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- Comfortable shoes—You will be doing a lot of walking at a theme park, so this is not the day to try on those not-quite-broken-in sandals. Dress for comfort, especially in the areas that will be getting the most workout: your feet.
- Layers of clothing (for cooler weather)—This only applies to the two months out of the year when Central Florida gets remotely chilly, but why spend a whole morning shivering in your shorts and flip-flops? Usually, by midday, even the coolest mornings will warm up considerably, so wear a light jacket and be prepared to peel it off when the sun is high in the sky.
- Sunscreen (for warmer weather)—This applies to the rest of Florida’s seasons: spring (hot), summer (roasting), and fall (hot). They don’t call it the Sunshine State for anything; wear sunscreen.
- Cell phones (at least two)—It’s always good to have some means of communication when half of your family is in line for a roller coaster ride while the other half is taking an extended bathroom/shopping break. Regrouping will be much easier if every adult and teen have a fully charged cell phone with them.
- Brightly colored shirts or caps—It’s easy for children (even adults) to get lost in a theme park crowd, so make sure that every member of your party is easily identifiable, especially young children who can’t effectively communicate if they become lost.
- Change of clothes for small children—Every parent knows that babies need frequent wardrobe changes, but even older children find ways to get their clothes wet and/or dirty at a theme park. And if you plan on sitting in the “Soak Zone” during Shamu’s Believe presentation at SeaWorld, everyone should bring a change of clothes.
- Drinks or snacks—Pre-packed juice, water, or formula come in handy for children who are too young for the sodas that are readily available at any of the theme parks. Even a small granola bar can help adults stave off hunger pangs and avoid the tempting funnel cakes and other pricey, high-calorie snacks.
- Small bag or knapsack—Parents who still need a diaper bag will have a stroller to stash their stuff in, but theme park visitors without small children should limit themselves to carrying small bags or purses that can stay strapped to their body without weighing them down or flying off a ride. Park security inspects all bags upon entry, so try not to jam your bag with too many items.
- Keep disinfectant wipes around to avoid preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other germs when you don’t have access to soap and water to wash your hands.
- Keep a bottle of mosquito repellent on hand in case you are prone to insect bites.
