crazy! Again, check the weather in advance and if it’s set to reach a temperature you’re comfortable lounging outside in, be sure to pack a swimsuit. You might not plan on being at your resort often, but it’s a nice option to have just in case.

8. Pack a nice outfit for resort dining.

Depending on what your plans are, you might dine out at your resort. Or, you might be so exhausted from a day at Disney World that you opt to order a pizza and eat back in your room. Nevertheless, I always like to pack a nice outfit or two. After a long day of walking around the parks, I am more than ready to get cleaned up and change into something new. Again, layering is key here, especially if you might choose to eat outdoors.

What Not to Wear to Disney World

Now that I’ve covered what to wear to Disney World, there are a few things that I would recommend a woman not to wear. No matter how badly you might want to “look your best” for a picture in front of a Disney castle, do not wear high heels. You will regret it every step of the way if you do. If you plan to ride rides, don’t wear anything that might get caught in ride machinery such as flowy dresses. Similarly, dangly earrings are a bad idea when riding rides, as they might whip you right in the face. Lastly, if the weather is warm enough to wear a short dress to Disney World in the winter, be sure to wear spandex shorts underneath to prevent any accidental flashing!