5 Things True Walt Disney World Fans Must Wear In The Parks

You are the ultimate Disney lover, even saying the word Disney brings a smile to your face. You have done the planning, you have made your fast pass selections and you have browsed the menus, restaurants and reviews on DisneyDining.com. You, my friend, are just days or even hours from your Disney vacation! And, now a very special thing happens…you go to your “Disney stash” to make sure that you are fully prepared to pack those special items that you will need in the parks. My list will certainly add some magic to your vacation and some will prevent you from making some serious mistakes!

1. Your MagicBand

If you have booked your Disney vacation far enough in advance and you are staying on property, your MagicBand will be shipped to your home. Otherwise, you will be able to pick them up upon arriving to your resort. Make sure that you use the My Disney Experience App to customize your color selection! Your Magic Band takes the place of the previous Key to the World Cards, storing your credit card information, park passes, Fast Pass+ selections and works as the key to your room. Beyond the functionality of the MagicBand, they are definitely becoming a must have accessory! True Disney fans will customize their bands! Whether you use temporary tattoos, nail polish, or designs by hand, making your MagicBand is often super easy and adds a special touch. Now, if you have not a creative bone in your body, Disney does sell limited edition bands!

2. Sunscreen

It amazes me how many people doubt the ability of the Florida sun to ruin their family vacation, but I guess living in Florida gives me a serious understanding over tourists. If you think this: I walked around the fair last month and didn’t wear sunscreen and didn’t get a burn, so I’ll be ok at Disney…You are in for the worst nightmare! The Florida sun is brutal and as I walk around Disney, the number of pink to red necks, ears, cheeks and arms I see is frightening! Please friends, if you are a true Disney fan, you do not want to have to cut your day short because your skin is so tight and painful that you just can’t manage anymore, or worse the poor little legs of your child that were sticking out of the stroller. Plus, sunburns will dehydrate you even more than a long, hot day in the sun will. A true Disney fan family has an iridescent glow and white streaks all over them, wearing their sunscreen proudly!

3. Your most comfortable shoes

Another cringe worthy scene for me as I float around the park wearing my memory foam padded, light as a feather sneakers is the torture that people’s shoes are giving them. Do not buy brand new shoes for Disney, your feet and their ability to walk you around are precious assets worthy of protecting! I know that many people also think that because of the awesome weather that they should wear flip flops the entire time. Flip flops offer almost no support to your feet, the backs often get stepped on and can be quite dangerous in crowds and if your feet have not seen the sun in a long time, you will burn badly. See tip 2! And, ladies…heels? Magic Kingdom alone is 107 acres! True Disney fans will be in crocs, sneakers and other sensible shoes!

4. Your Disney Side!

Part of the fun of going to the parks is being part of the magic! Make sure you wear your best Disney shirts, shoes, purses, hats and more! It is always fun to see little kids dressed as their favorite characters! (Remember that costumes are not allowed for adult guests) One adorable family idea is to wear customized shirts, or even having everyone in the family wear the same shirt. When you get into the parks, make sure you also wear your lanyard with your Disney pins on them! DVC members love wearing DVC hats and shirts for special “Welcome Home!” greetings by cast members. You should also ask for your free pin if you are celebrating in the parks! Birthday, Just Married, Just Engaged, First Visit, Anniversary, and other buttons will not only get you greetings by cast members, but also can get you some perks! While wearing our Anniversary buttons for our 10 “Ear” anniversary, we were given complimentary desserts, champagne and wine with meals.

5. Mickey Ears

To me, this is a totally separate item because ears are really only appropriate to wear while at Disney. I have seen people at signature restaurants wearing their ears and nobody blinks twice, though I might think you’d get some silly looks if you tried that at a TGI Fridays or grocery shopping back home! Wearing Mickey ears is a rite of passage, and true Disney fans have at least one pair of ears in their collection, often their first from childhood with their names stitched in the back. Grown adults and children alike gain such happiness by proudly donning the most popular hat sold at Walt Disney World. You also have the choice of more than just the small black cap with chin strap and ears! Headbands with Mickey and Minnie ears are popular, while the basic caps also have numerous choices by adding some color and accessories to them. Now, Mickey Ears are made to look like anything from popcorn, holiday items like pumpkins and flags, and many of your favorite Disney heroes and villains! So, get your favorite Mickey Ear hat and join in on the fun!