Dressing for the Florida Fall (Ever-Changing) Weather + Holiday Decorations at the Magic Kingdom

We may have just flipped our calendars to November, but the Holiday Season is in full swing here at Walt Disney World. And I'm okay with that. I used to be one of those staunch 'only decorate for Christmas after Thanksgiving' type of people, and still won't put Christmas stuff up in my house until then. But as far as Disney goes, I say bring on the Christmas. Here's my reasoning: this time of year really flies by so fast. Every year, *BAM* it's December 26th and we're left wanting more! So, why not start now and get two solid months of holiday merriment? Bah, humbug? I think not.

I have to thank Estelle from This Happy Place Blog for the inspiration for this particular post after she, ironically, wrote about being in a blog funk and looking for inspiration herself. She also did a post about packing for the fluctuating Florida fall forecast (say that five times fast!) that kindled this post idea, too.

Before we dive into the meat of this post, let's touch on the anomaly that is Florida fall (and winter, and spring) weather. If you make a trip to the World in October through March, chances are you will run the gamut from hot to cold, often in the course of one day. It can start in the low 50's in the morning (because you ARE rope-dropping, right? Have I not taught you anything?!), warm up into the 70's during the afternoon, and be back in the 50's when the sun sets. Then, the next day, the high is 83. Trust me, this all happened this past week. It can be a challenge to know how to pack or dress for such.

Aside from this post I did a while back, another article of clothing I've found that bridges this gap quite nicely are these relaxed linen pants from Roxy. I own them in blue, black, and turquoise. They have a drawstring waist, pockets, and are comfy yet stylish. They also offer enough leg coverage for the cool mornings, but are breezy enough when the temperature starts to rise. Pair these with a tank or tee and a cardigan, or a long sleeved tee and a lightweight scarf, and you're good to go. Here are some ideas: 

Click thumbnails below to shop

I wore exactly this on my most recent visit to the Magic Kingdom to check out the holiday decorations, and it worked like a charm.

Frumpy bathroom selfie!

J.Crew Cotton Cardigan // James Perse Short Sleeve V Neck Tee (I know this is pricy for a t-shirt, but I've had this particular shirt for over 5 years, and it has retained it's shape and color// Roxy Oceanside Wide-Leg Pant (currently on sale from $39 to $24.99 through 11/8)

Kiel James Patrick Vickers Bow Bracelet // Alex and Ani for Disney Bracelets

Rainbow Sandals // Vera Bradley for Disney Cross Body Bag // OPI Honey Rider (on toes)

These pants are the best-you can order online or find them in most surf shops. I've actually gotten all of mine at various Disney shops! Three of them came from the Island Supply Company in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, and another came from the Polynesian gift shop BouTiki

Note: Island Supply Company is currently closed and undergoing a refurb, see photo below. Which is a bummer because this was one of my favorite shops in the Magic Kingdom! They always had a nice selection of comfy, surf-inspired clothing.

**Update: Disney has announced that this will soon reopen as a Sunglass Hut. I am not pleased. 

Island Supply Co. in Adventureland, Magic Kingdom, under refurbishment

Okay, now onto the good stuff. Enjoy these photos of the holiday decorations at the Magic Kingdom! 

The holiday merchandise display inside the Emporium.

The Holiday version of the Trolley Show is now rolling down Main Street. 

The Jingle Cruise has launched. 

Funny story about this particular Christmas tree. It's located up on the second story of the Main Street Train Station. I was taking close-up photos of the ornaments, and noticed a rolled up piece of paper tied to the branches. Turns out it was a place marker to designate where this particular tree was to be set. Being the Disney dork that I am, I alerted a Cast Member, who promptly removed it. :) 

I've only recently really noticed these adorable silhouette cut outs on East Center Street. I Instagrammed a picture of some cute Halloween versions, and was happy to see some holiday themed ones as well. The boy and girl under the mistletoe might just have to come home with me. 

Until next time, MERRY CHRISTMAS! (wink, wink)

Dressing for Weather Changes at Walt Disney World

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of visiting Disney is the variation in weather throughout the day. Yes, it's fairly well known that there WILL be thunderstorms in the afternoon during the summertime, but I have a feeling few casual tourists expect various temperature fluctuations in a day at Walt Disney World.

Now, this Floridian is the first to admit that my blood has thinned out-- I think 70 degrees is cool, especially on an overcast day. Even still, with cloud cover, being in and out of the shade and sun, and going into air conditioned buildings, I always feel the need for a light sweater or pair of 'arms.' (My mother has always asked 'Do you have your 'arms?' as I'm walking out of the house. Yes, Mom, I do... both of them!) 

This past Friday (Good Friday, to be exact) was a perfect example of what a spring day can be like weather-wise here in Florida. I checked the weather forecast and saw that the temperature at rope drop for Epcot was scheduled to be 71 and overcast. The forecast high was 80. My plan of action was clear: jeans in the morning and a change of shorts for the afternoon. 

One of the perks of being a local is driving to the parks, and therefor being able to take necessities along and access them as needed. I planned to drive to the Magic Kingdom later in the day, so I started off in jeans, a fitted t-shirt, a light zip up hoodie and flip-flops (always flip-flops for me). 

Spaceship Earth selfie! And hey look, seems to be more locals behind me in jeans and carrying their 'arms!' 

O'Neill hoodie (old, similar here) / J.Crew striped fitted tee (old, similar here) / Gap jeans (very old, similar here)  / Lilly Pulitzer sunglasses / Rainbow flip flops (not pictured) / Vera Bradley Mini Hipster in Midnight with Mickey / Monorail phone case

After completing the egg hunt around World Showcase and checking out Festival Center, it was time to head over to the Magic Kingdom. I had a FastPass+ for the 3:00 Festival of Fantasy parade, so I headed to the car and changed into a pair of shorts. 

I parked at the TTC and took the monorail to the Poly. I heard they had started construction on the atrium lobby, but thankfully, all was well and still in place. (I posted a picture of the lobby on my Instagram). 

Poly bathroom selfie!

J.Crew shorts (currently on sale, plus an additional 30% off until April 27th with code GOSHOP) / Alex and Ani bracelets

After stopping in the Grand Floridian to see the chocolate painted Easter eggs, I headed to MK for the parade. It was my first time seeing it, and I liked the FastPass+ viewing area. I'm not one to really watch the parades, fireworks, or stage shows, let alone camp out hours before hand to get a good spot, so this was ideal for me. I was in and out of the Magic Kingdom in an hour and a half, just in time to get stuck on a tram to the parking lot as the skies opened up and poured for a half an hour or so. The kicker-- this North Face rain jacket was sitting in my car. 

That's it for this one. Up next, Friday night cocktails at the Grand Floridian. Thanks for reading!