Packing List for Orlando: Must-Haves You Didn’t Know You Needed

Follow along to discover the Ultimate Orlando packing list! From what to bring for an afternoon at Universal Orlando Resort to how to prepare for that January nip in the air, we’ve got you covered. Prime the perfect day bag for Disney’s Blizzard Beach in July, or arrive in elegance at your Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show.

Whether your getaway is more sandy feet in flip-flops or long days at Walt Disney World, our handy guide will help you craft the ideal carry-on or checked bag. 

Orlando Florida Seasons

A humid subtropical climate blesses Orlando. However, depending on what time of year you choose to visit the City Beautiful, you could be met with various weather patterns. Therefore, checking the weather and weekly forecast before arrival is always a good idea to know what to pack for Orlando Florida trip. 

Depending on when you choose to travel to Orlando, you could be met by sunny skies or hurricane season! Since Florida weather can be finicky, it pays to pack like a pro.

Basic Travel Items

If you’re debating on what to wear in Orlando right now, listen up! There’s nothing worse than rolling up to your luxurious Orlando Resort and realizing you forgot an essential sweatshirt or dental floss. Avoid this by creating the perfect packing list for Orlando a week before your trip. Learn what to bring and how to prepare for the unexpected with our detailed packing list and tips.

Clothing: Of course, your wardrobe will be highly dictated by the season you sojourn to America’s theme park capital. However, it’s always advisable to start with some easy-to-layer basics on which to build your ensembles. Whether you are visiting during December or May, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever Orlando throws your way.

Most hotels and resorts will have a pool, jacuzzi, and fitness center, so be sure to include Orlando essentials or items that may seem ‘off-season,’ such as bathing suits and active wear. 

As always, don t forget to pack toiletries and any personal items and/or medications! 

Our standard Orlando suitcase or carry-on always contains the following:

• Undergarments
• Lightweight pants
• Shorts
• Skirts and/or casual dress
• Shirts 
• Tank tops or sleeveless shirts
• Flip flops (even in winter, ideal for saunas, pools, etc.)
• Bathing suit
• Workout apparel
• Socks
• Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Medications and a small cooler bag, if necessary, to regulate their temperature
• Rain jacket and/or umbrella
• Pajamas 

Orlando Packing List: Summer Months

Many Floridians joke that Orlando’s summer can be summed up in two words “hot and hotter.” While it’s true a Central Florida summer isn’t for the faint of heart, a little forethought can make a world of difference when visiting June through August. 

You’ll be hitting the City Beautiful in the middle of the rainy season, so grab a rain jacket, umbrella, and some durable water shoes. Heat and humidity will be at their peak, with average temperatures hitting 92 degrees Fahrenheit and record highs of 100. Come evening; you will be awarded slightly cooler temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

With an average humidity of around 60%, moisture-wicking apparel is your best friend. Moisture-wicking or quick-dry apparel is ideal for both sweaty workouts and sweltering climates. This incredible technology allows moisture to quickly travel from your body to your clothes’ exterior, keeping you sweat-free and dry for longer. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best things to take to Florida.

In addition to keeping you cool, this superior fabric is also highly breathable and easy to care for. So, while the outside weather may be positively steamy, many indoor attractions, restaurants, and retail businesses will be heavily air-conditioned. 

To answer the question of what to pack for Orlando in June, what to pack for Orlando in July, or what to pack for Orlando in August, we’ve created the summer must-haves list which includes the following:

• Sunscreen
• Bug repellant/spray
• Sandals/flip flops
• Hat
• Band-aids
• Beach towel
• Sunglasses
• Aloe Vera
• Beach cover-up
• Sweat-proof makeup
• Hydration tablets
• Light sweatshirt or jacket

photo credit: Julien Marc Beauregard via Facebook

Orlando Packing List: Fall Months

While Fall for the rest of the United States may conjure images of changing leaves and piping hot cups of apple cider, in Orlando, much of the summer weather continues. So, it’s time to do your little research on “what to pack for Orlando in September” “what to pack for Orlando in October” and “what to pack for Orlando in November.” 

From September through November, visitors can expect balmy temperatures and high humidity. Average temperatures hover around 90 degrees, with daily lows of 70 degrees, and dip to 59 degrees by November. Please remember that September is peak hurricane season in Florida, so download a weather app and stay on top of all advisories. 

In general, you should pack many of the same summer items with a few key additions:

• Light jacket
• Light sweater
• Short Sleeve T-shirts
• Rain Jacket
• Umbrella
• Water-resistant shoes
• Quick-drying apparel
• Long sleeve shirts

Orlando Packing List: Winter Months

Ho, ho, ho! The holiday season brings joy to all and near-perfect weather to the City Beautiful. There’s a reason snowbirds flock to Central Florida, and it’s not hard to see why. 

The winter months of December, January, and February deliver ideal temperatures and moderate humidity, making it one of the best vacation spots. Still, always check the weather before booking a trip here.

Still googling for “what to pack for Orlando in December,” “what to pack for Orlando in February,” or “packing list for Orlando in February?” Let’s make your planning easier. While we won’t tell you to ditch that umbrella or rain parka completely, you can expect minimal rainfall. With average high temperatures of around 73 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of around 50 degrees; layering is essential! Aside from keeping tabs on the weather forecast for the week(s) of your trip, plan what to pack for Orlando in January or other winter months accordingly. We recommend a mix of outfits that include lots of long sleeves, some light sweaters, and pants. 

Of course, if you forget an essential item on your Orlando holiday checklist or encounter an unexpected freeze, you can always hit up Orlando’s shopping scene. 

Orlando Packing List: Spring Months

Is your phone search filled with “what to pack for Orlando in March” “What to pack for Orlando in April” or “what to pack for Orlando in May?” Fret not!  Blooming flowers, rain showers, and plenty of happy hours will welcome you during spring time. After a cool and collected Winter, Springtime is a welcome reprieve. Orlando visitors and residents can prime themselves for warmer temperatures and a slight increase in rainfall. While many seasonal residents will flee this time of year to their Northern homes, the Spring season is peak time for the younger crowds.

Come March and April, the beaches and clubs of Central Florida will be overrun with Spring breakers. Beaching, boozing, and theme parties aplenty will be on the menu, so keep this in mind when planning your Florida getaway. Average day temperatures will hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows of 57-69 degrees depending on your month.

Expect to pack for sunny skies, but still keep rain jackets, ponchos, and umbrellas in mind. 

Orlando Theme Parks

Nothing trips up a day at the Most Magical Place on Earth and other theme parks than being ill-prepared. So prevent hangry-inspired meltdowns or dead cell phone batteries with a pinch of planning. If you’re asking yourself what to pack for Seaworld Orlando, Disney World, and other theme parks, we’ve got you covered.

You can easily conquer Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld like a pro when you follow our theme park packing tips. 

From treating rouge blisters to scoring Goofy’s autograph, we’ve got all the details on what to bring to an Orlando theme park and what to leave behind:

• Portable phone charger
• Theme park tickets (printed or on the app)
• Water bottle & snacks*
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet Wipes
• Lip balm
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Working credit cards and or cash 
• Clothing that can get wet or change of clothes if visiting SeaWorld
• Poncho, raincoat, or jacket (weather dependent)
• Camera (if not using a phone)
• Bandaids
• Sharpie 
• Autograph book
• Stroller (if required)

Know before you go! Most major Orlando theme parks have highly useful apps which can be downloaded before you arrive in the park. 

Take advantage of their many perks and features, which often include:

• GPS enabled map
• Personalized tip board
• Personalized itinerary 
• Advanced ride reservations
• Storage of your park tickets and passes
• Ride and attraction wait times
• And more!

*Please remember that individual rules regarding the admittance of outside food, beverages, and snacks will vary from park to park. Always check the rules and regulations of your destination before your park arrival. 

Orlando Water Parks

Visiting Orlando with kiddos? Jump into a day of H20-fueled fun when you spend hours slip-sliding away at one of O-town’s many water parks. From high-speed thrills on the Krakatau Aqua Coaster to tropical Reef plunges at Aquatica, there’s never a dry or dull moment. Before making a splash and playing in the water, think first about what to take to Orlando to make your water adventures more enjoyable. 

Save the wipeouts for the water rides when you review our ultimate Water Park packing list:

• Bathing Suit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swim Cover-Up or Rash Guard
• Swim Diapers
• Water or Pool Shoes
• Beach Towel
• Bag for wet clothes
• Goggles
• Waterproof camera or GoPro
• Waterproof phone case

Orlando Dinner Shows

Swashbuckling pirates, murder mysteries, and medieval knights, oh my! Combine your feasting with a side of dramatic flair when you book any number of Orlando Shows. While you may not be privy to five-star dining, it is important to note that many dinner theaters adhere to specific dress codes.

Think of your Pirates Dinner Adventure or supper at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament as an opportunity to ditch the cut-offs and slip into something special! In addition, all of these facilities will be heavily air-conditioned to be prepared to dress accordingly. So make the most of your theatrical three-course dinner by coming equipped. 

For optimal Orlando dinner show pleasure, we advise bringing along:

• Printed or mobile theater tickets
• Credit cards and/or extra cash to purchase drinks, souvenirs, etc.
• Valid ID/Drivers License
• Light Jacket
• Cell phone and charger

White sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, world-class golfing, and many theme parks make Orlando one of the most popular travel destinations nationwide. 

Whether you’ve got your eye on a creative and colorful Cirque du Soleil experience or want to catch some sun at Typhoon Lagoon, O-town is always a great idea. Though, with a mish-mash of weather patterns and fluctuating humidity, it can be hard to predict the perfect packing list.

Thankfully, our travel experts have done their due diligence and taken the guesswork out of Orlando packing. No need to be clueless about what to pack for Universal Studios, Disney World, and the city’s other attractions.  

Whether you are set to visit in mild March or are angling for a Spring Break getaway, our tips and tricks guarantee an epic Orlando experience.

Packing List for Orlando FAQs

What’s on Your List to Bring to Orlando?

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