Family, travel, mom blog | Theme Park Mom (Leigh Caldwell)

How do you know it's cold at the Magic Kingdom? You'll see the parade dancers wearing skin-colored bodysuits under their costumes.

In case you’ve been living under a rock somewhere warm, I’ll start this post by noting that much of the United States has been in a pattern of unusual cold weather for the past two weeks. Central Florida has had temperatures below freezing at night since the first of the year. Last week, the high temps barely reached 45 degrees many days.

And I talked to several Walt Disney World visitors who were in complete shock.

Today, it’s going to be 70 degrees and gorgeous. Exactly what you expect when you plant a winter visit to Walt Disney World, right?

But after living in Florida for 16 winters, I’m here to tell you that freezing weather does happen here. It happens every year for at least a day or two.

So here are some tips for dealing with cold during your Walt Disney World visit:

Pay attention to Orlando’s weather forecast before you leave home and pack accordingly. Don’t expect that because you’re coming to Florida, all you will need are shorts and tank tops. I talked with one family at the Magic Kingdom this weekend who had left their winter gear behind in Indiana, assuming temperatures would be in the 70s. One cab ride and $400 Wal-mart shopping trip later, they were all clothed in long pants, jackets and hats on their vacation, trying to decide whether to pay an extra bag fee or leave the new stuff behind.

Wear layers to the parks. Even on the coldest days of this cold snap, there was a 20 degree difference between the morning and afternoon temperatures most days, so bring some layers you can shed. On our Sunday visit to the Magic Kingdom, my daughter and I opted for three layers on top (long-john top, long-sleeved shirt, fleece hoodie) rather than a winter coat, because we figured at some point we would be carrying those coats around rather than wearing them. We wore long-johns under our pants, two pairs of socks and hats. We stayed warm, even when we were waiting for the afternoon parade.

Take advantage of the activities inside the resorts in the mornings and evenings, while heading to the theme parks during the warmer afternoons. Even people who have stayed at Walt Disney World resorts multiple times are surprised to find out about the many free activities offered at their resorts. So take a look at that activity schedule you were given when you checked in – you and your kids can play wildlife games at Kidani Village or learn to make a lei at the Polynesian.

Don’t forget sunscreen, and add lip balm to your pack. Even though you are freezing, the Florida sun can still be brutal. And the cold weather means drier air and chapped lips.

Parents, check your attitude. I talked to a lot of cold, happy people this weekend at Walt Disney World, but I also encountered some very unhappy families. Grown-ups, remember that it’s your job to make the best of your vacation, even if it is not turning out as you expected. There is lots of fun to be had at Walt Disney World during very hot weather, very cold weather, monsoons or hurricanes. You just need to be open to changing your plans and finding it. You are going to set the tone for how your children remember this trip, so make the best of it for everyone involved. (And remember that even Disney still can’t control the weather!)