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Leslie writes: "I look forward to your newsletters every Monday! We are planning to go to Disney for Christmas and have been absorbing all of the tips. I know we are probably crazy to attempt the holidays but the older my boys get (12 and 14) the harder it is to catch them up in school. I fear we are running out of time in their youth and we're hoping the Disney cheer will allow us to have a great time. Also, upstate New York is chilly for Christmas and are looking forward to a little extra warmth for the holidays. :o) Thank you for all that you do for us parents to make our kids' vacations a joy!" You will have a good time during Christmas if you realize that you can't see and do everything because of the crowds. Pick your favorites and if you can't get to them all, just relax and soak up the wonderful Disney Christmas magic! Be prepared for some cool nights. We bring our gloves, hats and coats at Christmas. The temps can drop down to around freezing some nights! Leslie wrote back: "Thanks for the tip about the weather. We certainly have hats and mittens. I assumed it would be chilly but I didn't think it would get that cold...good to know. Do you know what the daytime temps get to?" Highs are in low seventies. But if it only hits 50's, be prepared for potential frost at night! Of course, you could hit 80 as well. It depends on whether a Canadian cold front swings down to Florida when you're there. For more insider tips, see our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."
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Resources
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Senior Travel: Travel in hurricane
season?
Interactive Weather Map - Choose the national map or a state map,
mouse over an airport and get an instant readout of weather conditions.
Neat!
How to Have a Hurricane-Proof Vacation
Beth, our travel agent, asks: should I get insurance in case there's a hurricane? "With last week's Tropical Storm Fay finally just a memory for most of us, I've nonetheless been bombarded by inquiries about insurance. Hurricane season (also known as rainy season) runs from June 1 to November 30. Disney does offer insurance if you purchase a package (room and tickets with optional dining) and you can add the insurance anytime prior to doing your final payment. once you add the insurance, it is nonrefundable. Since there is no fee for canceling up until your final payment date, I always suggest that you wait until you're doing the final payment to add it on. The insurance covers a lot of things, but it does NOT cover bad weather. The fact is, it rains nearly daily this time of year - and when I say rain, picture torrential downpour. It generally only lasts about 20 minutes, though, and takes about 30 minutes to dry up. You can see it coming, too. The sky goes from cloudless and bright blue to ominous as the day progresses. When it starts to get really dark and a bit breezy you know you're minutes from getting drenched. During rainy season, always bring your rain gear and keep it close at hand! Speaking of rain gear, I recommend the dollar store "3 for a buck" rain ponchos. They are about the thickness of saran wrap and tear easily, but they are easy to carry and can be tossed away after the rain's gone. They aren't as hot as heavier options, and not as costly as those lovely ponchos with Disney characters on them. But I digress! Disney doesn't' close the parks because it rains. In fact, it has to be a pretty serious storm before they consider closing. Even for hurricanes, you'd be surprised at how long they wait to close, and how fast they get the parks open again - and the parks look like nothing ever happened! It's really amazing. Admittedly, you probably don't envision sitting in your room for a day eating chips and watching movies because you've been told not to come out, but for many people being at Disney during a hurricane is an adventure that they talk about for years. When life gives you lemons.... Fortunately, we usually know day sin advance if a bad storm is likely to hit the Disney area. If a hurricane is immanent they traditionally will allow you to rebook or even cancel without a fee even without insurance. They don't HAVE to do that, but they really don't want you arriving in the midst of it and they will probably need your room to accommodate people who got stuck an extra day or two because they couldn't leave as scheduled. Likewise, airlines don't like thousands of people sitting on the floors in airports because their flights got canceled. They will typically allow you to change your flights within a small time window, and they waive change fees. So I'm not saying don't buy insurance, but doing so for weather reasons won't work. If you still aren't liking that answer, though, let me know and I'll try to hook you up with some "cancel for any reason" insurance. You don't get ALL your money back and you have to purchase within 14 days of making your reservation, but if it's a real concern for you then maybe such a policy is worth looking at."
Beth, a member, writes: "We purchased your online book some time ago and now we are going to put it to good use. My family is planning on going to Disney in August. We are staying on the Disney resort. I know that the rates are cheaper during this time and just wanted to inquire about the parks and how crowded they are around this time. We are thinking of leaving around the first of the month and coming back on the 8th. Do you know if this is good time to go? Five years ago we visited Disney in May and it was ideal, but unfortunately that is not going to work for us this time. Mainly I am curious about the heat and the crowds. Any advice you could give us would be greatly appreciated. Thank you." This year Disney's value season starts August 3. So adjust your arrival date accordingly if you can. Crowds are pretty thick in August until the kids return to school. Days in the 90's are common. It can feel like an oven some days. We used to go in July, but the heat can at times be too much. If you can hit the parks early and return to your room by noon and then return to the parks in the evening, you will be OK. Happy planning!
Helpful Links for Hurricane Information The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Hurricane Weather video coverage Traffic, Closures and School Updates Weather conditions in your Neighborhood Hurricane Preparation Tips on video Must-Have Items and things to stock up on Hurricane Shelters in your area
Ice and Snow in Florida! "At the entrance to ICE!, the seasonal show at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center near Kissimmee, earmuff-wearing flamingos and gators greet guests who enter the "Florida Fridge," a massive freezer erected each year to house an elaborate ice-sculpture exhibit... In Celebration, where it begins to "snow" the day after Thanksgiving, residents say they have the best of both worlds -- winterlike conditions without the chill and slushy hassle. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/20/06)
Disney has been recognized by the National Weather Service for its severe weather preparations. "Disney World is the first theme park and resort to receive the StormReady community distinction. The attraction joins more than 1,000 communities across the country that are part of the weather service program." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/30/06)
IT'S COLD OUT THERE! Kim writes: "In reply to Leslie about xmas temps, we went January of this year, out of 8 days we wore shorts for 6, but had sweatshirts on in the am, took off by lunch, and pants at night. We were there in the cold weather one day, (it was snowing in Canada) it dropped from 65 to 40, all we did was wear sweatshirts with hoods, and our jackets, mits would have been a great idea, and disney sells them for $8.00 US, so bring your own. The kids still swam almost everyday even though it was cold as the pools are heated. The life guards had winter coats on and our kids were swimming. Disney also put heaters on all the plants as they were afraid of the frost so they were a place to warm up. Have fun, but pack for all weathers." Patti writes: "Hi John! First of all, let me say that I look forward to reading your newsletters every week! I have a friend who thinks I'm nuts because I'm love Disney and read anything I can get my hands on about it! Regarding the person who was going to Disney in December: do be sure to bring warm clothing because it does get cold! And the cold down there is different than the cold here. Down there, the cold is a damp kind of cold and it goes right through you! I have friends and family that live in Longwood, FL and they always used to tell me that it does get cold down there. I never believed them until I was there for New Year's Eve 2001. I was so cold that I had on four layers of clothes and I was still cold! I wasn't the only one who was taken by surprise by the cold weather, though. When I left, everybody had on the nice expensive leather jackets and cold weather gear from Disney. I think Disney make a killing on all of us "Northeners" who were surprised by Mother Nature! LOL Thank you so much for all your research and hard work that you put into making up this newsletter. It makes it easier for the rest of us to have a great time at Disney and save money too!" Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I read with a smile your comments about the weather this week in the newsletter. It is a tradition with us to go in the early part of December and we've seen everything from balmy "shorts" weather to downright frigid, wintery blasts. Last year there was a front that brought a few days of really heavy rain. In fact, it rained so hard (with lightening!) that they cancelled Mickey's Christmas Party one evening and let everyone come another night (or get their money back)! The night we went to Mickey's Party we were all bundled up in several layers of clothing - sweatshirts, turtle necks, winter coats - and wore hats and mittens, too! What was really amazing, though, was the number of people we saw walking around in light jackets and even t-shirts. They were FREEZING, but didn't want to pay Disney prices for appropriate clothing. It just never occurred to all those poor folks that it can get REALLY cold in central Florida! I've done a lot of bookings for December, several for your readers, and I try to remind them all to check weather.com when they pack, and bring along some warm stuff. As winter approaches and then progresses, it would be a very nice thing to occasionally remind everyone of that via your newsletter as you did in this one!" I've seen people so cold, they were shaking in their shorts and their legs were red from wind chill! So here's a great tip: be prepared for winter temps!
Lori writes: "A tip for the Ferry to Downtown Disney. Winter in Florida can be VERY unpredictable and sporadic. It may be 76 during the day, but a cold snap can cause it to be in the low 40's at night. During the winter months, take a jacket or sweater with you to Downtown Disney, even if it is very comfortable or warm on your way to DD. If not, the trip back on the Ferry will be brutal!"
Ruthann writes: "We are wanting to go to Disney this yr. but don't know when....is the time span from June to August really terrible hot ....I want my family to enjoy themselves...then we were thinking of going in November.....but then I hear its Hurricane season then.....we most likely will only be making one trip to Florida and I want it go be a really memorable one...do u have any suggestions on when it is the best time to travel there? I have 3 boys, ages 10, 8 and 5." Thanksgiving is our favorite time, but our kids are in college and high school and can't be pulled out of school then. Your kids are still young and wouldn't miss that much school work. Go in November when the weather is wonderful, all the Xmas decorations are up, and the prices are the best. We have to go in summer when it's 90 degrees + and extremely high humidity.
Tracy writes: "I just wanted to let you know, we visited WDW for the first time Sept. 26th thru the 1st of October. We hesitated given the current state of the world, but felt we had to go for our kids and to keep our way of life. It was magnificent. The weather was not bad, drizzles each day, but bearable. We walked on everything, our boys even got to ride Kali River Rapids, 3 times in a row. They would have gone again if they weren't so soaked. I used many of your tips and we had a great time. Since it wasn't too warm, we got off easy with the drink prices (ouch). I also bought my gang their own personal fans at Walmart from home, and they loved them. WDW sells their version for $16 I think, I got ours on clearance for 75 cents. It helps to plan ahead. Thanks for your tips!"
Kelly writes: "Can you point me in the right direction to get info on WDW in June? Is there a particularly good week to go (lower rates, less crowded, etc?) Someone told me that it's not as beastly hot as I might think. Have you had any personal experience in June? Thanks." It can be unbearably hot in Orlando, particularly mid-July through August. June is cooler. Go then. Regular rates apply April 29 - August 25. See our book for discounts on WDW resorts for next summer.
Battery-Operated Fans at WDW: The batteries for those expensive battery-operated fans ($16!) don't last the whole day. We have heard that those who sell the fans will give you an extra set of batteries at no additional cost if you ask! We have also heard that you can get free batteries if you show a seller a recent sales receipt.
RAINY SEASON Mark asked about visiting during the rainy season:
June through September is the rainy season in Florida.
Expect a thunderstorm every day. Buy a Disney yellow poncho for your family
from your hotel gift shop for $6 (or a poncho from the Dollar Store or Walmart
for $1). Unless it's a cataract, we seek cover in a store or attraction until
it's over. We do not recommend going to Animal Kingdom in the rain since
you are mostly outside. Epcot is the best park to visit in the rain. Lots
of buildings (the pavilions and Innoventions) to visit while it pours
outside. "My family ended up at Disney World two times this year! We went in January with my elderly mother and father in law, myself, my husband and our 14 year old son. We had a great time. Weather was great and your book gave us some excellent tips. Thank you! We ended up going again in late June. Unfortunately the trip in June was not so good. We planned to be there for a full three days, and it rained for two of those three days. We went to DisneyQuest during one of the rain days and spent the other one at Epcot with thousands of other people in yellow slickers. Do you have any tips on what to do when it is raining? Lots of things got canceled because of the rain, even the "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" show was not working because of a leak in the building, or something. We really had wanted our family to see that one." On rainy days, we go shopping, to the movies, or we put on our Disney ponchos and head for Epcot. Epcot's Innoventions and the Pavilions at World Showcase give you plenty to see and do while it's raining outside.
WINTER AT WALT DISNEY
WORLD® Errol writes about a trip he plans to make in January: "Can you please let me know honestly if it may be too cold to use the water sports like the pools, Typhoon Lagoon etc and what type of clothing would you recommend?" Bring summer and winter clothes -- it gets cool and sometimes cold at night. We just got back this January and we froze one night. Bring jackets and hats. We find it is too cold to go swimming during the winter. Although the pools are heated, it's pretty cold when you get out of that pool!
SUMMER AT WALT DISNEY WORLD A reader writes: "I am trying to decide when is the best time to go to Disney.... my choices are anytime in July or August of next year. I have to switch our "timeshare" a year in advance so that I can have a place to stay but I just don't know when the best time would be." That's an easy one. Go in July before the 15th. Starts to really heat up after the second week in July. Avoid July 4 unless you like crowds and want to enjoy the fireworks. We've been there in August and it was like an oven with high humidity! Hard to describe such heat!
Kim writes: "As far as dress this time of year (late Jan/early Feb). I would advise against temptation to pack a ton of shorts and tank tops. Although our trip included one day that the temperatures soared into the 80's, even khaki pants and a t-shirt remained comfortable throughout the day. I heard many people claim they were going shopping for shorts who later in the week admitted not feeling the need to utilize their new purchases. However, even when it was cool (and downright cold) in the evenings and at night, the heated pools continued to be a popular place (we had friends and family staying both on and off site) - even with the steam rising off in huge clouds of fog... so if a dip sounds relaxing to you, don't forget your swim suits even if the experience will be outdoors."
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