We live about an hour away from Disney World, so we generally choose the least crowded times to go. I’ve seen Disney in 90 degree heat on a crowded mid-summer day, and I’m not eager to repeat that experience. That was years ago, however, and my Disney game has improved dramatically since then. I know what to bring, and what to leave behind. I’ve stopped bringing heavy aluminum water bottles, for example, and bring a lightweight one for the family to share. But I never hit the park without sunscreen, rain ponchos, and lightweight cardigans to protect against overly air-conditioned rides and restaurants.
Still, I can’t help but sigh when I see whole families, happy and shiny bright, in coordinating Disney shirts with their names on them. To make myself feel better about the fact that I lack the organizational gene to get it together and order monogrammed shirts months before a Disney trip, I tell myself I am above such things. After all, I’m practically a local. But inside I want to jump up and down and hug them for giving the Disney experience all they’ve got and just going with it, you know? These people are doing Disney right.
And when I grow up, I want to be just like them. Fortunately, I came across Disney collabs without even looking, so even those of us who don’t plan our Disney trips months in advance can rock cute matching themed attire. Or not. It’s totally up to you. But seriously, there’s a lot of cute Disney stuff in stores right now. Torrid and The GAP and UNIQLO and Melissa and Target and Kohl’s and H&M. He’s one popular mouse.
Now I’m not saying that you need to wear all the Disney stuff, all the time. I’d pick a tee and maybe an accessory and stick to classic, non-themed pieces for the rest of my look, but if you want to go all in on a theme, this is your chance. There’s no judgement here. Just options. Lots of options.
Here. my packing list for a one week Disney vacation. Am I missing anything?
(As always, pictures are linked so just click on them to shop!)
Shoes
A pair of cute waterproof flats, flat sandals or cute flip flops and stylish sneakers are all required footwear for a day at Disney.
2. Tees and tops
Lightweight tees and tanks are theme park essentials. Pack 4-5 for a weeklong trip.
3. Bottoms
The lighter the better on a hot summer day at a theme park, so pack 2-3 pairs of easy-breezy shorts and a pair of relaxed denim jeans or stay cool jeans like the “cooloff” styles from Joe’s Jeans. Brilliant!
4. Dresses
The coolest and easiest option on a hot summer day is a dress or an airy romper. These pretty styles will work for a day at the park or a night at a nice resort restaurant.
5. Bathing suit and coverup
6. Jackets
Apparently, I’m more practical than I thought. I found two completely portable jacket options, and I’m kind of patting myself on the back over here. 🙂 The Pocket Poppet is a lightweight, wrinkle resistant travel cardigan that fits into its own attached pocket. I’ve also found rain ponchos that fit in little plastic balls and clip on to bags, belt loops, etc. And they come in a 4 pack!
7. Accessories
It’s a great idea to find a hands-free option for carrying stuff around when you’re park-hopping. Look for a crossbody or a backpack, depending on how much you carry. A cute clutch doubles as a wallet and makes for a lighter load for dinners out. An inexpensive but protective pair of sunglasses is also a must.
What are your theme park must-haves? Let me know if the comments!
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