What to Pack for an Orlando Theme Park Trip

Orlando theme parks are a marathon, not a sprint — 8 to 12 miles of walking a day, in Florida heat and humidity that can catch first-timers off guard. Pack the right small things and everyone stays happy from rope drop to fireworks. Here is the family-tested list we recommend to our own customers.

Beat the Florida heat

From April to October it is hot and humid, with a near-daily afternoon downpour. The heat is the number one thing that ends park days early. Pack:

• Refillable water bottles — there are free water fountains and quick-service counters will hand you cups of ice water. Hydration matters more than anything else on this list.
• Cooling towels and a small handheld fan — a wet cooling towel around the neck is a game-changer in a long line.
• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses — reapply sunscreen midday; shade is scarce in the queues.
• Electrolyte packets — add to water to avoid the mid-afternoon crash, especially for kids and grandparents.

Comfort head to toe

Blisters and soaked shoes ruin more Orlando days than any ride closure. Bring:

• Broken-in walking shoes plus a second pair — never debut new shoes at a park.
• Blister bandages and moleskin tucked in your bag for the first hot spot.
• A cheap rain poncho per person — far smaller and cheaper than buying one in the park when the storm hits.
• A light layer for over-air-conditioned restaurants and evening shows.

Power and the little things

Your phone is your park map, ride reservation system, camera, and payment — and the apps drain the battery fast.

• A portable charger and cable per adult — the single most forgotten essential.
• A phone lanyard or crossbody so it does not fly out on a coaster or get dropped in a line.
• Zip bags to keep phones and wallets dry on water rides and in the rain.
• Snacks — granola bars and fruit keep meltdowns (kid and adult) at bay between meals.

The gear you should not fly with

Some things are simply not worth checking as luggage or buying new. A stroller for tired little legs, a mobility scooter so a grandparent can enjoy the whole day, or a crib and car seat for the baby — we deliver all of it clean and ready to your hotel, resort, or vacation home, free on orders of $120 or more, and pick it up when you leave. That is a stroller, scooter, and full baby gear set you never have to drag through the airport.