Theme Parks · Best Jan–Feb, Oct–Nov
Walt Disney World packing list for families
A Walt Disney World trip means long days on your feet in Florida sun, with a storm or two most summer afternoons. Packing for heat, rain, and miles of walking keeps every park day on track.
Photo by Younho Choo on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Walt Disney World Resort
- Florida heat is the real challenge. I plan rope drop, a midday break at the hotel for a swim and nap, and a return in the evening. Kids last much longer, and so do parents.
- Summer afternoons bring short, heavy storms almost daily. I keep ponchos and a dry pair of socks in the park bag, and we use storm time for indoor shows and dining.
- Expect to walk five to ten miles a day. Shoes already broken in, blister pads, and a stroller for kids up to about six, even if they've outgrown one at home, make a huge difference.
Best timeJan–Feb, Oct–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Walt Disney World Resort
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing11
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Beach & pool7
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Goggles
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Park days4
Cooling towelsKristina's pick
Ponchos for afternoon storms
Small backpack with water bottle pockets
Handheld fan
Little ones14
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Stroller fan and rain coverHelps with midday heat and pop-up storms.
Little things24
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Autograph book and fat penCharacter meets go faster with a pen that's easy to hold.
Glow sticks for evening showsFun for fireworks and an easy way to spot kids in a crowd.
Ziploc bags for phones and snacksKeeps things dry on water rides and in sudden rain.
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Blister padsKristina's pickLong park days add up to many miles of walking.
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Park pastels
Lavender, pale pink, sky, white
For the kids
For photos
- Coordinate the pastels, skip the logos
- Go early for empty backdrops
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Walt Disney World Resort weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F 22°C | Mild and dry, with chilly mornings and evenings | EPCOT's arts festival, with live performances and art displays |
| February | 74°F 23°C | Mild and dry, with chilly mornings and evenings | EPCOT's arts festival, with live performances and art displays |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Warm and mostly sunny, getting hot by May | EPCOT's flower and garden festival, with topiaries and outdoor kitchens Spring break and Easter crowds |
| April | 83°F 28°C | Warm and mostly sunny, getting hot by May | EPCOT's flower and garden festival, with topiaries and outdoor kitchens Spring break and Easter crowds |
| May | 88°F 31°C | Warm and mostly sunny, getting hot by May | EPCOT's flower and garden festival, with topiaries and outdoor kitchens |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid with daily afternoon storms; hurricane season through November | EPCOT's flower and garden festival, with topiaries and outdoor kitchens |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid with daily afternoon storms; hurricane season through November | |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid with daily afternoon storms; hurricane season through November | EPCOT's food and wine festival |
| September | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid with daily afternoon storms; hurricane season through November | EPCOT's food and wine festival Halloween season, with special evening events at Magic Kingdom |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Warm days, lower humidity, and fewer storms | EPCOT's food and wine festival Halloween season, with special evening events at Magic Kingdom |
| November | 79°F 26°C | Warm days, lower humidity, and fewer storms | EPCOT's food and wine festival Holiday decorations and Christmas parties across the resort |
| December | 74°F 23°C | Mild and dry, with chilly mornings and evenings | Holiday decorations and Christmas parties across the resort |
Questions families ask
Walt Disney World Resort with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World Resort with kids?
The best time is Jan–Feb, Oct–Nov. Mild and dry, with chilly mornings and evenings
What's the weather like in Walt Disney World Resort?
Typical daytime highs range from about 72°F (22°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Walt Disney World Resort?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Walt Disney World Resort?
None. Walt Disney World Resort uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Walt Disney World Resort with kids?
Florida heat is the real challenge. I plan rope drop, a midday break at the hotel for a swim and nap, and a return in the evening. Kids last much longer, and so do parents.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.