What to Pack for Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando
Planning a Florida theme park holiday? Packing smartly can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here’s a breakdown of essentials to consider:
Footwear & Clothing
Comfortable Trainers: Essential for long days of walking; consider bringing a second pair in case of rain or blisters. I found running trainers the most comfortable, my personal favourite were New Balance 530’s.
Breathable Clothing: Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton or athletic blends to stay cool in the Florida heat.
Lightweight Rain Jacket or Poncho: Florida weather can be unpredictable; pack a compact poncho or rain jacket for sudden showers.
Swimwear: For hotel pools or water rides at the parks. Consider one with shoulder coverage for the water parks!
Water Shoes: Great for water parks – the floors get very hot and slippery.
Crocs or Sandals: Perfect for water parks or chilled hotel days.
Evening Attire: If you plan on dining at nicer restaurants or attending shows, pack a smart-casual outfit. Florida tends to have a more relaxed approach to evening clothing so be sure not to overpack in this department!
Disney Ears & Themed Outfits: A must for magical photo moments! Bring your favourite ears or grab themed tees and outfits before you go (it’s usually cheaper!).
Park Day Essentials
Backpack or Crossbody Bag: Choose a comfortable, lightweight bag to carry daily necessities.
Beach Bag: Ideal for water park days – easy to carry and keeps everything in one place.
Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; many parks offer free water refill stations.
Portable Phone Charger & Cables: With constant use of park apps and taking photos, a power bank is invaluable. Don’t forget extra charging cables too.
Waterproof Phone Case: Perfect for water rides and water parks to keep your phone safe and dry.
Cooling Towels: Activate with water and drape around your neck for instant relief from the Florida heat.
Mini Fan (Handheld or Neck Fan): A lifesaver when queuing in the sun.
Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Protect your skin from the strong Florida sun.
Sunglasses & Hat: Essential for sun protection during outdoor activities.
Hand Sanitiser & Wet Wipes: Maintain hygiene, especially before meals or after rides.
Snacks: Pack non-perishable snacks to keep energy levels up between meals.
Ziplock Bags: Useful for keeping snacks, wet clothes, or valuables organised and dry.
Towel: Bring your own if you’d rather not pay to hire one at the water parks.
Electrolyte Sachets or Tablets: Perfect for replenishing salts and staying energised – especially helpful in the Florida heat.
Travel Documents & Essentials
Drivers License, ESTAs/Visas, Passports & Travel Insurance: Ensure all documents are up-to-date and easily accessible (save the PDF or print a copy).
Park Tickets & Reservations: Have digital or printed copies of all bookings.
Credit Cards & Some Dollars: While cards are widely accepted, having some cash can be handy.
Medication: Bring any necessary prescriptions and a basic first-aid kit. Consider painkillers, antihistamines, mosquito sprays, calamine lotion and plasters to name a few.
Hotel Room Considerations
UK to US Plug Adapters: Make sure you bring the correct adapters to charge your devices.
Hair Tools: Many UK hairdryers, straighteners, and curling tools don’t work properly in the US due to the different voltage (USA uses 110V). Check if your device is dual-voltage before packing, or consider bringing a travel-friendly version designed for US use. You could also check if your hotel provides a hairdryer to save on packing space. We picked up a cheap hair curler in Walmart for under $20, which worked perfectly during our stay.
Toiletries: Pack your essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and any skincare items you use daily. Consider travel-size versions to save space, and don’t forget a razor and feminine hygiene products if needed.
Travel Laundry Kit: Handy for washing clothes during longer stays.
Entertainment: Books, tablets, or games for downtime.
Dry Bag or Plastic Tote: For storing wet swimwear or protecting items at the pool or water parks.
Extra Space for Souvenirs: Leave room in your suitcase for theme park merch, plushies, and magical extras you’ll pick up along the way!
Park-Specific Tips
Universal Studios: Consider a lanyard for easy access to tickets and Express Passes. If you’ve visited before, bring your Universal refillable drink cup – it can be reactivated for a lower cost than buying new.
Walt Disney World: Don’t forget to pack your MagicBands from previous trips – they still work and can save time and money. Also, if you have a Disney refillable popcorn bucket, bring it along! You can get discounted refills throughout the parks.
Water Parks: Don’t forget water shoes, waterproof phone cases, and a towel if you don’t want to hire one. Store valuables in a dry bag or locker for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Packing efficiently for your Florida theme park adventure ensures you can focus on making magical memories. A little prep goes a long way – and keeping cool and dry in the Florida sun and showers is key. Don’t worry if you forget anything – Walmart, Target, or CVS have everything you could ever need!
Need a checklist for packing? Save the image below or click download for a PDF version:
Want to know more about Florida?! Check out our other Florida posts here.