Happy Sunday Friends!
Today I am talking about what I pack for a Walt Disney World Vacation. There are several steps to my packing strategy, I usually start at least a week in advance and double-check what I've packed before my departure a day or two before. You don't have to do what I do but it's always good to have a running checklist for what you need to pack to make your Disney World Vacation a big success. No one wants to run to the hotel gift shop to overspend on something you can purchase for less than a latte at your local drug store. Here are just a few tid bids of what I pack and why I recommend packing it! You can download a helpful packing list at the bottom of the page!
1. Beat the heat, survive the storm:
The Florida sunshine makes for a fabulous tan but it also can feel unbearable at times when standing in those long lines to get on some of the best rides Disney World has to offer. My survival tips for enduring the sunshine and summer heat are as follows
- Wear Sunscreen: I feel Shisheido's Ultimate Sun Protector SPF 50+. It's lightweight and doesn't feel overly sticky. I also have a clear sunscreen stick for my face which also doesn't feel too greasy. However, since the bottle is super big to carry in the parks I opt for a travel-size banana boat after my first application of sunscreen. Shisheido does have a hefty price tag for good quality sunscreen but I believe Banana Boat is just as good and it's also rated as the top 10 best sunscreens by bestproductreviews.com
- Dancing in the rain: The weather can be quite unexpected, you never know quite what you're going to get on a sunny day in the Sunshine State. This is why it's always good to head to the parks with a sense of awareness that a sprinkle or two may damper your activities just a little bit. I usually pack a rain jacket and a mini Vera Bradley umbrella.
Should you decide to skip packing these items, most of the shops at Disney World parks have umbrellas, ponchos, and sometimes umbrellas. The good thing is the rain always stops and doesn't ruin your entire day but I suggest you pack your patience along with this 😅.
- Personal Portable A/C: When my family and I ventured in July of 2021, we knew that we were going to be going to Disney World during one of the hottest points in the summer months. So we all purchased portable personal A/Cs not just a fan. These are an investment purchase if you are a frequent Disney traveler (which we are!). Torras makes two versions of portable cooling devices, one in black and one in white. My husband and I have purchased basic fans which blow nice cool air. But my siblings purchased the portable a/c with the cooling bar attachment and honestly, I dunno how I could survive Disney in the summer without it! It makes a world of difference when standing in those lines!
- Dip in The Pool: When we visit Disney World, we like to make sure to plan one day that is just for relaxation. It's nice to take a dip in the hotel pool after a long week at the parks. It's fun to just relax in the sunshine and enjoy the water. Even if you're unsure about if you'll take a dip in the pool. I highly recommend packing a swimsuit or swim trunks just in case!
2. Creature of habit:
When I pack for a Disney World Vacation, I always make sure I think about every single thing I'd want with me when I'm away from the comforts of home and my personal belongings. I think of all the habits that I do while I am home so that my hotel room becomes a home away from home rather than a foreign location. This is a good tip when you're wanting to check off everything that needs to be packed before your departure.
- Clean your hands you filthy animal: Disney can be a magical place, but it can also be pretty gross when you think of everything people touch before and after you. I highly recommend hand sanitizer! Disney sells these as well as cute little key chains so you always have them handy. My favorite brand is Bath & Body Works based on smell alone 😂. I know what you are thinking "But is it good or just fragrance?" Luckily, all Bath & Body Works sanitizers contain between 62%-80% ethyl alcohol, keeping your hands free from 99.9% of common germs. You can also get the cute little Pocketbac holders from any Bath & Body Works shop. These are usually located near the check-out counter.
- Squeaky Clean: I feel more comfortable bringing Lysol sanitation wipes for wiping down any surfaces I touch or when I visit the ladies' room. This is simply a personal preference. I like to feel squeaky clean if you know what I mean! So I also pack travel-size Cottonelle wipes. These are standard practices of mine even when I'm home so it's hard for me to go without them when I travel.
- Medicine Cabinet: Accidents happen, and it's always good to be prepared. I make sure to pack all the necessaries when I'm away from home. I pack a mini first aid kit that I take with me into the park. There are first aid locations located in every single park but I don't like missing a moment when I can just dig a bandaid out of my backpack. Make sure to pack your family's medication and necessary dietary or motion sickness aids. Tums, Pepto, and Anti-Motion Sickness meds are so helpful when visiting a Disney Park. You can find these at any gift shop at your resort hotel but the prices are so expensive compared to your local drug store.
- SNACK ATTACK!: Hunger can attack at any moment which is why I highly recommend picking your favorite snack/granola bar at a Disney park. Your wallet will thank me later, especially for a family of four if you don't want to spend money before your first sit-down meal or quick service meal of the day!
3. Who What Wear
What you wear to a Disney park can be super important! Think of comfort above all else, you'll be wearing said outfit all day in the heat, or make sure to break in new shoes BEFORE visiting a Disney Park!
I like to wear jean shorts or biker shorts when I'm walking around a park. am a curvier girl and with thunder thighs, chafing is real! I highly recommend Megababe Thigh Rescue, if you feel like your shorts aren't long enough to help ease anti-chafing. I always try to coordinate my shorts with the perfect Disney-themed tee and ears! I also love a good bucket hat, it's a great sun blocker and super cute too!
If you're going for aesthetics over comfort just be mindful of bringing a second outfit to change out of. For parents who have kiddos who are accident-prone, highly recommend bringing a second outfit just in case of messy eaters or you didn't quite make it to the restroom in time. Accidents happen and that's what wardrobe changes are for!
I hope you enjoyed these small but helpful packing tips! Here's a checklist I made below for you to print out and use before your departure! ✌️