What to Pack for Disney World in the Summer | Must Have Essentials
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the summer? You’re not alone! We love visiting Disney during the summer months. Disney Resort deals are usually great at this time of year, and the kids are out of school. Below you’ll find everything for what to pack for Disney World in the summer, along with some of our favorite tips!
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There’s one thing you can always count on in Florida during July and August: the heat. And not just the heat, it’s humid, intense, what I refer to as “walking on the sun” kind of combination.
After many summer trips to the parks, we’ve learned what works (and what definitely doesn’t!) when it comes to packing for hot weather at Disney World. These are our favorite essentials for staying cool, smart packing tips, and insider strategies for surviving the Florida heat.
You’ll know exactly what to pack for Disney World in the summer after reading all of our tips below!
Our Quick Reference Summer Packing Must Have Items
These are some of our favorite items to pack during the warmer months at Disney World! (And some of them are helpful year round as well!) As the temperatures heat up, everyone in your travel party is going to need items to stay cool!
Found in photo:
Cooling Neck Fan / Hair Clip / Sunglasses / Mickey Charm / Handheld Fan
Stroller Fan / Face Stick / Coral Safe Sunscreen / Cooling Towels / Scrunchie
We bring cooling towels, personal cooling neck fans, and handheld fans for every member of our party! At night we charge all of them up, ensuring that they are at the ready for everyone the next morning.
Must-Have Items to Pack for Summer at Disney World
Here are our top summer Disney World packing essentials to help you stay cool, comfortable, and hydrated throughout your park days.
Cooling towels are a game changer. Just wet them with cold water, wring them out, and place them around your neck for instant relief. They’re reusable and easy to carry in a park bag.
2. Personal Neck Fans (with Cooling Plates!)
Not all neck fans are created equal. Look for a rechargeable neck fan with cooling plates for added comfort. These sit around your neck and blow air upward, helping you cool down while keeping your hands free.
Pro tip: Charge it overnight and bring a portable battery pack in case you need to recharge during the day.
These are perfect for stroller-aged kids or if you want something lightweight in your park bag. Bonus points if you get one with a misting feature!
Our favorite: Small, foldable handheld fans with USB charging.
Hydration is everything in the Florida sun. Bring a stainless steel or insulated water bottle to keep your drinks cold for hours. Many quick-service restaurants offer free ice water, and there are refill stations in every park. This sport bottle holder is convenient to use as a small purse too!
Skip the heavy cotton! Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics that dry quickly. Athletic wear, dri-fit t-shirts, and shorts are ideal for both kids and adults.
6. Hats and Sunglasses
Protect your face and eyes with wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps, and don’t forget a good pair of polarized sunglasses for everyone in the family.
Apply sunscreen before you leave your hotel, and reapply every few hours. We also pack aloe vera gel just in case someone gets a bit too much sun.
8. Ponchos or Lightweight Rain Jackets
Florida’s summer storms come fast and hard. Be ready with compact ponchos that you can toss into your bag or a water-resistant jacket that won’t take up too much space.
Found in photo: Personal Mouse Fan
These are great items to bring especially during the summer, but you’ll notice that a number of them are on our year round must have list for Disney as well!
Extra Summer Tips for Beating the Heat at Disney World
Packing the right gear is just the beginning. Here are our favorite strategies for staying cool and avoiding overheating in the parks:
- Get to the parks early: Rope drop is your friend. You’ll get more done before the hottest part of the day hits.
- Take mid-day breaks: Go back to the hotel for a swim or nap during the afternoon heat, then return in the evening when it’s cooler.
- Use indoor attractions as cool-down spots. Spaceship Earth, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Country Bear Jamboree are all great air-conditioned breaks.
- Mobile order meals to avoid standing in long lines in the heat.
- Don’t skip snacks: fruit cups, Dole Whip, and frozen drinks are delicious ways to stay refreshed!
- Go back into the parks in the evening after the sun has gone down. We like taking a break at the resort and then we are recharged to finish off our evening in the theme park!
Head Back to the Pool
In the middle of the day when the sun and temperatures are at their hottest point, we make it a point to get out of the theme parks! This is a great chance to head back to your resort and enjoy the pool.
This is one reason we like staying at Deluxe Resorts during the summer months, because we tend to use the pool every single day during our stay. So it’s worth it to have the extra amenities when we are spending more time at our resort.
Find out more about what our favorite Deluxe Resorts for families are in our article ranking this tier of resort!
Cooling Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed
When it comes to staying cool at Disney World, the right gear can make all the difference. One of our top recommendations is bringing cooling towels. These lightweight, compact towels are activated with water and can be draped around your neck to provide instant cooling relief.
They’re especially helpful during long waits for rides or during parades when there’s little shade.
Another favorite hot weather must-have is a personal neck fan. We love the models with built-in cooling plates, which take the edge off the heat and are great for on-the-go comfort.
These wearable fans allow you to walk through the parks hands-free while staying cool. If you prefer something smaller or want one for your kids, handheld fans, especially those with misting capabilities are also great options and easy to carry in your park bag.
Dress for the Heat
The clothes you wear at Disney in the summer can greatly affect your comfort level. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like dri-fit or moisture-wicking material. Athletic-style shirts and shorts are ideal for keeping you cool, while dresses made from light cotton work great for moms who want to stay comfortable but stylish.
We have tons of outfit suggestions for visiting in June, July, or August linked to each month. Also, we love wearing athletic dresses when the temperatures start to rise and these are some of our favorites!
Found in photo: Spaceship Earth Dress / Spaceship Earth Ears / Sandals
Hats and sunglasses are also must-haves to protect your face and eyes from the intense Florida sun. We of course love our mouse ears – but being sun prepared is top priority at this time of year! Make sure to bring broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply often, especially after water rides or sweating.
Be Prepared for Afternoon Rain
Summer storms are a daily part of life in Florida. These quick-moving afternoon showers can pop up with little warning, so it’s a good idea to bring compact ponchos or a lightweight rain jacket. You can pick these up before your trip to save money and avoid paying theme park prices.
Having a plastic bag or wet/dry pouch in your park bag to store damp items or ponchos after a storm is also a smart packing hack.
As a bonus, these are also great items to have on hand if you plan on riding water rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! Although in the summer, you’re sure to dry off fast!
Your Summer Packing List for Disney World
Need help organizing your Disney packing list? We’ve got a free printable to help you plan your summer Disney wardrobe and park bag essentials!
Print this off to make sure you bring everything you’ll need for the trip! We also like to bring multiple bathing suits for everyone in our family, since we spend so much time at the pool!
Planning for Summer at Disney World
Summer at Disney World can be magical as long as you’re prepared! With these hot weather Disney packing essentials and heat-beating tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy every magical moment without melting down.
We keep returning in the summer because it is truly a fun time to visit and we love the great deals on Deluxe accomodations at this time of year. Just arrive prepared, take lots of breaks, and stay hydrated! And you’ll have a magical Disney trip no matter the temperature.
Check out these other articles to get ready for your trip!
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
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