Clothing
If you are visiting between April and October, I recommend packing very light clothing - thin fabrics, shorts and small tops (Disney has a policy against shirtless men). The combination of humidity and heat work together to bring the temperatures up to sweltering levels - I cannot stress enough that you mustn't bring heavy fabrics. On my last trip, we brought a friend who was insistent on wearing shoes at all times and heavy fabrics. She ended up with blistered feet and made a beeline for every single splash fountain! Aside from summer months, you do still need to pack a pair of pants and a light jacket because there may be a few slightly chilly evenings, and you will find everywhere to be highly air conditioned. In the winter, the temperature does drop near freezing, so you likely don't need a winter coat, but you won't be in a t-shirt either.
Swimwear
For women, a one piece swimsuit is a nice thing to bring with you if you want to ride some of the more intense waterslides at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach without damaging your swimsuit (The vertical drop slides are the ones you need to worry about here). The wave-pool at Typhoon Lagoon is notorious for making off with your swim bottoms, so wear a two piece at your own risk! Buckles and other metal pieces are not allowed, so keep that in mind.
Footwear
This is a big one. Your footwear will play an important role in your comfort for the duration of your stay. If you choose to wear shoes, your feet will sweat. Wear moisture wicking socks to prevent blisters, because it's unlikely that they'll heal before you go home! (TIP: Bring a ziplock baggie of different sized bandaids. The last thing anybody wants is to spend 5 hours at the Magic Kingdom in the sweltering heat with a chafing blister on their foot!) Runners are the most popular shoe worn in Walt Disney World, but be sure to bring a spare pair in case you get caught in the rain or go on a water ride. Crocs are another very popular option, worn by kids and adults alike in Disney - very useful footwear because they can be worn on the water slides. Personally, I wear flip flops although many would disagree with their comfort. I wear ergonomic flip flops with arch support by Reef while in Walt Disney World and highly recommend them for the long days if you enjoy flip flops.
Extras
I'm a huge fan of drawstring backpacks. Light and expandable, these can be found in the parks and Downtown Disney for around 20$. They're great for packing a swimsuit, towel, camera and wallet and stowing quickly on rides, perfect for younger guests. For parents carrying snacks and extras, a large durable beach bag comes in very handy. Disney does sell a few of these, but it is advisable to bring one from home as they can be hard to find and there is not much selection.
It's not a trip to Walt Disney World without passing a few lobster red people, don't be one of them! I'm loyal to the Coppertone 80-100 SPF Sunscreen spray sold at the waterparks and Neutrogena SPF 100 oil free facial sunscreen, both of which do an excellent job of protecting skin from the sun's harmful rays. (TIP: Be vigilant with sunscreen if you go snorkeling, it's one of the easiest ways to develop an bad sunburn) I always pack a bottle of aloe vera as well, as it's easy to miss a spot or neglect your sunscreen when you're having fun.
Bring a hat! In the Florida sun, you will get a sunburn in a day or less without protection and we often forget our scalps. Disney sells a variety of hats, so you may want to buy one in the parks. I always pack a few straw hats! Your eyes need protection too, so make sure you bring a comfortable pair of sunglasses or you may find yourself spending the trip hunting for a pair.
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| The Lobby at the Polynesian Resort |
Happy Packing!
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