Choosing outfits and packing for Walt Disney World is a big part of your holiday, so this part of the guide will help you navigate this area of your holiday.
Choosing the Perfect Outfits to pack
Placing comfort at the top of your outfit check-list is a must. Choosing tight-fitting impractical clothing to spend all day waiting in queues, getting in and out of rides, walking miles is not the bets idea. Dress for comfort first.
Dressing for the weather
You need to bear in mind the Florida weather when you choose your outfits. Florida’s known for its heat, humidity, and random afternoon showers. If you’re visiting in the summer, think lightweight, breathable fabrics. Moisture-wicking shirts and shorts that are lifesavers when the sun is beating down. Go for shorts that are comfortable and quick-drying, just in case you get caught in a rainstorm.
Consider investing in some SPF clothing if heading to Disney World in the Summer, particularly if you are fair skinned. It provides an added layer of protection to your clothing. Hats are also a necessity to keep the sun off your head. Although Disney sell some beautiful caps as part of their merchandise, we recommend coming prepared with one.
Winter weather is cooler and in the summer you will be walking from blistering heat outside into full blast air conditioning so a light jumper is always handy to layer with.
Layering outfits
If you’re planning to stay until the parks close, think about layers. In the Winter months it feels significantly colder in the mornings and the evenings, so you’ll be looking for a long sleeve, light weight zip-up or hoody to keep the chill off.
Even in the summer, evenings can get a little chilly, especially if you’re hanging around for the night time shows. A lightweight jacket or hoodie that you can tie around your waist during the day is perfect.
Footwear
As we said above, Disney is the place where comfort trumps fashion. You’ll be doing lots of walking, miles and miles of walking everyday, so comfortable shoes are a must. Good old sneakers or well-cushioned sandals work best. Just make sure they’re broken in. A Disney World holiday is not the place for new shoes. Always bring shoes you know you can walk comfortably for miles in.
Our top tip is to bring two pairs of comfy shoes and alternate them each day. It gives your feet a little break, and if you get caught in a rainstorm in one pair, you’ll have a dry pair to wear the next day. Considering bringing a pair of Crocs, or Crocs style shoes, if you are coming in rainy season to have in your park bag is another good tip, as they are fast drying and comfortable. Plus, you can use them around pool areas and at the water parks.
Disney Bounding
Disney Bounding is a great way to plan character inspired outfits. You can coordinate your wardrobe with the park you’re visiting, pick outfits in the colour palette of your favourite princess and truly capture the spirit of Disney in your every day outfits. Why not take a look at our Disney Bounding Guide: How To Join In article to learn out more and have a go yourself. You can be subtle in your Disney Bounds, or you can be more extreme, the choice is yours. Just remember, no costumes allowed for guests over 14’s entering the park.
Outfit theming is a small thing, but it adds a bit of extra magic to your trip. From wearing matching t-shirts in a group to finding the perfect Disney themed clothes for your trip, it’s all about expressing your Disney style. Just remember, you do not need to theme your outfits for Disney or wear Disney clothing, the choice is yours.
Accessories
Accessorizing is another area where you can blend practicality with style. A good hat is non-negotiable, especially in the summer. Sunglasses are another must, and a lightweight, crossbody bag is perfect for carrying your essentials without weighing you down.
Mickey Ears are a fan favourite and add a touch of Disney magic to any outfit. Choosing the right pair is a personal choice and our advice is always to pick the pair that you love.
To sum it up, pack outfits that are comfortable, weather-appropriate, and themed if that’s your thing. And whatever you do, don’t skimp on the footwear! Now lets take a look at how the seasons impact your packing and outfit choices.
Packing for Different Seasons
Packing for Disney World isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. The time of year you visit can totally change what you need to bring. Although Disney seasons are never truly cold by British standards, the different seasons in Florida mean you need different types of clothing at different times of year.
Spring and Summer
If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s going to be hot. Temperatures often soar above 30C, sometimes beyond, and humidity can make it feel even hotter than that. This is where those lightweight, breathable clothes we talked about earlier really come into play. The moisture-wicking shirts, shorts that dry quickly, and a hat are outfit essentials but there are other heat beating items you should also pack to make your park days more comfortable.
Autumn and Winter
Winter at Disney World is a whole different story. It doesn’t get freezing, but the mornings and evenings can be pretty chilly, and temperatures do drop below 10C on occasions in the early mornings and evenings. Layering is the best strategy, as day-time temperatures are often around 20C before.
Start with a light t-shirt, add a long-sleeve shirt or sweater, and top it off with a jacket you can easily take off during the warmer parts of the day. Packing a pair of jeans or leggings is needed, because shorts just won’t cut it when the temperature drops in the evening.
One thing to keep in mind—just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you won’t need sunscreen. The Florida sun is still strong, and you can get burned even when it’s cool out. And don’t forget about hydration. It’s easy to drink less water when it’s not hot, but you’ll still be doing a ton of walking, so keep that water bottle handy.
Rainy Season
The rainy season between May and October is when Florida’s notorious afternoon thunderstorms, that are hot and humid, can strike. A good poncho is worth its weight in gold during this time. So many people get caught unprepared and end up soaked and miserable. Waterproof shoes or at least quick-drying ones are also a smart move. There’s nothing worse than sloshing around in wet sneakers all day.
Now you have an idea about outfits and how the seasons will affect your packing choices we can move on to packing your suitcase.
Packing Essentials for a Disney World Adventure
What to pack for Disney World in your case
Having the right essentials can make your holiday so much smoother. On our first trip to Disney World, we learned this the hard way because we didn’t know the Disney packing essentials and ended up spending a small fortune buying things in the park. Don’t make the mistake: pack smart.
Personal care
This is something no one really mentions, but it takes up such a big part of your weight allowance when you pack to go on holiday. If you choose to buy cosmetics out in the US you will have a huge variety to choose from but our top tip is to save yourself the time and hassle of doing this even if you are travelling with hand luggage only.
Sun cream
Heading to Florida at any time of year you will need sun cream. You’ll also end up needing more than you think, especially in the Spring and Summer. Buying it in the airport before heading out, is a great space saving hack when packing no matter your luggage allowance. It also saves money on buying it in the US, where sun cream is not the same as in the UK.
Sun cream in the US is more expensive and not as effective as UK options in our opinion. It’s also tricky to swap brands if you are travelling with anyone with sensitive skin. Not to mention it’s an expense you may not have budgeted for if you’re travelling on a budget so always best to take it with you.
Picking a park bag
You will also need to pack a park bag for your busy days in parks. Your hand luggage bag is an option for this, but often this bag is too big and can be cumbersome to carry around a Disney Park all day. And remember you will often be taking it on attractions with you, so choosing a specific park bag is often the best way to go.
You want something that’s lightweight but roomy enough to carry everything you need. Small backpacks with padded straps are a great choice as they’re comfortable to carry and keep your hands free.
How to pack your suitcase
You have everything ready to go in your case but now you need to fit it all in! Packing your suitcase for Disney world can be like putting a jigsaw together. Working out the best ways to get everything in and that’s before you head home with souvenirs and Disney merchandise. There are so many different ways to pack a case that the job itself can feel overwhelming, especially when heading to Disney World. Our tried and tested ways to pack your case will help you decide the best way for you.
Packing your park bag
Water bottle
Inside, you’ll want to make sure you have a refillable water bottle. We have found insulated bottles the best option, as they keep your water cooler, the Florida sun makes your drink hot otherwise. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially under that Florida sun. Disney has water fountains all over the parks, so you can refill it throughout the day and save some cash.
Sun cream
Next, let’s talk sun cream. Our top tip is to bring a small, travel-sized bottle that you can easily toss in your travel bag. It can be refilled throughout the holiday and saves you carrying a big bottler around the parks. And don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours: nobody wants to deal with sunburn on vacation. Turning your skin as red as Sebastian’s is not the way to Disney Bound!
Snacks
Snacks, you will need them to keep you going throughout the day. Disney has amazing food options, but they can get pricey, and sometimes you just need a quick bite to keep you going between rides. Packing a couple of granola bars or trail mix bags that don’t get affected by the heat is a good park bag option. If you have picky eaters with you, they also travel well in your luggage so you can bring them with you from a UK supermarket, like Aldi, to save money. They’re easy to munch on while you’re waiting in line, and they don’t take up much space.
Entertainment
Bring some entertainment for those inevitable long waits in queue lines. A good power bank is a must because your phone will be doing double duty as a camera and navigation tool, not to mention keeping you connected. Don’t make the mistakes of thinking you can get through a whole day without one. The frustration of having your phone die halfway through the afternoon when you want more pictures, need it to get back to your accommodation and have your virtual queue reservation on it is a nightmare. Never leave home without a fully charged power bank when you’re spending a day in a Disney World Park.
Personal Care
And let’s not forget about personal care items. Blisters are pretty much a given when you’re walking as much as you do at Disney, so throw a few plasters, or blister plasters in your bag. The blister plasters are brilliant if you can pop them on as soon as you feel the blister appearing.
Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer and some tissues handy is also a great idea. Hand sanitiser before snacks will save you popping to a bathroom to wash hands, and if you are standing in a queue to snack it’s a life saver.
Waterproof
Finally, always pack a poncho or lightweight waterproof. Florida weather is unpredictable, and those afternoon showers can come out of nowhere. Don’t forget to pack this essential item in your travel luggage too. In the parks ponchos are expensive, so make sure you pick one up at home and pack it.
Buying them in the UK means they’re cheap, easy to pack, and will save you from getting drenched when the skies open up. They’re light and don’t take up much space in the case or the park bag.
Outfit Ideas for Special Events at Disney World
Disney World isn’t just about the rides, it’s also about those special moments and events that make your trip even more magical. Whether you’re dining with characters, attending a special after-hours event, or celebrating something special, the right outfit can add that extra touch of magic. If you’re looking to add in outfits to celebrate special moments and capture memories read on…
Outfits for character dining
When it comes to dressing for character meals, think fun but comfortable. A cute Disney-themed shirt is always a win, a top with one of the characters on that you expect to meet during your meal adds an extra bit of magic to the experience. The characters will often pick up on your outfit if there is an image of them on it, so it gives you something to say if you aren’t sure how to interact.
The key is to strike a balance between looking nice for all those photo ops during character meals and staying comfortable enough to enjoy your meal.
Disney ticketed events
If you have bought an extra ticket to attend one of Mickey’s special events, you obviously have some outfit planning to do. If you are heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, everyone can dress up for this event, adults included. Just keep in mind the temperatures ca still be high when this event is on. In 2024, it is running from 9th August to 31st October Choosing matching and character inspired outfits is lots of fun.
Heading to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is another occasion where you may be considering a special outfit. Christmas themed tops, dresses, and sweaters will keep you comfy while you enjoy the party. Don’t forget some festive ears to top off any special outfit for Disney ticketed events.
Birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion at Disney World, why not go all out? Disney bounding to mark the occasion or grabbing a free Disney badge from guest services to let people know it’s a special day are both options for you. To make your day at the parks feel even more special, you should always choose the outfit you like most for your celebration.
One thing to keep in mind with all these special outfits is that comfort is still key. You don’t want to be fiddling with an uncomfortable dress or dealing with sore feet halfway through your day. Choose outfits that make you feel great but also allow you to enjoy everything Disney World has to offer.
In the end, whether you’re dining with characters, attending an after-hours event, or celebrating a special occasion, your Disney World outfit should be a reflection of you. Pick outfits that are fun, magical, and comfortable enough to keep up with all the adventures you’ll have!
Conclusion
Packing and outfit decisions for a trip to Disney World might seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you’ll be ready for anything the parks throw your way.
Remember, your trip is unique, so customize these suggestions to suit your personal style and needs. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with it! Disney World is all about magic, after all. Whether you’re rocking themed outfits or just making sure you’ve got enough sunscreen, these little touches will make your experience even more memorable.
Got any packing tips or outfit ideas that have worked for you at Disney World? Share them in the comments.