Summer is brutal here in Central Florida, and if you aren’t prepared for it, you might leave the parks feeling defeated. For us, summer begins in spring. The minute we reach the middle of March, we feel the heat, and the rain makes its way to the state. In my opinion, the worst part starts in May. Between the middle of March and the end of August, it’s safe to assume it will be hot, the sun will be intense, and it will rain at least once during your trip. I carry a few items with me during the summer months that I think everyone should have. 

As I mentioned previously, it is hot. If you wonder which park is the hottest in summer, it’s Animal Kingdom. In my opinion, it feels like the sun lives in Animal Kingdom during the summer. It is hot, but it’s humid, making it even worse. For the heat, I carry a portable fan that is chargeable. The night before I go to the parks, I charge it up and put it in my bag before I leave. This is very helpful for any outdoor queues, waiting for parades, or even walking around. I purchased my fan last summer, and it is truly a lifesaver. I brought it with me anytime I went to the parks last summer, and it made a difference because last summer felt warmer than any summer I’ve ever experienced.

I carry the Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen made by Neutrogena along with my fan. I burn so quickly, and I’m not fond of sticky, heavy sunscreen. When I discovered this product two years ago, I fell in love because it feels so light on my skin and doesn’t irritate my skin. Getting a bad sunburn on vacation is not fun, so make sure you bring that sunscreen. In summer, it’s very easy to get dehydrated with the heat and humidity, so my next must-have is an insulated water bottle to keep your water cold. There are so many different types of water bottles on Amazon to choose from, and another great place to look for them is at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. One thing Disney does well is providing free cups of water, which helps with refilling the water bottle. I can’t stress enough how staying hydrated while in the parks is essential. 

Those previous suggestions are relatively obvious, but let’s talk about some less obvious things. It is very rainy here in the summer, so, of course, it’s essential to carry an umbrella or pack a rain jacket. I always pack an extra pair of socks because nothing is worse than wet socks. There are two ways to get your socks wet when visiting Disney in summer: the rain or water rides. Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids are the two rides that could get those socks wet. I also try to bring an extra t-shirt to change into if I get caught in a rainstorm. The deeper we get into summer, it’s safe to anticipate that it will rain every day in the afternoon. When planning a vacation during summer to Walt Disney World, it’s important to plan that into your itinerary for each day. I have one more thing that I always carry with me in summer, and that is deodorant. Whether in the sun sweating or getting caught in the rain, you will most likely have to reapply deodorant at least once during the day. 

Summer at Walt Disney World is a whole different beast than winter here. In the winter months, you need to dress in layers to accommodate the change in temperature during the day, from really cold in the morning to slightly chilly in the afternoon. In summer, it’s a whole different ballgame. These are my must-haves during the summer, and they have been beneficial in making the summer days in the Disney parks a bit more enjoyable. 

What are your must-have items to survive the summer days at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments.