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6 Things I'll Never Go to Disney World Without Bringing

By
Education & Training with Three Kids, Three Cats, and a Husband

 

1. Frogg Togg Chill Pad

 

These cooling towels aren't quite a miracle cure for the Florida heat, but they are effective.

What you do is wet it thoroughly and then squeeze it out. As it evaporates, it stays both cool and dry.

We like to drape them around our neck and shoulders. Not only does it cool us down, but it also provides extra sun protection.

 

My husband pointed out something on our last trip: These cool you off just enough so you don't feel quite so worn down from the heat. He thought it helped keep his stamina up so that he could stay walking at the parks a little longer.

 

Another thing we discovered on our last trip was that the cooling towels they sell at Disney ar not quite as good and do not get as cool as the Frogg Togg.

 

You can read more about the Frogg Togg Chill Pad (and see a cute photo of my son with it) in my post on tips to stay cool in Disney World.

 

2. Comfortable Shoes

Good shoes are critical for a Disney trip. Nothing can ruin your trip faster than having to walk 10 miles a day when your feet hurt.

 

So what exactly are "good shoes"?

 

Basically, shoes that fit right, are broken in, are sturdy, and that dry quickly.

 

On my last 3 Disney trips I've worn Merrell sandals and been very happy with them. You can see reviews for other brands and styles that work well in my post about the best sandals for Disney.

 

If you choose to wear sneakers and socks (which is also a viable option if you choose good, sturdy sneakers that fit well), I would suggest bringing an extra pair of socks with you in case they get wet.

 

 

3. Mickey ears

This is the least critical item on the list, but it's true: I never want to go back to Disney World without Mickey ears.

 

After all, how often in your real life do you get to wear Mickey ears? Never, that's how often (except for possibly Halloween).

 

So I say live it up and have fun!

 

I like to get my mouse ears from Etsy. There are a ton of very unique choices, and I'm always happy to make purchases from small businesses when I can. Rachel Wallace at The Mouse Project makes beautiful mouse ears that got me a ton of compliments on my last trip.

 

4. Suncreen

This may be obvious, but I still wanted to include it because it's soo important. And yes, you will need it even on a cloudy day, and even in December. 

Since I am so fair-skinned, I use "sun block" as opposed to sunscreen. Blue Lizard and EltaMD are both good brands that my dermatologist recommended.

 

5. Rain ponchos

Call us slow learners ... we have been caught in sudden Disney downpours twice, and now we finally know better. If full-blown raincoats are too bulky or expensive for you, you can easily get a pack of dispoable ponchos and stick them in your park bag. (They are also good for riding Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom.)

 

For more information on dealing with less-than-sunny weather, check out my post on what to do in Disney World when it rains

 

6. Cute dresses 

Unfortunately, I didn't think too much about "looking cute" on my first few Disney trips, but now I always wear sundresses. (In fact, on our last trip I wore nothing but sundresses.) They are cooler than shorts and a shirt, and since I'm going to get my photo taken several times, I figure I might as well look nice!

You can see photos of some of my dresses (with links to where to buy them) in my post on what to wear in Disney World.

I've gotten most of my Disney dresses at Kohl's or Amazon. I think on my next trip I should splurge and get some things from Shop Disney!

 

I hope this post has been helpful. If you're planning a Disney World trip and want a more extensive packing list, check out my Disney packing list 2019. It even includes a free color printable that you can download.

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