This is a wonderful and informative video. I was born and raised in central Florida, and Disney World is in my blood. You were right to make footwear be the main focus. It sounds dramatic but the wrong shoes can ruin your trip. I like how you are dressed sensibly but also very chic. That is a difficult balance and you nailed it. Thank you for all the work you put into your videos. I have learned so much from you!
Our last family vacation when my oldest was a senior in H.S., was to Walt Disney World over Xmas. We also stayed at The Animal Kingdom. It worked so well, because there are bunkbeds in the room. I wore my faithful Croc flip flops that I have worn in Hawaii, Yellowstone, the Black Hills, SD & NYC!! The meal plan is Highly Recommended if you have kids...such a $ save in the long run!!
A swell type water bottle will stay cold and have ice for hours. You can refill with free ice water from any quick service or Starbucks. Love love all of the clothes! Yes, shoes and good socks! Thanks so much!
I always wear a hat (foldable) and sunglasses and don’t have any trouble holding them in my hands when on rides or tucking them in a cross body bag. The sun is too intense here in FL to go without, so you are lucky you didn’t get sunburned.
Thanks for this video, very useful. Could you possibly do a ‘what to pack for a week away’ please? We’re going to the eat coast in UK - it won’t be hot (let’s face it, this is England ha ha!), but I’d like to pack light and we’ll be walking the dog on the beach and generally outdoors, with the odd meal out in the evenings, all very casual really. I’d be very grateful for any advice on this please Erin. Thank you x
Well timed video for me! I agree with skipping rubber flip flops and slides, but I don’t agree that sandals don’t work... It totally depends on the shoe. I am bringing both sneakers and sandals-supportive styles like Tevas will work too and in summer it rains a lot so it is good to have a pair of shoes that dry quickly. I am also bringing my allbirds tree skippers. I wore Clarks cloudsteppers to Disneyland a few years ago and they worked really well. I actually wore the same sandals to Israel last summer and they were great for walking miles too, so those are probably coming to WDW too. In any case, if your shoes aren’t water proof you will want flip flops in your bag in summer so you can switch them. I bring a baseball hat with me and clip it to my bag or put it in my bag when indoors or on rides. Love those square ray ban sunglasses! Cute backpack! I am bringing my Henri Bendel Jetsetter (I think...). But I am tempted by yours because of the pockets. One more thing to add - in summer months, bring ponchos. It rains every day. We have the Charles river ones that fold into the pocket. They take more room than the disposable ones but they keep you dry and have a nice good and don’t feel like Saran wrap.
Wonderful, spot on tips! I love the New Balance sneakers. They look perfect for the WDW parks. You tank dress is gorgeous too! It looks like that you were well-prepared for your WDW experience!
I have a Disney trip next spring, and I was already getting a little sad about how sneakers were going to look with the cute outfits I had planned. I LOVE the idea of the pink/skin tone shoes to blend and not take over the outfit. Do you have any pictures that show you wearing the dress with the sneakers? I'm all about wearing dresses, and I'd love to see how you styled it to make it work.
This was soooo helpful!!! Thank you for being practical, functional and still stylish. Nothing makes me feel worse than seeing bloggers/influences post their pics of Disney and they have perfectly styled hair, wedges, and an outfit appropriate for a summer wedding!
This video is right on. I remember our 1st trip, I wanted to look all cute in sandals and sun dresses 🤦🏻♀️By trip three last year it was sneakers and cute shorts and tank tops. This year in September, we are going to Disneyland so hopefully the drier air will be more comfortable. Great video.
I live in Florida, I'm by no means an expert but, I've been to DW a time or two!!! It's a wonderful place to visit. I loved your choices Erin, you looked great everyday. I have a couple of recommendations to just re-emphasize.....don't wear new sneakers) if your thighs rub together, make sure you cover them with longer shorts or better yet, bike shorts. ) I loved your white dress, so classy but served everything you needed for walking around. Our summers are brutal so, if possible go in the winter, it's still warm enough). One last thing wear your hair up or bring something so you can put it up) Don't forget to reapply, reapply and reapply sunscreen, especially on your babies. Have fun, you're going to Love Disney World. Safe travels, Robin
Love your simple, comfortable, practical style! But also I want to add that I love the fact you let your kids be kids with simple t-shirt and shorts. I saw too many parents put their kids in unpractical and uncomfortable clothes just for the sake of "looking good in pictures" and that's a no-no in my book. Your kids look happy as hell and that's the best memory you can have!
My recommendation is to put thought into any denim you wear. If you going to on any log or flume rides this is key. Wearing something with thinner material will dry out quicker and thus you will avoid the chance for chafing or walking around for hours with the extra weight. Plus you don’t want any awkward photos where you look like a baby with a sagging wet diaper.
I just got back from Disney World. Wow. It was so hot. Best time to go is the week after Thanksgiving. That will be my next trip there. Loved your outfits. Oh Chefs de France is my favorite. 💖💄💋
I just bought Bombas No-show socks and they are amazing! Cushioned in all the right places and they do not budge all day! Saw them on a video and was skeptical but they live up to their reputation. Pricey but worth it!
I highly recommend for families Airbnb for a 🏠 house. The Disney resorts offer transportation but for families renting a car a house is really the way to go and most have pools 🎮 game rooms and themed bedrooms for the kids
Every time we went to Disney we saw people in agony because of the wrong footwear. Prepare as of for a marathon. Lol Also, there are water fountains everywhere so if you carry an empty bottle ( or two) you can fill up on the go. I also took fruit so that we could munch while waiting in line. If your children are small factor in some time just sitting in the shade. There are plenty of nice quiet shady areas in all the parks and it’s nice just to have a little break at any age. Now I wish I was going.....lol thanks Erin
We also wore the little "scarves", that you wet, around our necks. It kept us cool. They aren't stylish but the heat was almost unbearable and they did work. We tucked them under our tops and kept them refreshed with the water fountains around the park.
Tira Misu almost every single ride at Disney has room at your feet for bags. Sometimes there is a net under your seat or on the back of the seat in front of you to hold items as well.
Thank you - I really enjoy packing videos as I'm a bit obsessed with packing:). I wore the Ecco Damara sandals all over Europe and Disney and find them a really comfortable alternative to sneakers. Granted, I don't have serious foot issues. I'm like you and prefer a dress - it's cool and breezy as well as one and done!
We're going this June with extended family and their children (about 15 of us in total) and a tip I'm thinking of doing is to rent a stroller just so we have a place to stash our collective stuff... sunblock, ponchos, a small cooler with some frozen water bottles... etc. They're $15 per day and we don't need to move it around with us as we go through the park! When our son was an actual baby we would be away from the stroller for long stretches of time, and everything was always fine, although we never left anything super valuable in it.
I’ve been to Disney 12 times.....going for #13 with my grandkids in 2020.....I can honestly say, I’ve never looked anything but sweaty and tired....lol
Hi! Erin love this video! I have a few questions, the backpack has been on my wish list for a while. Not sure if I want mini; or regular size. I have some NB and was wondering if you ordered a half size up in yours. My size 5 that I usually wear is tight. I have to go to Disney to meet my husband’s boss, coworkers, and spouses for dinner what should I wear? I have no idea what restaurant, just know it’s October?
We did, but it was also overwhelming and exhausting. I think it's wise to manage expectations when heading to Disney. It's not all magic, all the time. ;)
Why can’t I find your Disney planning video? 😬 love those sneakers, great find! We’re planning a Disney trip now, our kids will be 1.5 and 3 when we go...say a prayer 🤣
Love Disney World. We go there all the time...we have stayed there one of the times we went.. did the night time safari when we went there. The Everest roller coaster is one of our favorite rides!!!! Great outfits for that place. I always keep it simple. Shorts and a tee or tank. It’s always so hot. I live in Cal so we are spoiled with Disneyland...but I prefer Disney world because of all the options... super fun. ! My kids are 23 and 34 and we still love it!
Olukai flip flops are the only ones I would ever wear to Disney. Every time I go, I take them and never had blisters. They are not cheap, but so worth it!!
It's just a pain on the rides. You have to pack it in your bag every time you get on a ride. But, it's great for sun protection. With the kids by myself, I just really wanted to keep it as simple as possible and not have to worry about much.
My tip is to remind everyone to apply sunscreen on the back of the neck!! Short hair or long..doesn't matter. If you have long hair you may put it up or pull it back or it's blowing around on a ride or in the breeze and your neck is exposed. Please use sunscreen there as well. Congrats on planning and executing a fantastic family vacation..and looking fabulous. I LOVE New Balance running shoes and the ones you wore are adorable. New Balance was all I wore in my running days. xx
Morning Erin ! This was SO HELPFUL so thank you so much ! I’m trying to locate the video regarding planning the trip itself . I never miss any of your videos but have no posts from two weeks ago , is that possibly when it was posted ? At the time I thought possibly you were taking a break with the kiddos being out of school . . I searched through my feed and searched the link for further travel videos but that link lead to your fabulous Paris post . Any guidance on how to find the missing video would be so appreciated as I plan on taking my precious grand babies in years to come . Always love how you share tips that would never have been on our radar without your expertise . 👏♥️🌞 Pam
I live in FL and unless it's cold I only wear flip flops to the Disney Parks. I've been over 100 times and never had an issue with my feet. I only wear flip flops that have some support in them though. Mostly during the summer months is rains everyday in the park and it's over 90 degrees outside. Wearing sneakers generally results in wet gross socks and feet with blisters. No one seems to realize that the location of Disney World use to be swamp land and that is the reason why Mr. Disney was able to pick the land up so cheap.
Got the Sam Edelman sandals & they're terrific! Just what I was looking for... Even my husband likes them. Did have to size down from 7.5 to a size 7 & with great fit & comfort level tops ! Thanks so much!
Love your style! Always so put together and elegant. Do you have any recommendations for petites for midi maxi dresses? I’m just approaching 5’ and it’s been such a struggle
Hope you had a great trip! We have gone many times with our girls and last year we did 5 days (they are older now) but we still love Disney. We tend to do long days so definitely good sneakers, comfortable clothes, backpack with needed extras and refillable water bottles and snacks for waiting in line.
Thanks for helping me plan ahead! I am a ginger and always bring a long sleeved white blouse to cover my arms, neck and shoulders from the sun for an event. Enjoy the Summer
I would also add if you do find a good midi sundress to apply deodorant to the inner thighs to prevent chaffing! I do have some converse that I do wear without socks, and I apply deodorant to my feet as well, helps with chaffing there too!
I was at Disneyland at the same time you were at Disney World and something that was a game changer for me was using a foam roller to help alleviate my legs after all the walking you do every day. I found a miniature one that fit into my carry on/suit case and figured I could ditch it and use the space for souvenirs for the return home if it didn’t earn its place in that valuable chunk of real estate. It TOTALLY earned its place and when I unpacked I left it in my suitcase for use on future walk-heavy trips. It was the first time ever that my legs weren’t miserably sore after walking for multiple days at Disneyland.
About the hat dilemma: a velcro visor works, as you can hook it to your backpack or belt or anything! Agree, a regular hat is a problem. Function is key to a successful trip☺️👍🏻 Great tips!
Glad you and the kids had a good vacation. I love the room you’re sitting in; the gray and white is beautiful. Did I miss a video ? Have you moved out of Colorado? Would love an update on your home. Blessings, Cindy 🌻💗
Great video, thanks. Moto Coat question. Can an over 50 gal wear a moto jacket? Not sure if it hits at the most flattering spot. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Hi Erin! I’ve been a subscriber for years and this is one of my faves so far! As a travel agent who specializes in Disney I could not agree with you more on so many of these tips! You found a way to still look put together but kept it functional for a trip with the kids- a feat so many of us Mamas need help with.
From a lifelong Floridian: One thing with the white tops is that I would be weary if they get wet. Too many times have I seen women get off rides with their bras showing through. Shoes that dry off quickly are esp important too. The humidity and sudden rainfall are the true killers of comfort in central FL. Ditch the jeans. They are heavy,hot and heavier if wet. Carry a poncho, not an umbrella. They look bad but you’ll be a lot more comfy if waiting in line and have that free hand. Above all have fun and think ahead.