Stay somewhere that feels like a vacation
A resort with a great pool turns your off-park afternoons into the best part of the trip. Four Seasons Orlando and club level at the Grand Floridian are two of our favorites.
Theme Parks · Best Jan–Feb, Nov
Orlando theme park packing list for families
A great park day comes down to a well-packed bag and a good pool to come back to. Here's our Orlando packing list for families, adjusted for the month you're going.
Photo by Rolando Yera on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Orlando
- Stay somewhere with a great pool. An afternoon break makes the whole trip better.
- Arrive at the parks early. The first hour has the shortest lines all day.
- Summer brings heat and daily afternoon storms. Plan indoor rides and shows for 3 to 5 pm.
Best timeJan–Feb, Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Orlando
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing12
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Sweatshirts for chilly morningsWinter mornings can dip into the 40s.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Beach & pool7
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Goggles
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Park days4
Cooling towelsKristina's pick
Ponchos for afternoon storms
Small backpack with water bottle pockets
Handheld fan
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things21
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Park pastels
Lavender, pale pink, sky, white
For the kids
For photos
- Coordinate the pastels, skip the logos
- Go early for empty backdrops
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Orlando weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F 22°C | Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather. | EPCOT's Festival of the Arts brings painting, food, and live performances. |
| February | 75°F 24°C | Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather. | EPCOT's Festival of the Arts brings painting, food, and live performances. |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Warm and sunny. Spring break crowds in March. | EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with topiaries and outdoor kitchens. |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Warm and sunny. Spring break crowds in March. | EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with topiaries and outdoor kitchens. |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Warm and sunny. Spring break crowds in March. | EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with topiaries and outdoor kitchens. |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | Summer is the hottest and busiest. A midday pool break is a must. |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | Summer is the hottest and busiest. A midday pool break is a must. |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Summer is the hottest and busiest. A midday pool break is a must. |
| September | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid with a thunderstorm most afternoons. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Halloween parties at both Disney and Universal. Costumes for everyone! |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Warm days that start to cool off. Lighter crowds. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Halloween parties at both Disney and Universal. Costumes for everyone! |
| November | 79°F 26°C | Warm days that start to cool off. Lighter crowds. | EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival runs late summer through fall. Holiday decorations go up in early November. Christmas in the parks is magical, and crowded near the holidays. |
| December | 74°F 23°C | Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather. | Holiday decorations go up in early November. Christmas in the parks is magical, and crowded near the holidays. |
Orlando, beautifully
The theme park trip, done gracefully
Walt Disney World and Universal can be calm, comfortable, and full of magic. It mostly comes down to where you stay and how you plan your days.
Plan for the afternoon slump
Go early, head back for naps and the pool, and return for the evening. Little ones last longer, and so do parents.
Know when a private guide pays off
For big family groups or short trips, a VIP tour can mean more rides and far less waiting. We'll tell you honestly if it's worth it for your family.
Pack for the parks
Our Orlando list adjusts for the month you're going, from cooling towels in July to sweatshirts in January.
Questions families ask
Orlando with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Orlando with kids?
The best time is Jan–Feb, Nov. Mild days and cool mornings. Lovely park weather.
What's the weather like in Orlando?
Typical daytime highs range from about 72°F (22°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Orlando?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Orlando?
None. Orlando uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Orlando with kids?
Stay somewhere with a great pool. An afternoon break makes the whole trip better.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.