What to Bring to Disney World in April

What to Bring to Disney World in April
This photograph was taken by Michael from Countdown to Magic

Planning a trip to Disney World in the spring can be stressful, and attempting to figure out what should (and shouldn’t) be thrown into your suitcase doesn’t help make things any easier.  So, in this article, I have come up with a packing guide that completely outlines what to bring to Disney World in April, and why each item is so important. 

What to Bring to Disney World in April

Let’s begin with something that will help you out very much–a checklist of all of your needs.

Bring a Disney World Checklist (with a Plan)

I know this may seem obvious, but having a well thought out plan for each day can really save you time and space when packing for your Disney vacation. If you know which restaurants and parks you are planning on going to, then you can easily fit your wardrobe to those activities and avoid over packing. 

For example, if you know you are going to one of the many fine dining restaurants at Disney, then you’re going to want to make sure you save room for a nice outfit. On the other hand, if you plan on spending some time enjoying the resort amenities then you can’t forget your swim gear.

Having a solid plan for each day can help you narrow the right clothing for each activity. That way you aren’t wasting space and packing everything but the kitchen sink. 

I always think it’s a nice idea to write up and bring a personalized Disney World checklist—sort of an itemized list of everything you’d like to do each day while on vacation in Orlando.  This will help keep everyone in your group focused and on time.  

After all, if you know ahead of time which parks you plan to visit everyday, or which rides you’ve reserved via Genie+ or which restaurants you booked reservations to, there’s less likelihood of arguments occurring within the group and far less likelihood of someone making the entire group late because they assumed there was no plan.

In fact, I think it would be a great idea to write up the checklist on your computer and print out multiple copies—one for every adult in the group (and maybe a few for the older kids, as well).  

Cool & Comfortable Clothing

Obviously the most important thing you need to bring on any trip is clothes. But what kind? As mentioned earlier the weather is going to be warm and you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Cool clothing is going to be your best friend, think shorts, leggings, tank-tops, t-shirts, and comfortable dresses. 

I definitely want to stress the comfortable part. In order to maximize your time in the parks you are going to want to be there for the majority of the day. And no one likes walking around in uncomfortable, restricting clothing. Loose fitting clothes that give you a lot of mobility are your best bet. That way you are only focused on enjoying your time and not being burdened down by your clothing.

Having a pair of jeans or pants for the evenings is also a good idea. The evenings can be cooler and often have a nice cool breeze. 

Sweater and/or Light Jacket

While the days in April are warm, temperatures do drop with the sun and get into the low to mid 60s. Early mornings are also still cool in April so be sure to bring a layer to put on during those times. 

A pull over sweater or zip up jacket is perfect because you can easily throw it on or take it off as needed. Since the majority of the day will be warm, I always like to make sure that my sweater or jacket can wrap around my waist or easily fit into my backpack. 

Avoid packing a heavy coat or jacket as this will not be easy to carry around all day and will be way too hot for a Florida April. 

Sunscreen

Sticking with the weather theme, it’s important that you remember sunscreen. They don’t call Florida the ‘Sunshine State’ for nothing, and April is no exception to the sunshine. 

Like I mentioned earlier, the majority of your time at Disney will be spent outside. Whether you are at the parks, shopping at Disney Springs, or enjoying the resort pool you’re going to want a bottle of SPF with you to avoid a sunburn.

Bring one that can easily fit in your backpack so you can reapply throughout the day. I personally like the spray sunscreen because it’s quick to apply and dry. 

Poncho and/or Umbrella

While April is actually part of Florida’s ‘dry season’, it’s still Florida and the weather can be very unpredictable. Often in April, chances of quick afternoon showers are high. And since I wouldn’t wish walking around in wet shorts on my worst enemy, it’s best to be prepared. 

Ponchos are a great item to have since they are very light weight and don’t take up much room. They also make a great blanket to sit on when waiting for the parade to start or if you just need to take a break. 

A small, fold up umbrella will also keep you dry and still make it easy to get around in the crowds. Definitely avoid bringing a large umbrella as they are not crowd friendly nor are they easy to pack and travel with. 

Comfortable Shoes

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, the theme when packing is comfort. This is no exception and is most important when selecting footwear to bring. Remember you will be on your feet all day and hitting your 10,000-step goal is a guarantee. Also, there is always a 50% chance of rain in Florida. So, make sure they are shoes that you don’t mind getting a little wet. 

I don’t want to give you a specific type of shoe to bring as I know everyone has a different idea of comfort when it comes to footwear. I personally have a pair of flip flops that I’m convinced I could run a marathon in. I also prefer having wet sandals versus wet tennis shoes.  

However, here are a few suggestions of the best footwear depending on the activity. 

If you’re going to one of the four main parks, bring a pair of tennis shoes or sandals that you know you have walked for a long period of time in before. This is not the time to go buy a new pair of cute sneakers that you need to break in. I can promise they will break you first. 

Make sure you have a good pair of socks that go with your sneakers. I prefer a no-show sock that also wicks moisture and helps keep my feet cool and dry. 

If your plan is to escape the heat at one of the water parks or the resort pools, then you should also bring a comfortable pair of flip-flops or water shoes. Again, I would avoid bringing a new pair that needs to be broken in. Wearing a new pair of flip flops can cause major blisters, which can be made worse by wearing them wet. 

If you’re coming from a place that doesn’t typically lend itself to flip flops, be sure to buy a pair ahead and spend some time breaking them in before you come to Disney. 

Also, be sure to do the same for your kids. Whether it’s tennis shoes or sandals, make sure they are a comfortable fit and that they can walk around in them all day without getting blisters. 

Reusable Water Bottle

Obviously, all that walking and sunshine is going to make you thirsty and it’s important that you stay hydrated. There are plenty of quick service spots all throughout Disney property to buy ice cold water. However, for the sake of your wallet and the planet it’s best to bring your own reusable bottle. 

Unlike sporting events, concerts and TSA, Disney has no problem with families bringing in already full water bottles of any size. Plus, you can get a free cup of ice water to refill your bottle at any quick service spot. There are also plenty of water fountains to fill up at as well.

Having and keeping a bottle full will help keep you cool, hydrated, and save you time and money. 

Portable Phone Charger

This one is important for so many reasons. Phones are no longer just for calling. They are our cameras, maps, form of payment and so much more. 

At Disney, it’s hard to put your phone down because there are so many magical moments to capture. And of course, you’re going to want to take as many photos as possible in order to share them with your friends and family. 

On top of that, the My Disney Experience app has a ton of features, including the Genie Service that can help maximize your time and make sure you have the ‘best day ever’. 

Also, it’s no secret that lines are long in the parks and often you will find yourself killing that time by being on your phone. Side tip: Heads Up is a great game to play while waiting in line. Everyone can play and it’s sure to get you laughing. 

All of these will inevitably drain your battery and more than likely you’re going to need a charge. Having a portable phone charger means you won’t have to worry about your phone dying or be afraid to take that last picture for fear of it dying. Instead, you will have the comfort of using your device carefree all day.

Also, you can be charging your phone while waiting in line for your favorite ride instead of wasting time sitting at an outlet. Or worse, having to go back to the hotel. 

Swimsuit

The warm days in April make it a perfect month to go for a swim. Whether you plan to visit one of Disney’s water parks, relax by the pool, or ride Splash Mountain seven times in a row you will not regret having your swimsuit. 

All Disney hotels and resorts offer a swimming pool for its guests to enjoy. These are not your standard hotel pools. Every pool area is themed and often includes a water slide. 

But don’t think because of the cooler nights swimming has to be limited to just the day. All Disney World pools are heated and can be enjoyed in the evening as well.  

Backpack/Bag

One of the great things about Disney and especially the Disney parks, is if you forgot anything you can find it in the gift shop. However, you will definitely be over paying for anything you buy in there. And we aren’t going to sugar coat the fact that you are already paying a lot to be there. So, item number ten is one I never forget.

Bring a backpack or bag—be it a sling backpack or even a fanny pack. I personally prefer a backpack, especially when attending Disney with my family, because it tends to hold a lot more and the weight is better distributed on your back. Did I mention you’d be walking a lot? 

A backpack or bag is a great way to carry all the items you will need throughout the day. You aren’t going to want to go back to the hotel to reapply sunscreen, charge your phone, or get a snack. You also aren’t going to want to pay Disney prices for all those things. So, a backpack is an easy solution. 

Here is a quick list of items you will want to pack in your backpack.

  • Light jacket
  • Poncho
  • Sunscreen
  • Phone charger
  • Snacks
  • Wallet 
  • Reusable water bottle
  • A tablet or device to keep your kids busy in lines 
  • wipes/ tissues/ sanitizers 
  • Sunglasses

It’s important to note there are no bag restrictions at Disney so feel free to bring whatever size works best for your family’s needs. 

Disney World Packing List: Remember This

Now that I’ve given you a pretty handy packing list for April, I wanted to quickly mention two things that I think are super important to keep in mind.

First, April is a very busy month at Disney as it combines Spring Break, Easter, and EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. So, you will be walking in crowds.

Next, we have weather. To be completely honest, April is a tricky month when it comes to weather in Florida as it tends to range a bit throughout the day. The days will range from high 70s to low 80s, while the early mornings and nights can dip into the low to mid 60s. It’s not uncommon to have a random cold day in April either.  

Conclusion

When it comes to what to bring to Disney World in April, sticking to this guide will help make sure you have everything you need without over packing. And while of course you’re going to also need the necessities, like underwear and a toothbrush, these 10 items will help keep you and your family comfortable, save you time and money, and help to create the vacation of your dreams.  

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