I try and be a minimalist, especially when visiting the parks. I throw this mindset out the door when we visit in the summer months. Nothing will ruin a trip more than a dehydrated, hot and sunburnt person. Most of the items I am suggesting can easily be stored under a stroller, if you have kids, or carried in a backpack. Many I suggest because they will save you money in the parks, a Disney poncho is more expensive when you have to buy one in the middle of a summer storm (Disney World gets them daily in the summer!) I like to leave a bag of things I couldn’t care less if someone stole under our stroller, and keep my money on me.

So here are some of my hot weather suggestions (we mainly visit Disney World) for a summer getaway to Disney.

1. A fan, preferably one that mists water. Florida is hot in the summer, really HOT. I thought there was no way we would use the fan. We did, and we used in a lot. There are many to choose from but we prefer the ones that can also mist. If you have young children you can also get a clip on fan that will blow on them without the need for them to hold.

2. Cooling towel. Just know that you will be a sweaty mess. I stupidly wore a grey shirt and looked like I was wet all day. Thats fine, it will happen. I didn’t use the neck towel, but my 72 year old mother really loved it. Plus it never hurts to have. It could also be used on younger children who are napping.

3. Ponchos. It will rain when you visit. In Florida the summer rain usually hits hard and then leaves, usually. Ponchos in the park are obviously more pricey than the ones you can buy at home. Bring them, you will need them. Nothing ruins a trip more than a wet kids.

4. Speaking of wet kid you can either cover the stroller with ponchos, or you can bring a stroller cover. When you are on a ride you will NEED to keep that stroller dry. If you don’t have a stroller then skip this. lol

5. Hand wipes. I know kids should wash their hands a lot but sometimes before you eat its easier to just use a disinfectant wipe. We also use them after rides as well, you don’t want to get what I call the “Disney flu”. Handwashing and disinfectant wipes are a must!

6. Wet dry bags. I like to pack extra tops and bottoms in a bag, as my kids get older I’m sure I can skip this step. Crap happens, I like to have something instead of buying clothes in the park.

7. Lanyards. If you don’t stay at a Disney resort or use a magic band you will be carrying your park cards. I like to keep them where I can see them. Its easier to pull cards from a lanyard then riffle through a purse or wallet to find them.

8. Sunscreen. For obvious reasons. Do NOT ruin your trip or your kids with a sunburn.

9. Water bottles. Drink. Drink. When you think you have drank enough go and drink again. There are spots to fill up your bottles, or ask for a cup of water with your meal.

10. Mio Electrolyte. With all the sweating you will need to replenish those lost electrolytes. We like to bring the small liquid instead of lugging around a case of drinks. Plus the kids will drink way more water when it tastes good.

What do you bring to the parks with you on those hot summer months? Links below for some of the products that I mentioned.