What to Pack for Disney World in May

If we had to pick our favorite month of the year for weather, special events, and crowds at the Disney World, it would have to be May. Though the U.S. holiday Memorial Day at the end of the month brings in extra crowds, the rest of May is relatively calm and quiet.

That’s because the U.S. school spring break season is over and most schools are still in session. This, combined with warm temperatures that aren’t too humid and sunny days, allows May to be the ideal month for Disney travel.

Here are some tips and strategies for maximizing your packing to help make your visit to the the house of mouse even better in the month of May.

The Weather in May

May is one of the nicest weather months of the year, with warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and moderate humidity. The average temperatures in May are in the high-80’s and low-90’s degrees fahrenheit. And, lows in the high 60’s. This means you’ll experience mild temperatures in the morning that aren’t too hot or too cold.

Afternoons are warm, so wearing shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops are the perfect clothing to wear. Although the weather is nice and mostly sunny, the high temperatures means there’s a higher chance of thunderstorms throughout the month. Thunderstorms are typically short in Central Florida and only last for a bit, making packing rain gear not a high priority.

Clothing

Packing clothing for trips to Disney World in May is pretty straight forward. Pack lots of clothes good for warm and sometimes hot weather. That means shorts, capris, skirts, summer dresses, t-shirts, and tank tops. Of course, plan on bringing a few cooler weather clothes, like slacks, jeans, or a few long-sleeve shirts.

That way, you’ll be prepared for any cool weather, or the cold air conditioning. Believe it or not, it can get pretty chilly inside most buildings — especially restaurants — during hot months in Florida. That’s because the air conditioning is usually set pretty low.

So, it’s always a good idea to bring a few clothes to wear in layers. This is especially true if you have children who may get cold easier.

Shoes

When it’s hot outside in Florida, bringing sandals is always a good idea. Be sure to pack a few pairs that hold up well for walking. Bring some flip flops or water shoes, but leave those for pool time. Of course, we always recommend packing at least a few pairs of sneakers or tennis shoes.

Even though it’s hot, it’s always a good idea idea to bring supportive shoes that are good for walking. If you’re worried about sweaty or bulky socks, pack several pairs of thin moisture-wicking socks. They’ll keep your feet comfortable and cool throughout the day.

Swimwear

When it’s warm in Central Florida, swimming is a must. Be sure to bring swimwear for the entire family. And, pack at least a few pairs of swimsuits per person. This way you’ll have a clean (or at least dry) swimsuit every day of your trip. If you have children with you, bring extra swim diapers or other swim gear for them too.

Outerwear and Other Accessories

May is a pretty warm month. With this in mind, you probably won’t need any outerwear — even a light jacket. Of course, it will depend on the weather forecast and how cool you think you might get in the mornings and at night. Plus, if you’re traveling from a state that has cooler weather, you may already have a jacket along for the trip already. Besides jackets, you’ll also want to consider some other accessories for warm weather park touring. Here are a few things to think about when packing for your trip in May.

Light Jackets: Chances are, you won’t need a light jacket on your trip. But, if you’re concerned about cooler temperatures in the morning and evenings, bring one along just in case.

Ponchos and Umbrellas: If you have space, consider bringing ponchos or a small umbrella with you if the weather is predicting a lot of rain on your trip. Of course, even if you don’t have space for these, you can easily pick up ponchos in the parks themselves, at your resort, or a local store too. May often has afternoon thunderstorms, but they don’t last long. So, you may be better off buying a poncho or umbrella in the park if you’re stuck in a long thunderstorm.

Hats: With sunny and warm weather, you’ll want to make sure you have hats on hand to keep your head from getting sunburned and to avoid direct sun. Hats are great for both adults and children, so pack a few for everyone in the family.

Sunscreen: Of course, you can’t forget sunscreen. Having sunscreen on hand for your trip is a must-do. May is a very sunny month, so pack plenty of sunscreen for the whole family. If you need to, you can buy sunscreen cheaply near Disney World at stores like Publix, if you have a rental car. And, in a pinch, you can buy it at the Disney Parks and Resorts too.

Misting-Fan: Even if you’re used to warm weather, spending all day in a hot theme park can be exhausting. Stay cool while you’re waiting in ride queues or while touring the park with a misting-fan. These fans spray a cool water mist and are easy to find at most stores, like Walmart and Target. Of course, you can even buy them at Disney World with fun Disney inspired themes — though they can be a bit pricey. If you bring a misting-fan, don’t forget to bring extra batteries!

Towels or Cloths: Let’s face it. When it’s hot at Disney, you’re probably going to be sweating a bit. Bring along a small towel, washcloths, or cooling cloths to help wipe away sweat. These are really good for families and children.

Getting Your Kids Properly Packed

If you’re visiting with children and young adults, you’ll want to think about a few other things when it comes to packing the essentials. Here are some items you’ll want to think about packing for kiddos and teenagers that include a few particular considerations for May park touring.

Packing for Your Kids

ID Tags or Card: While we don’t ever want to think about something scary like losing our children in a theme park, it can happen. Having an ID tag or card on hand is a way that you can help identify your children to Disney cast members and provide contact information on how to best reach you while you’re at the Disney theme parks.

Disney themed clothes: Kids love wearing their favorite Disney themed clothes when they’re at Disney. Let them pick out some of their favorites, so they have something fun to wear every single day you’re on vacation. May is a warm month, so be sure to bring clothes that will keep you kiddos cool too.

Costumes: Many children want to dress like their favorite Disney princess, prince, or pirate. And character dining and character meet and greets are some of the most popular things to do in Disney World for kids. Kids love dressing up for these experiences. With this in mind, be sure to pack a costume or two for the trip, if your kiddos like wearing costumes.

Dress up clothes: If you are planning on going to any signature dining locations, you may want to consider bringing a few fancier clothes for your kiddos, if you’re bringing them along for a family meal. They don’t have to be too fancy either. Just something that will look nice for the meal.

Favorite toys: There’s no doubt that children get used to their favorite toys. So, don’t forget to pack their favorite doll, stuffed animal, or toys for the trip.

Wet Naps: Park touring can get messy. Whether they get dirty playing or make a mess with a Mickey Bar, having some wet naps on hand is a good idea for all ages, but especially for kiddos.

Packing for Young Adults

ID Cards: Do make sure your teenagers have their IDs on them at all times. This is especially important if they are park touring without adults.

Deodorant, Face Wash, and Personal Care Items: You’ll want to make sure that your young adults bring the personal care items that they need. This includes deodorant, face wash (especially for those suffering from acne), and even feminine hygiene products. This way they’ll feel comfortable having all the things they need without having to run to a store during the trip. Since May is really warm, you’ll want to make sure you teens have extra toiletries, if they need it to avoid any personal hygiene situations throughout the trip.

Phones, Headphones, Phone Chargers: Most young adults like having their technology handy. So, do make sure that they’ve packed headphones, phone chargers, and any other technology they need for the trip.

Bags: Chances are your teenagers may go on an attraction or park tour on their own. If this is the case, make sure they bring a back to pack all their essentials in when they arrive at the theme parks.

Young adults will likely have a lot of the same packing needs adults do, but these additional items are definitely ones that you’ll want to make sure they pack for the trip.

Overall Recommendations

May is a great time to visit Disney World. And, it’s the perfect time to enjoy nice weather and tour the parks. With lots of sunshine, it’s a warm month. And, that means packing for the summertime temperatures. Bringing shorts, t-shirts, and other warm weather clothes with you, means you’ll tour the parks comfortably and stay cool while you’re at it. This will help make your vacation even more magical.

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