What to Wear for Disney World in Summer

Looking for the perfect outfit to wear to the Disney Parks during the summer months?

I find deciding what to wear for a day at a theme park to be exceedingly difficult. On the one hand, I want to be comfortable, as these are long days of walking in the hot sun. On the other hand, I want to make sure I look put together since I know we'll be taking a lot of pictures. Outfits need to be breathable and cute, and I need to be able to sit comfortably on all types of rides.

And don't even get me started on the water rides! There are certain outfits you'll want to avoid if you'll be riding Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom or even Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom! (Goodbye, Splash Mountain!)

Then there's the shoe dilemma. You'll likely be walking miles at a time, but if you're like me, you hate wearing closed-toed shoes when it's hot out. You need comfortable shoes that will support your feet, not fall off on a roller coaster, and match your (hopefully) cute outfit.

As moms, we have so many important things to think about when preparing for a day at Disney with our families. We're packing snacks, getting our kids dressed and ready, ensuring we have essentials like diapers, wipes, and sunscreen, and mapping out which rides to hit at what time. The last thing we want to be doing is stressing about what to wear!

That's why I thought I would put together a few ideas for outfits to wear to on your Disney vacation (or to any theme park, really!) in case you're trying to decide what to pack or what to wear for your memorable trip.

This post will focus mostly on summer visits to Disney World. I know Florida can have hot days year-round, but July and August are a special kind of torment when it comes to the heat and humidity. I'll really be focusing on the best way to stay cute, cool, and comfortable - the 3 Cs to Disney survival and happiness.

I hope you gain some ideas from this post and that it sparks inspiration for what to bring from your own closet!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I'm going to share with you my top outfit combinations for the happiest place on earth! In my opinion, comfort is the most important thing since you'll be doing a lot of walking in the hot sun. But of course, I'll also offer ways to make these outfits cute so you can look back at your photos and love how you look.

A few things to keep in mind when packing outfits for Disney theme parks this time of year:

Summer is the rainy season and hurricane season, so you will likely have 1 or 2 rainy days on your trip. Keep in mind (coming from a former Florida resident), that most rain storms in summer are quick afternoon showers. Bring a stroller cover, a light rain jacket, and an umbrella to be prepared for these inevitable storms that pop up out of nowhere.
Light, breathable fabrics are best. You'll be sweating and in the sun, so consider bringing a sun shirt with long sleeves and protection from the sun's harmful rays (also a great way to avoid reapplying sunscreen to your shoulders all day long).
You WILL need comfortable walking shoes. Do not, under any circumstances, wear a pair of new shoes to Disney World. You will get blisters and regret it. (And if you do get blisters, go to the First Aid Center. Each park has one, and they are fully stocked up with bandages and solutions for blisters. Speaking from experience).
I also think it's a great option to bring 2 pairs of comfortable shoes that you can rotate. Even your most comfortable pair of shoes can become unbearable if you're wearing them all day every day for a weeklong trip!

Ok! Let's get into what to wear during the hottest months of the year in Central Florida.

Ignore the Halloween decor - this photo was taken in August. it was still super hot out! An example of one of my swing dresses.

Sundresses

At first, I was really hesitant to wear sundresses to a theme park. After all, you're riding rides which often require you to buckle something between your legs, and I didn't want to be worried about flashing things that shouldn't be seen!

But then I purchased some biker shorts to wear under skirts and dresses (I also like this kind from Target), and it became a game changer! Not only do they prevent wardrobe malfunctions, but they also help you avoid the dreaded thigh chaffing that can inevitably occur when walking long distances on a hot day no matter how skinny your legs are.

I find sundresses to be the perfect solution for long days at Disney because they photograph well, they make you look and feel put together, they're lightweight and breathable, and super affordable!

My favorite cut is a swing dress since it doesn't cling to my midsection (and I'm still working on healing my diastasis recti). I also love a fit & flare style dress because it helps define your waist instead of highlighting the mom pooch. T-shirt dresses and tank dresses are also good options, especially ones that are branded as athletic wear.

SWING DRESS / FIT & FLARE DRESS / T-SHIRT DRESS / ATHLETIC DRESS

Don't forget cute shoes to match your breezy dress! I love that dresses and sneakers are a stylish combo these days for those of you who prefer a little more support and don't mind your toes being covered.

For my fellow ladies who would rather be barefoot (but will settle for minimalist sandals), I have a few comfortable options picked out for you with varying levels of support. I think the main thing to keep in mind is to avoid flip flops so that your feet don't have to work to keep your shoes on. A heel strap is your best friend as long as you've worn them before and know they don't give you blisters.

I have not found a more comfortable sandal than my Xero Sandals. They are technically barefoot sandals, so there is no foot support, but they feel like I'm walking on a cloud. If you want support in the footbed, Teva sandals are a great alternative (which is what I had before I got my Xero sandals).

While daytime temperatures are scorching, you may have a cooler morning or evening during your stay, so consider bringing a light sweater, too.

Shorts or a Skirt and a Tank Top

This seems to be a standard outfit for ladies at theme parks, but one big complaint I've had with shorts - especially cutoffs, is that they can ride up, chafe, or feel too heavy or bulky, especially if you happen to encounter a water ride. Denim shorts are adorable, but not my personal favorite to wear at the parks.

I've realized you have to be selective about the type and material of the shorts you wear in order to be comfortable and not pull at the bottom of your shorts all day. Linen, cotton, or rayon are what I usually look for. I have had the best luck finding shorts at J. Crew Factory, or even J. Crew when they're on sale.

My general rule of thumb is to wear more fitted tank tops if my shorts are baggier or boyfriend cut and to wear a flowy tank with more structured or fitted shorts. I often aim for the Parisian half-tuck to elongate my legs and make my outfit look more put together unless I'm wearing a shorter-cut tank.

Skort and Ribbed Tank Top for a Theme Park Look for Moms

Athleta Skort / Paka Tank Top / White Button Down

Even better than shorts are skirts and skorts! This is my favorite skort to wear with a cute tank top, and it’s incredibly comfortable for walking all day. I’ve worn it to theme parks, walking around Finland, Costa Rica, the Florida Keys, around the Midwest, and everywhere in between!

A casual knee-length skirt would be just as comfortable and cute!

Boxy Cropped T-shirt / Xero Sandals / Running shorts are from TJ Maxx - these are similar

Athletic-Chic or Athleisure

Moisture-wicking athletic or performance clothes are now made to look cute and stylish for everyday wear, and I am HERE for it. If you are a sneakers-loving gal, this is the perfect look for you.

Grab your favorite leggings or biker shorts and pair them with a strappy sports bra and graphic tank or oversized t-shirt and you're ready to go! Easy-peasy.

If you're not into tennis shoes (like me), but still want to wear athleisure for your day at Disney, I've found Xero sandals and Tevas to be the perfect comfortable shoe choice.

Once again, I’ll mention my all-time FAVORITE travel skort from Athleta. The wide waistband is comfortable and flattering, it's a skort, so I don't have to bring shorts to wear underneath, and it looks cute while feeling comfortable enough to go for a hike. I also love their sporty dresses!

When I took my son to a different amusement park (LEGOLAND Florida) last summer, I wore bright pink running shorts with a cropped tee from Target. It was a more dressed-down look, but not too sloppy. I replicated this on our latest trip to Disney!

A comfortable pair of shorts with a coordinating top is always a good idea! Pair any of these outfits with a baseball cap and you'll have the perfect sporty-chic look.

Since you're going to be walking miles at a time and sweating anyway, you might as well look the part and wear some athletic-chic clothes.

Cobalt Blue Gauze Romper from Pink Lily / My favorite travel Belt Bag / Cropped white tank top

Jumpsuit or Romper

Much like the classic sundress, a jumpsuit or romper is a modern and fun way to look dressed up for a day at the parks. There are so many different styles, lengths, and cuts, and some of them even feel like pajamas!

My only caution with wearing a jumpsuit or romper is that going to the bathroom is going to be a bit more of a process than just wearing a simple sundress. And if your kids are in the bathroom with you, they're going to have a lot of very uncomfortable questions and comments for you. So, you know, just be prepared for that.

Again, depending on the style of the jumpsuit, you can totally get away with stylish sneakers OR sandals. I might even throw on a Panama hat or a sun hat to pull together the look and hide sweaty hair!

I LOVE this romper from Pink Lily! You can pair it with just a plain white sports bra, or a cropped white tank top for an easy-breezy summer look, and it's so comfortable to wear on those warm days. I bought it for our road trip through the Florida Keys, and I KNOW I'll be wearing it on repeat this entire summer.

Other Things to Pack for A Disney Trip

In addition to packing one outfit per day, don't forget to bring one or two extra outfits in case you decide to go back to the hotel room to rest midday and want a change of clothes for going back to the park in the evenings.
Bring a bathing suit or two if you're staying at a hotel or resort with a pool, or if you decided to go to the water parks at Disney. Don't forget a swimsuit cover-up and flip-flops for at the pool!
Bring a light jacket or sweater if you're a wimp about aggressive air conditioning like me. Or for on the airplane.
Bring sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes from the sun during your trip.
A crossbody bag or belt bag is the best way to store your phone and wallet when walking around the parks. If you have more items to bring, but you're not bringing a stroller (where I normally store extras), a small backpack would be perfect to hold water bottles, cameras, snacks, and sunglasses.
Florida weather is unpredictable, so as I mentioned above, a rain jacket or poncho is a good idea to bring
Have a reusable water bottle so you can drink plenty of water during those hot days in the sunshine. I like the stainless steel ones that keep your water cold all day long!
If you take a lot of pictures and videos on your phone (as I do), keep in mind that the camera app eats up battery life on your phone very quickly. I use the Anker power bank for theme park days and it has been a lifesaver. I think I went from November until April without charging it (I only use it for travel), and it charged my phone several times! You'll need one of the old iPhone chargers with a USB, though, since the new iPhone charging cords have a different type of plug.
Don't forget your Minnie and Mickey ears! You can certainly buy some in the parks, but they'll be a bit more expensive.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you decided to wear, I think this is a case where comfort triumphs over fashion. The best option is what you're going to feel comfortable wearing, and that all comes down to personal preferences. There is honestly nothing worse than tugging at your clothes all day long while you're supposed to be enjoying magic moments with your kids.

Another thing I want you to keep in mind is that it's going to be very humid if you go to Disney in summer, so you might want to pack a hair band to put your hair up when the humidity does weird things to it.

Don't spend too much time curling or straightening your hair, because it won't stay that way. As a Florida resident, I often opt for blow drying the roots of my hair, then letting the rest of it air dry with a sea salt spray. You can bring a travel-size empty spray bottle to fill with water to rewet your hair so you can style it each morning. French braids are a cute look, too, to keep your hair off your neck!

Do your makeup as you normally would, but just consider using a setting powder under your eyes so your eyeshadow or eyeliner doesn't melt, making you look like a raccoon. I've been using this one for years. Grab some cheap sunnies while you're at it! The last thing you want to do is lose your favorite pair of shades on a ride at Disney.

Other Times to Visit Disney World

Summer is a popular time to plan a Walt Disney World vacation since everyone is off of school. If that's your only option for visiting Disney with the whole family, go for it! Just be prepared for the Florida heat and long lines. With the new Genie+ app, you'll be just fine, and you'll still have a magical time.

I also have a great time going to the special events during the spring and winter months at Disney such as the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom! Here are my blog posts to help you plan trips for those events:

Other Disney World Articles that might help you plan your trip:

Alright, those are my best tips for getting dressed for a day at Disney with kids in the summer heat, as a mom of 4 and a resident of Florida. Have you been to Disney in the summer? What are your favorite things to wear?