DDs taking me to WDW...packing?

[DizMe]

I have absolutely no idea what to pack! I looked up the expected temps but I still have no idea what to bring other than a poncho or something? We're only going to be there March 3-6, and I know it will be warm and to plan for potential rain showers, but other than that I'm clueless!

I need to mention that I get cold VERY easily. I find 60 degrees down jacket weather. However, I know that humidity plays a role and I'm used to fairly dry air.

I'm leaving tomorrow for Pismo Beach first to celebrate the twins' 22nd birthday. I will be going directly from there to OC (where 24-year-old DD lives) and flying to Orlando from there. I plan to pack a separate small bag for WDW and DH can take my other stuff back home. I'll be flying back to Sacramento (not OC) from Orlando.

So what do I bring for 3+ days in Orlando in early March? I'm hoping to keep it simple.

Thank you!!!

 

[AstroBlasters]

I have absolutely no idea what to pack! I looked up the expected temps but I still have no idea what to bring other than a poncho or something? We're only going to be there March 3-6, and I know it will be warm and to plan for potential rain showers, but other than that I'm clueless!

I need to mention that I get cold VERY easily. I find 60 degrees down jacket weather. However, I know that humidity plays a role and I'm used to fairly dry air.

I'm leaving tomorrow for Pismo Beach first to celebrate the twins' 22nd birthday. I will be going directly from there to OC (where 24-year-old DD lives) and flying to Orlando from there. I plan to pack a separate small bag for WDW and DH can take my other stuff back home. I'll be flying back to Sacramento (not OC) from Orlando.

So what do I bring for 3+ days in Orlando in early March? I'm hoping to keep it simple.

Thank you!!!

Why did you post this in the Disneyland forum?

 

[LKing]

Why did you post this in the Disneyland forum?

Because we are family.

Things that are on my WDW list that I don't always bring to DLR.

• Something if it rains
• Battery charger for phone
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Refillable water bottle

 

[crystal1313]

Last time I was in WDW it was August during a heat wave. So hot!! I have never been this time of year.

I will say that I am like you and I get chilled easily. And I don’t like going from super hot to super cold AC for a long period of time because I get cold. Last time I was there, it poured rain and my feet got soaked. We pretty much dried out before our dinner reservation at the contemporary, but my feet were still wet. I got super cold waiting in the AC. So maybe a shoe cover for the rain?

I also usually bring a cooling towel at WDW (I take it off in AC). I typically wear a hat at WDW too (hardly ever wear a hat at Disneyland). I also refuse to wear a backpack at WDW. Lol. I just bring a small crossbody. And I pack some electrolyte individual drink mix along with my yeti. Although Florida water is so gross. Lol. I usually try to find a quick service place to get ice water to refill. I try to wear as much moisture wicking clothing as possible. Especially socks!

Have such fun trip!!

 

[DizMe]

Why did you post this in the Disneyland forum?

Yes, I consider this my family here

I just thought those who were familiar with both parks could give me guidance on things that are the same and things I might not think of as someone who doesn't know Florida/WDW. I have a general idea and I know the weather at DLR is much drier but I'm not sure how that affects what to bring in terms of comfort and moisture. Does it get cold at night? Is it wise to bring an extra bag?

And I "know" the people here so I just feel it's a more comfortable place for me to ask. People here often comment about going to both parks so I thought it might be good to hear from those who have a perspective on both parks and understand what I might need to know.

LKing, thank you! Are closed shoes preferable?

 

[LKing]

I also refuse to wear a backpack at WDW. Lol. I just bring a small crossbody. And I pack some electrolyte individual drink mix along with my yeti. Although Florida water is so gross. Lol. I usually try to find a quick service place to get ice water to refill. I try to wear as much moisture wicking clothing as possible. Especially socks!

Do you carry your Yeti in your hand? Is it a pain on rides?

Good to know the water is gross. I'm pretty picky about that. I don't like the refill station in Toontown and the one at the entrance to Adventureland always has a long line. On hot days, I'll pop into Alien Pizza Planet or Pyms to refill my water bottle with cold water. There is a thread about water refill stations on the WDW side of this site. I asked about "better" water refill locations at WDW and this is the reply I received. https://www.disboards.com/threads/water-refill-stations.3961310/post-66012345

 

[jimmymc]

Early March can really vary. I've been there during a cold spell the second week of March, and people were wearing jeans and jackets. Later that week, it was 85 and sunny.

 

[Pluto468]

I've never been to World but just wanted to say have a fantastic time. I can't wait to see pictures and hear all about your trip. Have fun celebrating your daughters' birthdays!


Here's a link to a WDW packing list by my favorite blogger.
https://www.disneytouristblog.com/what-to-pack-for-disney/

(I always forget what other sites we're allowed to mention so hopefully this is ok to post!)

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I usually take a variety. Most days are shorts and t shirt plus a sweatshirt if it looks chilly in the morning/evening. If it’s chilly I prefer joggers to jeans. Quick dry fabrics are great for the humidity. We find a lot of discounted athletic gear at Sierra Trading Company that work well for Disney, cruises, Hawaii, hiking, etc.

We usually take an extra pair of shoes so if one pair gets wet we swap the next day or at our mid-day break. Mostly rain is in the afternoons. Luckily WDW has a lot of indoor rides and queues that stay open, as do the shops. We buy cheap ponchos on Amazon. They are easier and lighter than a rain coat. We also take a neck cooling towel.

If you love your cup, I have seen some sling bags that have a cup holder. Free ice water from QS locations generally tastes better than the water filling stations.

I hope you have the best time!

 

[evilmommie]

Hi Dizme!! I'm so excited for you!! We are left (Orange County) and right coasters, as we have a house on the Gulf in Alabama. It's where my husband was born & raised, so I'm used to going back and forth between our climates. We have WDW passes as well.

Just a few of my suggestions, because I know many on here will have great ideas!
1. Anything you wear or use to carry items...make sure it's water resistant. The humidity and rain makes everything damp. So, a light rain jacket like a Columbia brand is great. Quick dry clothing works well in Orlando. Water resistant backpack, zip locks to carry small items etc.
2. Layers. Zip hoodies are great to put under your water proof jacket and then take off during the day...put back on for evenings. It's just not the rain that can get you, wind pops up as well and can make you miserable.
3. Extra socks! Bombas are my fav.

*Just looked up Orlando's forecast when you are there. Wow, looks like a picture perfect scenario. Warm, but not sweltering days and cool nights. You just might have to plan for evening layers.


Have a fantastic time. Can't wait to hear what you think of the world!

 

[purple figment]

We live San Francisco so DL is our home park, but we go to WDW once a year (usually in January), but we've been there in March as well. Looks like next week will be mostly in the 70's and 80's with maybe an occasional shower, but not much rain. You could take a poncho or small folding umbrella or just duck into a building.

Layers will be your friend. Daytime temps will be warm, but we generally take a sweatshirt or hoodie and windbreaker/jacket for later in the evening. You can leave the extra layers in a locker. Mittens if your hands get cold at night.

I prefer tennis shoes and normally take an extra pair , but for three days I would skip the extra shoes or just pack a pair of sandals as a backup.

An extra bag or suitcase would be good for bringing home souvies. There are so many souvies unique to WDW that will tempt you. You can also arrange at the stores to have purchases shipped to your home. Regarding checked luggage - we put everything into a large plastic bag inside our suitcase just in case it rains and the luggage is left on the tarmac at the airport.

We've used the same Magic Band+ at both WDW and DL.

Water bottle holder or belt bottle clip to keep our hands free.

Gallon ziploc bags in my purse for keeping things dry on wet rides or for popcorn. (Buy a popcorn bucket and refills are $2.50).

Sunscreen.

Patience - everything is a lot farther apart so its more walking and more time consuming to get from point A to point B.

Have fun and enjoy your visit. If you have a chance, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival starts on March 5. Many of the topiaries are already in place, but food booths and things like the butterfly garden probably won't open until the 4th or 5th.

 

[crystal1313]

Do you carry your Yeti in your hand? Is it a pain on rides?

Good to know the water is gross. I'm pretty picky about that. I don't like the refill station in Toontown and the one at the entrance to Adventureland always has a long line. On hot days, I'll pop into Alien Pizza Planet or Pyms to refill my water bottle with cold water. There is a thread about water refill stations on the WDW side of this site. I asked about "better" water refill locations at WDW and this is the reply I received. https://www.disboards.com/threads/water-refill-stations.3961310/post-66012345

Yes. I carry my yeti. I bought a water bottle holder on Amazon with a long crossbody strap. But I cannot carry the bottle like that…I have a bad neck from a really bad car accident I was in. So what I did was remove the long strap and I got a parachute rope handle and attached it. It works out great because the handle is long enough that I can slide it up my arm if I need to be hands free. It’s still kinda a pain to carry it around all day. But I cannot imagine being at WDW without a water bottle. I get super dehydrated there.

(At security for WDW, I just hold the yeti out in front of me as I pass through the scanners)

https://a.co/d/ilkdulq
https://a.co/d/3zXk2Xe

 

[DizMe]

Oh wow, this is all so helpful!! Thank you soooooooo much for the input. It takes a lot of the stress out of packing today

DH is driving back home from Pismo so I don't have to take a large suitcase with me to WDW. I've made note of the suggestions and I think we'll do just fine. I tend to stress over the small things. I'm glad 2 of my DDs will be with me so I don't have to be in charge!

I really appreciate all of this fantastic advice

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Oh wow, this is all so helpful!! Thank you soooooooo much for the input. It takes a lot of the stress out of packing today

DH is driving back home from Pismo so I don't have to take a large suitcase with me to WDW. I've made note of the suggestions and I think we'll do just fine. I tend to stress over the small things. I'm glad 2 of my DDs will be with me so I don't have to be in charge!

I really appreciate all of this fantastic advice

I stress too. I start my packing list weeks before a trip.

On the plus side, there’s lots of shopping at Disney.

 

[KPeterso]

I have been in WDW in early March just about every year the last 10 years. The weather can vary. I have had years I only wear shorts and tshirts and a light sweater or hoodie. And other years that I have jeans and hoodies and am still finding it cold. I know - not really helpful. I pull out things and plan in layers for all options. I am going right after you and will check weather more as it gets closer. But I will have jeans, crops, shorts, short sleeve shirts, a long sleeve or 2 for layering, a couple spirit jerseys and a hoodie or 2. It will be tweaked as the days get closer and the weather becomes clearer. I also always have my lightweight rain jacket and an umbrella. I will have bother fit flops and sneakers.

 

[OlliePop27]

I have been in WDW in early March just about every year the last 10 years. The weather can vary. I have had years I only wear shorts and tshirts and a light sweater or hoodie. And other years that I have jeans and hoodies and am still finding it cold. I know - not really helpful. I pull out things and plan in layers for all options. I am going right after you and will check weather more as it gets closer. But I will have jeans, crops, shorts, short sleeve shirts, a long sleeve or 2 for layering, a couple spirit jerseys and a hoodie or 2. It will be tweaked as the days get closer and the weather becomes clearer. I also always have my lightweight rain jacket and an umbrella. I will have bother fit flops and sneakers.

We are going second week of March and prepared for anything. Waiting as long as possible to pack to see what the weather will be like.

 

[maleficent55]

I’m excited for you and jealous!! I’ve had 3 booked trips in the past few years fall through.

You will have so much fun!!!

Pack? My answer is pack light so there is plenty of room in your bags for all the unique Disney world things you can buy!
My #1 dream purchase I’m buying when I finally make it: an engraved perfume bottle from Plume et Palette in France!

 

[KPeterso]

We are going second week of March and prepared for anything. Waiting as long as possible to pack to see what the weather will be like.

Me too! I will be there 3/7-14. I will start pulling clothes out this weekend to wash (I always re-wash right before a trip to ensure very clean due to my skin issues). And then will figure out what I am actually taking as the date gets closer and the weather reports are more accurate.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Why did you post this in the Disneyland forum?

Because she trusts us...we ARE family.

Well, Diz, my last trip was in November 2024. I wore long sleeve t-shirts, spirit jersey or sweatshirt and mostly jeans. I did have a light down jacket from Costco that I wore at night. Like you, I am supersensitive to humidity since we practically have none. It can cook me or freeze me.

I don't think I wore short sleeves at all. Certainly not shorts, though DH did.

And remember...you can always SHOP for whatever you need

Have fun with DD and I can't wait for your trip report!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Because she trusts us...we ARE family.

Well, Diz, my last trip was in November 2024. I wore long sleeve t-shirts, spirit jersey or sweatshirt and mostly jeans. I did have a light down jacket from Costco that I wore at night. Like you, I am supersensitive to humidity since we practically have none. It can cook me or freeze me.

I don't think I wore short sleeves at all. Certainly not shorts, though DH did.

And remember...you can always SHOP for whatever you need

Have fun with DD and I can't wait for your trip report!

Family- You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means