What To Wear To Disney World
Here’s a question I get a lot… What should I wear to Disney World?
If you’ve been to Disney, you know it’s all about comfort. You’re walking from morning until night, hopping on and off rides, and you’re trying not to have to lug around too much stuff. How do you look cute, but keep it practical? Here are a few suggestions.
1. Check the Weather
Weather is important when you’re putting together an outfit. What to wear to Disney World in July is going to be quite different from what to wear to Disney World in February. July is the hottest month with temperatures averaging 28° c ( 82ºF). It’s also the month with the most rain. Jan/Feb are the coldest months in Orlando with temperatures averaging 15-16ºC (59-60ºF).1. Consider the Weather
Cooler weather calls for long pants and long sleeves, maybe even a light jacket or sweater.
As it warms up, capris or cropped pants and a short-sleeved top work well. Don’t fall into the trap of wearing a boring, baggy, crew neck t-shirt. These tend to look boxy and frumpy. Instead, try a V-neck or scoop neck top ( lower neck) and a little more fitted than a crew neck.
In the middle of summer, when it’s sweltering, light, long pants, cropped pants, or even shorts and a sleeveless top are a good bet. Cut-off jean shorts are way too junior for a grown-up gal. Choose a more tailored, polished pair of shorts.
One other option is a casual sundress or maxi, but these wouldn’t be my first choice. Pants are much easier to move around in, especially when it comes to getting on and off rides.
2. Wear Comfy Shoes
This seems obvious, but if you ignore this rule, it can totally ruin your fun. Don’t wear heels! Avoid shoes with hard wedges and heavy platforms. Also, stay clear of canvas shoes with paper-thin soles. Above all, never wear brand new shoes to Disney, even if they are fresh, out-of-the-box sneakers that have been specifically designed for walking. There’s always a breaking-in period with shoes, and you don’t want to be limping around the Magic Kingdom looking miserable and in pain, begging for a band-aid.
What shoes to wear to Disney world?
Your best bet is a pair of lightweight walking shoes or sneakers that don’t pinch and have good arch support. Clunky sneakers will weigh you down and make you look like Goofy. Sandals with straps can dig into your skin, cut your feel and create blisters. Flip-flops simply don’t offer enough support.
A lightweight walking shoe with a comfortable sole, that you have worn many times before is just what you need. Take a look at my post on Comfortable walking shoes and read my suggestions for brands I like.
3. Wear Clothes that Breathe
It’s very crowded, and it gets hot, so if you tend to sweat a lot ( hello hot flashes), you’re best to wear natural fabrics like cotton and linen or wear a top in a sports fabric that wicks away moisture and keeps you dry.
4. Stretch is Important
There’s nothing worse than walking around all day in tight pants that grab you between the legs. Pants that have a bit of spandex in them will make your day at Disney much more enjoyable.
5. Bright Colors Come in Handy
Leave the taupes, blacks, and grays at home and go for a top with a splash of color. Disney is sporty and fun, so dress accordingly. A bright red t-shirt or a purple windbreaker looks right at home in the Magic Kingdom and makes it a lot easier for your family to spot you if you accidentally wander off to do a little shopping.
6. Take along a Sweater or a Layering Piece
Things can heat up and cool down fast in Florida. I can remember going to Disney in December and freezing my legs off because of a freak cold snap that brought bone-chilling wind and strong rain along with it. I highly suggest you take along a light wrap, sweater, or jacket of some type, especially if you are like me and tend to get chilly. It should be soft enough that you can easily roll it up into a ball and toss it into your bag or backpack. A small fold-up umbrella sure comes in handy when rain is forecast.
7. A Hands-free Bag is a Big Help
Disney is not the place to be toting a heavy purse. Give your shoulders a break and take along a small crossbody bag or a very lightweight tote. (The seasonal tote bags they give out as a bonus when you buy high-end makeup work well for this). Just make sure your tote has a zipper. You don’t want anything falling out when you are upside down on a roller coaster. A small, lightweight backpack is another great option.
8. Carry Sun Protection
You’re in Florida, so you will need a good pair of sunglasses, some sunscreen, and maybe even a good hat. One bad burn equals a lifetime of wrinkles and can lead to skin cancer. It’s easy not to notice that you are getting burnt to a crisp when you are having so much fun.
9. Be Conservative with Jewelry
It only makes sense that you keep your jewelry to a minimum. Disney isn’t the place for humongous statement necklaces, long dangly earrings, or loose bangle bracelets that will only flop around on rides and get broken or lost. Stud earrings or small drop earrings are easiest and a small necklace, if you like.
10. Don’t wear Anything You are Worried about Wrecking
Accidents happen in busy, crowded theme parks. If you are worried about spilling something on it, ripping it, dropping it, or losing it, don’t wear it. You want to feel relaxed and not worry, and you can’t do that if you are wearing something expensive, or precious.
I hope you’ve picked up a few style pointers to help you enjoy your day with Mickey and the gang. If you have some ideas of your own for what to wear to Walt Disney World, let me know.
Finally, here are the official guidelines for what Not to wear at Disney, just in case you had some crazy idea that you wanted to go dressed as Cinderella. Have Fun!
I love the advice and the outfits! Any chance you know where I can get the striped tank dress above? It’ll be perfect for my birthday trip to Disney in May. Thanks so much. Shivanthy
Hi Shivanthy,
Here you go. Have fun at Disney!https://rstyle.me/n/cyu3ajb52f7
Thanks so much, but I’m looking for a similar dress but no tie front. Thank you.
Ok, Shivanthy, how about these?https://rstyle.me/n/cyvyfwb52f7,https://rstyle.me/n/cyvyf8b52f7,https://rstyle.me/n/cyvygsb52f7.
Thank you! Those are perfect.
Great advice.
Hi, I’m 59, Australian, female, and about to travel to New Zealand on an escorted small number bus trip. I will be away for three weeks. Any suggestions, please, about looking smart both day and night? Expected temperatures are 7-17 degrees Celsius, although I believe New Zealand can be freezing anytime.
Hi Lindsay,
The key to dressing for travel in such varied weather is to layer. So, for example, you might wear a pair of jeans or cotton pants or capris with a stretchy tank, a scarf, and a sweater/jacket. Or you could wear leggings, a flexible tank, a button-up shirtdress (chambray shirtdresses are popular at the moment), a large wrap scarf (tucked in your purse)/or some sweater or jacket. This way, you can add on or take off as the day changes. Make sure these items are soft, light, and stretchy- that helps you feel comfy and your clothes don’t wrinkle. I would throw a pair of socks in my purse to carry at all times,s too, because if the temperature drops and my feet get cold, I wouldn’t want to be uncomfortable. I hope that helps. Cheers, Deborah
Cheers! Deborah