A trip to Orlando is an exciting adventure for the whole family. There is a lot of planning before the trip and tons of details to cover, such as where to stay, where to eat and what to see. One the most often overlooked planning is what to bring to the parks. A little upfront planning can make all the difference between a good day at the parks and a great one. Here are 12 Must Haves For The Parks.
Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared to walk. Disney has over 40 square miles, and you will be walking. A great choice is a pair of comfortable tennis shoes. Broken-in shoes are a must, as you don’t want blisters on your first day.
Light Clothing
The parks can get hot even on a cool Florida day. The sun shines more than 300 days per year. Be sure to bring light, natural, moisture-wicking clothing. A light sweater or sweatshirt worn over a tank top is great for the evening.
Small Backpack
You will need something small to put your wallet and cell phone in. Keeping it small will force you to pack light.
Sunglasses
The sun in Florida is very bright. Bring a couple of pair cheap pair of sunglasses that you won’t mind if they fly off your face on one of the thrill rides. Replacement glasses at the parks will set you back about $20-25 so having an extra pair will save you in the long run.
Suntan Lotion
Our recommendation is SPF 30 or more. Make sure to remember to cover your neck, ears and head.
A Hat
A light hat such as a baseball cap or a floppy sun hat will help protect your head from the sun. Remember though, to stow them on the rides as they will fly off.
Hand Sanitizer
Why ruin your vacation with getting the flu or a cold. Germs are everywhere- including the parks. Disney alone has over 17 million visitors per year. That is a lot of germs! Bring a small container of hand sanitizer and use it often.
Refillable Water Bottle
A refillable water bottle for each person in your party is a must Staying hydrated is very important to keep your day on track and not getting heat sick.
Personal Spray Bottle
The small personal spray bottles- some with fans are not a must have, but a nice have. The cool mist that they provide can be so refreshing.
Portable Cell Phone Charger
Cell phones are a convenient way to stay in touch and communicate. However, a long day in the parks can cause dead batteries. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando do have charging stations throughout the parks, but if your party needs to divide and conquer and stay on the go, a Portable Cell Phone Charger is handy.
Rain Poncho
Especially in summer, the heat can cause afternoon showers. A lightweight poncho will keep you prepared. They are also great for rides like the Great Kali River Rapid ride, where you are bound to get wet! You can pick one up for less than $1 at local discount retailers.
Easy Snacks
Quick snacks, such as granola bars or nuts are great to have when someone in the party decides they are starving! This usually happens when you are near the entrance to that ride you just spent the last hour waiting to get in! See our post Healthy and Easy Snacks for the Parks to get more ideas.
Why Packing Smart Matters
Orlando theme parks are fun but demanding. With the right gear, you’ll stay comfortable, energized, and focused on making memories instead of dealing with discomfort.
