Check the weather reports before you leave for your trip. In Florida during the summer, it rains almost every day for a short time. Plan to bring an umbrella, and to save money, purchase ponchos before you leave. Disneyland in California does not have as much rain during the summer as Florida.
Check the list of appropriate attire and personal items that are allowed at the Disney parks, found on the Disney resort websites. Disney holds very high standards for their employees and guests, so be sure to follow the guidelines. The list states that adults are not allowed to wear costumes, torn clothes, or very revealing outfits, and you cannot bring alcohol into the parks. Children, however, may wear costumes and can get dressed up at the park. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover is a chance for little girls to get their hair and makeup done while dressing like a princess.
Plan to pack a bag to carry with you in the park. Items in this bag can include hand sanitizer, bottles of water, tissues, guidebooks, maps, sunglasses, ponchos, umbrellas and sunscreen. Plan to put items that are not waterproof, such as cell phones, in plastic baggies. Many of the attractions will not allow bags on the ride if they are oversized, so try to limit the size of the bag. To save space, leave your large cameras at home. Disney provides a Photopass service in which professionals take your photos that you can purchase at the end of your day. They are located everywhere at all four parks at Disney World.
Pack lanyards for all of your guests. If you don't want to carry around a bag all day, purchase and pack lanyards that can hold money and tickets while at the park. These will also come in handy if using Fast Passes. A Fast Pass is a ticket that allows you to enter an attraction at a specific time in the front of the line.
Save room by not packing food. Disney offers a variety of options for snacks, including fruit stands for the health conscious and ice cream for the chocolate lovers. Even if you have an allergy, there are special dietary options for everyone. Restaurants can even take special orders if you contact them before you arrive. Even though the food and drinks can be pricey, you can save some money by purchasing the large refillable mugs or a Dining Plan. Disney offers a variety of Dining Plan options that include quick service or deluxe dining. Snacks are also included in some plans.
