Visiting a theme park is a thrilling adventure, but it can also be challenging if you’re not prepared. Packing the right essentials can make all the difference in keeping you comfortable, cool, and ready for anything. Here is my must-haves list for a day of adventuring!
Hydration and Cooling Aids
- Collapsible Bottles or Cups: Stay hydrated by refilling a collapsible bottle or collapsible cup at water stations throughout the park.
- Cooling Towel: Wet it, wring it out, and wear it around your neck for instant relief from the heat.
- Portable Fan: Small, battery-powered or rechargeable fans will help you beat the heat during the warmer months.
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen: A sunscreen with a high SPF is essential, especially in Florida parks. I recently got into Korean skincare and this sunscreen stick by Birch Juice is my favorite. It’s not greasy or heavy like most sunscreens, it doesn’t have that gross sunscreen smell, and it is easy to reapply throughout the day. A word of caution, however – be careful buying Korean products from Amazon or social media influencers because they could be fake. I recommend buying directly from the manufacturer or Olive Young.
- Sun-shielding Clothing: A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap can provide shade and keep the sun off your face. Neck gaiters will protect your neck, face, and chest while long-sleeved athletic shirts made with moisture-wicking fabrics will keep you cool and protect your arms from sunburn. Shield your eyes from UV rays with polarized lenses.
Health and Hygiene
- First Aid Kit: Pack essentials like band-aids, blister pads, and antiseptic wipes for minor mishaps. This can also include medications, anti-nausea pills, and (just in case) feminine products. You will find most of these items in gift shops at some parks, but you will pay the theme-park premium ($$$), so I recommend that you bring your own.
- Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: Thousands of people touch the same ride handles, buckles, and doorknobs every day in the parks, so hand sanitizer is a must. If you plan on having any southern-style BBQ smothered in sweet sauce, wet wipes are also your best friend.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Prevent chapped lips caused by sun exposure and high-speed roller coasters.
- Poncho: Almost every day in Florida during the warmer months, we get an afternoon thunderstorm – you can set your watch to it – but they usually blow over quickly. Pack a recyclable poncho just in case; this author recommends a trip to the dollar store for these, or else you’ll pay the theme park premium for one inside the parks.
Snacks and Energy Boosters
- Healthy Snacks: Bring granola bars, nuts, or dried fruits for a quick energy boost.
- Electrolyte Supplements: Mix these into your water to replenish lost nutrients and stay hydrated all day.
Technology and Convenience
- Portable Power Bank: Keep your phone charged for photos, maps, and park apps.
- Earbuds: On days when the lines are a bit longer, I bring my earbuds and listen to an audiobook or watch a show on my phone while I’m waiting in line. It helps to pass the time, especially when I’m traveling solo.
- Park Apps: Download the park’s app for navigation, ride wait times, and show schedules.
- Ziploc Bag: Protect your electronics from water rides or sudden rain.
- Fanny pack or bag: With a few exceptions, most parks will allow you to carry a fanny pack or small bag on rides. This author was surprised by the amount of space in the Waterfly bag. It is even big enough to hold my Sony A5100 and all of my other essentials. Let out the waist strap and it doubles as a cross-body bag.
Be Ready for Anything
Packing the right essentials for a theme park visit can greatly enhance your comfort and enjoyment. With these preparations, you’ll be ready to tackle any theme park adventure while staying cool and comfortable.
See you in the Single Rider Lane! 😉
Author’s Note: I am not sponsored or compensated by any of these companies. These are just some of my favorite items I use on my adventures.