What I Wish I Had Packed for My March Disney World Trip

Published by

Angela Sorensen

on

Folded Mickey Mouse t-shirt, floral crop top, denim jacket, Minnie Mouse ears headband, Disney fanny pack, sunglasses, travel toiletries, camera, passport holder, and white sneakers laid out on pastel background.

Packing for a March trip to Walt Disney World felt deceptively simple at the time. The weather was in the high-80s, it was spring break, and I thought I could save some money by bringing only a personal bag on my flight.

In reality, I found myself needing to do extra laundry, not accounting for the cold evenings, and realizing very quickly that what I had packed for did not meet the reality.

So, if you’re planning a Disney trip in the early spring, take my recommendations to heart if you want to stay comfortable. :)

Note: The product links here are affiliate links. If you purchase them, I may get a kickback. Rest assured, these are all products that I have used on my previous trips and had DEFINITELY wish I had brought them.

What I Had Packed

Since I was only bringing a backpack with a laptop, I had to put everything into two packing cubes. Mind you, I was only anticipating a 5-night stay. (Which got extended to be a 10-night because of all of our cancelations.)

I brought:

  • (2) tank tops
  • (2) shorts — one denim, one dressier pair
  • Linen t-shirt to overlay tank tops
  • Sleepwear & under things
  • Flip flops
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Basic toiletries

Since we were flying from Indiana — where it was very cold — I also had a pair of jeans. So, not much in the grand scheme of things.

Mind you, we weren’t anticipating any super-fancy dinners on this trip. It was simply a work, go to the parks, and enjoy the day as best as possible kind of affair.

What I Got Wrong

The biggest surprise was just how unpredictable the weather was. Mornings started off chilly enough to need a jacket, afternoons warmed up into full sun, and by nighttime I was once again wishing I had something warmer.

Having a hoodie, or even a light shell jacket, would have been a great option. Something easy to take on and off and small enough to stash in a park bag. Even a breathable long sleeve would have covered the bases!

Another thing I completely underestimated was the heat during the day. Even in March, standing in long lines felt a lot warmer than expected. I found myself sweating through my already-limited amount of clothing and having to do laundry every other day. (You’re welcome park-goers!)

Hydration was another lesson I learned the hard way. I drank plenty of water when I thought about it, but still felt drained by the afternoon. What I wish I had brought were electrolyte packets. With the amount of walking, sun exposure, and constant moving — not to mention the number of drinks we had — water alone wasn’t cutting it. Adding something like Liquid IV or another electrolyte mix would have helped maintain energy levels and made those long park days feel a lot more manageable.

My park bag situation was also…slightly lacking. I didn’t bring my normal staples. While some were an amazing win, like a Tide Pen and blister bandages, others were definitely needed. Looking back, I would have included the following:

You never realize how quickly your skin can dry out until you’re dealing with cracked knuckles and chapped lips!

One thing I didn’t plan for — but absolutely should have — was having a few “adult comfort” extras. After a full day in the parks, there were moments where I wished I had a slightly nicer outfit for dinner or drinks. Changing into something a little more put-together can completely shift the vibe of your evening, especially if you want to head to a lounge or find a last-minute reservation at a signature dining spot.

Finally, I made the mistake of not bringing my own laundry supplies. While it’s a simple thing, it feels like you’re in your clothing more so than smelling like some detergent you wouldn’t use in a million years. You’ll also save some money, so you don’t have to buy those little packets (which were easily $5 a piece at our hotel!)

What I Would Pack Next Time

Looking back, the biggest takeaway is that packing for a March Disney trip isn’t about packing light — it’s about packing smart. Even the small items that are easy to dismiss can completely change how comfortable your days feel.

Here’s what I’d anticipate packing for our next go-around, assuming a 5-night trip and doing less laundry:

Clothing Essentials

  • 5-6 lightweight t-shirts or tank tops — I prefer tank tops for better layering
  • (1) breathable long sleeve shirt
  • (1) lightweight zip-up jacket (no bulky hoodie!) or cover-up
  • (1) “nicer” top for dinners or drinks
  • 2-3 pairs of shorts or active skirts (easy layering!)
  • 1-2 pairs of lightweight pants or leggings
  • (1) casual, active dress
  • (1) slightly dressier outfit
  • A pair of broken-in walking shoes
  • Merino wool socks
  • A pair of comfortable, dressier sandals
  • Undergarments for each day
  • Pajamas
  • 1-2 swimsuits
  • Pool cover-up

Safety, Health, & Toiletries

Nice-to-Haves

Final Thoughts

The biggest lesson when planning a Disney World trip in March?

Don’t pack like you’re going on a normal vacation — pack like you’re going to walk miles, deal with weather mood swings, and still want to enjoy a libation or two at the end of the night.

Discover more from Adulting WDW Style

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment

Previous Post