Dressing For Disney – Things To Bring (And Things To Skip!)

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There is a LOT of planning that goes into a Walt Disney World vacation – and one of the things that’s always on my “Disney to-do” list is to figure out what I’m going to pack – and more specifically what I want to WEAR while I’m at WDW! Weather, comfort, and style all come into play here – and I have come up with a pretty solid list of things to bring and wear that will actually help make your WDW more enjoyable:

Things To Bring: These are things that you will 100% want to pack, as they will be invaluable as you spend long days at the Parks. Sunscreen is #1 on the list (and make sure you USE it – like multiple times a day – as that Florida sun can be a killer – even if it is overcast), sneakers – which you’ll want to wear pretty much all the time so make sure if they are newer sneakers you break them in before your trip, rain ponchos – which can be purchased at Target, Walmart, and there are even disposable ones for sale at dollar stores (you never know when a rainshower might hit, and you will want to be prepared! The stores sell ponchos, but it’s cheaper and more convenient to bring them along). Sunglasses – as no one wants to spend all day squinting, am I right? And last but not least – make sure to pack a hat – whatever style you prefer, as long as it protects your head from the sun (I know, I know – not everyone likes or looks good in hats, but it’s better than a sunburned scalp – trust me!)

Things To Make: I love LOVE the shirts and other clothes for sale at the WDW Parks, but let’s be honest – some of it can get pricey, and if you’re at all crafty this is a great chance to create some unique shirts for you and your family – check out some DIY shirt ideas here, or check out Pinterest for ideas too. “First Trip” ones are cute for kids, and this is also a great way to make sure your kids have bright, colorful shirts that stand out in a crowd should they get separated from you


Things To Buy: Disney merchandise is EVERYWHERE these days – I tend to see a lot of it at stores like Walmart and Target – and these are great places to stock up on cute clothes and accessories for your trip! T shirts are often available in mens, womens, and kids sizes, as well as plenty of other kids clothing featuring their favorite Disney characters (especially if a Disney movie was recently released, for example, stores are full of Frozen gear right now!), and accessories like socks and sunglasses are often for sale too. You can also pick up fun trinkets for the kids to keep them entertained on the trip to Disney – coloring and picture books, stickers, little toys, and more!

Things To Skip: Ok so there are some things you should definitely NOT bring with you to WDW, and number one on this list for me is sandals/flip flops – they are cute and I know no one wants to put on socks and sneakers on a 90 degree day, but you will definitely regret it if you decide to spend 12 hours walking around the Parks in flip flops – they are uncomfortable and offer no support, and this tip is especially important for parents with small kids – don’t even pack them for the kids – as no one wants to hear the temper tantrum that blisters and sore feet will bring – trust me on this. I also don’t generally bother with dress clothes or sundresses or anything of that sort – as there really are few places to wear them (plus, they don’t really go very well with my sneakers…), and the only real exception to this is if you’re heading to a fancy celebratory dinner, in which case I would pack only one nice outfit, wear it to dinner, and then repack it – no need to be fancy or dressed up at the Parks! Tank Tops/Halter tops are another item I stay away from toting along, since it just is basically inviting a sunburn to plant itself right on your shoulders and back, and then I also skip thick or dark shirts – as they tend to absorb heat and increase sweating – light, loose, and thin are the best kind of shirts to wear

For those of you who have already visited WDW, you probably can relate to at least some of these tips, and hopefully those of you who haven’t been to the most Magical Place On Earth – what are you waiting for? But seriously – I hope these tips can help you be better packed and more comfortable on your WDW vacation


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Catie Hiltz is an avid Walt Disney World lover who has been vacationing there since she was tall enough to ride Space Mountain. She believes there is something for everyone at WDW-and especially writing about the benefits of vacationing there as an adult
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12 thoughts on “Dressing For Disney – Things To Bring (And Things To Skip!)

  1. I ALWAYS bring sandals/flip flops and wear them every day – all day with no problems at all. I also bring tank tops and wear then daily, sometimes under a t-shirt, sometimes on their own. I also bring sundresses and wear them either to dinner or sometimes in the park if I’m feeling fancy that day lol. I always bring sneakers (but have never once used them) and I don’t usually bring a poncho either. I know it’s gonna rain, I know it’s gonna be wet, but I also know it USUALLY only lasts for a little while then gets hot enough after to dry me off within minutes (for this reason I don’t really wear jeans in the park however)

  2. I always bring walking sandals that are comfortable, by Clarks or Aerosoles, and flip flops for around the hotel or in the car. tank tops are a must in my bag, since I load up on sunscreen. Instead of a rain poncho, I bring a packable rain jacket. Does the same job, but also works when you go inside for a show and it is super air conditioned.

  3. The luggage is on Amazon…but very pricey there. It is made by Heys…….they do a lot of different Disney luggage…

  4. The luggage in the picture appears to be not available any more from what I can find. Did a picture search and the few I could find all show the same thing. 🙁

  5. Rain poncho – check! I must say flip flops are the first thing in the bag and tank tops! I am a big runDisney fan and getting out of your running shoes is key – and I come to Florida for fun and a tan… definitely need the tank tops

  6. LOVE that luggage, where can I get it 🙂 I disagree about the flip flops. Hubby & I both wear Crocs flip flops at all times of the year and have been for several years. We never regret it, especially when it rains. I whip out my quick dry swimmers towel, dry off the crocs flops & my feet (one at a time mind you), and walah! dry feet & shoes!

  7. First of all, where can I buy that luggage?
    I always bring flip flops…..we use the for the pool and water parks. Sometimes we’ll switch to flip flops at night, after we’ve rested and had dinner.

  8. We always bring flip flops, mostly for water park days and quick trips down to the pool. But my son and I have memory foam soles ones that we both can walk around all day happily at the parks. I have a pair of Nike flip flops that came in fun colors like purple or pink, and my son has a pair of slides (Velcro just below the toes) from C9 at target. Good for the days you will get wet on water rides (Kali river rapids and universal’s islands of adventure) because no one enjoys wet socks.
    I live in tanks at Disney, I’m so much more comfortable in tanks in the heat. I have found a ton of Disney tanks at Wet Seal and Hot Topic in a younger, juniors style fashion.
    I would definitely add a Cinch backpack onto the list. On our last trip we discovered it is so much more convienent than a cumbersome backpack or a purse. They are lightweight and you won’t even notice you are wearing it. And they are small enough that kids around 6 or up can manage toting one if necessary (the responsible kids who wouldn’t leave it somewhere ;).
    I also recommend zip up hoodies if you go between around October and March. It gets chilly during the nightly shows at the parks and the hoodies run upward of $50 in the parks

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