Orlando attracts around 60 million visitors a year for good reason. It boasts Walt Disney World, the Universal theme parks, and SeaWorld just to name a few of its attractions. Nicknamed “The City Beautiful,” Orlando certainly offers much to enjoy.
I’ve put together an Orlando packing list to help you prepare for your trip, along with sections on what to wear in Orlando, what NOT to bring, and FAQs.
Orlando is full of water parks, amusement parks, pools, and beaches. Carrying around a normal, bulky towel will take up too much space in your bag. A better alternative is a microfiber towel. They’re compact, lightweight, dry fast, and don’t stink even after using them several days in a row. A travel towel is one of the most useful things you can bring with you to Orlando.
From theme park visits to exploring the many dining, shopping, and other activities Orlando has to offer, you will be doing a lot of walking. The right pair of waterproof shoes can be comfortable enough for long strolls with the added benefit of avoiding “soggy shoes” situations (often brought on by water rides).
While you’re in Orlando, you might spend a fair amount of time on your computer adjusting hotel reservations, checking-in for flights, and maybe even keeping tabs on your work email. While Wi-Fi cafes are an option, they also open you up to hackers who are trying to steal your sensitive data (as we learned after having our credit card number stolen at an Airbnb that we thought was safe).
Keep your connection secure with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can downloaded multiple devices to prevent any creepy people from monitoring your online activity – this includes cyber thieves, nosy neighbors, your internet service provider, government entities, etc. I also love that a VPN will mitigate regional censorship, so I don’t have to deal with blocked content, and there typically are flight deals since my IP address is untraceable against geo-targeted pricing. It’s the absolute best!
Florida is known for being hot and humid and Orlando is no exception. The best way I’ve found to escape from the heat, when jumping into the pool or ocean isn’t an option, is a cooling towel. All you do is get the towel wet, wring it out, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperature. Just drape it around your neck or wherever else you want to feel the refreshing effects and it’ll stay cool for up to an hour.
Another great item to beat the heat is a small hand-held fan. These are particularly useful when watching parades or spending time in other areas where you simply can’t catch a hint of shade.
If you’re 100+ miles from home, you may need travel insurance. Your domestic provider might cover you for basic medical care – but they won’t cover travel-specific issues like baggage loss, theft, flight delays, cancellations, evacuations, rentals, and adventure sports.
To get the most out of your coverage, be sure to purchase your Faye Travel Insurance as soon as you pay the first deposit. With the add-on to cancel your entire trip ‘for ANY reason’ – it will make a trip refundable that may not have been reimbursable without insurance. It’s only about 5% of your trip cost and will pay for itself if anything unforeseen comes up! You don’t want to be kicking yourself for not getting coverage in the event of an emergency.
From savvy pickpockets to rattling coaster rides that tend to send haphazardly stowed items flying away, keeping your valuables safe while on your Orlando vacation can be a tricky proposition. A neck wallet not only keeps your stuff safely stowed away but it also makes it easier to access essentials like park passes and credit cards without having to dig through your backpack.
From browsing the Web to capturing the perfect selfie, your cell phone will be your most loyal travel companion. Be sure you can charge it on the go by carrying a compact portable charger.
If you are trying to capture that perfect social media image while you are on a water ride or dipping your toes into warm ocean waves, you might be in for more than you bargained for. Keep your cell phone safe for any situation with a waterproof cell phone case.
Depending on what time of year you are traveling, you’ll want to be prepared for Orlando rain. A lightweight umbrella that won’t weigh down your luggage is a great option. There’s nothing worse than shopping for an overpriced umbrella after the rainfall is already soaking you.
Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for excursions around the world. Not only do they have Pirate Shows and Everglade tours, but the local theme parks are unmatched! You’ll have your pick of Disneyworld, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and more – including transfer options so you can get back and forth without paying for a parking pass.
A lot of sunscreens contain chemicals that can be hard on your skin, not to mention ocean life. Consider sunscreens that offer healthier, more eco-friendly solutions.
Packing cubes are no short of revolutionary when it comes to packing your luggage. They turn a messy suitcase full of loose items into an organized, easy-to-manage one. The set of packing cubes comes with several cubes of varying sizes. Each one has a clear insert for a notecard, so you can label what’s in each cube so you don’t even have to open it to find out what’s inside. I don’t go on any trip without these.
Travelers often have two choices when it comes to drinking water: expensive bottled water or drinking water that comes from a public fountain. With this reusable water bottle, you can save money. Its filter can also help stave off some of the potentially harmful bacteria you might find in public sources and significantly improve the taste.
Between riding the looping rollercoasters, river rapids, spinning teacups, and boat rides through the Everglades – you may need some motion sickness preventative. These patches are top-notch and work way better than drowsy-inducing Dramamine.
From wave pools to flume rides, odds are you will get wet throughout your Orlando vacation. Bring a camera that can stand up to all the water play.
Don’t neglect to put on flotation straps because your device can sink in the blink of an eye. I once dropped my phone in a lake and it sunk to the bottom before I could retrieve it. Now, I attach these on my phone, keys, cameras, and more. A small investment for a big pay-off.
A waterproof backpack is almost a must if you are visiting theme parks, where water rides are in popular demand. You want the splash to get you wet—but your expensive gadgets and other belongings are best kept stowed away in a safe, dry place.
We always travel with luggage locks. These attach to your suitcase for checked luggage and I use them for my backpacks in crowded areas that are prone to sticky fingers. These are TSA-approved so they won’t cause you any trouble at security checkpoints, you can even use them for theme park lockers.
For watching the evening parades and fireworks at Disney, having a picnic in the park, playing on the beach, etc. – this waterproof blanket is super multi-purposeful. It’s pocket-sized, so it folds up nicely into its compact case – perfect for travel and exploring.
If you are visiting Orlando from outside of North America, then chances are you’ll need a travel adapter for your electronics. Instead of buying one that’s only good in North America, get a universal one that you can use almost everywhere in the world. This one also has two USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It works in 100+ countries so it’ll be of good use for all of your future travel.
From touching handles on tour buses to hanging on for dear life on coaster rides, you’ll be touching a lot of dirty surfaces. A good hand sanitizer is a must-have!
Humidity and heat are a deadly combination. It only takes minutes outside for you to feel like you need another shower, even if you just barely took one. Stay fresh on-the-go with refreshing deodorant wipes. WAY better than having a sink bath in an amusement park and splashing your pits with water, been there!
Orlando often ranks high in terms of mosquito-infested cities in the U.S.A. It is a less than auspicious title to hold, but a reality nonetheless. Be sure to protect yourself from pesky bugs, especially if you are going during the height of mosquito season (June, July, and August). We also love these wearable wristbands that use citronella to deter mosquitos.
For all of the amusement parks you’ll be visiting, it’s wise to have a safety I.D. band for your kiddos. These are waterproof and reusable, so they’re not just single-use. You put your contact information on the band, so if you get separated – an adult can find your child and easily contact you. If you have a runner, also consider these child wrist links to keep a close eye on them, no judgment.
When planning what to wear for an Orlando trip, remember these two weather conditions: hot and muggy. After all, Florida is “The Sunshine State” and it certainly lives up to its name!
Pack accordingly with clothes that will stay comfortable in the heat, especially if you are traveling during the summer months. If you are traveling during the winter months, be a bit more mindful of evening temperatures. It’s not unheard of for Orlando to get as cold as 30 degrees.
No matter what time of year you are visiting, you’ll want to pack a comfortable pair of shoes. Water-resistant shoes can be wise especially if you will be visiting a theme park.
Remember that Orlando is not immune to temperature fluctuations, so it is always wise to check that weather report right before you make those final adjustments to your packing list. In most cases, it never hurts to pack a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
Women should focus on lightweight, comfortable clothes that can be mixed and matched. Remember that your clothes are likely to get soiled fairly quickly (don’t forget, Orlando is muggy!) so you might find yourself even wanting to switch your t-shirt or tank top out at least once during the day.
Packing a lightweight jacket, comfortable closed-toe sandals, and a hat are also musts. You don’t want to have to pay top dollar to buy these items at a touristy gift shop.
Men should plan for hot temperature conditions, and bring a variety of lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. A variety of shorts and lightweight shirts that can be switched out and mixed-and-matched are a good bet.
Don’t forget a hat to shield your eyes from the sun. Pack a sweater in case the evenings get chilly. Choose comfortable shoes that will get you from A to Z without your feet paying the price.
Spring is many people’s favorite time of year to visit Orlando for its cooler temperatures. However, in March, averages can even start to delve in the 50-degree range, so if you feel like that’s colder than you are comfortable with, be sure to be prepared with a lightweight sweater for evenings. Temperatures average between 57°F to 88°F (14°C to 31°C)
Orlando temperatures in the summer are famously hot and humid, so be sure to pack at least a couple of pairs of shorts that you can mix-and-match with short-sleeved shirts. Don’t forget to pack closed-toe sandals which are better for avoiding stubbed toes, and comfortable sneakers. Temperatures average between 73°F to 91°F (23°C to 33°C)
While rain knowns no time restrictions, it is during the Fall months (and as early as August) that you are most likely to encounter rainy weather in Orlando. Water-resistant shoes are a wise bet. Temperatures will be cooling off so you might want to consider longer layers. Overall, November in Orlando is still relatively warm with the average low falling around 60 degrees — that’s pretty warm! It never hurts to pack layers—a light scarf and sweater are solid basics to start with. Temperatures average between 59°F to 90°F (15°C to 32°C)
Orlando is warm year-round, so you’ll still enjoy daytime averages of the 70s and 80s even throughout the winter. Perhaps more than any other time of year, though, it is wise to pack for cold contingencies. Evening lows of 30-degrees are not unheard of! The good news is you don’t have to worry about snow. Consider packing a warm sweater, as the temperature extremes during Orlando winters can be almost as unpredictable as your favorite roller coaster ride. Temperatures average between 52°F to 75°F (11°C to 24°C)
Waterpark/pool: The odds are high that you will be visiting a swimming pool or even the beach while you are in Orlando, so be sure to pack your favorite swimsuit, sandals, and swimwear coverup.
Nightlife: Orlando has some fantastic cuisine to offer, from themed restaurants to epic seafood. Be sure to pack for at least one nice dinner out. A stylish sundress is always a good idea, but depending on where you are going, jeans, a cute top (or a dressier shirt) are always solid options as well.
From figuring out bus schedules for I-Drive to locating the shortest theme park ride, you’ll have enough to sort out once you arrive in Orlando. Save yourself some stress and leave “keep expensive jewelry safe” off the list.
While jeans are appropriate for some parts of the year in Orlando, it’s unlikely that you will need more than one pair (unless your trip is going to be longer than average or the weather is uncharacteristically cold).
Most hotels have a blow dryer, so there’s no need to pack one.
You can find a great deal of information on the internet about fun things to do in Orlando. Hotel lobbies and local tour operators also have tons of information to offer. The odds are you can find everything you need without carrying around a bulky guidebook.
Open-toe shoes: Open-toe shoes can be a tricky thing when traveling—your favorite cork sandals can be great for traversing the neighborhood around your hotel or walking to the nearest trendy cafe. But when it comes to theme parks, they can be a no-go proposition. They shouldn’t be crossed off your list necessarily, just choose how you wear them wisely.
Clothing that is too revealing: Nothing screams tourist louder than clothing that is too revealing. Remember that Orlando is a fairly family-focused destination and save yourself the crusty looks from other tourists and theme park staff. They probably won’t appreciate your fashion faux pas.
Orlando is considered a safe city for tourists. For most travelers, the biggest threats you are likely to face are the mosquitoes and overpriced tee shirts. But just like any other city, Orlando has its share of crime. Tourists should be especially aware of pickpockets. Make sure you keep your wallet and cell phone stowed safely away. Remember, it is always best to leave your valuables at home!
Beyond the star attractions of its Universal and Disney theme parks, Orlando also offers phenomenal shopping, dining, and nature experiences. People love to travel to Orlando to swim with the manatees during certain seasons and take in the sights of the Everglades courtesy of an airboat.
This is largely a matter of individual preference based on taste, budget, and how much time you have available to you. Many visitors spend between 4-5 days at Walt Disney World. This allows at least one day each to spend at its four theme parks: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Orlando offers several activities outside of theme parks. One popular activity is an airboat safari tour of the Everglades, where you can sight alligators and even eat one (of the chocolate variety, of course). There are numerous museums and theaters as well, including crowd favorites such as Madame Tussaud’s and Ripley’s Believe it or Not!. Another popular activity is to drive to the Kennedy Space Center, which takes a little less than an hour.
From Orlando, you have several choices for beach days. You can head toward the Atlantic, or in the opposite direction, you have the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Each has its own style and offerings. Depending on which beach you choose, you might drive upwards of an hour or more. Daytona Beach, aka “America’s Most Famous Beach” is about an hour’s drive from Orlando.
Orlando isn’t just for kids—and that goes for theme parks too. But if you are looking for activities geared a bit more toward adults, there are options for that as well. Besides the nearby Kennedy Space Center, there’s the ICON Orlando which offers gorgeous views and a romantic ride. Looking for a unique approach to after-dinner drinks? Put on your thermals and check out Icebar, a below-freezing bar featuring 70 tons of ice in its interior design. You even drink from ice glasses at an ice bar.
Orlando has many fun things to do that don’t cost a penny. There’s the Kraft Azalea Garden, Lake Eola, and University of Central Florida Arboretum to name a few. And don’t forget the free art galleries. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is particularly worth a visit with its vast range of collections dating back centuries. You’ll even encounter works by Andy Warhol and Grandma Moses there.
Orlando is generally warm year-round, but winter months can get deceptively cold. Most people find the weather very pleasant in the spring months when the highs are a bit more moderate, and the lows generally fall around the 50 to 60-degrees mark.
Orlando has a booming tourism industry, and its infrastructure reflects that. Many of its best attractions and restaurants are connected via I-Drive. The I-Ride Trolley traverses this street back and forth on a pretty consistent basis.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
