Deciding what to wear at Disney World may sound like an easy task, but that’s one of the most common misconceptions among Disney first-timers. It can be as tricky as finding your dream Orlando vacation home. Luckily at Top Villas we’re equipped with the perfect Orlando villas near Disney and helpful advise on what to wear to ensure you enjoy the ultimate Disney World vacation.
So, you’re ready to pack and are looking through your wardrobe…Sure, you’ll want to look great for your vacation photos, but you’ll also want to be dressed for the lines, the rides and the weather.
So how do you look good, while keeping it practical? Here are a few of our top Disney clothing tips…
1. Keep the weather in mind
When you’re considering what to wear to Disney World, the weather is an important factor to bear in mind. The temperatures in Orlando fluctuate throughout the year, so the clothes you pick for February should be quite different from those you pick July.
What to wear at Disney World in the summer
Orlando’s weather during the summer is very hot and humid, so you’ll want to wear something light and airy to keep you cool. Daytime temperatures average a sauna-like 92F, so natural fabrics like cotton or linen are preferable, or sports apparel that’s designed to wick away sweat and keep you dry.
Don’t forget, Orlando tends to be quite rainy in the summer months, so be sure to pack a light rain mac or a small umbrella – you can buy ponchos at the park, but these tend to be more expensive than elsewhere. Don’t worry too much about the rain though, as showers are usually light, and most park-goers consider them a welcome respite from the heat.
What to wear when it cools down
While Orlando is sunny all year round, the winter and spring months bring cooler temperatures. The best clothes for Disney during these months are comfortable lightweight items with a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings.
This guide has more advice on planning for Florida’s weather.
2. What are the best shoes for Disney World?
Comfortable shoes at the best shoes for Disney world. There are 4 sprawling theme parks to walk around and the waiting times for rides are often long, which means that even if you’re not walking, you can end up standing in line for long periods of time. This could spell disaster for your Disney vacation, especially if you need to spend your evenings searching for plasters to cover blisters, and nursing sore soles.
The best shoes for Disney World are lightweight walking shoes like sandals, pumps or sneakers that sit securely on your feet. Try to avoid wearing heels, or shoes with hard wedges and heavy platforms as they’ll end up hurting your feet. Also avoid brand-new shoes that haven’t been worn before, as they may end up rubbing your skin. Instead, choose shoes that you already own, are already broken in, and you know you find comfortable. Wearing flip flops at Disney World is a big no-no – get on a ride with them and they’ll be flying off your feet as fast as you can say ‘roller coaster’. Equally, in the wetter months, ensure that you choose shoes that are waterproof, so your day isn’t dampened by soggy socks.
3. Add a splash of color
No list of what to wear at Disney World would be complete without mentioning bright colors.
Light and bright colors look right at home in the theme parks, and they will also help to keep you cool. That thing we’ve all heard about darker colors absorbing the sun is absolutely true, so sticking to lighter colors will keep you cooler on sunny days. Bright colors come in handy for families with young kids too, making it easier to spot little ones who accidentally wander off.
4. What bag should you wear to Disney World?
You may want to look stylish at Disney World, but a theme park is no place for a heavy handbag. A practical choice is a small crossbody bag, or a lightweight tote or backpack with a zip, as you don’t want anything falling out when you’re whizzing around on rides.
Suitcases, coolers and backpacks (with or without wheels) are all allowed in the park, as long as they are no larger than 24” long x 52” wide x 18” high. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also allowed, so you can pack refreshments along with your personal items.
If you don’t fancy carrying a bag around with you all day, you can rent lockers at Disney World on a daily basis.
5. Keep jewellery simple
When deciding what to wear at Disney World, be mindful of being thrown around on rides. Large or dangly pieces of jewellery could get broken, watches could get splashed and expensive items could get lost. If you must wear jewellery keep it simple, and don’t wear anything you’d be too upset about losing.
6. Pack sun protection
When in the Sunshine State, it’s wise to carry sunscreen, sunglasses and maybe even a cap or sun hat. One bad case of sunburn could spoil your whole vacation – not to mention the longer-term implications like sun damage.
7. Don’t wear anything you’ll worry about
You’ll want to look good for your vacation photos, but don’t compromise your fun by wearing anything you’ll worry about. Your favorite white jeans or expensive sneakers may look great when you get dressed, but they won’t look the same after a day at a theme park. Keep in mind that you’ll get dirty clambering on and off rides – there are water rides too, so there’s a good chance you’ll get wet.
Steer clear of wearing anything you’ll worry about staining while you’re on the rides, or wandering around eating and drinking.
8. What not to wear at Disney World
You may be wondering what to wear at Disney World, but there are a few things you shouldn’t wear too. The theme parks are a casual, family-orientated environment, and they ask that you use your discretion and common sense when dressing for a visit.
What is the Disney dress code?
As part of the Disney Dress Code, guests are asked to wear proper attire including shoes and shirts at all times. Attire that is not appropriate for the parks includes (but is not limited to):
- Costumes and masks worn by guests age 14 or over
- Clothing with obscene language or graphics
- Excessively torn clothing
- Clothing not appropriate for a family environment
We recommend that you review the Disney World park rules before your visit to avoid any delays or disruptions. These are updated regularly so check back before you pack.
Enjoy a magical stay with Top Villas
Ready to book an Orlando vacation? Top Villas offers a wide range of great-value vacation homes in the top resorts near Disney. Book with us and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from round-the-clock customer service plus a wide range of fantastic travel extras.
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your holiday home instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Or if you’d prefer to talk to one of our friendly villa experts, give us a call!
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