Stay somewhere that feels like a vacation
A resort with a great pool turns your off-park afternoons into the best part of the trip. Four Seasons Orlando and club level at the Grand Floridian are two of our favorites.
Theme Parks · Best Jan–Feb, Nov
Orlando theme park packing list for families
A great park day comes down to a well-packed bag and a good pool to come back to. Here's our Orlando packing list for families, adjusted for the month you're going.
Photo by Rolando Yera on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Orlando
- Stay somewhere with a great pool. An afternoon break makes the whole trip better.
- Arrive at the parks early. The first hour has the shortest lines all day.
- Summer brings heat and daily afternoon storms. Plan indoor rides and shows for 3 to 5 pm.
Best timeJan–Feb, Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Orlando
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur 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
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Sweatshirts for chilly morningsWinter mornings can dip into the 40s.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Beach & pool5
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Goggles
Park days4
Cooling towelsOur pick
Ponchos for afternoon storms
Small backpack with water bottle pockets
Handheld fan
Little ones5
Lightweight travel strollerOur pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
Park pastels
Lavender, pale pink, sky, white
For the grown-ups
- Breathable tees and a light layer
- Supportive walking shoes
- A crossbody bag
For the kids
- Quick-dry tees in soft pastels
- Shorts or skirts with pockets
- One bright color so they're easy to spot
For photos
- Coordinate the pastels, skip the logos
- Go early for empty backdrops
Month by month
Orlando 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 days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather. | EPCOT's Festival of the Arts brings painting, food, and live performances. |
| February | 75°F 24°C | Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather. | EPCOT's Festival of the Arts brings painting, food, and live performances. |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Warm and sunny. Spring break crowds in March. | EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with topiaries and outdoor kitchens. |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Warm and sunny. Spring break crowds in March. | EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with topiaries and outdoor kitchens. |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Warm and sunny. Spring break crowds in March. | EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with topiaries and outdoor kitchens. |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | Summer is the hottest and busiest. A midday pool break is a must. |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | Summer is the hottest and busiest. A midday pool break is a must. |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Summer is the hottest and busiest. A midday pool break is a must. |
| September | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Halloween parties at both Disney and Universal. Costumes for everyone! |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Warm days that start to cool off. Lighter crowds. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Halloween parties at both Disney and Universal. Costumes for everyone! |
| November | 79°F 26°C | Warm days that start to cool off. Lighter crowds. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Holiday decorations go up in early November. Christmas in the parks is magical, and crowded near the holidays. |
| December | 74°F 23°C | Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather. | Holiday decorations go up in early November. Christmas in the parks is magical, and crowded near the holidays. |
Orlando, beautifully
The theme park trip, done gracefully
Walt Disney World and Universal can be calm, comfortable, and full of magic. It mostly comes down to where you stay and how you plan your days.
Plan for the afternoon slump
Go early, head back for naps and the pool, and return for the evening. Little ones last longer, and so do parents.
Know when a private guide pays off
For big family groups or short trips, a VIP tour can mean more rides and far less waiting. We'll tell you honestly if it's worth it for your family.
Pack for the parks
Our Orlando list adjusts for the month you're going, from cooling towels in July to sweatshirts in January.
Questions families ask
Orlando with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Orlando with kids?
The best time is Jan–Feb, Nov. Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather.
What's the weather like in Orlando?
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 Orlando?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Orlando?
None. Orlando uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Orlando with kids?
Stay somewhere with a great pool. An afternoon break makes the whole trip better.
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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.