Disney World Packing List for August

Visiting Disney World in August can be difficult if you aren’t prepared. Knowing what to bring in arguably the hottest month in Florida will really help you enjoy your trip to Disney. If you’re a first time Disney vacationer, having a packing list not only takes some of the pressure off, but it also saves you money in the long run. If you’re stuck on what to pack, don’t worry. This list will make your packing plan much easier to manage.

Disney World Weather in August

One of the most important things to know about visiting Disney in August is that Orlando gets incredibly hot. The average high temperature sits around 90°F and the lows only get down to the 70s. Because of this, your packing list will need to include everything necessary to beat the heat.

The clothing you bring should all be items that keep you cool and mobile. The only reprieve from the heat you’ll get in the parks is when you enter an air conditioned space, so you’ll want to make sure you’re bringing t-shirts, tank tops and shorts rather than long-sleeves and pants. Unlike the springtime, the summer nights don’t get comfortably chill.

There’s no need for a sweater unless you plan on staying in your hotel room for your entire trip. Sticking to shorts and t-shirts will save you from getting dehydrated and overheated. You’ll also be able to move around easier with less fabric around your legs and arms. It sounds silly, but you’ll definitely feel sluggish at the end of the day if you’re wearing more weight than you need to.

You should also think about what kind of fabric your clothes are made of when packing. It seems nit-picky, but you’ll quickly realize the difference between a cotton tank top and a heavy nylon t-shirt in 90 degree heat. Keep your wardrobe full of light fabrics that won’t make it seem hotter than it already is.

August is also a particularly wet month in Orlando, so you’ll want to bring a poncho and an umbrella. Some rain boots or water-resistant shoes are a good idea as well. Nothing is worse than walking around the parks in wet shoes. Plus, if you’re feet are wet most of the day, you’re more prone to athlete’s foot, and nobody wants that on their vacation.

You should be aware of August’s more severe weather, too. Hurricanes are most common from August to October in Florida, so be extra safe when you’re visiting the parks by bringing a list of how to behave during a hurricane. Not only is this practical, but you and your children can rest easy knowing you have a plan in case of an emergency.

Storage

August, surprisingly, doesn’t see the same crowds that June and July do, so you’re much freer to take your time in the parks. This can alter what you need to bring along to the parks. You’ll be able to bring a stroller if you’ve got kids with you. Of course, you can bring a stroller any month, but it can be difficult to maneuver through the parks with one when you can hardly hear yourself think.

If you have a stroller, you can use that as your main storage unit for when you’re walking through the parks. Anything your child needs can be kept in the nooks and crannies of your stroller, meaning you don’t need to bring an extra bag with you. And if you do need a diaper bag, you can just put it in the stroller. If you want somewhere to put your souvenirs, taking a small backpack with you will ensure you only use the stroller for items you need.

Entertainment

Along with there being more room to move around, the low crowds in August means you’ll be waiting in line a lot less than other months. Waiting in line usually feels like a drag if you haven’t got anything to do while you wait. Luckily, you won’t need to think about that too much with the shorter lines.

Normally, it’s good practice to bring along some cards or a toy for your children to play with while you wait for a ride. Because August sees shorter wait times, though, you won’t need to worry as much about keeping everyone happy in line. You should be safe bringing along one toy. A bottle of bubbles can be a great thing to bring for your child. Bubbles are small, fun, and keep kids entertained. Plus, you’ll be adding the whimsical atmosphere of whatever park you’re traveling around.

Another fun way to kill time in line is to download the Play Disney Parks app on your smartphone. You are able to interact with the park as you walk by all the rides and attractions, meaning it’s the perfect way to keep busy in line. The more you travel around, the more you discover. Plus, it won’t take up any room in your suitcase!

You’ll also want some cards or books for your trip to and from Disney. Whether you’re driving or flying, it’s good to have some small games to make the trip more exciting. A good deck of cards will keep your kids busy in the backseat while you’re driving, and if you’re flying they can play while you read. It’s an easy thing to overlook, but will keep the “Are we there yet?” comments to a minimum.

Extra Toiletries

The best way to visit Disney World hinges on your preparedness when it comes to toiletries. You know what to pack for your average vacation, but Disney is an entirely different ballgame. It’s a good idea to bring two of most things. Sunscreen, aloe gel, and wet wipes will require doubles. You may not get through all of it, especially if you’re only going for a few days, but if you lose something you’ll be thankful you brought an extra. Going to a Walmart near Disney World is a hassle and oftentimes the prices are raised because of the amount of people that are there for similar reasons. Bringing doubles with you will ensure that you aren’t spending souvenir money on necessities.

The sunscreen is self-explanatory; if you’re going to Florida, the Sunshine State, you’re going to need sunscreen. If you do end up getting burned, it’s good to have some aloe gel on hand. It’ll help ease the pain of the burn and keep it moisturized so you won’t scar or peel as much. Aloe gel can also help with bug bites. The cooling properties ease the itchiness of mosquito bites, and there are mosquitos everywhere in the humid Florida air.

Wet wipes are useful cleansers when you’re traipsing about the parks. Whether you need something to wipe your child’s face, your hands, or something sticky on your stroller, wet wipes come in handy. Not only that, but the wetness will feel like a dream on your face and neck in the heat.

Swimwear

As previously mentioned, August is hot. You’ll want to take full advantage of the water parks and hotel pools. Bring two bathing suits with you so you aren’t re-wearing the same one over and over. If you wear them underneath your clothes – a good idea if you’re going to Splash Mountain – they’ll hold in all your sweat and make you uncomfortable over long periods of use. Having two bathing suits allows you to switch them out, letting one air out while you walk around in the other.

Don’t forget to bring along towels! Your hotel will have a few for you to use in the shower, but you’ll want to bring your own beach towels for when you’re at the pool or one of the water parks. You may even want to bring a small hand towel in case you go on a water ride in one of the main parks. That isn’t completely necessary, but if you hate walking around with water dripping down your forehead, it might be a good idea.

General Tips

There are a few other items that you should consider bringing with you to the parks. If you’re planning on spending full days at the parks, but don’t want to spend too much money on food or drinks, packing snacks like granola bars and fruit will keep your costs low. A few boxes of granola bars and fruit snacks may take up space in your luggage, but if you’re dedicated to having the lowest cost vacation possible, you’ll want to make room for them. 

Reusable water bottles are also great things to invest in. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but you’ll save a lot of money. Buying water in the parks can get expensive if you’re buying for a whole family, so having a metal or BPA-free plastic bottle will keep your expenses low and your hydration high.

Hats can be a lifesaver, too, if you’re sensitive to the sun. Basically, everything you pack should have the sun in mind. Even though August gets a lot of rain, you still want to be doing everything you can to avoid sun poisoning, heat stroke, and anything else that might throw a big wrench in your vacation. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

The List

Now that everything you need has been mentioned, here’s a comprehensive list of the specifics:

  • Tank tops and t-shirts for the heat. Make sure they’re made out of light fabric!
  • Shorts, skirts, and dresses to keep you mobile and cool.
  • Ponchos and umbrellas because of all the rain in August.
  • Rainboots or water-resistant shoes to keep your feet dry.
  • An action plan if a hurricane comes while you’re in the parks or at the hotel.
  • A stroller for everything your child needs.
  • A small backpack for souvenirs and miscellaneous items.
  • A bottle of bubbles for when you’re waiting in line for rides.
  • Your smartphone to utilize the Play Disney Parks app.
  • Card games and books for your trip to and from the parks.
  • Sunscreen for the hot August sun.
  • Aloe gel for sunburn and bug bites.
  • Wet wipes to keep yourself fresh and clean.
  • Two bathing suits to take full advantage of the water features in the parks and at your hotel.
  • Beach towels to dry off at the hotel pool or water park.
  • A hand towel if you want to dry off after a water ride in a main park.
  • Boxes of snacks for when you’re hungry in the parks.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • A hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your face from burning.

You know what your family needs more than anyone, so feel free to add or take away from this list. If you aren’t sure of where to start, though, then these items are a good place to build your packing list.

Luckily, or unluckily depending on how you look at it, August doesn’t have many special events, so there’s nothing you need to keep in mind except for the weather and wait times. Overall, knowing that you need cool clothing items, ponchos to keep you dry, and sunscreen to prevent sun damage are the absolute necessities for a trip to Disney World in August. Remember, no trip is complete without happy memories, so make sure the little details don’t get in the way of having the best Disney vacation you can imagine.

You Also Might Want to Read:

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  2. Disney World Crowd Calendar for August
  3. The 15 Best Rides at Disney World to Try at Least Once
  4. The Best Rides to Fast Pass at Animal Kingdom
  5. The Best Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Experience
  6. Why Epcot is the Best Disney Park for Adults
  7. The Best Rides at Magic Kingdom You Gotta Experience ASAP
  8. 21 Best Places to Eat in Disney World with Kids

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