4. You may get wet – Gear for Florida rains

Image: Jett Farrell-Vega

Daily rainstorms are not uncommon in Florida. These can range from a slight drizzle to full blown tropical storms. We once waited out one under a tiny awning in World Showcase with naught but ponchos to protect us.

Speaking of ponchos, Disney makes a killing on them. The amount you will pay for a plastic trash bag with a Mickey Mouse logo is seriously painful. Instead, swing by your local Walmart or outdoors store and pick up plastic rain ponchos for everyone in your family (usually found in the camping section). They’re small, lightweight, and wonderfully cheap.

Image: Mingo Hagen, Flickr (license)

If you want something a little more durable, bring a light windbreaker or hooded jacket with you. A collapsible one is even better (though, I’ll admit, I’ve never found one that would collapse small enough to be entirely convenient). If you’ll be visiting in the winter from a warm climate, bring some light extra layers with you. There’s no need to pack full changes of clothes (unless you’re planning on riding Kali River Rapids on a cold day), but a pullover or long-sleeved t-shirt can’t hurt. If you’re concerned about items getting wet, bring a few sandwich bags. For the ladies, a scarf is a great item to keep on hand. I’ve used mine to warm up on chilly nights, to cover my head in the rain, and even as a makeshift extra bag.

Leave Behind: Unless you have a seriously tiny umbrella, it’s probably best to leave it behind. Large umbrellas can prove unwieldy in the parks and don’t forget that Florida is the lightning capitol of the country. Also, unless you’re visiting from the surface of the sun, you won’t need a heavy coat.

5. We have the technology – Phone, power, and trip hacks

Image: Mick C, Flickr (license)

While guests can certainly enjoy Walt Disney World without a smartphone, for most, a good phone with the My Disney Experience app is a must-bring item. In bygone years, guests had to carry guidebooks, park maps, still cameras, camcorders, and possibly a very-bulky cellular phone. Now, a good smartphone fills all those roles. Guests with phones can also enjoy interactive park elements like the trivia game in the line for Soarin’ Over the World. Disney offers Wi-Fi throughout the property, so you don’t have to drain your data plan.

The downside is that Disney’s app and constant hopping between Wi-Fi hubs can quickly drain even the most stalwart of cell phone batteries. Electric outlets are extremely difficult to find at the parks (the lobby of the Garden Grill, parts of the old Innoventions Pavilion, and the store connected to Space Mountain are a few rare places to find one), so many guests end up springing to buy “Fuel Rods” in the parks to keep their phones charged. While the idea is clever, there are better uses for your money.

It can’t hurt to bring a small phone charger, and if your phone allows for removable batteries, an extra one can prove a life saver. If not, purchasing a small power bank online will usually prove cheaper than the Fuel Rods option. In a pinch, it’s been reported that Guest Relations can also recharge phones for park guests.

Another great use for a smartphone is as a tool to pass the time in long lines. Before you head to the parks, download some music, a favorite movie, or an unabridged audio book. Pop in some headphones while waiting to listen to your favorite media. You can even use a headphones splitter so others in your party can listen. This is a great trick for families with kids!

Leave behind: Selfie Sticks. While a smartphone photography kit is a good idea, selfie sticks are banned at Walt Disney World, both for safety and atmospheric reasons. Also, laptops and large tablets are probably overkill for a park visit and could easily be damaged in the hustle and bustle.

6. Tired soles – Essential hacks to rescue your feet

Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)

We’ve talked about hacks to save your feet at Walt Disney World before. An average Disney guest takes 10,000 steps a day. Moleskin is an absolute must. It’s cheaper to get outside of the parks, and it can either be used to protect your feet from blisters or can be applied to rough patches inside your shoes. Foot lubricant is another great tool for many guests. Last, changing into an extra pair of socks halfway through the day is like having an extra pair of feet!

Leave behind: Extra shoes probably are not necessary unless you’d like to switch to some flip flops for water rides. Also, most guests don’t realize that everything you need to treat blisters and damaged feet can be found for free at Disney First Aid. They have a full treatment for blisters which includes an application of bandages and soothing Bactine.