Jenna SaxtonThe countdown is almost over…you’re going to Walt Disney World! But, one last thing stands between you and Main Street, U.S.A. – packing. Are you Disneybounding? Planning Disney-themed outfits? The opportunities are endless! And, with long travel days, four parks, Disney Springs, and water parks, you certainly don’t want to get caught wearing the wrong thing.
So, what do you wear to Disney World?
Well, we’ve been to Disney World hundreds of times during all different types of weather, and now we give you the 411 on what to wear to Disney World so that the only thing you’re thinking about during your trip is how many more snacks you can fit into your day!
What to Wear on the Day You Arrive
Whether you’re flying, taking a train, bus, or driving, comfort is key on your arrival day. So, whether that’s your favorite sweatpants and sweatshirt, or a Disney tee and jeans, pick something that you’re comfortable in for traveling.
If you will be arriving early in the day and plan to head to the parks right away, go for a swim in the hotel pool, or visit Disney Springs, you may want to consider packing a change of clothes in a backpack or carry-on. Disney World Resort hotels are able to store your luggage behind the front desk if your room isn’t ready when you arrive. So, you can quickly change into your park-day clothes and get your vacation started right away without needing to carry around your luggage.
What to Wear in the Parks
It’s no secret that Central Florida can get hot…really hot. With its reputation for being humid and sunny nearly year-round, you’ve probably already started cataloging all the shorts and sweat-wicking clothing you own to be packed away. But, before you pile your suitcase high with tank tops, check the weather!
A quick glance at your favorite weather app can tell you that it’s going to be unseasonably cold for Florida during your January Disney World trip. Or, you might find that rain is expected nearly every day that you plan to visit because of the high temperatures in the summer. Or you could end up visiting during the hottest week of the year, when temperatures soar above 100 degrees.
Beyond the weather, there are a few other things to consider when choosing what you’ll wear to Disney World.
What to Wear to Disney World By Season
While Florida is often known for being one long summer, there are some seasonal changes in the weather that you’ll want to consider when packing.
The weather is hottest in the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees due to the humidity. So, we suggest wearing sweat-wicking clothing to help keep you cool during the day. We also like to wear slip shorts under skirts and dresses to avoid chafing. And, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen to keep from burning!
The fall is a bit milder in Florida, though temperatures are usually still in the 70s to low 90s. Plan to wear clothes that will keep you cool in the heat, but bring a light jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.
Believe it or not, Florida can actually be cold in the winter (but not always!). Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave so you know whether to pack pants and sweatshirts or shorts and tees.
Lastly, spring tends to bring some of the best weather to Florida, with typical temperatures in the 60s and 70s. These are the perfect temperatures for jeans and a t-shirt or shorts and a sweater.
What Shoes Should I Wear to Disney World?
With so much walking involved, your shoes just might be the most important thing you’ll wear in Disney World! The average park guest logs 15,000-20,000 steps a day. We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers for your park days, though some guests swear by sandals (like Chacos or Birkenstocks), Oofos (designed to put less strain on your muscles), or Crocs. Comfort over fashion is key!
What to Wear if it Rains at Disney World
Central Florida is notorious for its thunderstorms – but good news! Most of the time, the rain only last about 15-30 minutes. However, you’ll want to be prepared. They pop up out of nowhere!
Head to The Dollar Store before your trip and grab ponchos for each person to throw in your bag. This is an easy (and cheap!) way to stay mostly dry even during storms, rather than walking around in wet clothes for the rest of the day. Purchasing ponchos ahead of time or bringing rain jackets from home will save a ton of money, as ponchos at Disney World will cost $10-$12 each.
Additionally, we recommend packing an extra pair of shoes and socks just in case, because there’s nothing worse than having to slog around the park in day-old, still-damp shoes!
Pro Tip: All Disney resort rooms are stocked with a blow dryer. Blow-drying shoes when you return to your room will have you prepped and dry for the next morning!
Top 5 Tips:
- The most important part of your outfit isn’t your clothing – it’s your shoes! Prioritize comfort.
- Consider purchasing matching Disney-themed outfits in bright colors for each day of your trip when traveling in groups.
- Add a touch of Disney style with Minnie Ears, Mickey Ears, and other accessories to jazz up the outfit.
- Don’t forget to wear your MagicBand or MagicBand+ whenever you’re not in your hotel room (if you plan on using one). MagicBands are essential accessories that serve as your park ticket, Lightning Lane redemption, credit card, and more.
- Plan for rain, even if it’s not called for!
What to Wear for Dining Reservations
If you’re anything like us, eating your way around Disney World is half the fun. While most restaurants in the hotels and parks allow for casual attire (basically anything you’re wearing to the park), Disney World’s signature restaurants do have a higher standard when it comes to what you wear for your dining reservation.
Currently, Disney signature restaurants require that guests “dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition.” This includes things like khakis, slacks, and collared shirts for men, and capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts for women. Disney allows jeans in good condition at these restaurants, except at Victoria & Albert’s, which requires semi-formal or formal attire.
Avoid dressing in swimwear, tank tops, flip-flops, t-shirts with offensive language or graphics, torn clothing, cut-offs, or swimsuit cover-ups at these upscale locations.
However, if you don’t plan on dining at any of the signature restaurants, then you don’t need to change from your day clothes for your meal.
If you have questions about the dress code at the Disney restaurants you plan to dine at during your stay, you can visit Disney’s website for the most up-to-date information.
What to Wear to Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the largest shopping and dining district in Disney World. It is free to visit, and dressing for it is simple – just wear something you’re comfortable walking in and weather-appropriate!
What to Wear to the Pool or Water Parks
Plan on getting some R&R at the pool? Or, even better, visiting one of Disney World’s two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon? Then you’d better pack your swimsuit!
Disney doesn’t have any rules regarding swimsuits, so pack your favorite (or two!). You may also want to consider wearing water shoes or flip-flops, as the pavement around the pools can get very hot. And, while Disney does provide towels at the resort pools and water parks, you may want to bring a cover-up for when you’re walking between the pool and your hotel room or riding on the bus to and from the water park.
What to Wear for Special Ticketed Events
Planning your trip during the holidays and want to go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? You might want to pack something special to wear!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party is one of the only times that adults are allowed to wear costumes in Magic Kingdom. And, most take Disney up on the offer! If you do plan to wear a Halloween costume to the party, you’ll need to abide by the following dress guidelines:
- All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent.
- Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Costume masks of any kind may not be worn. (Note that guests 13 and under are allowed to wear costume masks, though they “must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen”)
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Costumes are not allowed for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but be sure to pack something festive to wear! Keep in mind that it may still be warm (yes, even in November and December). So, you may want to go for a “Santa in Hawaii” vibe rather than a winter wonderland.
What NOT to Wear to Disney World
When you’re trying to decide what to wear to Disney World, comfort is key! You’ll want to consider what clothing may cause chafing, wear shoes that you know won’t blister your feet, and even think about what you plan to ride in the parks.
While many people may choose to steer clear of skirts and dresses because of the risk of chafing and the fact that they may make riding some attractions more difficult, you can still wear them! We recommend purchasing slip shorts to wear under your skirt, or skirts and dresses with built-in shorts. This will help you avoid any awkward encounters when trying to get on rides that require you to straddle the seat, like Magic Kingdom’s newest ride, TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Does Disney Have a Dress Code?
Yes. Currently, you may be denied entry to the parks or escorted out if you are wearing:
- Costumes and costume masks, which may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older.
- Exceptions: Specific Halloween and Christmas events
- Some outfits inspired by Star Wars
- Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
- Excessively torn clothing
- Clothing that exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
- Clothing that touches or drags on the ground
- Clothing with multiple layers is subject to search upon entry
- Objectionable tattoos
Comments
Do you have any other tips for what to wear to Disney World? What outfits do you prefer when visiting the theme parks? Leave us a comment below to share your favorite Disney attire.
