What to Wear at Walt Disney World

The ultimate guide to how to dress for comfort at Walt Disney World

Planning the right wardrobe for your Disney World vacation is important to ensure that you and your family are comfortable and can enjoy your days in the parks without having wardrobe get in the way.

Since Florida weather at Walt Disney World is different during different seasons, your wardrobe considerations should take this into account. You want to pack light, but also with some thought about what will work best for the time of your Disney vacation. While I never recommend spending all-day non-stop in any Disney Park, if you are going to do that on your Disney World vacation, then thoughtful planning for what to wear with comfort in mind is even more important.

As a general guideline, you can browse the Disney Parks attire policies here (including clothing rules and guidelines).

Having been traveling to Walt Disney World for two to three weeks per year as an on-site Disney hotel vacation guest for over 50 years (since the time the resort first opened in 1971), I have spent over 1,000 days walking the parks of Walt Disney World. This guide on how to dress for comfort on your Walt Disney World vacation is a brief consolidation of my best practices and recommendations based on 50+ years’ worth of Disney travel (and counting).

What Shoes to Wear at Walt Disney World

Footwear is one of the most important things to consider for your Disney vacation. I've seen everything from flip-flops to boots and high heels on Disney Parks guests, but realistically, a good comfortable pair of running shoes or casual walking shoes is going to suit you best.

Also, I wouldn't recommend wearing a brand new pair of shoes that isn't broken in a bit and also be sure to consider wearing socks, even if you don’t normally (you may even want to pack a few band-aids in case blisters form during your visit). The amount of walking you’ll do each day on your Walt Disney World vacation is likely going to be far beyond what you normally do each day at home.

As is often the case, use common sense.

It's not just about comfort when walking, there is also time spent standing in lines. Plus, if you are traveling in a particularly hot or rainy season, you want to take that into account that as well. Consider shoes that can dry relatively quickly (Orlando summer downpours can literally flood the parks momentarily) and that are breathable so your feet don't bake on the hot pavement in the unrelenting Florida summer sun. For example, all-leather running shoes don’t fare that well in wet and hot Florida weather, in my experience (and they probably won’t be fully dry by the next morning).

Coats, Jackets, Hoodies and Ponchos for Walt Disney World

For the summer rainy season in particular, you may want to consider packing ponchos. They are a little more expensive in the Disney parks than what you will likely find at home, so picking them up at a dollar store in advance will save you money and ensure that you have them when you need them.

Personally, I don't like wearing ponchos as I feel hot and constricted inside them on hot summer days—I would rather get a little wet and dry off quickly. But others in my family would rather put on a poncho. So consider which type you are and if you are poncho person, then don't forget this item.

For Walt Disney World vacations in the late fall, winter and early spring, it's worth packing a light coat or hoodie.

Nights can get cool (sometimes very cool) and so can the days in the midst of winter. You might not need them, depending on your tolerance, but if you want to avoid having to buy a hoodie when Disney rolls out the hoodie racks in the shops, then plan to bring a light extra layer in advance. It’s rare that you would need a full-on winter coat, but check the Florida weather before you travel just to be sure.

What Kind of Shirt is Best to Wear in Disney Parks?

For late spring, summer and early fall vacations to Walt Disney World, it's usually pretty warm.

You won't likely need a jacket or hoodie at those times of year, but you will want ideally to wear a light colored breathable shirt (dark colors tend to attract and hold heat, while light colors deflect it).

T-shirts, tank tops and button-up short-sleeved shirts are all fine. Breathable lightweight fabrics are best.  But really, whatever is most comfortable for you is a good place to start. The same goes for your little ones in terms of lightweight and light colored shirts in the heat of summer (strollers with sun shades are also great).

Shorts, Leggings, Dresses and Pants for Disney World Vacations

As per all other recommendations here, comfort is important to consider along with function.

Disney Parks guests wear everything from shorts, to yoga leggings, to skirts, dresses and pants. There’s no right or wrong. I like to wear shorts even when it's cool because I'm more comfortable that way. So go with what you know.

Time of year also plays a factor here. I would never bring jeans (or pants of any kind) to Walt Disney World in late spring, summer or early fall, but I do throw them in my bag in late fall, winter and early spring—just in case of a real cool down.

Also, quick dry shorts, shirts and other items are great for the summer rainy season. I love them, as they often dry within 30 minutes when the sun comes out after a fast-passing Orlando summer downpour. For me, this is a better way to go than a poncho. But everyone is different. The point is to think about it in advance so you are not caught off guard.

Do You Need at Hat at Walt Disney World?

A hat is another item that is ideally suited to the individual. For your little ones, a hat (or other sun protection) is a must and is highly recommended.

I don’t personally wear hats in the hot weather at Walt Disney World because I find that they actually make me hotter (not allowing the heat to escape from your head). So I tend to brave the elements and seek natural shade as much as possible.

On the other hand, there are other family members who love wearing hats at Disney World. Their preference is a lighter style of head wear (more breathable hats, like straw hats), as opposed to ball caps that are not always very breathable.

So hats are definitely worth considering as the hot Florida sun can be intense, particularly in July and August at Walt Disney World.

Common Sense is the Best Advice for What to Wear on a Disney Vacation

Common sense is really your best guide.

Along with the guidelines I have noted above about footwear and Orlando weather patterns at different times of year, try to focus on what will be most comfortable for you and your family.

The fun in dressing for a Disney vacation comes with picking out which themed Disney apparel you want to wear, including Disney shirts, Disney hoodies, Disney sweatshirts, Disney leggings, Disney dresses and so on.

Unique Disney Apparel

The shops in Disney Parks and other areas have a ton of fun designs.

If you are looking for something Disney-inspired—but also a Disney t-shirt or item that's a little different than what everyone else is wearing—we also have a great selection of unique and creative Disney inspired shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, leggings and more in our shop here at 1923 Main Street.

So be sure to browse around the Emporium at 1923 Main Street to find Disney inspired apparel that you may want to add to your Disney vacation packing list.

About the Author

Mike Belobradic is a Disney Travel Expert and founder of 1923 Main Street the Disney travel podcast and shop.