Are you trying to figure out what to wear to Disney World in January?
Walt Disney World is the ultimate destination for families, friends and solo travelers but it can be a challenge to pack for.
There are so many things to consider, from weather to crowds and even when to go.
Packing for Walt Disney World in January isn’t any different than packing for any other time of year, but there are some things you should consider when packing for January in Florida.
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Walt Disney World Weather in January
The weather at Disney World is typically mild and pleasant year-round, but winter can bring colder temperatures and a chance of rain.
And the Orlando weather is very inconsistent; one day can be in the mid 80’s and the next day in the low 50’s or vice versa.
In January, the weather at Disney World can be unpredictable. It can be hot and sunny one day, rainy the next and freezing by the weekend.
And even with this information, it’s still one of my favorites months in Orlando (weather wise).
The best way to prepare for your trip is to pack versatile clothing that you can layer.
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What to Wear to Disney World in January
A sweater or light jacket. Even though temperatures are usually mild during the day when visiting WDW, they can drop significantly at night.
Comfortable shoes. Chances are you’ll be doing a lot of walking while at Disney World, so bring comfortable shoes that won’t hurt your feet after hours of standing around.
If possible, bring a pair of socks with extra padding on them so they don’t rub up against your skin when walking around all day long.
Pants or leggings. If the temperature does drop, you’ll be glad to have pants on.
By layering with a jacket or sweater you can stay comfortable no matter what the weather is.
A waterproof windbreaker makes a great outer layer over your pants because it’s both breathable enough to let moisture escape from inside but still keeps out wind and rain if needed.
Best Accessories for Your Disney World Outfit in January
It’s not easy to pick out accessories for your Disney vacation. If you are traveling in January, you’ll want to stay warm as well.
A great option is a beanie or a hat. This is easy to take off and put on if needed and keeps your head and ears nice and warm while you’re walking around the parks.
If the temperatures are going to get very low, you might consider a pair of gloves to wear to keep your hands and fingers warm.
Hand warmers are a great option as well to put into your pocket or hold onto.
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Disney Bounding in January
The key to Disney bounding is planning before you leave for your trip. Disney bounding in colder weather can bring some challenges.
Disney Bounding is when someone dresses in non-costume clothes that resemble a character.
Think of your favorite character that you would like to dress as at the park. Then, use their style to influence what you wear.
Use accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats to enhance the character you are bounding as.
You could wear a long sleeve shirt underneath the outfit you are planning to wear to add an extra layer for warmth and comfort. Or add a jacket or sweater to complete your outfit.
Think of characters that fit a “colder” theme such as Elsa where layers are expected to complete the outfit.
Get creative!
Adding a layer shouldn’t take away from the character and sometimes it’s as simple as staying within the color scheme or a pattern that represents the character.
What to Pack for Disney World in January
Now that you know what to wear to Disney World in January, let’s now go through what to pack!
1. Poncho or Umbrella
First you’ll want to pack a small poncho or umbrella. Rain is possible at any time during the year in Orlando, so it’s best to always be prepared.
You can buy an umbrella at any local store or any store on Disney property.
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2. Lotion
If your skin tends toward dryness or irritation, look for moisturizing creams or lotions.
This is helpful in either type of weather in Florida where the air is particularly dry in January.
3. Backpack
You might want to consider packing a backpack for your days in the parks.
Especially if you have a small jacket, a beanie, or any other warm item you won’t want to carry these around all day.
I always recommend a small backpack that isn’t too bulky so it will fit on the rides.
Most rides at WDW have small pockets or compartments to hold bags, but the big backpacks don’t fit into them very well.
4. Sunglasses
No matter what month or season it is, the Florida sun is no joke. The UV rays can be very damaging to your eyes and skin.
So, you’ll need sunglasses to protect your eyes.
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5. Sunscreen
Having sunscreen is always a great idea, even in the cold weather as Florida is known as the Sunshine State with more sunny days than other locations in the county.
6. Bathing Suit
If you are staying at a hotel, most of them have a hot tub or a heated pool.
It’s a good idea to pack one just in case you want to relax after a long day at the parks!
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Top 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Disney World Outfit When Packing for January
Let’s now go through my best tips for you when it comes to packing for Disney World.
1. Pack Layers
Layer up with a long sleeve shirt or a light jacket. Florida weather is very unpredictable and changes day-to-day.
You don’t want to get caught in a cold front with just short sleeves so be prepared.
2. Pack for All Weather
Don’t assume the weather will be hot (or cold). Pack your suitcase to be prepared for any weather that could come to WDW.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
I can’t stress this one enough! Closed toed shoes will be your best friend when walking around all day.
Your feet will thank you at the end of your vacation.
4. Pack for the Little Ones
If you are coming with kids, make sure they have their own set of warm clothes and supplies for each park.
For smaller kids, make sure they have a place to put their jacket in the park such as a backpack.
5. Make Reservations Before You Get to Disney World
This helps with planning what type of outfits you will need to pack.
If you make reservations for eating at a sit-down restaurant you may need something dressier versus what you would wear in the park.
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My Final Thoughts on What to Wear and Pack for Disney World in January
In the end, you can’t go wrong with the basics. All your clothing should be comfortable and weather appropriate.
Just remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry, particularly if you’re planning on being outside in the winter. And when in doubt, just pack it!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: January 9, 2023/Updated on January 11, 2024)