At last we have finished planning and booking our holiday to Florida, its not long now before we go and I'm looking forward to it so much.

But now my brother-in-law and his girlfriend have decided they would like to go to FL in the first 2 weeks of December. So we've been giving them a few hints and tips we've picked up along the way. Although I still have a few questions!

I think they are planning to do a fly-drive so they will visiting a few places in the state.

What sort of temperatures can they expect in December?

Will it still be shorts and T-shirts weather?

Will it warm enough for swimming in the sea, swimming pools and water-parks?

Is it a busy time of year? Will the theme parks be crowded?

Well, thats all of the questions for the moment, but I might be back!

Thanks again for any help and advice.
Nic

Nic, the first 2 weeks in December is generally uncrowded at the theme parks, and if you like holiday decorations, the parks are full of them at that time. As far as the weather goes, it depends where you are from? The temperature can be anywhere from 60-80 degrees. If you are from Florida like me, we would never swim at that time (too cold for Floridians!), but if you are from up north, most people at the pools at that time are swimming! The weather is very unpredictable at that time of year, so be prepared for shorts or pants weather.

Those 2 weeks are a terrific time, especially to visit the theme parks. The Thanksgiving week crowd is gone and the Christmas-New Years crowd hasn't arrived.
You should be able to get some good deals on flights, rental cars, and hotels. Always, always, ask if there's a current 'promotional' rate, ask if they are eligible for any discounts (but always compare because sometime there is a promo rate that is cheaper than, say, the AAA discount).
If they are going to DisneyWorld, do a search on it here because there's a private person who has their private website on it and others have recommended it highly.

As for weather, it all depends. Suggest you check a couple of websites:

1. www.worldclimate.com
gives average highs and lows month by month by city.

2. www.weatherunderground.com
gives current weather conditions + 4-day forecast by city which is good to check just prior to packing. Also, there's a place to access past year's actual temps to get a historical record.

Suggest your b-i-l and gf purchase a guidebook, or failing that, consult the full listing of postings on Fodor's. As Regis would say, it's all there for you. Ciao

Hi Debbie and BJ
Thanks very much for you info, it sounds like a great time of year to go.
I'll check out those websites for temperatures and pass the info on.
Unfortunately, they don't have a computer so they can't use the internet, but I enjoy researching anything to do with holidays anyway!
Oh, and who the hell is Regis anyway?

Thanks again Nic.

Nic, Is that your final answer? Surely you know it all originated in the UK. Ciao, Leon

Research, Nic? Next, there'll be a question about subs. I can, in fact, suggest a good place for Cuban subs - hole in the wall next to the ABC store, 107th Avenue at Guld Blvd., Treasure Island. But do buy a guidebook and read it!!! Your 3 minutes are up. Ciao.

Deb Wills website at www.wdwig.com is an unofficial guide to WDW, great tips. This is a TERRIFIC time of year to go, one of the least crowded periods is between Thanksgiving (NOv 23 this year) and Christmas. If your relatives can geta free membership card for the American Automobile Association (AAA) from their British auto assoc., do it! They can get free travel info, maps, etc from AAA, and quite a few places give a discount with the AAA membership. They should be able to find GREAT deals on lodging during this time too. If they are renting (hiring) a car, they could take a day and drive to one of the state parks like Blue Springs State Park that is north of Orlando (Fla state parks have website & they have guidebook at many tourist info places) and see the manatees where they winter. have fun!