If you’re hitting the Disney Parks or the Universal Theme parks in Orlando, Florida, you’re going to be doing a lot of walking in the heat. Here are a few things we packed that you might not have thought of.
2 pair comfortable shoes – Wear them on alternate days. Your feet will thank you for it.
2nd pair of comfortable shoes – Did you pay attention when I said 2 pairs of comfortable shoes? Because my kids didn’t. 🙂
Insoles – Because at least one pair of shoes isn’t going to be as comfortable as you or your kid thought they were.
2 different kinds of socks – wear on alternate days
Socks – Different socks, because your kid’s favorite socks aren’t always the most protective.
Blister protection – Carry this with you. Apply as soon as you notice a rub, before the blister forms. My youngest was really glad I had this when she wore her favorite tiny sock-lets and what turned out to be not-so-comfortable shoes.
Bandaids – In case you ignore what I told you about taking the spray with you and someone gets a blister.
String backpack – Everyone needs some type of pack. A friend suggested this type for the kids and they were perfect. Everyone carried their own snacks and some water. Divvy up the rest of stuff you’re going to carry. Put those teens to work! 🙂
Fanny pack – Because some rides at Universal Studios Parks won’t let you take backpacks but they will let you strap on a fanny pack. Make sure at least one of you has one of these.
Hat – Soft ones that can take some folding are useful.
Umbrella – Not just for rain, your own portable shade! You want one that’s not too big or heavy with a carrying loop, that collapses and folds easily.
Fan, a personal fan – We liked these with the hanging cords the best.
Mist bottle – It’s an uphill battle against the Florida heat and humidity, but we all found this refreshing! The ones by O2 Cool and Orbit were the best.
Ziploc bags – Take a couple extra, you’ll find more uses for these while you’re at the parks. One example, keep your phone dry on Splash Mountain.
Rain ponchos – Not just for rain, but for wet rides too. I wish my husband had slowed down enough to put these on before Splash Mountain!
Spray Sunscreen – If you’re your family’s designated sunscreen police, you’ll get many fewer arguments when you pull out this kind for a quick, cooling spray.
Noise cancelling ear buds – Some of the new rides, like Rockin’ Roller Coaster, are LOUD. If you’ve got some of these or some ear plugs handy, it might help make the ride more bearable for you or kids that are scared by loud noises. They’d also come in handy for little ones at the fireworks shows!