Keeping Warm on a Chilly Disney Day!

In the long, dreary months of winter, so many of us like to escape to Walt Disney World for a little fun in the sun.  While the Orlando area boasts some pretty fabulous average temperature in the depths of winter (especially appealing to a Northerner like me), guess what?  Sometimes, it gets downright cold in Florida too!  So when the thermometer dips down, we’ve come up with a few ways we like to keep warm and keep on having fun, too!

Shopping  This might seem a bit obvious.  However, there are so many stores throughout the resort that have more than just your average souvenirs.  There are multiple store with beautiful works of art that read like a museum.  Or, take advantage of some of the larger stores on property, like MouseGears in Epcot, or the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom - a wide range of shopping to be done in one big, warm place!

Fireplaces  So you’ve toughed it out at the parks, but you are cold and tired, and tired of being cold?  Now is a great time to do a little resort hopping and check out some  of the gorgeous fireplaces they have to offer!  Maybe the 82-foot tall fireplace that anchors the lobby at Wilderness Lodge?  Or perhaps you’d like to put your feet up and rest awhile by the mud fireplace over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?  Cozy, warm, and relaxing!

3-D Movies  I know some might argue all shows are a good break, but so many shows are in open air ampitheaters.  However, each park has a great 3-D movie, which makes for a nice break from the cold. 

Glassblowing  Huh?  What’s she talking about?  Well, if you have little kids like me, you might not venture into the Crystal Arts shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom too often!  But if you do, you’ll find a glassblowing demonstration in the rear of the store.   The pieces that are created before your eyes are simply beautiful, and it’s quite fascinating to watch.  And, when the demonstrator opens the door to that furnace - ahhh, that is one lovely blast of warmth!

Warm (you up) Beverages  Sometimes the chill goes right through you to the bone, and you have no choice but to warm up from the inside-out!   Everyone has their personal preferences here: might be the sake from Japan in Epcot, a tequila flight in Mexico, or Kona Coffee from the Polynesian Resort.  Whatever your pick - cheers!

Hot Tubs  I know what you are thinking.  Here I am talking about cold Florida days, and now I’m suggesting you grab your bathing suit and head outside?  Yup, I most certainly am!  There’s no denying that feeling of total relaxation on a tired body that comes from a nice warm soak in a hot tub.  And, consider the run from the tub back to your room in that cold air a jolt of energy!  Remember, not all resorts have hot tubs, and no pool hopping, please!

Hats, Hats, Hats!  It’s nearly impossible to resist the wide array of hats that Disney has to offer.  What better excuse to buy the whole family a new pair of ears!

Disney Quest  If you really aren’t interested in being outdoors at all, but are still looking for thrills, head over to Disney Quest!  5 floors of awesome, interactive, indoor theme park fun?  Win-win!

Pack and Dress in Layers  Yes, it might seem obvious.  But, layers are your friend.  Pack ‘em on in the cool morning, and hopefully the sun will warm you enough to lose a layer or two during the day.  Bring them back when the sun goes down and keep the fun going until the parks close!

What are some of your favorite ways to have fun at Disney on a cool winter day?