Walt Disney World is a magical vacation - full of wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! It is a popular summer destination - and I LOVE planning a summer holiday for clients! One thing I tell all of my clients is that is HOT in Florida in the summer. And it is vitally important that you are prepared for this heat.
Here is my packing list of must-bring items during a summer vacation to Walt Disney World.
Small Soft Sided Cooler
I like to bring along a small cooler to store some key items in - you are allowed to bring a cooler up to 24″ X 15″ X 18″ which happens to be the size of a locker at Walt Disney World. This is cooler I recommend to clients - but use what you have! I like this cooler because it can be worn like a backpack.
Bottled Water / Refillable Water Bottle
If you are staying at a Disney Deluxe Villa in a one, two or three bedroom villa, you will have access to a freezer. I recommend freezing bottles of water and adding these to your cooler before leaving for the parks. If you do not have access to a freezer, fill up a a refillable water bottle or two with ice from your Disney Resort. You can always ask for ice at any Disney restaurant to refill your water bottle as the day goes on. But you must stay hydrated while in the hot Florida sun, so get your H20!!
Cooling Towels
These are a lifesaver and always appreciated by my family. Disney sells cute Mickey themed cooling towels on property, but for the same price you can buy packs of 4. I recommend bringing a few packs - Have enough for everyone in your party to be using one. You can use the frozen water/ice to recool these throughout the day. I also recommend brining a few Ziplock bags to store them in since they will be wet. Here are the towels we have used on vacation.
Tylenol / Ibuprofen
The heat can be a lot throughout the day - leading to aches and pains. It is best to be prepared with your preferred medication so you don’t have to miss out on any of the fun! Disney has these items for sale at the First Aid locations within the park, but I highly recommend packing your own to save you a little cash!
Sunscreen
I cannot stress this enough how important it is to bring and wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. You do not want your vacation ruined because of a bad sunburn, and the Disney bubble doesn’t protect you from this! Also packing some aloe to cool your skin down isn’t a bad idea either!
Anti-chaffing Protection
I know, I know - it’s not something we all chat about frequently, but let’s be honest it can happen to anyone and when it does it sure isn’t comfortable. So I recommend either wearing an extra pair of shorts under your dress or bringing a little body glide to be sure you’re nice and comfortable during your stay at the parks!
Cooling Fan
Listen up - you’re going to want this, especially for the kiddos. Disney sells these at the parks, but they are pretty clunky. I recommend this fan, as it automatically mists, has a fun nightlight your kids will love, and comes with a clip for your stroller.
Here are some ideas on how to stay cool while you are IN the Disney Parks.
Schedule A/C Breaks
Sounds kind of silly but it is SO important. A great way to do this, is to book your table service restaurants during the lunch hour - which will be the hottest time of day. You can also hop into a shop to find a souvenir and catch a little cool break!
Get Wet
Take a ride on the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom and you will definitely cool down! You can also ride Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom for another interactive cool down experience. There are also fun misting areas throughout the parks - your little one might get soaked so pack extra clothes if you are worried about them sitting in the stroller. Another great tip is to pack an extra pair of socks for everyone to wear after the water rides.
Treat Yourself
Disney is known for their iconic Mickey Ice Cream Bars and Dole Whip Swirls! The summer is a great time to enjoy these cool treats. Just be prepared for them to melt quickly - try to find a shady spot to enjoy and pack your wipes!
You can also take advantage of the early park hours or extended evening hours for times when the sun isn’t quite so hot! Keep in mind the summers usually bring a rain shower to the afternoon, so it is also important to plan for that - a nice afternoon break back at your Disney Resort to cool down, swim or wait out the rain can be just what is needed to keep the magic alive! Remember you can leave and enter the Walt Disney Park all day long so don’t think a break is out of the question!
Looking to book a trip to the most magical place on earth - feel free to contact me to get started planning today!