Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the summer? Find out my top Walt Disney World summer packing list essentials you need to bring to stay cool in the Florida heat.
This Walt Disney World packing list post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
One of the best times to visit Walt Disney World is the summer. I know, I know. I can feel the side eye-ing when I suggest someone visit Florida in the summer. But here’s why I recommend it:
Summers often have better rates and more open attractions. Plus, the waterparks are amazing and so are the warm magical evenings.
But there are challenges too (mainly the super hot weather), and it’s important to go prepared.
To help make sure you have everything you need this Walt Disney World Summer packing list includes some specific items that you will be happy to have.
What To Wear at Disney World in Summer
- Comfortable Shoes
- Shorts
- Summer Fabrics
- Hat/Sunglasses
- Swimwear
Comfortable Shoes
I’m sure you’re aware that theme parks entail a lot of walking. What you may not realize is that Walt Disney World theme parks are enormous.
The Magic Kingdom is about twice the size of Disneyland and then there are three other parks plus over 20 resort hotels. You will walk much more than you realize, so what you wear on your feet is probably the most important wardrobe decision you’ll have to make.
I recommend wearing shoes that you’ve already broken in, to avoid blisters. And if you need more support, get a pair of shoe inserts.
Shorts
Summers in Orlando are hot and very humid. It gets sticky and very uncomfortable. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you bring shorts or a skirt to wear during the daytime at Walt Disney World.
Shorts are airier and the added circulation is crucial to remain as comfortable as possible in the summer heat. Otherwise, you will spend more time seeking shade and wandering into shops just to cool down.
I also like to wear Disney dresses on days that I know I’ll be taking photos.
Summer Fabrics
In addition to wearing shorts, wear fabric that is lightweight, brightly colored and breathable. When you take these factors into account while packing, you improve your Disney experience significantly.
Be careful not to wear too little. It is a family-friendly place, but dress down to a level that is appropriate.
I suggest athletic wear because they have breathable options and fabric that helps wick away sweat. These athletic shorts and skorts are great for the Parks!
Hat/Sunglasses
Feel better and protect your skin and eyes. Wearing a hat will help keep you cooler and sunglasses will help your eyes immensely. The bright sun and reflective clouds can be very hard on the eyes.
Sunglasses will ease eye strain and potentially avoid headaches.
For hats, you can either go with a sunhat style or baseball cap. Sunhats usually work better if you have short hair or plan on wearing your hair down (which can get hot.)
Baseball caps are great if you have your hair up in a pony tail or bun, but it doesn’t offer any protection for your shoulders or neck.
You can find both styles in shops throughout the Parks or you can buy ahead of time at home.
Swimwear
Do not forget to pack for swimming. Even if you have no plans to use the pool at your resort, you need to have something to wear just in case.
The pools at Walt Disney World are very fun and you may find yourself taking an unexpected rest day, perfect for spending a little time by the pool.
There are also poolside cabanas and pool bars so don’t count it out if you are looking for something fun to do. Walt Disney World also has two major water parks that are worth a visit.
Consider making these a cornerstone of your Walt Disney World Summer vacation.
This is a super cute swimsuit I love bringing with me on Disney vacations because of the retro polka dot Minnie Mouse print.
If you are visiting Walt Disney World with little kids, be sure to bring goggles. They will see other kids with them and they will beg you for some.
A Complete Disney World Packing List for Summer:
- Sunscreen
- Insoles
- Cooling Towels
- Bottled Water
- Lanyard
- Backpack
Sunscreen
DO NOT FORGET SUNSCREEN! You will regret it. don’t get burned on your first day in the parks. You’ll not only look like a lobster in photos, but you will also be tremendously uncomfortable for your entire trip.
If you forget to pack it, the price to buy it when you’re there is insane. Even so, if you forget sunscreen, you have to pay the price.
Get good coverage and protect your skin. Remember the back of your neck and behind the ears.
Insoles
Give your feet some added cushioning. bring life to an old pair of shoes or beef up a new pair. these will feel nice while trekking the various terrains and standing in attraction queues.
If you buy a new pair of shoes, or doctor them up with insoles, be sure to practice walk in them for a couple of weeks before your trip. This will not only break them in, but it will also get you used to the walking.
Cooling Towels
This is a luxury, but they are inexpensive to buy and you will be happy with the purchase.
It’s not going to work miracles, but wearing a cooling towel can increase your comfort level, or at least make the heat more tolerable during a Walt Disney World summer trip.
Bottled Water
You are allowed to bring your own nonalcoholic drinks and snacks into the park and you should. It’s a great way to save money at Walt Disney World.
You will need plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid potential heatstroke. The water inside the parks is just too expensive.
Now, you can get free ice water at counter service locations. However, It’s far more convenient and well worth the investment to buy about 24 bottles and pack them in your luggage (if you are driving). Or order them in with your Walt Disney World groceries.
The cost will be roughly equivalent to just one bottle you buy in the park.
Lanyard for your Disney World MagicBand
You don’t need to carry much on you while you’re at Walt Disney World. You don’t even need your wallet, when you have MagicBand.
To keep your pockets clear and thus increase comfort, wear a lanyard with your ID and leave your wallet and keys in a safe place back at the hotel room.
Backpack for Disney World
One person in your group should bring a backpack for changes of clothes, water, snacks, etc so you can access things you need throughout the day. You can take backpacks on most rides.
Only one ride doesn’t allow it and provides free lockers. paid lockers are available if carrying a backpack becomes burdensome.
I recommend bringing a smaller backpack (if you aren’t using a stroller) so you won’t be tempted to overpack it. They can feel pretty heavy by the afternoon!
Prepare For Disney World Summer Showers
Even though it is hot, Walt Disney World summer vacations always have the potential for showers. Often, these are very brief and don’t impact your day much. They can even be welcome.
But be prepared with changes of clothes, plastic ponchos and umbrellas. These are things you won’t want to pay for when you are there.
Dress For Summer Nights
The summer nights at Walt Disney World are warm and magical. It’s definitely worth stepping out in the evening to take in a new perspective on your resort and see the parks with the lights on. An evening swim is also very enjoyable.
You don’t need to bring heavier clothes, or additional layers for night time.
Fine Dining Attire
There are plenty of nice restaurants, but the dress codes at most of them are pretty basic. They are self-aware enough to realize they are situated in a theme park.
Just use common sense and don’t go to a restaurant in swimwear, or without shoes.
In some cases, there are fine dining restaurants that do have stricter requirements, so check the dress codes for the restaurants you booked to make sure you pack the right attire for the evening.
Loving this Disney World Packing List? Get more Walt Disney World tips and tricks like how to get to Disney World from Orlando Airport!