What to Pack for a Disney Summer Vacataion
The weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are packed with strategies for keeping your kids busy, finding ways to sneak out a little early from the office to enjoy the weather and of course, planning your annual summer vacation. Specifically, a Disney summer vacation!
If this year, you’re finally going to take the leap of faith, bite the bullet and go for it by surprising your kids with a trip to Disney, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. Though it’s true that Orlando will be hot, it’s also true that no matter when you visit Disney World, the experience will be worth the sweat and the stress. A Disney summer vacation is always magical.
While one of our travel agents can take care of everything from booking your tickets, your FastPass+ (skip that line!), your Meal Plan and dinner reservations, and your stay at the Walt Disney World Resort – you will need to pack your own bags before heading out the door and catching your flight. It’s not a bad idea to make a packing list (and yep, check it twice), but if you’re not sure where to begin? No worries. We’re here to get you started:
Sun Protection
Florida is beautiful – with it’s sandy beaches and Mickey Mouse ears galore – but it’s also a humid state. In the summertime, you can expect temperatures to rise upwards of 90 degrees at the hottest peak of the day, and with those dangerous rays shining on your family, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected.
Buy and pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB rays, and is at least an SPF 30. Though Disney will sell sunscreen on the property, you’ll save money by shopping in bulk at your local store in your hometown.
In addition to sunscreen though, you might also consider some UV-protectant clothing – from hats and t-shirts to more – that will give an extra layer between those sweet faces you adore and the dangerous sunshine. Don’t forget sunglasses, too!
Bathing Suits
After you’ve walked around for hours and logged miles at the parks, there’s nothing that will feel better than soaking in a cool pool before getting dressed up for dinner. While you and your partner can enjoy a cocktail by the pool, your kids will have fun splashing in the many pools at the Walt Disney World Resort.
If you have a little swimmer and you were planning on bringing a life jacket for them, don’t worry about packing it. Disney puts safety first and provides gear for the kiddos (and adults) in all sizes. If you can’t locate them before diving in, just look for a pool Cast Member to help you out and you’ll be submerged in no time.
Comfortable Shoes
Your kids might complain about trekking through the park when they’re super-tired, and frankly, you might too if your feet are aching. That’s why it’s essential to pack very comfortable shoes for everyone in your family, especially during the summer.
With hot weather, your feet will natural swell and you’ll retain water, so tight kicks that put added pressure on your heels and toes will only feel more and more painful during the day.
Bonus tip? Pack several pairs so you avoid wearing one brand out, or working up a stink. There’s always a lot of walking during a Disney summer vacation!
Water Bottles
You’ll want to stay hydrated when you’re under the sun all day, but buying multiple bottles of water throughout the park can get expensive, fast. That’s why you should bring reusable water bottles to refill at many of the water stations throughout the park. These ice cold fountains have purified, clean water that’s free – you just simply have to BYOWB!
Backpack
No matter how hard you try, you’re going to end up carrying a ton of stuff with you throughout the day. From sunscreen for several daily applications and that water bottle to inevitably, something you buy for your kiddo, you’ll need a comfortable backpack or bag that you can lug around throughout the adventure.
Make sure it’s water-resistant in case of spills and not something you love too terribly much, especially when you know your kid is about to wipe his or her hands all over it post-ice cream.