What to Wear to Disney World in March - Spring Packing Guide — A Mom Explores | Family Travel Tips, Destination Guides with Kids, Family Vacation Ideas, and more!

If you're heading to Disney World for spring break this year, this blog post will have tons of great outfit ideas, plus a Disney packing list!

March is a wonderful time of year to visit the Disney Parks in Central Florida. The days are getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, but you're still avoiding the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months.

You'll also get to experience the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot - one of my favorite ways to experience Disney World! Here are 11 reasons you'll love Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival, plus my Guide to Visiting the Flower and Garden Festival with Kids.

Our family lived in Florida for 5 years, just an hour and a half drive from Disney World, so we had plenty of opportunities to visit the parks. It gave me a good idea of what types of outfits would work for that time of year, as well as what not to wear!

It can certainly be difficult to decide what to wear to a theme park like Disney. On the one hand, you want to look cute since you'll be taking lots of pictures. On the other hand, you want to be comfortable since you'll be walking several miles every day in the heat.

The goal is to find an outfit that will be comfortable enough to do a lot of walking but put together enough for photos.

As your trip gets closer, you're probably putting together shopping lists and planning out which clothes to wear each day. Let me offer some suggestions for outfits I've loved wearing in theme parks as a mom of 4!

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.

Weather in March can be hot enough for sundresses or cool enough for sweatshirts!

Spring Weather in Orlando

As a former Florida resident who now calls Wisconsin home, I can't stress enough how lovely Orlando is during March.

In the Midwest, we're still experiencing snowstorms and subzero temperatures. In Central Florida, you'll feel the temperatures creeping into the 80s. Mornings and evenings can get quite chilly - think below 60 degrees, so it's the perfect weather for sweatshirts or light jackets.

While you may still get some rain, the rainy season (and hurricane season) in Orlando doesn't start until May, so you'll likely have plenty of clear skies and sunshine. March is still at the tail end of the dry winter months in Orlando.

The average high temperature in Orlando in March is 79º F, while the average low is around 57º F.

Though early spring is a popular time to visit Disney World, it's still a great time to visit thanks to the lovely weather this time of year.

The bottom line: if you’re packing for spring break at Disney World, pack layers. You will want long sleeves or a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. During the daytime when the sun is out, you’ll be fine with short sleeves and shorts or dresses.

Disney World Outfit Ideas for Spring Break

Comfortable Shoes

First and foremost, you'll want to make sure you have comfortable and broken-in shoes for your trip. This may be the most important thing you do to prepare for your Disney World trip!

Do not under any circumstances attempt to wear a new pair of shoes on your Disney trip! You'll end up with blisters and you'll be miserable.

Another thing to keep in mind is to bring 2 pairs of shoes to rotate throughout the trip. If your feet are hurting from one pair of shoes, or if those shoes get wet on a water ride you'll have a backup option.

A pair of white tennis shoes that you've already broken in will match everything from sundresses to athleisure and will be supportive enough for your feet.

If you're going to wear sandals, make sure they have a heel strap. Without a heel strap, your toes have to work extra hard to keep your sandals on your feet.

I prefer to wear sandals whenever possible, and I love my Xero Women's Z-Trail sandals. They are lightweight, flexible, and fast-drying. Just be aware that these sandals are zero-drop, meaning they have no elevated heel or arch support. It's great for natural foot flexibility and posture, but if you're not used to zero-drop shoes, your feet may get sore after lots of walking.

I'm used to mine and have worn them for Disney, Universal Orlando, and even walking all around Italy and Greece.

Whatever shoes or sandals you choose to wear, just be sure they are comfortable for you!

Sundresses

You may think sundresses are too elegant or dressed up for Disney World, but over the years I've grown more and more fond of them as a theme park staple.

Sundresses are breezy and cute, and you don't have to put much thought into your outfit! You can dress them up or down, and wear them with sandals or sneakers. I always wear biker shorts or spandex under my sundress for both modesty and comfort.

My favorite types of sundresses for theme parks are flowy swing dresses, or a casual fit and flare. Nowadays there are also many different types of athletic dresses to choose from, too!

This simple outfit will make you feel put together, plus it photographs well!

In the mornings and evenings when the weather gets cool, you can pair your sundress with an oversized white button-up, a sweater or cardigan, or even a crewneck sweatshirt.

Rompers

I'm so glad rompers are in style because you get all the perks of a sundress - looking put together, only one piece to worry about, super breezy and comfortable - but without having to worry about wearing shorts underneath.

There are so many different styles of rompers and jumpsuits to choose from! Some feel like sweatpants or pajamas, while others are distinctively more elegant. You can choose which vibe you're going for on your Disney trip!

If cooler temperatures are in the forecast you could pack a stretchy jumpsuit layered with a solid-color long-sleeve shirt underneath. If it looks like temperatures will reach into the 80s, just go with a sleeveless romper. You can also pair it with a sports bra or tank top underneath like I did for our Florida Keys vacation.

Athleisure

Athleisure (cute athletic apparel) has become more popular in the past few years, and I think it's a great option for walking all day in warm weather.

For cooler weather, you can pair leggings or joggers with a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt or a Disney crewneck sweatshirt.

On warm, sunny days you can opt for running shorts and a tank top or biker shorts and an oversized t-shirt. I also love this travel skirt from Athleta because it looks a bit more dressy but has built-in shorts and a wide waistband. It's comfortable and cute, and I often pair it with a racer-back running tank top.

I especially think athleisure is the way to go if you know you're going to be riding water rides on your Walt Disney World vacation. These outfits tend to dry quicker and are not as uncomfortable to get wet as denim or heavier materials.

Of course, you can pair any sporty outfit with comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or tennis shoes, but I've also been known to wear my hiking sandals!

Shorts and a T-shirt or Tank Top

Finally, I think the classic shorts and a cute tank top or Disney-themed graphic t-shirt is a great option for a day at the parks! You know yourself best, so make sure the shorts you pick won't be uncomfortable for walking long distances. I know some of my shorter cutoff denim shorts tend to ride up or cause chafing.

For that reason, I prefer a slightly longer pair of shorts (4-inch seam instead of 3-inch, for example). I also like pull-on shorts with a stretchy waistband like these denim pull-on shorts or these J. Crew shorts that I find myself buying year after year.

What to Bring for Rainy Days

While early March is one of the drier times of year in Florida, you still need to be prepared for the occasional rainy day. A few things that will be helpful in the event of an afternoon shower include:

a light jacket (I’ve been using this Colombia jacket since college, so it’s lasted me over 15 years!)
a collapsible umbrella or poncho (don't wait until you're in the park to buy these...they are not cheap. I speak from experience)
a change of clothes. Pack one or 2 extra outfits more than you'll need for the trip in case you get soaked and want to go back to the hotel room to change!
a waterproof stroller cover (of course, this only applies if you're bringing a stroller)
consider bringing one pair of waterproof shoes in case there is rain in the weather forecast

If you're prepared for the rain, you can avoid some long lines at the more popular rides while everyone else is trying to take shelter! Florida weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to come prepared!

Other Disney World Tips

Spring Break Crowds

With schools letting out for spring break, mid-March and even April tend to be one of the busier seasons in the most magical place on earth.

To make the most of your trip, I would suggest spending 1 full day in each park, and 2 full days in Magic Kingdom.

Stay at one of the Disney Resorts so you have access to free transportation to and from the parks, along with Extra Magic Hours before and after the parks open and close.

Take a break in the middle of the day when the parks are more crowded and the weather is hot. You can go back to your hotel and nap or swim, then go back for the late afternoon and evening hours.

My Disney Experience app

Download the free app for Disney theme parks to your phone. The My Disney Experience app has park maps, wait times, your park tickets, reservations, and Genie+ or Lightning Lanes you purchase.

We like to use the app to Mobile Order our food from quick-service restaurants to avoid standing in long lines. You can even change your pickup time if a ride takes longer than you planned!

in short, My Disney Experience is going to be your lifeline at the Walt Disney World Resort, which also means you'll be using up the battery on your phone a lot faster than you're used to. Bring a portable charger so you don't have to worry about your phone dying at the parks!

Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Genie+ is the current fast pass system at Walt Disney World. It's no longer a free service, and prices start at $15 per person per day. We have used this system and it seems like if you follow a strategy you can get around 3 fast pass uses per day. (More or less depending on how well you use the system, how often you check and update your picks, etc).

The Lightning Lane is the physical line you will stand in when you have a Genie+ fast pass for a certain attraction.

Some attractions are not included on Genie+, so you can purchase Individual Lighting Lane entry for those attractions.

You can definitely enjoy your time in the parks without purchasing Genie+ or individual Lightning Lane entry, but you will likely be spending a lot of time waiting in line. If you only choose to splurge on Genie+ once during your trip, make use of it on one of the days you visit Magic Kingdom.

Where to Stay

There are many hotel options to choose from, but I would. highly recommend staying on the property at the Disney Resort. Choose a Value Resort if you're on a budget. The perks of staying on property tend to outweigh the savings of staying off property.

For our November trip in 2022 to go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, we stayed at the Embassy Suites in Orlando. It was an excellent hotel, but the limited transportation to and from the parks became an issue for us. It would have been slightly improved if we rented a car, but then we would have paid for parking at the hotel AND in the parks. At that point, it would have just made more sense to stay at one of the Disney Value Hotels.

For a splurge, you simply cannot beat staying at the Grand Floridian! We loved our stay here, and the proximity to the parks and the magical theming around the hotel made our stay extra special.

Best Parks to Visit with Young Children

You can't beat Magic Kingdom for a trip to Disney with young children. The majority of the rides are open to anyone, including babies, toddlers, and pregnant women. There is never a shortage of rides, shows, character meet and greets, and delicious snacks. Here are my Insider Tips for Visiting Magic Kingdom with a Toddler!

Animal Kingdom is a great park if you're feeling overwhelmed! It's a bit quieter than the other parks with a focus on animals and nature. Check out What to DO at Disney's Animal Kingdom with Toddlers.

Hollywood Studios is perfect for kids who love Toy Story (my 3-year-old is currently obsessed with this franchise), and it's also a win if you have Star Wars-obsessed kids! Read What to Do at Disney's Hollywood Studios with Little Kids.

And as I mentioned, Epcot is so fun during a March visit thanks to the Flower and Garden Festival. The park is bursting with life and energy, plus you can find so many incredible food kiosks during the festival!

Day Trips from the Orlando Area

If you have some extra non-park days in your schedule, here are a few places to add to your spring break itinerary:

Tampa Bay - read what to do with kids here!
LEGOLAND Florida - tips for visiting
St. Petersburg - what to do with kids
St. Augustine - a historical and quaint family-friendly destination
Cocoa Beach - the closest beach to Disney World
Universal Orlando - how to do the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in One Day

Disney Vacation Packing List for Spring Break

So what exactly should be on your Disney World packing list? Here's what I would bring to be prepared for the various weather conditions in March:

Clothes

tank tops
t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts
a long-sleeved shirt (or more if the weather looks chilly)
a sweatshirt
a light jacket
long pants
shorts
1-2 sundresses/rompers
undergarments
sneakers
socks
sandals
flip flops (for the pool/water parks/around the hotel)
bathing suit (for the pool/water parks)

Accessories

Mickey Ears
hair bands/headbands
hats (baseball or sun hats)
jewelry (you don't need much)
watches (smart watch to track how much you walk)
sunglasses

Toiletries

toothbrush/toothpaste
hair brush/comb
deodorant
shampoo/conditioner/body wash if you don't want to use the hotel toiletries
dry shampoo
makeup
sunscreen (including facial sunscreen)
lip balm
face wash
makeup remover
cotton balls
facial moisturizer and serums
razor
nail clippers
curling iron or hair straightener
any extra items for kids

Medication/First Aid

bandages
prescription medication
pain reliever (adults and kids)
vitamins
aloe

Other

daypack (park bag)
water bottles
camera/charger
smartphone
portable charger
snacks
collapsible cooler (you can bring food into the parks)
portable fan
stroller (we LOVE the Zoe Tour+ because it's lightweight and easily collapsible. Get $15 off your purchase with my affiliate link)
waterproof stroller cover
fanny pack
collapsible umbrella or poncho

Anytime is a good time to head to the happiest place on earth. But there's something especially perfect about the month of March and springtime in general at the parks! It's the perfect weather to stroll down Main Street, meet your favorite character, ride some rides, and take in the magic.

We had the best time spending our spring break at Disney World, and I think you will, too! Just be prepared with layers and comfortable shoes, and you're sure to have a magical vacation.