Packing Tips for your Orlando Vacation:
We’ve all been there. The night before the start of a well deserved vacation.
The bedroom floor looks like a bomb’s hit it.
He wants to take his golf clubs. She needs three changes of clothing daily. And the kids? How can such tiny people take up so much room?
Under such stressful circumstances, something important may be forgotten. But what essentials must you never forget?
Here’s a few packing tips:
Footwear
Comfort over fashion is absolutely essential and top of the list for our packing tips. The theme parks are huge and your feet will take a hammering.
You’ll be walking all day long. Perhaps up to 5 miles before you even know it.
There’s nothing worse than hobbling around with a blister. Leave those shiny new shoes at home and pack that good old worn pair of sneakers you’ve had forever and a day.
Nobody cares what your footwear looks like. Nobody’s going to call the Fashion Police.
Have you seen Minnie’s Shoes? They’re huge. But she knows Comfort is King. Or Queen.
Flipflops are great too, especially if you get caught in a summer shower.
If you are prone to blistering, bring some Moleskin Padding with you – it might just be your savior.
Sunscreen
A pretty essential item on our list of packing tips.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State.
There is a reason for this. It averages 300 days of sunshine each year.
Just one day could be one too many. Spending hours outdoors without protection is a recipe for disaster.
Pain, discomfort and irritation could ruin your vacation.
Rich and famous celebrities may be cool with their all-over golden brown tan. But for us mere mortals, it’s a different story.
Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes, apparently, can choose a target from a mile away. Presumably, they also have the capability to judge that a certain individual is lacking in appetizing appeal.
You don’t want anything remotely resembling ‘appeal’. Get rid of it.
You want to be covered liberally with insect repellent. Preferably one containing DEET which will also protect you against fleas, ticks, leeches and many other biting insects.
Mosquitoes, especially infected ones, can give you a bite that will torment you for many days after you have left Florida to return home.
Don’t be the muppet who provides a free feast to a passing mozzie!
You should actually be pretty safe in Disney.
Not many bugs can afford the ticket price.
The ones that can are soon taken care of by Disney’s full-time Bug Team.
They have every weapon imaginable to combat bugs.
They use natural predators, traps, insecticides and numerous preventative measure to keep you as bug free as possible.
If you visit in the Spring or Fall, you will experience the Love Bug. They don’t bite, sting, attack your food or spread disease. They can be a bit of a nuisance because of the numbers, but they are slow-moving and easy to swish away.
They are called Love Bugs because they are usually always in pairs and locked in an amorous embrace. Cute.
Some things You Might Want to Consider Packing
Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad Evaporative Cooling Towel – this nifty little cooling towel can absorb 8 times its weight in water. It maintains water while staying cool to the touch. A perfect refresher.
Alcololado Glacial Mentholated Splash Lotion – splash it on your skin and it cools as it dries. Ideal for a quick freshen up.
Bandanna Ice Scarf – pop it in water, or even the freezer for a couple of minutes, wrap it around your neck and stay cool.
SafetyTat – Sweatproof and waterproof, a Safety-Tat customized ID’s are the perfect way to attach emergency contact information should he or she get lost or separated in the busy parks. They are safe, non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
Guide Books & Maps
Most visitors come to Florida for the theme parks. However, even the most ardent theme park enthusiast needs a day off. A chance to relax and recharge the batteries.
I love the parks. They are great fun, exhilarating and … exhausting.
But it’s not just about theme parks, Florida is a beautiful State with an abundance of glorious sights to see, places to visit and things to do.
Walt Disney chose his location well. From Orlando to the vibrant Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach on the Space Coast is a little over an hour’s drive.
On the Gulf Coast, the magnificent beaches of St. Pete, Treasure Island and Clearwater are less than two hours away.
The Greek fishing village and harbor of Tarpon Springs is a mere 13 miles north of Clearwater. Having lived on a small Greek island for 25 years, we are regular visitors to sample the delicious Greek cuisine. All served with their typical flair and friendliness.
It was the end of an era when the Shuttles retired but rockets are still launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Watching a Shuttle launch was one of my most exciting and emotional experiences. Keep an eye on NASA’s Launch Schedule and if you get the opportunity to witness a rocket soaring into the sky, don’t hesitate. At most, it’s a 90 minute drive from Orlando.
Next door, the Atlantis Shuttle, Shuttle Launch Experience, Twin IMAX Theater 3 D Films, museum and magnificent Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex combine to present a thrilling historical display of America’s space exploration
I’m a bit of a history buff and love exploring ancient towns and cities. St. Augustine, America’s oldest city at 450 years of age, is one of my favorites. Also situated on the Space Coast, just over 100 miles from Orlando, it’s a beautiful and fabulously interesting city to visit. Give it the closer examination it deserves. You won’t be disappointed.
With over 160 State Parks, there’s something on your Florida doorstep for everyone.
De Leon Springs State Park is home to the popular make-your-own pancakes at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill. Flip flapjacks on the griddle in every table. Is there a child in the country who would turn their nose up at this offer?
Or pop over to Blue Spring State Park at Orange City. A designated Manatee Refuge, hundreds of these gentle mammals can be viewed from the spring’s overlooks.
Over 160 such State Parks! Wow!
Even Mickey and Harry will be forgotten for a few hours.
Of course you have us at your fingertips to give you lots of suggestions, help and advice. We can give you plenty of suggestions based on the ages in your group. But you can’t beat a good guide-book for in-depth detailed information if you’re serious about exploring.
Of course this may not be classed as an essential packing item. We all know the good old book is being replaced by online versions, but there are still some good books and guides out there.
These are available in book form or as a download:
VisitFlorida offers a selection of subjects.
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